Highway 168 Bridge Reopened Friday After Repair Completed
July 26, 2024
A North Escambia bridge that abruptly closed July 3 after it it failed a state inspection has reponed.
The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch, about three-quarters of a mile east of Pine Barren Road near Bratt, was expected to be closed about 90 days for repairs, according to Escambia County officials.
Escambia County said a permanent repair was completed by Gulf Marine Construction, Inc. , the prime contractor who performed the work on the bridge.
The bridge was reopened Friday with the same weight restrictions as before the closure. The weight restriction is 24 tons for a two-axle vehicle, 28 tons for three axles.
The short wood bridge with a concrete deck was built in 1965.
When NorthEscambia.com photographed the bridge July 3, it was obvious that at least one wooden support was extremely deteriorated and almost completely broken in two (pictured below). It was not possible to photograph the same support the afternoon of July 26 due to a higher water level in the branch.
The Pine Barren Road and Bratt Road detour remains in place for Highway 4 as work continues to complete a new bridge. At last report, completion was expected by late July, barring any weather delays.
Pictured above and first photo below: The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch on July 26. Pictured last three photos below: The same bridge on July 3. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bicyclist Critical After Being Struck By Vehicle In Century
July 26, 2024
A bicyclist was critically injured when he was struck by a vehicle Friday morning in Century.
It happened about 9:30 a.m. in the area of the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
The 44-year-old was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. An update on his condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Two Century Correctional Officers Charged With Smuggling Drugs Into The Prison
July 26, 2024
Two Century Correctional Institution correctional officers have been were arrested this week for
Ysuna Myteria Staples, age 29 of Atmore, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids and smuggling contraband into a prison.
Brandi Shaniece Major, age 29 of Mobile, was charged with delivery of synthetic cannabinoids, smuggling contraband into a prison, and trafficking methamphetamine.
All of the charges are felonies.
In February, Staples and Majors were subject to random “pat-downs” before entering the prison for their shifts.
“During these pat-downs, items were felt on each officer’s person that appeared to be contraband,” an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy wrote in his report.
According to the arrest report:
Major was asked and voluntarily removed three plastic packages from her pants that contained 166.5 grams of methamphetamine and 269 grams of MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone, commonly known as “bath salts”).
Staples was asked and voluntarily removed a single plastic package of 165.5 grams of spice.
The incident was captured on Century CI surveillance cameras.
Major was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Staples was released on a $30,000 bond.
More Details Released In Case Of Man Accused Of Killing Estranged Wife
July 26, 2024
Update: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially said the dog that was shot died at the vet after being shot, but said Friday that they were giving incorrect information. The dog is continuing to recover.
More details have been released in the case of an Escambia County man is accused of murdering his estranged wife, who was reported missing, and shooting a dog.
Timothy Joseph Kramer, 51, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the death of his wife, 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer, and aggravated animal cruelty for the shooting the dog.
An arrest reports says Rosa Kramer left her husband Timothy about two weeks ago and had been living with someone else.
About 6 a.m. Tuesday, she returned to the couple’s former home in the 2600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, about a block from Longleaf Elementary School, in order to collect her belongings before he was to return home from work about 8 a.m.
The report states he actually got off from his overnight job at PetSmart on Davis Highway and returned home about 5 a.m. and parked his truck in the backyard of the home in an attempt to conceal it behind a privacy fence, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Rosa Kramer was reported missing after she missed taking her father to a doctor’s appointment.
The report states a concerned individual called and texted her phone several times with no response. He then messaged her on Facebook, receiving a reply that she was having a drink at the beach. The arrest report states the man messaged back saying “Timothy better not have done anything,” to which a reply was received stating “he did nothing but give me my stuff and I left”.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer was missing and was last seen about 6 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that time that she was in the company of Timothy Kramer.
The ECSO pinged the phone of both Kramers, with only response from Timothy’s phone at a Milton apartment complex.
