Man Charged With Felony Hit And Run In Century Crash That Injured Five
February 4, 2025
A Panama City man has been charged with a hit and run crash Saturday night in Century that injured five people, including children.
Dexter Ivey Smith, 35, was charged with felony hit and run for failure to stop or remain on scene at a crash with injury, along with misdemeanor battery and driving with a revoked license.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck was struck by a northbound SUV driven by Smith approached at a high rate of speed, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned multiple times, coming to rest on the shoulder just north of Salter’s Lake Road. Smith’s SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
The 38-year-old female driver of the pickup truck and her passengers — a 45-year-old male, 18-year-old male, 13-year-old male and a 6-year-old female — all sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
A witness told troopers that a white male in his mid-thirties with short black hair and a long nose fled from the scene. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office later received a report of a man matching the description outside a nearby home. The witness was able to identify Smith as the driver that fled the scene of the crash.
FHP said Smith was also charged with battery for throwing a flashlight at the passenger of the second vehicle.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Nine Mile Road Traffic Light At Ashland Avenue Goes Into Flash Mode Today
February 4, 2025
A new traffic signal on Nine Mile Road at Ashland Avenue will be activated in flash mode mode on Tuesday.
Drivers on Nine Mile Road will encounter a yellow flashing signal, meaning they should slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. Drivers on Ashland Avenue will stop with a red flashing light.
On Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m., the traffic signal will be fully activated with in standard mode.
Atmore Police Execute Search, Arrest Six On Drug Charges
February 4, 2025
Atmore Police Department officers executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Harris Street on Saturday afternoon, leading to the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and stolen firearms.
The operation, carried out around 3:30 p.m., was the result of citizen complaints and police surveillance. Inside the residence, officers discovered two stolen firearms, several hundred grams of marijuana, Ecstasy pills, THC gummies, synthetic cannabis (Spice), and drug packaging materials, including digital scales. Authorities also said they found two small children in close proximity to the narcotics.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
- Willis Williams, 26 – possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property (second degree), possession of marijuana (first degree), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Kenta Finklea, 37 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), receiving stolen property (second degree), obstructing government operations, and chemical endangerment.
- Diane Finklea, 63 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Aaron Salter, 27 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Brandon McCaster, 28 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Tiecha Finklea, 37 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
All six suspects were booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
Pictured: (top row) Willias Williams, Kenta Finklea, Diane Finklea, (bottom row) Aaron Salter, Brandon McCaster, and Tiecha Finklea.
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.