Woman Charged With Passing Package Of Drugs To Death Row Inmate
February 4, 2025
A visitor to an Atmore prison has been charged with passing a package of drugs to a death row inmate from Atmore.
The incident happened Sunday at Holman prison. The Alabama Department of Corrections said Nanceen Alexander, 68, was observed passing a package to inmate Cedric Jerome Floyd. Correctional officers intervened and recovered the package.
The Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division was notified and an agent responded. Alexander was interviewed then placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center. She was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, promoting prison contraband II, and possession of drug paraphernalia..
Floyd has been on death row since a 2013 conviction for murdering his girlfriend, 32-year old Tina Jones, in Atmore on January 2, 2011. The slaying was motivated by the victim’s intention to end a violent and tumultuous off-and-on two-year dating relationship with Floyd. Only hours before the Jones’ death, Floyd sent threatening cell phone messages to her saying “don’t make me send myself to prison,” and “ya’ll going to hate you ever met me.”
Jones called 911 at 12:46 a.m. to report that Floyd was breaking into her home. Two minutes later, Atmore Police officers arrived and found Jones lying in the floor of the home with what appeared to be several gunshot wounds, according to Atmore Police. She was transported to Atmore Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Tate Boys Advance In District Tourney; Northview Chiefs Out
February 4, 2025
The Tate Aggies advanced in the district playoffs with a win Monday night, while the season came to an end for the Northview Chiefs.
Boys 6A District 1
The No. 5 Tate Aggies defeated No. 4 Niceville 52-20 Monday night in the Boys 6A District 1 Quarterfinals at Niceville.
The Aggies move on to the district semifinals Wednesday night at No. 1 Gulf Breeze. Also Wednesday, No. 2 Crestview will host No. 3 Milton. Winners will move on to the district championship game is set for Friday.
Boys Rural Class District 1
Monday night, No. 3 Paxton defeated the No. 6 Northview Chiefs 60-24 in the Boys Rural Class District 1 quarterfinals on Wednesday, No. 1 Baker will host No. 5 Laurel Hill and No. 2 Jay will host Paxton. The district championship game will be played on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ernest Ward JV Wins; Varsity Falls in Tight Match Against Beulah Middle (With Gallery)
February 4, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles faced off against the Beulah Middle School Bears Monday night in Walnut Hill.
The Eagles’ junior varsity squad secured a hard-fought victory, winning in three sets –25-15, 21-23, 15-10. EWMS came out strong in the first set, but Beulah responded with a narrow win in the second. The Eagles regrouped in the deciding frame, taking control to seal the match.
For a photo gallery, click here.
In the varsity matchup, Ernest Ward started with a dominant 25-14 first-set win. However, Beulah battled back, winning the next two sets 25-17 and 15-13 to claim the victory.
NorthEscamiba.com photos, click to enlarge.
$2.375 Million Project Will Align Quintette Road At Highway 95A Intersection, Install Traffic Light
February 3, 2025
The Escambia County Commission is set to accept a quarter million dollars from Circle K this week toward the realignment and improvement of the of the Highway 95A and Quintette Road intersection.
Circle K has an approved development order for a new convenience store at the northeast corner of the intersection.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.375 million for design and construction. Circle K will donate $250,000 and right of way toward the improvements. Escambia County has obligated $1.275 million, and Florida Department of Transportation Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) funding for $850,000 is allocated for 2026.
Currently, the east and west legs of Quintette Road are offset approximately 115 feet from one another, creating a hazard for the smooth flow of intersection traffic. There is no available right-of-way for a lateral shift on the west side of the intersection, but the east side has an approximate right-of-way of 100 feet, which could accommodate a northerly shift. Immediately adjacent to this intersection are a concrete plant, asphalt plant, a high-end vehicle restoration complex, a new residential development, and a proposed convenience store station on the northeast corner.
A 2023 study found that a traffic signal is needed at the intersection. A westbound right turn lane is also proposed, to reduce delays with logging trucks turning north onto CR 95A. The project consists of the design and construction of a new right turn lane on East Quintette Road for a free right turn onto northbound CR 95A, installation of a new traffic signal that will integrate into the Escambia County traffic signal network, associated striping and signage, and drainage work.
A timetable for the intersection work has not been announced.
Pictured top: One rendition of the proposed alignment of Quinette Road at the intersection with Highway 95A. Pictured below: A Circle K is proposed at the intersection. NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Place In Air Rifle Championship, Stinson Qualifies For Nationals
February 3, 2025
The Northview NJROTC places sixth out of 14 teams in the Area 16 Air Rifle Championship in Anniston, Alabama.
They were led by Lauren Stinson and her 11th place overall finish out of 134 shooters and Kate Stinson’s 2nd place finish which qualified her for nationals, February 17-18 in Annison.
Stinson also finished second place overall in the standing position.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Learn What Tate High School Has To Offer At Tuesday Curriculum Fair
February 3, 2025
Tate High School will host a Curriculum Fair Tuesday for students and parents.
They will have the opportunity to learn about Tate course offerings, academies, advanced placement, sports and all the opportunities that are available to students at Tate High School.
The curriculum fair will take place from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Tate High School cafeteria.
