Escambia Commissioners Pick Developer And $50 Million Offer For OLF-8
January 10, 2025
in a deal years in the making, the Escambia County Commission Thursday night selected a developer for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road in Beulah.
With a unanimous vote, the commission selected Beulah Town Center (BTC) and a revised bid of $50 million for the for the complete 540 acres using a DPZ Master Plan approved in 2021 as a restrictive deed. The county attorney and staff were tasked with negotiating a final sale agreement within 30 days.
“I want to thank you,” Fred Hemmer of Beulah Town Center said. “We’ve been working on this for five or six years. I know it’s been very frustration to all of you. us, the people behind us. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to delivering.”
The 5-0 approval came after a previous motion to select BTC failed and another developer pulled out and left the meeting.
Earlier in the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger made a similar motion seconded by Mike Kohler to negotiate with BTC for $50 million The motion failed with Lumon May, Ashlee Hofberger and Steven Barry voting against BTC.
Hofberger then offered a motion seconded by Barry to negotiate with Chad Henderson and TRI-W Development for 30 days for an amount not to fall below their $42.5 million offer.
May and Kohler said they could not turn down $50 million and vote for $7.5 million less and wanted to hear a hard number from TRI-W.
“Knowing what you know now, where are you at?” Hofberger asked Henderson. He said the group would negotiate an amount higher than the $42.5 million, but they wanted to make a final offer based upon negotiations.
“I can tell you I will be competitive with those offers through a negotiation of understanding the entire aspect of a purchase and sale agreement,” he said. When commissioners continued to press for a dollar figure, Henderson rescinded their offer and the group walked out.
A third offer for $45 million was on the table from Ryan Bell and Beulah Ranch, LLC.
In January 2019, Escambia County acquired OLF-8 in a land swap with the U.S. Navy for property in Santa Rosa County. The county hired DPZ CoDesign to develop the best plan for OLF-8, and the firm presented four plans ranging from a commerce park based concept to designs with a mix of commerce, residential and green space on the 500 plus acre site along Nine Mile Road in Beulah.
The final DPZ master plan approved in July 2021 is a combination of commerce, residential and amenities. It allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
Click graphics to enlarge.
Escambia County’s Graduation Rate Increases As State Breaks Record
January 10, 2025
Florida graduation rates for the 2023-2024 school year were announced Thursday. Florida’s high school graduation rate rose to 89.7%, and most Escambia County high schools exceeded that improved number.
The 2023–2024 statewide high school graduation rate represents the highest rate in Florida history, with the exception of the pandemic school years in which graduating classes were exempt from statewide, standardized assessment requirements stipulated in state law.
The overall graduation rate for Escambia County Public Schools was 84.2%, up from 80.5% in 2022-2023 and 78.4% in 2021-2022.
Graduation rates by school for the 2023-2024 school year and compared to 2022-2023:
- Tate High School — 93.3%, up from 91.3%
- Northview High School — 92.3%, up from 90.3%
- West Florida High School — 98.6%, up from 98.4%
- Escambia Westgate — 86.7%, down from 93.8%
- Escambia High School — 94.1%, up from 94%
- Pensacola High School — 87.9%, up from 78.1%
- Pine Forest High School – 85.4%, up from 80.9%
- Washington High School — 86%, down from 86.9%
- Success Academy — 78.4%
- Escambia Virtual — 100%
- Pensacola State Charter — 100%
Pictured: With 460 graduates, Tate High School had the largest graduating class in Escambia County for the 2023-2024 school year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Updates Cruiser Paint Scheme
January 10, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has updated the paint scheme on patrol vehicles.
The new cruisers will be all white, while the old design was white with dark green. The vehicles arrive white, so dropping the green is expected to save the ECSO about $2,500 per vehicle for painting. The cruisers will also be in service months faster.
Pictured top: The new all white paint scheme on an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle in the ECSO shop. Pictured: The previous old dark green and white design. NorthEscambia.com photo, courtesy photo, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Charge With Battery Of 65-Year-Old Relative
January 10, 2025
A Walnut Hill man has been charged with battery of a 65-year-old relative.
Jared Evan Jones, 37, was charged with domestic violence related battery on a person 65 or older.
The victim told deputies that Jones demanded that he buy him a truck before becoming angry and started throwing furniture before pushing him down and hitting him in the back, an arrest report states.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy noted a cut on the 65-year-old victim’s leg and overturned furniture. After being read his rights, Jones told the deputy that the victim has ruined his life and won’t buy him a house or a truck, according to the report, before threatening to kill his parents once gets out of jail.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim refused medical treatment.
Jones remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Spirit Airlines Adding Spring Break NonStop Pensacola Flights To Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Nashville
January 10, 2025
Spirit Airlines is launching four new nonstop destinations to and from Pensacola for spring break.