The report states Milton Police located him there with a woman who said Timothy contacted her and said he had just shot Rosa in self-defense. Deputies found that her story was true, and she was not charged as an accessory.
Deputies went to the Hillcrest Avenue home and found Rosa deceased in a bedroom with two gunshot wounds, one of which was in her head. A dog was also found with a gunshot wound to the mouth. It was transported to a veterinarian for treatment.
Timothy Kramer requested a lawyer and refused to speak to investigators, the report says. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.
Florida Forest Service Announces $2 Million For Florida Landowners To Improve Forest Health
July 26, 2024
Thursday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced $2 million is now available to Florida landowners through the Florida’s Future Forests Program to improve forest health. In its fourth year, the program offers landowners cost-share opportunities to help enhance the capacity of Florida’s forests, which provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and thousands of essential products.
“A majority of our state’s forests are privately owned so Florida landowners are key to maintaining and conserving our forests and natural resources for future generations,” said Simpson. “This important program helps landowners offset the initial cost of site preparation, seedlings, and the planting of seedlings.”
The Florida’s Future Forests Program is open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. To obtain an application and learn more about the Florida’s Future Forests Program, visit FDACS.gov/FutureForests.
Applicants may request funding for tree establishment practices on a minimum of 10 acres and up to 250 acres. Since 2021, the Florida Legislature has appropriated approximately $14 million for this program. These funds have already been used to create 26,000 acres of healthy forests in Florida.
The Florida Legislature funded the program with a total of $4 million this fiscal year. In addition to the initial $2 million offering, an additional $2 million will be released later this fiscal year to fund future site preparation and planting.
To learn more in Escambia County, contact Escambia County Forester Cathy Hardin at (850) 587-5237 or Cathy.Hardin@FDACS.gov.
Friends Of The Library Hot Summer Book Sale Going On Through Sunday
July 26, 2024
The Friends of the West Florida Public Library HOT Summer Book Sale is going on through Sunday.
For every 10th items (books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item – for free! This includes all books, (paperback, hardback, kids’ books, etc.) except those in the Collector’s Corner. The books in Collector’s Corner are always individually priced.
The books will be sorted by genre to make it easier to find your favorite novels, children’s books, books about gardening and decorating, biographies, and so many more.
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-7 p.m., $5 admission (free for members), Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Half-off prices all day! Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 9a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission | $7 bag sale (Collector’s Corner closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.)
The sale will be held at the downtown library, located at 239 North Spring Street. Debit and credit cards will be accepted.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Through July 31
July 26, 2024
The animal shelter in Escambia County has free cat and dog adoptions through the end of July.
Adoptions are free for cats and dogs one year or older through Wednesday, July 31. Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are so excited to participate in the Bissell adoption event again,” said Escambia County Director for the Department of Animal Welfare John Robinson. “These events provide us with an opportunity to allow our community to see all of the wonderful dogs and cats that we currently have available at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. We encourage you to come visit us over these next three weeks and meet our amazing animals who are ready to be part of a family.”
Robinson emphasized that while Bissell’s event makes adoptions even more affordable for families, it also raises awareness for pets that are sometimes overlooked in the shelter.
“We have over 200 pets available for adoption, and our team understands it can be overwhelming to walk through the kennels if you don’t know what you’re looking for,” said Robinson. “We’re here to help with the entire process. Let us make it easy for you to complete your family by helping you find the perfect pet.”
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.
Martorella’s Clutch Hit Ignites Blue Wahoos Walk-Off Win
July 26, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos’ game-winning celebration went all the way into right field.
Nathan Martorella was thrilled to run that far in jubilation.
Inserted two innings earlier as a pinch-hitter, Martorella broke through his recent struggles to deliver a two out, bases-loaded single in the 11th inning that capped a two-run rally and lifted the Blue Wahoos to a much-enjoyed 4-3 walk-off victory Thursday against the Biloxi Shuckers.
