Update: Two Escaped Alabama Inmates Captured
August 13, 2024
Two inmates that escaped Monday night from the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton have been captured.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office said Cameron Garner, 22, and Joseph Loper, 21, escaped just about 8:05 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday, Loper was captured by about noon, and Garner was back in custody by about 2 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Garner (pictured left) had been held on burglary and attempting to elude charges since June 27. Loper had been held since January 17 on a charge of failing to appear in court. Additional escape charges are expected to be added.
Escambia County Worker Injured When Tractor Overturns In Cantonment
August 13, 2024
An Escambia County Road Department worker was transported to area hospital after his tractor overturned in Cantonment Tuesday afternoon.
The worker was cutting grass in county-owned retention pond on Plata Canada Drive off Tate Road when the tractor slipped and overturned in a soft, muddy area just before 1 p.m.
He was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital for evaluation., according to a county spokesperson.
His injuries did not appear serious.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Superintendent Says First Day Of School Was Good, Sets High Expectations For Year
August 13, 2024
Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard started his day before sunrise Monday, and was still going in he late evening, visiting schools across the county on the first day of school.
Leonard said he has three big goals for the district this year, and he is excited to see students strive to achieve their best.
“I’m really excited about the 24-25 school year. We have high expectations for our students,” he said. “If you have high expectations to these young people, I believe they are going to step up and do the things that are necessary for them to be successful in school.”"
The first day was not without a few issues, mostly transportation logistic issues, as is always the case on the first day of school when about 35,000 students return to class.
“We’ve had a good first day,” Leonard said. “There have been a few hiccups here and there, but nothing that’s not unexpected or certainly not anything we can’t overcome.”
Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 13, 2024
Monday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
As is an annual tradition, we asked parents to submit their North Escambia area back to school photos. We received hundreds of photos.
For a photo gallery of parent submitted photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Marine Training Helicopter Makes Unscheduled Landing In Molino
August 13, 2024
A Marine training helicopter made an unscheduled landing Monday afternoon in Molno.
There were no injuries reported when the TH-57C training helicopter landed in an open grassy area near the intersection of Highway 196 and Chestnut Road.
The aircraft crew could be seen up and walking around out of the helicopter, which suffered no obvious damage in the incident.
The helicopter was removed by truck a short time later.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employees Donate School Supplies To Molino Park Elementary
August 13, 2024
A group of 13 Navy Federal Credit Union employees donated about 300 school supply items to Molino Park Elementary School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ascend Cares Foundations Provides Breakfast For Escambia Sheriff’s Office
August 13, 2024
The Ascend Cares Foundation provided breakfast for deputies and staff at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Monday morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Community Mourns Passing Of Longtime Local Barber
August 13, 2024
The Cantonment community is mourning the loss of longtime local barber.
Dwight Peake, 77, was a barber by trade, working for Purvis’ Barber Shop for 18 years.
He is survived by his loving wife Helen Peake, son Joshua, daughter Jennifer Mink and numerous other relatives.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on August 16 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, followed with a funeral service at 2 p.m. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, family is asking for donations to Calvary Baptist Church on Pine Forest Road, where he was a deacon.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Tropical Storm Ernesto Forms In The Atlantic, No Local Impacts Expected
August 12, 2024
Tropical Storm Ernesto formed Monday afternoon in the Atlantic.
Ernesto is forecast to become a hurricane later this week as it heads toward Bermuda.
It is not forecast to have any impact in Florida or along the Gulf Coast.
The latest details are in the graphic above from the National Hurricane Center.
FHP: Race Car Driver Dies After Suffering Medical Condition Before Crashing At Southern Raceway
August 12, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol said Monday that a medical emergency led to a fatal crash at Southern Raceway in Milton.
The race car driver was identified as 33-year-old James Fox of DeFuniak Springs. He passed away after being flown from the dirt track to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
FHP said the one-scene fire chief stated that Fox had a medical emergency while racing on the track and crashed into a concrete barrier wall and fence which surrounded the track. The fire chief told troopers Fox was still “having a medical episode” while he was being extricated by emergency personnel.
Submitted photo.