Jay Couple Places Top 10 in National Farm Bureau Competition
February 3, 2025
Brandt and Samantha Hendricks of Jay placed in the top 10 of the American Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture competition at the organization’s convention last week in San Antonio, Texas.
The couple are third generation farmers of Hendricks & Son Farms. They grow cotton, peanuts and hay and raise direct-to-consumer beef cattle. The couple served on the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group and are active Farm Bureau members.
“It’s been a great honor to stand with so many great farmers from across the country,” said Brandt. “The opportunity we’ve had to represent our state and grow as stronger leaders has been fantastic.”
“We’re super thankful to Florida Farm Bureau for giving us the opportunity and platform to share our story,” added Samantha. “We appreciate their support throughout the process. We’ve truly enjoyed our time as Achievement in Agriculture finalists.”
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.
Last year, the Hendricks were named the state winners of the Florida Farm Bureau’s coveted Achievement in Agriculture award and received a $45,000 prize.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Basketball District Tournaments Begin Today For Tate And Northview
February 3, 2025
The boys and girls teams from both Tate and Northview will begin district tournament play next week.
Girls Rural Class District 1
- Quarterfinals, Tuesday, Feb. 4
- No. 6 Northview at No. 3 Central
- No. 5 Baker at No 4. Laurel Hill
- District Semifinals, Thursday, Feb. 6
- No. 1 Jay hosts Laurel Hill/Baker winner
- No. 2 Paxton hosts Central/Northview winner
- District Championship, Saturday, Feb 8
Boys Rural Class District 1
- Quarterfinals, Monday, Feb. 3
- No. 6 Northview at No. 3 Paxton
- No 5 Laurel Hill at No. 4 Central
- District Semifinals, Wednesday, Feb. 5
- No. 1 Baker hosts Central/Laurel Hill winner
- No. 2 Jay hosts Paxton/Northview winner
- District Championship, Feb 7
Girls 6A District 1
- Quarterfinals, Tuesday, Feb. 4
- No. 6 Tate at No. 3 Crestview
- No. 7 Gulf Breeze at. No. 2 Milton
- No. 5 Navarre at No. 4 Pace
- District Semifinals, Thursday, Feb. 6
- No. 1 Niceville hosts Pace/Navarre winner
- Milton/Gulf Breeze winner vs. Crestview/Tate winner
- District Championship, Saturday, Feb 8
Boys 6A District 1
- Quarterfinals, Monday, Feb. 3
- No. 5 Tate at No. 4 Niceville
- No 7 Pace at No. 2 Crestview
- No. 6 Navarre at No. 3 Milton
- District Semifinals, Wednesday, Feb. 5
- No. 1 Gulf Breeze hosts Niceville/Tate winner
- Crestview/Pace winner vs. Milton/Navarre winner
- District Championship, Friday, Feb 7
Pictured: The 6A Tate Lady Aggies took on the 1A Northview Lady Chiefs last month. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
TSA Precheck Enrollment This Week At Pensacola Airport
February 3, 2025
The popular Transportation Security Administration PreCheck expedited screening program at a TSA PreCheck Temporary Enrollment Center is at the Pensacola International Airport through Friday. An appointment is required.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and more efficient screening experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. TSA PreCheck is currently available at more than 200 airports with over 85 participating airlines nationwide.
The Temporary Enrollment Center at the Pensacola airport will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m daily through Friday, February 7. It is located in the airport administration office on the second floor of Pensacola International Airport at 2430 Airport Boulevard.
Follow these steps to enroll:
- Click here to access the application page
- Under New TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options, select “Apply Now” located under the Idemia column
- Fill out the steps and choose “Next” at the bottom of each screen
- Type in your location in the zip code/City/Airport Code box
- Choose location “Pop Up: PNS, 2/3-2/7” and click “Next”
Select your desired appointment time (Please be sure to make note of your appointment time; no reminders will be sent out).
Once all online appointment slots are filled, TSA will accept a limited number of walk-ins until capacity is reached.
To complete the application process, you will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver’s license). If you have a valid U.S. passport, that is all you need for ID. The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Proper documentation must be provided.
The application process is completed on-site, where TSA captures fingerprints for a background check and collects the $78 application for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, company check or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
To learn more about TSA PreCheck and review a list of documents to bring to the Enrollment Center, visit the TSA website.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Fall 15 Cents On Average Last Week, AAA Says
February 3, 2025
Pump prices continue to pinball, this time falling in Floridians’ favor. Florida gas prices declined 15 cents last week, falling from $3.22 per gallon to $3.07 per gallon by Sunday, according to AAA.
“The discount at the pump came as a result of a decline in the price of crude oil,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Earlier this month, oil price rose to multi-month highs due to frigid temps in the southern U.S. and sanctions on Russian crude. Now, oil prices are back down to where they were to start the year, allowing gas prices to fall too.”
So far this year, pump prices have ranged from a high of $3.23 per gallon (1/16) to a low of $3.06 per gallon (1/8). Meanwhile, the price for U.S. crude has ranged from $72-$78 per barrel. After trading at $78/b in mid-January, the U.S. price for a barrel of oil settled at $72.53 on Friday.
The Escambia County average stood at $2.90 on Sunday. Sunday night, pump prices were as low as $2.69 at a station on Pine Forest Road. The North Escambia low price was $2.76 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.