Escambia County Kicks Off The ‘Keep The Wreath Green’ Fire Safety Campaign
December 3, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Pensacola Fire Department, launched its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign for December. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths will be 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 or commercial structure 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. In 2022, 16 bulbs were changed to red on county wreaths, while one bulb was changed in the city.
“Keep the Wreath Green is a great initiative that literally brings to light the importance of fire safety at home,” said Fire Chief Adam Harrison. “Any time there is a fire where someone is displaced, you will notice a red bulb on that wreath. I want to encourage every resident to do their part in making sure that we keep our wreaths green this holiday season.”
Escambia County recorded 13 residential fires during December 2023, represented by 13 red bulbs in the “Keep the Wreath Green” in the annual fire safety campaign.
If your home does not have a working smoke detector, call Escambia County Fire Rescue at (850) 595-HERO (4376) or (850) 436-5200 for city of Pensacola residents.
Pictured above: A “Keep the Wreath Green” display at the McDavid Fire Station. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Arrested On Drug Charges After FHP Chase
December 2, 2024
A Molino man was arrested on multiple drug charges after allegedly fleeing from a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.
Johnny Ray Smith, 53, was charged with fleeing and eluding, driving without a valid license, failing to have proper endorsement to operate a motorcycle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, reckless driving, attached tag not assigned, and resisting arrest without violence.
FHP said a trooper attempted to stop Smith on his motorcycle on Pine Forest Road for speeding and passing a pickup truck on the right shoulder of the road. FHP said the trooper passed Smith and pulled in front of him, but Smith fled when the trooper exited his patrol vehicle.
Troopers later located the motorcycle on its side at Green Hills Road and Pine Forest Road. After a foot chase, a trooper tased Smith and he was taken into custody with the assistance of an off-duty Escambia County Corrections officer.
Troopers reported finding a glass pipe, butane lighter and substance in a glass pipe that contained a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, according to an arrest report. The report states Smith was speaking incoherently and began to lose consciousness. He was transported to Baptist Hospital for evaluation.
Smith remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $28,500.
Molino Christmas Parade Set For Saturday
December 2, 2024
The Molino Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7.
The parade will line up at 10 a.m. and start at 11 a.m. It will travel West Crabtree Church Road to the Molino Ballpark.
Entries are being accepted now. The fee is $50 for floats, $30 for UTVs, and $20 for horses. (No dirt bikes or ATVs.) The Molino Ballpark says all proceeds will go to a local family in need.
Register now at molinoballpark.com.
Pictured: The 2023 Molino Christmas Parade. NorhtEscambia.com file photos.
Bratt Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
December 2, 2024
Bratt Elementary School recently named their November Students of the Month. They are Kaylyn Godwin and Emily Diller. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Court Appearance Postponed For Suspect In April Death Of Teen At Cottage Hill Party
December 2, 2024
A court appearance has been postponed for a now 20-year-old charged in the April 2024 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a party at a Cottage Hill home.
Ethan Alexander O’Brien remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond on charges of second-degree negligent manslaughter, tampering with evidence and improper exhibition of a firearm. He was due for a docket hearing on the day before Thanksgiving, but Judge John Simon granted a defense motion to continue without opposition from prosecutors. His next court date is now set for February 26.
The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting 16-year-old Bryson Allen.
The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road. Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene, and investigators said O’Brien fled the scene.
Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night, April 12, after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene still surrounded the home the following Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
I-10 Traffic Shift Planned Near Highway 29 Interchange
December 2, 2024
This week, I-10 eastbound travel lanes will be shifted toward the median area of the roadway, from mile markers 8 to 10, near the Highway 29 interchange (Exit 10). The traffic shift will be a multiyear effort and allows crews to build a new alignment for I-10 at Highway 29.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph through the work zone, and nighttime temporary single-lane closures may occur on I-10 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. At least one travel lane will remain open at all times.
This work is part of a $236 million construction project designed to improve safety and capacity for the 62,000 drivers who travel the I-10 at Highway 29 interchange daily. The project is anticipated for completion in 2030.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Nearly Steady
December 2, 2024
Florida gas prices averaged $3.11 per gallon on Sunday. The state average was 1-cent less than the week before.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.83. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.78 on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while $2.62 could be found at a few stations in Pensacola.
“Thanksgiving gas prices in Florida gas prices were slightly more expensive than a year ago, yet it’s doubtful that prevented people from taking a trip,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
The average price for gasoline on Thanksgiving Day in Florida was $3.13 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than what holiday travelers paid a year ago. However, the average price during this year’s holiday was 30 cents less than what drivers paid on Thanksgiving Day 2022.
AAA will release its Year-End Holiday Travel forecast on December 11. This year’s actual Thanksgiving traveler totals will not be available until next year’s holiday forecast.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Through December 17
December 2, 2024
Dog and cat adoptions are free at the Escambia animal shelter through Tuesday, December 17 during the “Empty the Shelters: Holiday Hope” event in partnership with the Bissell Pet Foundation.
Adoptions for all cats and dogs 1 year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m
Retail Center With Two Restaurants, Coffee Shop Proposed For Nine Mile At Pathstone
December 1, 2024
A new shopping center with three businesses is proposed for Pathstone Boulevard at Nine Mile Road, possibly including two restaurants and a coffee shop.
Stoic Equity Partners of Daphne, Alabama, has proposed the 5,200 mixed used retail center at 8999 Pathstone Boulevard at Nine Mile Road, at the entrance to The Porte at Pathstone Apartments. The 1.33-acre property is currently unimproved and will have access from Pathstone Boulevard and East River Oaks Drive.
A preliminary site plan shows two quick serve restaurants, one with a drive-thru, and a “coffee user” with a drive-thru that wraps around the center. The businesses are not named.
The plan is set for pre-application meeting with the Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday, December 4.
Cantonment Rotary Presents PSC Scholarships
December 1, 2024
The Rotary Club of Cantonment recently presented its annual scholarships to the Culinary Arts students at Pensacola State College, a tradition that dates back to 2001.
The culinary scholarship recipient was Rachel Rousseau, and the legal assistant recipient wss Jonathan Griner. Members of the Cantonment Rotary Club also enjoyed a delicious Mexican themed meal prepared by the students in the program.
Earlier this year, Cantonment Rotary presented $30,000 in scholarships to students in various programs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
