Man Found Shot To Death In Escambia County
May 20, 2019
A man was found shot to death in Escambia County early Monday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call about 3:33 a.m. in the 7500 block of Cobb Lane.
When they arrived at the scene, they found 29-year old McQuell Jeremiah Spellman deceased from a gunshot wound inside the home.
Further details have not been released. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Toddler Nearly Drowns In Cantonment Pool
May 20, 2019
A toddler nearly drowned in a Cantonment pool Sunday afternoon, according to an Escambia County spokesperson.
Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to a near drowning in the 2000 block of Sandicrest Drive. A toddler was found in a pool about 1:30 p.m. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital.
His condition and further details have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
County Renews Contract For Lake Stone Caretaker
May 20, 2019
The Escambia County Commission is extending their caretaker agreement for the Lake Stone Campground near Century.
Dennis Keith Cole will continue to manage the facility for another year, until May 31, 2020. He will be paid $11,400 in 12 equal monthly installments of $950 with housing and utilities provided. Cole was first named Lake Stone caretaker in June 2013.
Lake Stone Campground is a 100-acre campground and boat ramp facility located at 801 West Highway 4. The campground has 77 campsites for everything from big RV rigs to tents. Lake Stone is the Escambia County’s only facility located on a freshwater lake. The facilities include a boat ramp , indoor public use pavilion, a playground, showers, restrooms, a fishing pier, security lights, electrical and water hookups, a sewage dump station, picnic areas and the lake.
The Lake Stone pavilion or campsites can be reserved by calling the Lake Stone campground manager at (850) 256-5555 or Escambia County Parks and Recreation at (850) 475-5220.
Since the inception of the Lake Stone Campground, the County has entered into an agreement for on-site caretaker/management services at the facility.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Gas Prices Trend Downward Another Week
May 20, 2019
Florida gas prices are declining as 2.3 million Floridians prepare for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, according to AAA.
“If gas prices continue following their current downward trend, drivers could find holiday gas prices that are 30 cents less than last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A 30-cent discount would mean Memorial Day drivers will spend $4.50 less on a full tank compared to last year. However, there’s still a chance that gas prices reverse course. In addition to an anticipated surge in demand, oil and wholesale gasoline prices inched higher last week, which could directly result in a 3-5 cent increase at the pump.”
Florida gas prices are averaging $2.64 per gallon – the lowest daily average price since March. The state average is 7 cents less than a week ago, 11 cents less than last month, and nearly 20 cents less than this time last year. Several stations were below $2.50 in Escambia County.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.61, down from from $2.65 a week ago and $2.69 one month ago.
Pictured: Gas was $2.49 a gallon this weekend in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Whataburger Chain Could Be For Sale
May 20, 2019
Whataburger, the Texas-based fast food chain, could be for sale. They’ve hired investment and banking giant Morgan Stanley to assist is a possible sale or other options.
“Our company is growing and is always attractive to investors, and we’ve brought in Morgan Stanley to help us explore our options,” the company said in a statement to the San Antonio Business Journal. “We have always evaluated the opportunities that can accelerate growth and maintain the success of our brand, and we will continue to do so in the future.”
Reports indicate the chain could be worth over $6 billion.
Whataburger has more than 820 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $2 billion annually.
Pictured: The Whataburger restaurant on North Century Boulevard in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Gandy Family Trust Scholarships Awarded To Three Students
May 20, 2019
Three local Bill Gandy Family Trust scholarship winners have been announced.
Gandy Memorial Scholarship winners are Lexxi Baggett, daughter of Garry and Vicki Baggett; and McKayla McConathy, daughter of Gene and Sharon Findley. Both graduating Northview High School seniors earned cash scholarships for their community service, documented volunteer hours, and academic scholastic record.
The Solon Lee Gandy Scholarship recipient is Jay Jackson, son of Stephanie Myrick and Jason Jackson. Jay is a Flomaton High School graduate whose academic and athletic history stood out among the other applicants. His scholarship will follow him to the college of his choice.
This marked the 11th year of Gandy Family Trust scholarship awards given with funds raised through donations and various family fundraisers. A total of 29 high school scholarships have been awarded thus far, ranging from $250 to $1,000 each.
Pictured top: McKayla McConathy, Lexxi Baggett and Jay Jackson.
Cantonment Rotary Recognizes Teachers Of The Year From North Escambia
May 20, 2019
The members of the Cantonment Rotary Club recently treated the Teachers of the year from Escambia County District schools north of Nine Mile Road to lunch at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Davis Drives Walk-Off Single To Give Wahoos Win In Extras
May 20, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos snapped their three-game losing streak to Mobile with a 4-3 extra innings win on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Jaylin Davis drove in the winning run in the 10th, pulling a ground ball single through the left side to score Joe Cronin from third with the winning run.