With about half the original crowd remaining at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Martorella reacted the split-second he connected on a slider, low-and-away, from Shuckers closer Justin Yeager and sent it opposite field into left-center for the game-winner.
It happened on a night when Pensacola (51- 40 overall) took on its alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets on “Mullet Thursday” – a switch that has them 7-2 this season in those Thursday uniforms.
Biloxi (45-46), the second-half divisional leader, had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th on a leadoff single from Lamar Sparks, scoring placement runner Dylan O’Rae. But Blue Wahoos reliever Tyler Eckberg retired the next three batters. That proved pivotal.
The Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with one out on singles from Paul McIntosh and Jacob Berry. Shane Sasaki, who led the way in Tuesday’s win against Biloxi, worked his way from an 0-2 count into a game-tying walk.
After Cody Morissette struck out swinging, Martorella delivered. He had been 1-for-9 this series, but on a tough pitch to hit, he produced an emphatic result.
This game started out with a double no-hitter into the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Blue Wahoos broke through against Shuckers starter Shane Smith. With two outs, Jakob Marsee walked. Zach Zubia broke up the Smith’s no-hitter with a double off the left field wall. McIntosh followed with a 2-run single.
Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez lost his no-hitter in the seventh inning after walking the first two batters and giving up an RBI double to Sparks for the Shuckers’ first run. Sparks then tied the game in the eighth on a sacrifice fly.
It was a tough no-decision for Bermúdez, who finished with a one-hitter in 6.1 innings with three strikeouts and five walks. Three of those walks, however, occurred in the seventh inning as he just missed the strike zone on several pitches.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to deliver a game-winner after their closer, Austin Roberts, twice had scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th.
But when Martorella singled, his teammates raced from the dugout as he rounded first and turned right, going into the outfield where he was doused with ice water.
It continued Pensacola’s noteworthy success in these kind of games with eight wins in nine extra-inning games.
McIntosh was the Blue Wahoos’ lone multi-hit batter, going 2-for-5 to boost his average to .250.
The fourth game of the series will be Friday at 6:05 p.m.
Early Morning Stabbing In Cantonment Under Investigation
July 25, 2024
An early morning stabbing in Cantonment is under investigation.
The incident happened about 3:30 a.m. on Winston Street near Sunday Road, just north of 9 1/2 Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was unconscious when he was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
There was no word on any suspect from the ECSO.
No further information has been released as the investigation continues.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia School Grades Released. See How Your Child’s School Scored.
July 25, 2024
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) released district and school grades Wednesday.
Overall, Escambia County Public Schools maintained a grade of “B”, even with rising state standards.
Ninety percent of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances. No ECPS schools earned a grade of F.
“We are so proud of our schools for all their hard work,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These school grades are a testament to the commitment of our administrators, teachers, and students. While we are very proud, we intend to keep our eyes forward and continue to improve. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all of our students, employees, community members, and our fully supportive and engaged school board. It takes all of us, united, to achieve our goals ”
A SCHOOLS
There were 13 Escambia schools that earned an A. Bellview, Holm and McArthur elementary schools improved from a C last year to A’s in this year’s grades. Jim Allen Elementary went from B to and A. Pensacola State College Charter Academy began with an A for their first year. Cordova Park has earned an A every year since 2002. Notably, an impressive 90% of Molino Park Elementary’s students showed learning gains in math.
B SCHOOLS
There were 13 B school in Escambia to earn a B. Ferry Pass Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle and Beulah Academy of Science improved from C to B. from C to B.
C SCHOOLS
Ernest Ward Middle and Byrneville Elementary both fell from a B to a C. Montclair, Warrington and Lincoln elementaries and Global Learning Academy moved from F to C. Brentwood, Semmes and Ensley elementaries improved from D to C.
D SCHOOL
Warrington Prep Academy was the only school in the county to receive a D.