Escambia Public School Hosting Job Fair On July 29
July 17, 2024
The Escambia County Public Schools Human Resource Services Department will host a job fair on Monday, July 29, at the J.E. Hall Center.
ECPS is looking to fill vacancies in all educational support departments, including food services, custodial services, maintenance, transportation, and substitute teachers.
Interviews will be held on the spot.
“We are excited to offer an additional in-person job fair to hire educational support staff in all areas,” said Director of Personnel Services Courtney Combs. “It is so impactful to be able to have our areas fully staffed and ready to greet our children for the new school year. ”
The Job Fair will take place from 9-11 a.m. in Room 160 at the J.E. Hall Center, located at 30 East Texar Drive in Pensacola.
Woman Arrested In Kentucky For Fatal 2023 Escambia County Hit And Run
July 17, 2024
An Escambia County woman was arrested in Kentucky Tuesday afternoon for a 2023 hit and run crash on Sorrento Road that killed a 61-year old Navy veteran.
Jessica Elizabeth Hendrickson, age 41 of Pensacola, was arrested during a traffic stop in Kentucky.
“While traveling southbound on US 41 in Kentucky, a tag alert was issued to law enforcement in the area matching the description of Hendrickson’s boyfriend’s vehicle (she is known to frequent use or be in). Local law enforcement were in the general area and were able to conduct a traffic stop and ultimately arrest Hendrickson,” Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Jason King said.
On June 10, 2023, Hendrickson was the driver of the vehicle which struck the 61-year-old cyclist from the rear on Sorrento Road, propelling both the bicycle and rider to the south shoulder. Hendrickson then fled the scene, according to FHP.
Family has identified the victim as retired Navy Master Chief Jeff Nichols, 61.
FHP has not specified the exact charged Henrickson will face once she is extradited back to Florida.
Pictured: Jessica Elizabeth Hendrickson pictured in a September 2020 mugshot from Escambia County after a misdemeanor arrest.
‘Operation Southern Slow Down; Targets Speeding In Five States
July 17, 2024
Law enforcement agencies in Florida and four other states have teamed up for Operation Southern Slow Down 2024, a week-long speed enforcement and education campaign that began Monday.
The broad effort involving multiple states in the Southeast—Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee—has a collective goal to reduce the number of speed-related crashes and, ultimately, bring the number of traffic fatalities down to zero.
The Florida Highway Patrol said speeding is a significant factor in traffic fatalities across Florida, contributing to nearly 10% of these fatalities statewide between 2019 and 2023. Demographic data reveals that young male drivers are particularly at risk, with 84% of speeding-involved fatalities involving male drivers, predominantly those aged 16-25. FHP said the statistics underscore the critical need for targeted enforcement and education campaigns like Operation Southern Slow Down to address dangerous driver behaviors like speeding and the tragic consequences they have on roadways.
“Operation Southern Slowdown is a focused, collaborative effort to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on driving behaviors that lead to fatal crashes, striving to one day experience zero fatalities on our roadways,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “FHP is proud to work with our law enforcement and public safety partners across state lines to provide a safer driving environment for everyone.”
Pictured: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper stops a motorist on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man, Century Woman Arrested During Suspicious Vehicle Investigation
July 17, 2024
An Atmore man and a Century woman were arrested during a suspicious vehicle investigation in Atmore.
About 12:30 a.m. Monday, an Atmore Police Officer on routine patrol observed a suspicious vehicle behind the Tavern on Highway 31.
As the officer approached the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a male, later identified as 37-year-old Matthew Edward Thomas of Atmore, began walking away, according to Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann. The officer reported that Thomas tossed a plastic bag as he walked way and detained Thomas.
The officer also detained the vehicle’s passenger, 28-year-old Kelsey Alanna Taylor of Century.
Atmore Police said the plastic bag allegedly tossed by Thomas contained 15-grams of crystal methamphetamine, and two grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a clear glass pass with meth residue were located in the vehicle.
Thomas was charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana II and tampering with physical evidence. He was booked into jail without bond.
Taylor was transported to the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton and extradited to Escambia County, Florida, on an outstanding probation violation warrant in a 2022 grand theft case.
Vehicle Fire Slows Highway 29 Near Molino
July 17, 2024
A vehicle fire slowed traffic on Highway 29 near Molino Wednesday morning.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer fire was reported just before 10 a.m.
The SUV was parked on the shoulder of Highway 29 near Highway 196. The vehicle was a total loss.
The Cantonment and Molino Stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire. There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FDOT Updates Status Of Century Highway 29 Construction Work
July 16, 2024
A new traffic configuration will likely happen next week for a detour zone on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in Century.
After a NorthEscambia.com report on Monday that the roadway was not ready for a Florida Department of Transportation announced traffic shift to the southbound lanes, FDOT provided additional details.
According to Kohen Johns Brannon, FDOT public information specialist, the contractor located a damaged water line late last week that put them behind schedule. The contract was scheduled to put place rock on Monday and pave the southbound lanes Tuesday through Thursday.
“Once paving is complete, they will begin the process of shifting the lanes to the new traffic configuration,” Brannon said, adding the traffic shift to the southbound lanes will likely happen next week.