The flights between Pensacola International Airport and Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, and Nashville will begin in March.
The new destinations will operate on the following schedules:
- BNA-PNS: 3/6 – 3/18/25 at 4x weekly (New Service)
- DFW-PNS: 3/5 – 3/17/25 at 4x weekly (Resuming Service)
- DTW-PNS: 3/20 – 4/8/25 at 4x weekly (New Service)
- ORD-PNS: 3/20 – 4/8/25 at 3x weekly (New Service)
Spirit Airlines began service at Pensacola International Airport in June 2021 and has continued to enhance its offerings, becoming a key partner in connecting travelers to and from the Gulf Coast.
:We’re making it easier for travelers to discover Pensacola’s beautiful beaches and rich history this spring break with new, seasonal service from four major cities, including nonstop service from Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), and Nashville (BNA),” said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “On the heels of our fourth anniversary of serving Pensacola, we’d like to thank our partners at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) for their continued support as we add new options for our Pensacola Guests to enjoy.”
“We are delighted to see Spirit Airlines expanding their commitment to Pensacola by introducing these new spring break destinations. Each of these routes strengthens our ability to connect travelers to and from Pensacola with Spirit’s value pricing, ease and convenience. For our local community, this is also an exciting opportunity to explore four incredible cities right from our own airport. Whether it’s for business or leisure, these new routes make travel more accessible than ever,” Matt Coughlin, executive director of Pensacola International Airport, said.
Pictured: The first Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth arrived in June 201 at the Pensacola International Airport. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Felon Facing Local Gun Charges After Visit From U.S. Secret Service
January 9, 2025
A Century man is facing local gun charges after a visit from the U.S. Secret Service.
Tavarus Donte Findley, 38, was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He remained in jail Thursday morning with bond set at $40,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted a U.S. Secret Service senior special agent in contacting Findley at a mobile home on Alger Road. Findley admitting to owning a 12-gauge shotgun, according to an ECSO arrest report., before reaching behind a couch and handing the weapon to a deputy.
Another person in the home told deputies that Findley owned ammunition for the Mossberg shotgun that was located in a duffel bag and suitcase in closet in a back room of the mobile home. The individual retrieved the duffel bag, which contained 15 loaded shells inside an ammunition box, the report states. Deputies also located 91 loaded buckshot and slug shells inside numerous ammunition boxes.
ECSO said Findley was convicted in 2004 of three felonies — battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrester with violence and destruction of evidence.
The ECSO report does not state why Findley was interviewed by a U.S. Secret Service senior special agent. Federal court records do not show any current cases involving Findley.
New Nine Mile Road Five Guys Opens On Friday
January 9, 2025
The new Five Guys on East Nine Mile Road will open Friday.
Kirk Yackel, director of operations for Gellert Hospitality Group (GHG) of New Jersey, said the restaurant at 450 East Nine Mile Road will open for business at 11 a.m. Friday. GHG is the largest Five Guys franchise group in the country, with locations in Florida, Alabama and nine — soon to be 10 — other states. The group owns the Five Guys location on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola and the Pace location.
It’s located in a former Wendy’s location at 450 East Nine Mile Road that was remodeled over the last few months.
“I’m local to this side of town,” he said. “I’m excited and pushed for this location.”
The restaurant is known for its simple interior with red and white tiles boxes of peanuts to enjoy while waiting and bags of potatoes stacked up ready to become fresh, hand cut fries.
The menu is pretty simple — a couple of sizes of burgers with options for bacon and cheese and hot dogs (and yes, there’s bacon and cheese available for those). There’s a lengthy list of more than a dozen toppings — lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, condiments, hot sauce and more. All of the toppings are free. And the fries? Those are served in a paper bag and often leave people asking why there are so many. They also offer milkshakes.
“We also have fun mix-in flavors to our hand blended milkshakes, you could get chocolate, peanut butter, salted caramel, or even bacon in a shake,” Yackel said.
He said Five Guys also gives back to the community with fundraiser opportunities for local groups.
Pictured: Employees training underway at the new Five Guys on East Nine Mile Road. Also pictured: The new restaurant is in a remodeled Wendy’s. Courtesy and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
State Agency Investigating Bobby Likis Auto Service
January 9, 2025
State authorities are investigating an Escambia County auto repair shop.
The law enforcement division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services served a search warrant this week at Bobby Likis Auto Service on Davis Highway.
According to our news partners at WEAR 3, sources say customers reported to local law enforcement unnecessary repairs and charges were made, while incomplete work was performed on vehicles.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said a fraud report was filed by a person knowledgeable about the inner workings of the business. The ECSO deferred the investigation to The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The allegations included unnecessary repairs and incomplete work on vehicles, WEAR reported.
