One Killed In Motorcycle, Bicycle Collision
March 26, 2024
One person was killed in a collision between a motorcycle and a bicyclist late Monday afternoon in Escambia County.
A 67-year-old motorcyclist was traveling north on North Palafox Street near Pensacola Boulevard when he struck a 40-year-old bicyclist that was crossing the roadway, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on scene while the bicyclist was transported to Baptist Hospital with serious injuries.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
File photo.
Hundreds Attend Inaugural Beulah Academy Of Science FFA’s Future Farmer Field Day
March 26, 2024
The Beulah Academy of Science FFA Chapter hosted their Inaugural “Future Farmer Field Day” advocacy day program recently.
“The purpose of the day was to bring awareness of the various industries and types of agricultural production in our local area,” educator Allie Eubanks said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Fourth grade students from Cordova Park Elementary, local homeschool cooperatives, as well as incoming fifth graders for the upcoming school year from eight different elementary schools were in attendance.
BAS FFA hosted almost 20 different vendor booths to spread awareness about agriculture. Vendor booths included: Florida Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Escambia County Extension Office, Primus Auditing Service (food inspector), Three Sisters Homestead, local farmers, embryologists and more.
“BAS FFA would like to thank everyone who made this first year such a success,” Eubanks added. “We look forward to seeing everyone next year.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Deer Out Of Season, Night Hunting
March 26, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While patrolling the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area, Officer Hahr observed a truck parked in an area frequented by people who are hunting. He located a subject carrying a rifle. Officer Hahr determined the subject had just shot at an antlerless deer but missed. The subject was charged with attempting to take deer during the closed season in the WMA and warned for attempting to take antlerless deer out of season.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While on patrol Officer Mullins received a tip from a hunter about vehicles destroying public land. The officer located a broken-down vehicle covered in mud. He tracked down other vehicles and found them doing donuts off a forest road. Each subject was issued several citations. The subjects were directed to remove their broken vehicle upon leaving the forest.
While on patrol, Officer Mullins observed a vehicle and two subjects searching for deer and possibly night hunting. The officer monitored their actions and conducted a check on the individuals. Upon contact, a loaded shotgun was discovered. The subjects were issued open container alcohol citations and notice to appear citations for illegal night hunting.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
ECSO Mourning Loss Of Deputy
March 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own, Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber.
Deputy Kalber passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with illness.
“Since 2013, Deputy Kalber provided dedicated service to the citizens of Escambia County. He had a positive impact on all of those who he came into contact with. He will be greatly missed by our Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family. Please join us in keeping his family, friends, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the ECSO said.
Molino Mid County Historical Society Donates To Escambia Search And Rescue
March 25, 2024
The Molino Mid County Historical Society recently donated $600 to Escambia Search and Rescue at their monthly meeting. The donation is to help with ESAR’s continuing efforts to respond to any emergency when called upon by our local fire and law enforcement agencies. Pictured: Wayne Rhodes from ESAR and Sarah Jenness from the historical society. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged In Deputy-Involved Shooting In Escambia County
March 25, 2024
An Escambia County man is jailed following a deputy-involved shooting late Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to to North “L” and Avery streets shortly before midnight.
During the investigation, a zTrip taxi driver said he picked up a man, later identified as 24-year-old Je’Teris Damon Peaks, in the 500 block. of Paula Avenue, taking him to a Family Dollar at 1717 North. Pace Boulevard. The driver stated that Peaks refused to pay for his fare.
The zTrip driver followed Peaks around the block where Peaks fired a shot at the driver, shattering the back window. The driver then turned the corner and observed a deputy who also heard the gunshots. The driver provided a description of the suspect and the area he was last seen in. Deputies then located Peaks who then fled from and pointed a firearm at them.
Deputies fired at Peaks, striking him. Peaks was arrested after being treated and released at a local hospital.
Peaks was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement office and possession of a firearm by convicted felon and resisting arrest. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
No deputies or the zTrip driver were injured in the incident.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Motorcyclist Killed In Crash After Fleeing From Traffic Stop
March 25, 2024
A 59-year-old Escambia County man was killed in single motorcycle crash late Saturday night while exiting I-10.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the Pensacola Police Department attempted to stop the motorcyclist who was traveling at a high rate of speed. He fled the traffic stop, and PPD did not pursue him.
The motorcyclist later lost control on the exit ramp to Davis Highway and struck a concrete barrier wall and signpost before continuing into a wooded area. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
March 25, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts near the I-10/Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5):
- The left (inside) lanes of Nine Mile Road, between the I-10 on-and off- ramps at Exit 5, will be closed Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform median work.
- Traffic on I-10 near Exit 5 is shifted to the outside (right) so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers on Scenic Highway, between I-10 and Davis Highway, may encounter nighttime alternating lane closures Sunday, March 24 through Thursday, March 28 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 as crews perform earthwork, concrete, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, March 24, through Friday, March 29, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, March 25 through Thursday, March 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Bratt Elementary Students Donate Supplies, Goodies To Escambia Animal Shelter
March 25, 2024
Students at Bratt Elementary School collected a lot of supplies and goodies for the dogs and cats at the Escambia County Animal Shelter. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Decline 7 Cents After Setting New 2024 High
March 25, 2024
Florida gas prices are moving lower again after jumping early last week. The state average rose 10 cents by Wednesday, setting a new 2024 high of $3.56 per gallon. Since that time, the Florida average logged daily declines, falling a total of five cents.
On Sunday, the state average was $3.51 per gallon. That’s four cents more than a week ago, and 11 cents more than this time last year.
The average in Escambia County was $3.28 Sunday night. North Escambia prices were as low as $3.17 on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, the low prices were $3.11 on Highway 98 and $3.12 on Nine Mile Road.
“Gas prices took a step back late last week, but there’s still plenty of upward pressure in the fuel market,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.