The FDOT projects includes a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
The full length of the $4.7 million project began in early January 2023 and had an original anticipated completion target date in Spring 2024.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: The southbound travel lanes of Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard) and the current traffic shift as seen on Saturday, July 13. NorthEscambaia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man, Three Others Charged After Alleged Overdose On Embalming Fluid, GHB
July 16, 2024
A Walnut Hill man and three others were charged after he allegedly overdosed on GHB and embalming fluid.
At about 8 a.m. Sunday, the Police officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Beck Street in reference to a possible drug overdose. The responding officer encountered several people on the property and was informed the unconscious person drank a cocktail consisting of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and embalming fluid, a combination police said is commonly known as “Scoot”.
During the officer’s interaction with the other individuals at the scene he discovered there might be additional narcotics in camper on the property. The officer contacted Atmore Police narcotics investigators who obtained a search warrant.
Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said investigators executed the search warrant and discovered methamphetamine, numerous other items that have yet to be identified and numerous other items that are commonly used to ingest narcotics.
After being treated and released from the hospital, 29-year-old Shawn Michael Boutwell of Walnut Hill was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Leslie Anita Whiting, age 35 of Atmore, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.
McMann said Whiting claimed to have overdosed and was transported to the Atmore Community Hospital. He said she became irate and confrontational with hospital staff when she thought law enforcement was not present.
Police also charged 47-year-old Amy Jo Louise Nelson of Daytona Beach and 44-year-old Jonathan Alexander Schinasi of Lake Butler, Florida, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pictured clockwise: Boutwell, Whiting, Schinasi and Nelson.
Escambia Man, 77, Charged With Shooting Multiple Rounds At Santa Rosa County SWAT
July 16, 2024
A 77-year-old Escambia County man has been charged after allegedly firing nine rounds at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team on Saturday.
Clifford Whennen was charged with:
- fleeing and eluding
- resisting arrest
- aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (five counts)
- firing weapon
- criminal mischief
- probation violation (two counts)
On Saturday, Milton Police Department responded to a reckless driver complaint on Glover Lane where they located a vehicle driven by and uncooperative Whennen. The MPD officer called for assistance from SRSO, which blocked the vehicle in. They said Whennen had an active felony warrant and was known for recent threats to law enforcement.
“The suspect had an active felony warrant and recent threats to law enforcement. The suspect exited the vehicle with a firearm pointed at his head. Deputies attempted to have Whennen drop the firearm, but he refused and reentered the backseat of his vehicle,” said Kylie Blankenship, SRSO assistant public information officer, said.
“Due to Whennen being barricaded with a firearm, SRSO SWAT responded to the scene with an armored rescue vehicle (Bearcat). Failed negotiations were continued, and less lethal munitions were deployed within the vehicle,” Blankenship added. “Upon deployment of less lethal munitions, Whennen immediately shot seven rounds in the direction of law enforcement. The armored rescue vehicle thankfully protected the Deputies inside from being hit by these lethal rounds.”
After several deployments of less lethal munition from SRSO SWAT, Whennen surrendered. He was treated at a local hospital for cuts caused by broken glass. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bound due to two probation violation warrants.
Escambia (AL) Volunteer Fire Departments Receive State Grant, Present Service Awards
July 16, 2024
The Escambia County Volunteer Fire Association recently received a state grant and honored member accomplishments.
State forester David Thomas and Lucas Newbie presented 14 Volunteer Fire Departments with the 2024 Alabama Forestry Grant for $1995.79.
Alabama Reps. Alan Baker and Matthew Hammett attended the association meeting at Elim Baptist Church in the Roberts community. Baker thanked all fire personnel for their commitment to serving communities through Escambia County and stated that Senator Greg Albritton was an important part of the process. Hammett offered his appreciation to each firefighter for stepping up and providing “service above self” in medical emergencies, accidents, fires and natural disasters.
The Association also presented service awards at the meeting as follows:
- John Martin Lifetime Achievement Award – Captain Jerry Gehman Nokomis VFD
- Career Paid Fire Chief Award – Chief Ronald Peebles Atmore Fire Department
- Volunteer Fire Chief Award – Alex Singleton Appleton VFD
- Career Paid Firefighter Award – Captain Louis English Atmore Fire Department
- Volunteer Male Firefighter Award – Jerrel Cain Appleton VFD
- Volunteer Female Firefighter Award – Elisabeth Evans Wallace VFD
- Volunteer Firefighter Rookie of the Year Award – Logan Blake McCall VFD
- Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award – Melanie Jett Appleton VFD
There are 24 fire departments in Escambia County with over 285 firefighters.
Pictured top: Representative from the Appleton, Barnett Crossroads, Bradley, Dixie, Dixonville, Lambeth, Little Rock, McCall, McCollough, Nokomis, Ridge Road, Roberts, Wallace and Wawbeek fire departments with state Reps. Alan Baker and Matthew Hammett. Pictured below: Service award winners. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Grad, UWF Standout Darrien McDowell Selected In 2024 MLB Draft
July 16, 2024
Tate High School graduate Darrien McDowell was selected by the San Diego Padres Monday in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
McDowell, a junior first baseman for the University of West Florida Argos , was the 180th overall selection in the draft,. He was the first Division II player selected, and the first Argo drafted since 2015.
McDowell graduated from Tate High in 2020, and played at Pensacola State College before joining the UWF baseball team.
Last season at UWF, McDowell hit .442 with 27 home runs and 77 RBIs. He was the 2024 Division II Leader in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage, and was named the 2024 Gulf South Conference Player of the Year.
Photo for NorthEscambai.com click to enlarge.