Molino Library Hosting Community Heroes Story Time
October 8, 2019
The Molino Branch Library is hosting a Community Heroes Story Time series during October.
Last week, participants had the opportunity to meet a forest ranger and Smokey Bear.
On Wednesday, October 9, children can learn how deputies train their K-9 partners and work as a team to keep the community safe. On Wednesday, October 16, children can meet local firefighters and see a fire engine. Both programs begin at 10:30 a.m.
Pictured: Smokey Bear visited the Community Heroes Story Time last week at the Molino Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century Next Month
October 8, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century on Tuesday, November 5, for a single day event.
Thee Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will be in Century from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals in Century in early August. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Trapped After Dump Truck Crash On Barrineau Park Bridge
October 7, 2019
A driver was trapped in his overturned dump truck about an hour and half this morning before being airlifted to the hospital.
The driver lost control of his loaded dump truck at the Barrineau Park Bridge that spans the Perdido River between Alabama and Florida. The truck overturned on the Alabama (western) end of the bridge. The driver was pinned by the wreckage and a guardrail.
First responders from both states, including a special operations team from Escambia County, worked feverishly to remove the driver during an extensive extrication process.
The adult male was airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital. An update on his condition was not available.
At 12:30 p.m., the bridge remained closed due to the overturned truck and spilled load of dirt.
Further information has not been released as Alabama State Troopers continue their investigation.
The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Rosington and Gateswood volunteer fire departments from Baldwin County, MedStar EMS, Escambia County EMS, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were among the responding agencies.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Local Farm Named Florida’s Outstanding Tree Farm Of the Year
October 7, 2019
The Russell Brothers Farm near McDavid has been named the 2019 Florida Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year.
The annual award recognizes private landowners that have done a remarkable job of sustainably managing forests on their property. Russell Brothers’ Farm exemplifies a legacy of family forest managed not only for wood that may one day be harvested but for water conservation, wildlife habitat and primarily to create a sense of place in honor of the Russell Family, according to the Florida Forest Service.
The farm was originally purchased by Jay and Clara Russell in 1946. Since Jay and Clara have passed on, the name on the deed has changed, but it remains family land that plays a central role in keeping the family together.
John Russell lives on the property, managing it for the family, and hosting a large family gathering each Thanksgiving. They enjoy hayrides together hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife and marvel at the growth of young longleaf pines.. Other times of year the Russell’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren hike down to Pine Barren Creek in the north part of the property to explore and play in the water.
The 109-acre property off Highway 164 has seen some changes over the years. Former row crop land is now a young but rapidly growing longleaf pine stand. A mature natural longleaf stand that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 has been replaced by younger pines with native grasses and wildflowers. A hay field separates the pine stands.
Pine Barren Creek has always cut across the northern boundary of the property and is surrounded by a variety of hardwoods many of which are more frequently seen in areas north of Florida.
John works hard to keep up the property, hoping it will still be enjoyed by Russells in another hundred years. He maintains three miles of trails and is continuing a battle against invasive privet.
He has become a certified prescribed burner in order keep up with the burning on the property. The two young longleaf stands were planted by John and his brother, Keith. These stands are burned on a two-year rotation to encourage a low and diverse ecosystem.
John is rewarded not only by a sense of accomplishment for what he is doing for the land and his family, but also with sightings of wildlife during quiet morning walks. Through his diligent and careful management, he has noted an increase in wildlife of all kinds.
“One family’s healthy forest is a community benefit and John does his part. Not only does he hope a younger generation of Russells are inspired to continue the legacy of caring for the land, but he tells stories of other children who have come to the property as family friends or in school groups, some who have never been in rural settings. He is pleased that these children leave in wonder at what they have seen and is happy the property can be used to spark their imaginations and educate them on the value of forest ecosystems, the Florida Forest Service said in announcing the award. “John has shown leadership in sustainability and legacy. The Russell Brothers Farm is a gem in the Oak Grove community where evidence of good forest management is readily seen.”
It’s 4-H Week In Escambia County; Commission Honors 4-H And Volunteer Peterson
October 7, 2019
It’s National 4-H Week.
The Escambia County Commission ratified proclamations recognizing 4-H week and honoring Century resident Anne Peterson.
Peterson recently received the 2019 Elaine Keir Memorial Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award at the State 4-H Horse Show in Tampa. Peterson will represent Florida 4-H at the American Youth Horse Council Symposium in Gainesville in March 2020.
Peterson has volunteered in the Escambia County 4-H program for over 40 years.
Over 5,370 youth in Escambia County have been members of 4-H, the largest youth development organization in the country.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Homecoming: Parade, Game And Queen Photos
October 7, 2019
Last week was homecoming for the Northview Chiefs. Here’s a look back in stories and photo galleries:
- Homecoming court story
- Homecoming court photo gallery
- Homecoming game story
- Homecoming game photo gallery
- Homecoming parade story
- Homecoming parade photo gallery
- Homecoming surprise storm
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flashback To Friday: Tate Showband Welcomes Ransom; Mini Cheerleaders Perform
October 7, 2019
Friday night was a big night for dozens of mini cheerleaders and Ransom Middle School band members during the Tate High School football game.
The mini cheerleaders, who took part in a recent camp, had a chance to perform with the Aggie cheerleaders.
And the Ransom Middle School band performed with the Tate Showband of the South.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Says Goodbye To Police Chief; New Chief Now On The Job
October 7, 2019
Flomaton’s new police chief is now on the job.
The town said goodbye Friday to longtime chief Bryan Davis on Friday after six years on the job. He resigned to accept another law enforcement position.
Saturday was the first day on the job for Chief Chance Thompson III, who was promoted from captain.
Pictured top: Friday was the last day on the job for Bryan Davis as Flomaton police chief. Pictured below: Davis was recognized by the town. Pictured bottom: New Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area First Responders Honored
October 7, 2019
First responders were honored during a weekend gathering at Atmore First Assembly of God. People joined together to show their appreciate to first responders from multiple agencies in Alabama and Florida. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Details
October 7, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (State Road /S.R. 97) – Northbound motorists may encounter day and nighttime lane closures on U.S. 29 beginning Sunday, Oct. 6 as crews perform paving operations. Northbound and southbound traffic may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews perform median work. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic Sunday, Sept. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 12:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating east and westbound lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge, end bend, and center pier.
- U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 ½ Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from S.R. 298 (Lillian Highway) to west of S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway)- There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 11 as crews stripe the roadway.
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Oct. 6.
- · S.R. 10A (Mobile Highway) Routine Maintenance at Shoemaker Street and North Z Street- Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures at Shoemaker and North Z streets from 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- · C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- All piles have been driven for the new bridge and pile caps formed and poured for Bent 2 and 3. Crews continue forming the cap for Bent 1 in preparation to pour concrete. Traffic will remain shifted to the north onto the Special Detour until the new bridge is constructed and reopened to traffic.
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- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. The roadway is temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Oct. 6.
- Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays between Nicholas Lake Road and Vonnie Tolbert Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, Dec. 31 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.