Brusdar Graterol, the top pitching prospect in the Minnesota Twins system, started on the mound for Pensacola, entering today’s game with a 3-0 record and 0.59 ERA in the month of May. The righty showed off his impressive fastball early, hitting 102 miles per hour on the radar gun with his first pitch of the game, but struggled with his control early. After walking the first two batters of the game and allowing a single to the third, he worked out of a bases loaded jam, allowing just a single run on a sacrifice fly by Brendon Sanger.
After the first inning run, Graterol settled in, finishing the outing with a line of 5.0 innings pitched, six hits and two runs allow, two walks, and seven strikeouts.
Top prospect Alex Kirilloff single-handedly pushed a run across for Pensacola in the second. He led off the inning with a double to left then stole third and came home to score when the catcher’s throw sailed into the outfield.
After Mobile strung a pair of doubles together for a run in the third, Travis Blankenhorn drilled a two-run shot to right to give the Blue Wahoos a 3-2 lead. The home run was Blankenhorn’s sixth since joining the Blue Wahoos on April 26th, tied for most in the Southern League.
Alex Phillips entered in relief of Graterol in the sixth and threw a scoreless inning, eventually. After Phillips allowed a one-out double followed by a walk, Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego came to the mound to make a pitching change. However, before he signaled for a change, he was ejected by the home plate umpire after a short conversation. Hitting Coach Steve Singleton then came to the mound after Borrego had exited the field and attempted to make the pitching change. However, he was rebuffed by the umpiring crew, as a mound visit had already been charged to Borrego and consecutive visits without a pitch being thrown are not allowed.
Forced to stay in the game for another pitch, Phillips promptly induced a double play ball to end the inning on his next offering home.
Tom Hackimer entered in the seventh and tossed a 1-2-3 inning.
Ryan Mason followed in the eighth and allowed the tying run to score on a single by Brandon Marsh, stolen base, and double by Jhoan Urena. After allowing the run, Mason proceeded to finish the eighth and throw a scoreless ninth and tenth inning.
In the bottom of the tenth, Mark Contreras dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move pace-of-play Joe Cronin to third, and Jaylin Davis followed with a game-winning RBI single through the left side.
The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Wahoos, tied for their longest such streak of the season. With the win, Pensacola improves to 27-17 on the season while Mobile falls to 18-25. The two teams will finish their five-game set Monday.
Northview High School Class Of 2019 Graduates
May 19, 2019
The 105 members of the Northview High School Class of 2019 graduated Saturday.
“First, we must look up. The Bible says the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom,” Salutatorian Seth Killam told the class. “Our education we received and look to receive is a valuable tool, but is useless if you do not keep God in our lives. I believe God has a plan for each of our lives. With the stress and distractions of this life, it can be easy to lose focus.”
“Second, look to each other…no man is an island. I know Delaney and I can both say we would not be up here without all of my classmates I study with, and the support and encouragement we give each other,” he continued. “Third, don’t look back but never forget.
“Our journey is only just beginning today. We have the rest of our lives before us to choose greatness,” Valedictorian Delaney Reynolds said.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; and for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you,” she added, quoting from Deuteronomy.
Editor’s note: Look for more photos, including individual graduate photos, this week on NorthEscambia.com.
School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas praised the Class of 2019 for their numerous academic and athletic accomplishments, and for earning over $550,000 in scholarship money.
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The Northview High School Class of 2019 graduates were:
Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA and above)
Sara Delaney Reynolds (Valedictorian)
Seth Hammac Killam (Salutatorian)
Lexxi Olivia Baggett
Jacob Wolf Borelli
Ashtyn Brooke Carnley
Logan Wade Chavers
Justin Alan Cruce
Rebecca Nicole Dunn
Dalton Dewayne Hamilton
Ashlan Kaile Harigel
Tanner Brett Levins
Olivia Grace Porter
Valen Taylor Shelly
Aaliyah Raquel Tucker
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 GPA and above)
Austin Joshua Adams
Marissa Skye Bullington
Rebecca Lynn Diamond
Brooke Emory Doolittle
Mikayla Payton Jeneske
Gabrielle Faith Nichole Kline
Aubree Grace Love
Lance Taylor McLaughlin
Alexander Jesse McMinn
Gabbrielle Elizabeth Peebles
Lydia Grace Smith
Cum Laude (3.5 GPA and above)
Rebekah Mae Amerson
Dalton Lamar Brown
Kendall Madison Enfinger
Tyler Malik Jackson
Kherstin Simone Johnson
Keegun Patrick Johnston
Margaret Alexandra Lane
Jessie Hayden McCall
Andria Zy’Kia Odom
Brandon Lee Santos
Robert Lee Hyle Worden Jr.
