National Thrift Store Day: Waterfront Mission Store Has Served Cantonment Since 2011
August 18, 2019
Saturday was National Thrift Store Day.
The first Waterfront Rescue Mission Thrift Stores was founded in 1963 to support the work of the Mission. Today, there are eight Waterfront Rescue Mission Thrift Stores, including a North Escambia location in Cantonment that opened in March 2011 at 732 North Highway 29, next to the Grocery Advantage.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Escambia Men Sentenced To 30 Years For Robbing Pizza Delivery Drivers
August 18, 2019
Two 19-year old Escambia County residents have been sentenced to prison for robbing three pizza delivery drivers last year
Circuit Judge Gary Bergosh sentenced Michael Anthony Christian, Jr., and Keith Ramone Walker, Jr., to 30 years in state prison. Christian will be required to serve a 10 year minimum mandatory sentence.
On June 17, 2018, Christian and Walker called Domino’s Pizza with a prepaid phone and gave a false address after ordering some pizza. When the driver arrived, they ambushed him and a gun was put to his head as he was ordered to the ground. Multiple items were stolen from his person and vehicle.
On June 20, 2018, Christian and Walker called Domino’s Pizza again from another prepaid phone and once again ordered pizza to a false address. When the driver arrived, he once again had a gun pointed to his head and was forced to the ground while they robbed him. As they were leaving, the driver was kicked in the head as he was laying on the ground.
On June 21, 2018, Christian and Walker called Papa John’s and again ordered pizza to a false address. When the driver arrived, she had a gun put to her head as she was robbed. Christian also put his hand inside of the female driver’s bra. Christian’s DNA was found on a swab of her breast.
After they were developed as suspects, law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence. They located several items that were stolen during the robbery, including a pizza delivery bag and a vape mod. Both Christian and Walker had also broken into several cars and had stolen several firearms and numerous other items.
Christian had previously entered a plea of no contest on March 27 to three counts of robbery armed with a firearm, three counts burglary of conveyance armed with explosives or dangerous weapon, two counts of grand theft, two counts of principal to burglary of unoccupied conveyance, two counts of battery, fraudulent use of a credit card, unlawful possession of a stolen credit card or debit card, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, three counts of criminal mischief, two counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance, and petit theft.
Walker previously entered a plea of no contest on May 30, 2019 to three counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with great bodily harm or with a deadly weapon, battery, two counts of burglary of conveyance armed with explosives or dangerous weapon, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, two counts of criminal mischief, burglary of unoccupied conveyance and petit theft.
Gulf Power Foundation Awards Grant To Big Brothers Big Sisters
August 18, 2019
Gulf Power Foundation awarded an Amplify Grant in the amount of $30,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBS-NWFL).
The Amplify Grant is designed to provide non-profits with a one-time capacity building grant to enable them to reduce costs, increase revenues or generate stronger results. “As one of the 36 organizations who received an award, we are so excited to maximize our operations and make improvements.” says Paula Shell, president and CEO of BBBS-NWFL.
The grant will go towards the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Bold Steps 30th Anniversary Campaign and will provide new technology for the BBBS-NWFL offices from Pensacola to Panama City. This technology will help with program improvements and expansion, and will allow stronger communications between offices.
“Our project will boost our agency capacity at just the right time in our history, said Shell. “Moving into our own building and raising the bar on programs and services, the upgrade to our technology is a must. From a new phone system, to computers, to better connectivity to our outlying offices and our matches. having up to date technology so that business can be conducted efficiently and effectively is critical and will greatly help us reach our goal of achieving high quality, long lasting match relationships along with serving more children each year.”
This year, the Gulf Power Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million dollars in grants to 36 organizations across their service region.
Wahoos Recognize PE Teachers, Including North Escambia Adapted PE Teacher
August 18, 2019
Recently, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos recognized all Escambia County School District physical education teachers for what they do day in and day out to keep youth healthy and for their implementation of the USA Baseball Fun at Bat program in the elementary schools.
Additionally, ECSD state award recipients from SHAPE Florida (Society of Health & Physical Education) got to throw out the first pitch .
State program award winners include Lisa Moss and Ian Waldron from Ferry Pass Elementary School for 19-20 SHAPE Florida Elementary PE Program of the Year and Jessica Wolford for being the 19-20 SHAPE Florida Adapted PE Teacher of the Year. Wolford serves Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle School, Northview High School and Kingsfield Elementary.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bond Set At $2 Million For Grocery Store Active Shooter Suspect
August 18, 2019
Bond has been set at $2 million for the suspect in an active shooter situation Thursday at an Escambia County grocery store.
Reginald Lee Booker, 29, is charged with aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, robbery with firearm, use or display of a weapon during a felony, firing a weapon in a public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He remains in Baptist Hospital where he underwent surgery due to gunshot wounds. An update on his condition has not been made available.
