School Bus Detouring Around Bridge Closure Involved In Wreck
December 8, 2017
A school bus, detouring around one of many bridge closures in North Escambia, was involved in an accident Thursday morning on a dirt road outside Walnut Hill. There were no injuries to the drivers or seven students headed to Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High School.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 47-year old Paul Ryals of McDavid was driving a 2002 Toyota Tacoma south on South Pineville Road near Ryals Lane as the 2016 Escambia County School District bus driven by Barbara Hollingsworth was traveling north. Both vehicles approached at entered a curve at the same time. The FHP said Ryals failed to to maintain his lane, “causing him to go into the opposite lane of traffic”. The front of the vehicle collided, with $8,000 in damage to the Tacoma and $400 in damage to the bus.
Ryals was cited for failure to maintain lane, per FHP.
School district officials said the bus driver was using South Pineville Road as a detour around a closed bridge on O.C. Phillips Road. South Pineville is a very rural dirt road that is very muddy on rainy days, but is the recommended (and only) detour around the bridge closure.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County School District Names Top 5 Teachers
December 8, 2017
The Escambia County School District named their Top 5 Teachers of the Year Thursday afternoon. They are:
- William Broome — Woodham Middle School
- Shana Brown — Molino Park Elementary School
- Megan Carroll — Northview High School
- Suzanne Hollingsworth — Beulah Elementary School
- Carla Ross — Washington High School
The winner will be announced at the annual Golden Apple Dinner on January 26, 2018.
Pictured; Molino Park Elementary School teacher Shana Brown and her fifth grade students celebrate. Thursday, Brown was named one of Escambia County’s Top 5 teachers. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Claus Visits Century Library (With Photo Gallery)
December 8, 2017
Santa Claus paid a special visit to the Century Branch Library Thursday evening taking those special Christmas wishes.
Puppies were the most requested items, with children asking for other items including dolls, toy cars, video games and more.
And one young man brought a big smile to Santa’s face when asked what he wants for Christmas morning.
“I want breakfast,” the young man replied.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Santa will be back in NorthEscambia on Tuesday with a visit to the Molino Branch Library at 6 p.m. for a special Pajama Story Time with Santa. Children invited to wear their comfy, cozy pajamas, brink a blanket and join the library staff for a stories, milk and cookies along with a very special visit from Santa Claus. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Graduate Taylor McCarty Completes Navy Basic Training
December 8, 2017
Navy Seaman Taylor J. McCarty recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL.
During the eight-week program, McCarty completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
McCarty will continue her training in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as a hospital corpsman.
McCarty is the daughter of Deborah Carter of Cantonment. She is a 2013 graduate of Tate High School.
Volunteer Needed For West Florida Public Library Board Of Governance
December 8, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
The duties of the board include establishing policy and overseeing the management of Escambia County library services and making recommendations to the BCC regarding the annual budget according to the purposes and authority set forth in resolutions, interlocal agreements and other agreements, as well as state and federal laws. These duties also include establishing an annual plan of service and the long-range strategic planning of library services.
West Florida Public Libraries provides service to all of Escambia County, with the board typically meeting on the fourth Monday of the month from 4-6:30 p.m.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Thursday, Dec. 14. Resumes should be submitted to Todd J. Humble, Director, West Florida Public Libraries, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, FL, 32502 or by email to tjhumble@mywfpl.com.
Two Homeless After Jay Travel Trailer Fire
December 7, 2017
Fire destroyed a travel trailer in Jay about noon Thursday, leaving two people without a home.
Neighbors said two men and their dog had been living in the camper on State Street just off Highway 4. The men and their dog were able to get out of the camper with no injuries; however, it was not immediately clear if they were inside when the fire started or were already gone for the day.
The camper quickly burned to the ground before firefighters arrived. Neighbors used water hoses and firefighters worked to save nearby structures from the blaze.
Pictured top and inset: Fire rages inside a camper trailer in Jay midday Thursday as seen before firefighters arrived. Reader submitted photos by Alyssia Mcclantoc for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: The travel trailer was a complete loss. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Molino Crash
December 7, 2017
Two people were injured in a Thursday morning accident at Highway 29 and Molino Road. Both were transported to Pensacola hospitals with injuries that were not considered life threatening. The 8:45 a.m. accident briefly shut down northbound Highway 29. Further details have not been released as the Florida Highway Patrol continues their investigation. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
State Attorney Closes Criminal Investigation Into Century Mayor Henry Hawkins
December 7, 2017
The State Attorney’s Office has closed a criminal investigation into Century Mayor Henry Hawkins without filing any charges.
In August, Gov. Rick Scott’s office received any anonymous complaint alleging wrongdoing by Century Mayor Henry Hawkins. The complaint was forwarded to the local State Attorney’s Office for investigation.