Marching In Alphabetical Order
Michiko Nachell Abraham
Bristol Cade Allen
Susannah Rena Amerson
Emily Rochelle Andress
Isaak Nathan Armstrong
Chanalei Muafono Auelua
Ja’quan Tyrell Barton
Shelby Lynn Bashore
Destiny Denise Braddock
Kaina Chyanne Brantley
Gracieann Marie Bray
Latavia Antanette Brown
Jacob Levy Bryant
Colby Durane Burkett
Rayvon DeShawn Bush
Kathlynn Grayson Bush
Matthew Paul Caine
Crystalyn Rayne Daly
Brandon Evan Dean
Crystal Laniece Douglas
Justin Ivan Elliott
Hannah Lynne Ellis
Alabama Rose Gilley
Colby Shane Graham
Anthony James Harrelson
Tori Gayle Herrington
Charity Josephine Johnson
Joseph Thomas Johnson
Shelby Faith Kizer
Cameron Aidan Long
Margaret A McCauslin
McKayla Noell McConathy
Jacob Wayne McCullough
Hannah Donaille Merchant
Daniel Lamar Merit
Jackson Stewart Moore
Noah James Moore
Jarius Jamichael Moorer
Hunter Patrick Moseley
Madison Blair Nassar
Sarah Gabrielle Nelson
Jazmine Alexandria Norman
Maxwell Sterling Odom
Wyatt Mason Oliver
Memory Kay Peebles
Dylan Dean Peters
Zachary Thomas Prosser
Paige Marie Roberts
Sabrina Ann Rolin
Billy Ray Rolin
Samantha Nicole Roux
John Kevin Salter
Ryan Thomas Sconiers
Jarreth Patrick Scott
Olivia Paige Seals
Madison Alyssa Sherouse
Courtney-Ann Evelyn Smith
Isis Imani Smith
Julia Elizabeth Sorrell
Travis Lee Sutton
Jaquarius Tiquan Thomas
Nicholas Paul Venable
Xaviar Terrel Washington
Kolton Lane Watson
Starla Rae Weaver
Taylor Ray Wilson
Hunter Santo Zisa
Also graduating, but not walking in Saturday’s ceremony, were Austin Emmanuel Walker and Charles Ian Williamson.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here’s Where To Expect Traffic Delays This Week
May 19, 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. In preparation for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities which impede traffic on state roads beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, May 24 and ending at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 28.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Saturday, May 26.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new bridge. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Sunday, May 24:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from State Road (S.R.) 298 (Lillian Highway) to S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway)- There will be intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 as crews perform shoulder work.
- S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) Drainage from South of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place- Drivers can expect lane closures from north of Continental Drive to south of Imperial Drive from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 as work on efforts to widen the roadway.
- I-10 Pavement Coring Operations at Welcome Center- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to the on and off ramps to the Florida Welcome Center and from noon to 8 p.m. in the parking areas Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 as crews perform pavement testing operations.
- S.R. 292 (Sorrento Road) Pavement Testing at County Road (C.R.) 293 (Bauer Road)- There will be intermittent lane restrictions at Bauer Road from 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 22 as crews perform pavement testing.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing at S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) Intersection – Weather permitting, crews will begin paving operations at the intersection Wednesday, May 22. Lane restrictions will be in effect 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- I-10 Sign Maintenance from the Welcome Center the Escambia Bay Bridge- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from the Welcome Center to the Escambia Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 to Thursday, May 30 as crews repair signs.
- U.S. 98 Sign Maintenance from Chiefs Way to Water Street- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from Chiefs Way to Water Street from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 to Thursday, May 30 as crews repair signs.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Activities associated with the bridge replacement project on C.R. 168 over Unnamed Branch, Northwest of Century continue. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be 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.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Sunday, May 24:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) –The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard the week of Sunday, May 19 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.:
- Drivers may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures on Interstate 10 (I-10), between Escambia Bay Bridge and just east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) as crews place the final layer of asphalt. I-10 may be reduced to a single travel lane during the night time hours between 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., at all other times, at least two travel lanes will remain open.
- Crews will be placing the final, friction course layer of asphalt on the I-10 on-and-off ramps during the overnight hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. This work will require the temporary closure of the following ramps:
- Sunday, May 19, east and westbound off-ramp
- Monday, May 20, eastbound on-ramp This work will require the temporary closure of the ramp during the overnight hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
o Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday evenings as crews perform construction activities
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road–Traffic between C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and two miles south of the Yellow River is shifted to the inside lanes of the newly constructed north and southbound roadways to allow crews to complete paving and striping activities on the outside travel lanes.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic on S.R. 87 will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday, until Thursday, July 30 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- The westbound, left turn lane at Sunrise Drive is open to traffic. Improvements at Navarre School Road and drainage improvements at Thresher Drive and Newport Street are complete. Crews will soon place the final layer of asphalt and striping, perform general project clean up, and place sod.
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.