According to the ECSO, Booker walked into the Grocery Advantage on Lillian Highway at New Warrington Road with a handgun and then opened fire, according to Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. He said the suspect was the only person injured; no civilians or deputies were hurt.
Chief Deputy Chip Simmons said three deputies were on scene quickly, and “they started to pursue the gunman through the store”. He said the suspect, now identified as Booker, ran into the back warehouse area of the store and was hiding behind boxes of produce.
“The deputies challenged him there. He produced a firearm, and he was shot,” Simmons said. He described the gun as a small caliber handgun.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer involved shooting.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge. Mugshot above is from May 2018.
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Train Blocks Cantonment Crossing For 15 Hours
August 17, 2019
A portion of an Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway train has blocked a Cantonment intersection for 15 hours.
The railcars blocked Highway 97 just south of Muscogee Road since at least 6:30 p.m. Friday. The train split, with other intersections in the area left open.
Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry reached out to AGR and was told the train should be moved by 9:30-10 a.m. No reason why the crossing was blocked for the night was provided.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Critically Injured In Early Morning Wrong-Way Crash On Highway 29
August 17, 2019
At least one person was critically injured in a crash involving a wrong-way driver early Saturday morning in Cantonment.
The accident occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on Highway 29 near Pinoak Lane, near the Grace Valley Baptist Church. One person was trapped in their vehicle until they were extricated by firefighters.
Highway 29 was completely shut down due to the accident and for a LifeFlight landing zone.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released any additional information.
Pictured top: At least one person was critically injured in this crash early Saturday morning on Highway 29 (photo courtesy WEAR 3). Pictured below: LifeFlight lifts from the scene (photo courtesy CD Davidson-Hiers). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Manic’ Woman Hit Ransom Middle School Dean With Her Vehicle In Car Rider Line, ECSO Says
August 17, 2019
A “manic” woman hit the Ransom Middle School dean with her vehicle in a car rider line as about 100 students waited nearby, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Christina Cranford-Denham, age 41 of Cantonment was charged with first degree felony aggravated battery on a school official. She was released from jail on a $50,000 bond.
The school resource officer (SRO) reported that she observed Cranford-Denham swerve around the dean striking him on the arm as he was directing traffic in the car rider line after school Thursday.
The deputy wrote her report that when she stopped Cranford-Denham’s Buick Enclave, she “appeared manic and possibly under the influence of narcotics”. She refused commands to park and exit the vehicle, the arrest report states. The SRO reported that she opened the driver’s side door, unbuckled her seat belt, and removed her from the vehicle. The deputy said as she attempted to handcuff Cranford-Denham, she “bent over while acting erratic” before walking backwards to her patrol vehicle.
The Ransom Middle School dean told deputies that he attempted to stop Cranford-Denham from cutting into parking lot traffic at which time he was hit. He refused medical treatment.
According to the arrest report, the incident occurred during a torrential rainstorm as about 100 students were standing under an awning just a few feet away from where the dean was hit by the vehicle.
Cranford-Denham was allowed to call someone to pick up her children. She was trespassed warned from the Ransom campus.
Kickoff Classic Wins For Tate, Northview (With Scoreboard, Photo Gallery)
August 17, 2019
Area high school football teams were back under the Friday night lights for kickoff classics. Here are scores from the North Escambia area:
Tate 13, Pace 7
The Tate Aggies beat the Pace Patriots 13-7 in a kickoff classic at Pace.
Kesean Williams had honor of the the first score of the season for the Aggies for a 7-0 lead. With the game tied 7-7, sophomore quarterback Dalton Biggs found Cody Brown on a Hail Mary pass for the game winning touchdown.
The Aggies will swing into the regular season Friday night at 7:00 as they host Pensacola High School in Pete Gindl Stadium.
FOR A TATE AT PACE PHOTO GALLERY, CLICK HERE.
Pace 14, Tate 0 (JV)
Pace 8, Tate 0 (Freshmen)
Northview 7, Baker 0
The Northview Chiefs beat Baker 7-6 Friday night in Baker. The Chiefs will open the regular season Friday night at home against Lighthouse Christian. It’s also senior night for Northview; the Chiefs only have three home games this season.
Baker 16, Northview (JV)
Baker 8, Ernest Ward Eagles 0
West Florida 7, Navarre 7
Escambia 27, Pensacola High 0
Gulf Breeze 14, Choctaw 0
Catholic 19, Washington 14 (Thursday)
Pictured: The Tate Aggies defeated the Pace Patriots Friday night in Pace. NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 95A Collision
August 17, 2019
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash Friday evening on Highway 95A near South Chipper Road.
The driver of Chevrolet Blazer was injured when she rear-ended a Ford pickup truck about 6:25 p.m. She was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