“He (the mayor) seems only concerned about spending money…and increasing the utilities of the citizens, I have reason to believe that he and the clerk are not up front and honest with the council and the citizens,” the complainant wrote. The complaint included a copy of an August 8 NorthEscambia.com article “Century’s Mayor Accused Of Using City Resources On Private Property”.
In that article, NorthEscambia.com reported that Hawkins was accused of using town equipment and employees to do work on private property. Council President Ann Brooks said she received an anonymous letter alerting her of the situation.
Hawkins admitted to the town council that town resources had been used to dig up an old tank from the ground on property belonging to Wesley Chapel. The Jefferson Street church was heavily damaged, shifted off its foundation, by the February 2016 tornado that ripped through Century. The remains of the building were reduced to rubble after an arsonist set fire to it in October 2016. In early July, the church held a groundbreaking for a new facility.
“Wrong is wrong even if you have a title,” the complaint sent to the governor’s office stated. “I am only one concerned citizen. People are afraid of the revenge and wrath that might be inflicted upon them for disagreeing with him.”
“We have reviewed the complaint carefully and have made a decision to close the complaint with no further action,” Wm. Taylor Wells, State Attorney’s Office investigator, wrote in a memo released Wednesday. “We have determined that no criminal charges should be pursued at this time. Based on the complaint and the investigation thus far there is insufficient evidence to warrant any further investigation.”
“No further efforts will be completed at this time unless additional information is discovered. We have currently closed the complaint.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
A Father Lost – Help A Local Family In Need This Christmas
December 7, 2017
NorthEscambia.com enlisting the help of our readers to help a local family in need this Christmas.
Recently, the father died unexpectedly — and too late for the family to seek Christmas help from other local groups.The family’s need and situation have been vetted, and all items will be collected and distributed to the family by Ernest Ward Middle School, where some of the children attend.
Items from the list below or gift cards (no cash) can be dropped off at Ernest Ward Middle School by Wednesday, December 13. If you, your church or business would like to “adopt” a full person’s list, please email news@northescambia.com.
The family’s Christmas Wish List is as follows:
Mother
- Adult coloring books, colored pencils and crayons
- (Vallarta’s) Mexican food
- Clothing – size 6 pants, medium tops
- Alabama logo items
- Shower and bath gels
- Family board games
13-year old male (likes Alabama logo items, football, favorite color is green)
- Fishing gear
- Basketball
- Bookstore gift card
- Athletic (Nike) socks
- Camo coat
- Sizes: Medium coat, 28-28 pants, medium shirt, size 8.5-9 shoe
14-year old male (likes music, rap, radio, favorite color is black)
- MP3 player
- Bicycle
- Rip sticks
- Skateboard
- Camo coat
- Sizes: Medium coat, 28-28 pants, medium shirt, size 8.5-9 shoe
16-year old male (likes Alabama logo items, favorite color is red)
- Basketball shorts (Alabama logo)
- Basketball
- Skittles
- Color/drawing supplies
- Sizes: M-L coat, 33-32 pants, medium shirt, size 10.5 shoe
17-year old male (enjoys Playstation, basketball; favorite color blue)
- Michael Jordan basketball clothing
- Fishing gear
- baseball hats
- Sizes: large coat, 33-32 pants, large shirt, size 11 shoe
Molino Bridge To Reopen Soon; Bratt And Nokomis Bridges Closed
December 7, 2017
The Florida Department of Transportion ordered the emergency closure of two North Escambia bridges on Wednesday, as officials said a Molino Road bridge will reopen soon.
The Nokomis Road Bridge over Reedy Branch and the Bratt Road Bridge over Canoe Creek, outside Century near McBride Road, were both closed due to failed inspections. There is no estimated date for the bridges to reopen. The Nokomis Road bridge was constructed in 1964, while the Bratt Road bridge was built in 1956. Both bridges have an average daily traffic count of about 425 vehicles.
Meanwhile, an Escambia County spokesperson said the Molino Road bridge over Penasula Creek, just east of Sunshine Hill Road, will likely open next week. The Florida Department of Transportation is projected the bridge will be ready to open by Friday, December 15, weather permitting.
Contractor F&W Construction Company started the Molino bridge project on January 3 under a contract that gave the company 265 days for completion. Numerous contract extensions were granted in the $1.1 million project due to an additional piling that was required, holidays and weather, including Hurricane Irma.
The wood piling supported Molino Road Bridge was constructed in 1958 had reached a level of deterioration to warrant replacement and was next on the list of the FDOT’s Five-Year Work Plan. The project is being funded and the construction work is being performed under contract with the Florida Department of Transportation. After completion of the structure, Escambia County will be responsible for the maintenance of the bridge.
Pictured: The construction on the Molino Road bridge over Penasula Creek as seen in October. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