“The department received information about concerning business activities at Bobby Likis Auto Services and immediately and aggressively opened an investigation in cooperation with local law enforcement,” the state agency said in a statement. “Consumers should be aware of these allegations and can contact the department at (850) 245- 1300 if they have concerns about previous services or purchases from this establishment.”
While the business carries his name, longtime Pensacola businessman Bobby Likis is not connected to the auto repair shop. After operating the business for almost 40 years, he sold the shop in 2019.
Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Keep The Wreath Green’ Finishes With 14 Red Bulbs Representing December Fires
January 9, 2025
There were 14 red bulbs placed on fire safety wreaths in Escambia County during the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign last month. Each bulb represents fires that caused damage.
“Escambia County saw 14 homes and businesses experience fire damages during the holiday season and our hearts go out to those impacted,” said Fire Chief Adam Harrison. “We hope the fire safety campaign was educational and brought awareness to all households. Fire safety awareness does not end with the holidays, so we encourage all residents to remain vigilant when protecting your homes from all fire hazards.”
The City of Pensacola had three residential structure fires that resulted in occupant displacement during “Keep the Wreath Green.”
If your home does not have a working smoke detector, please call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for City of Pensacola residents.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is a collaborative initiative with the City of Pensacola to promote fire safety during the month of December. During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 21 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building and Pensacola City Hall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes.
Pictured above: A “Keep the Wreath Green” display at the McDavid Fire Station. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Asking State For Millions, Homeowners Insurance Fix And Return Of Passenger Rail Service
January 9, 2025
Escambia County presented their top six requests to the Escambia County Legislative Delegation Wednesday night.
The delegation consists of Rep. Michelle Salzman, Rep. Alex Andrade and Sen. Don Gaetz. They heard from Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, Escambia County Public Schools, and other local organizations presented their funding requests and other wishes.
Escambia County asked for funding for projects costing several million dollars. The county is also asking the legislature to support the return of passenger rail service and to fix Florida’s homeowners insurance crisis.
1. Insurance Rates
Request: That the state prioritize insurance reform to provide relief to Florida homeowners.
Background: Like many Florida residents, Escambia County homeowners and property owners are continuing to face significant increases in their insurance rates. Insurance is becoming out of reach for many, with rates doubling or some companies even canceling policies altogether.
2. NAS Pensacola Main Gate
Request: Approximately $2-3 million to support project construction.
Background: Escambia County is working with FDOT, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and other community stakeholders on the South Navy Boulevard Corridor Management Plan, which aims to enhance the NAS Pensacola main gate and approaching corridor. The plan includes aesthetic improvements such as landscaping and lighting, new signage, and more. It also aims to provide additional public access by creating a new public interest area that can be accessed before entering the secure base area.
3. Pensacola Beach Gateway
Request: Approximately $5 million (estimated) for project construction.
Background: With hundreds of thousands of vehicles passing through the Pensacola Beach toll booth each year, Escambia County is planning significant improvements to give locals and visitors a warmer welcome to our beautiful
beaches. The project would include a brand new, more aesthetically pleasing gateway, with archways, cameras, new signage, and more.
4. Carpenter Creek Riparian Property Acquisition
Request: $2 million for property acquisition
Background: The Carpenter Creek/Bayou Texar Watershed is listed as an impaired system. A Watershed Management Plan has been completed, identifying water quality improvement projects and riparian stream restoration projects that will restore watershed functions and intrinsic values. Property acquisition is needed to utilize $6 million in RESTORE grant funding that has been awarded for construction.
5. Passenger Rail Connectivity Expansion
Request: That the State Legislature support reestablishing Amtrak passenger rail service from Mobile to Jacksonville.
Background: Escambia County supports the re-establishment of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, including Pensacola. Approximately 60 Florida commissioners have signed in support of expanding Amtrak passenger rail service from Mobile to Jacksonville. This would extend the passenger rail line being re-established between New Orleans and Mobile, tentatively set to begin in February 2025. FAC also supports the state joining the Southern Rail Commission, voting to make it one of its legislative priorities.
6. Housing Trust Fund
Request: That the state prioritize funding to increase affordable housing for residents.
Background: Affordable housing remains a challenge for many residents in Escambia County and throughout Florida, particularly low-income households. Escambia County continues to support housing stability to reduce and prevent homelessness. The county is seeking to increase the state’s Housing Trust Fund allocation, which would create additional opportunities to provide affordable housing assistance, including first-time homebuyers’ down payment assistance and rent, mortgage, or utility assistance through SHIP and other housing programs.
Pictured: An Amtrak inspection train rolls in Atmore (top) and Pensacola (below) in February 2016. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
