A Very Good Boy: ECSO K-9 Streeter Awarded Medal Of Courage For Jumping Off Bridge After Suspect
July 19, 2024
Thursday, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons presented K-9 Streeter with the Medal of Courage Award.
ECSO K-9 Streeter bravely jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay on June 24, while he was in the pursuit of three suspects following a drive-by shooting. The 70-year-old victim in that shooting later died.
“This presentation is for K9 Streeter — for his unwavering commitment to duty and his never-give-up attitude, even when facing great danger,” Simmons said.
Streeter was rescued by deputies after he fell 30-40 to a marshy area below the bridge. He was treated that night at an animal hospital and evaluated by a veterinarian. He returned to his normal duty a few days later.
“He’s a bit of a hero because he did what all the men and women at the sheriff’s office do — they don’t stop until they catch the bad guy,” the sheriff said about Streeter. “If you’ve ever been over to that bridge, that’s a pretty good drop.”
The Sheriff’s Medal of Courage is presented to members of the agency for heroic achievement or service in the line of duty.
K-9 Streeter was named after ECSO Corporal Eric Streeter, who was killed in the line of duty in 1984.
Family members of Corporal Streeter were present to see K-9 Streeter receive the award, along with his handler Deputy Kevin Stimmel.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alabama Death Row Inmate Executed At Atmore Prison For 1998 Shooting Of Father Of Seven
July 19, 2024
The execution of Alabama death row inmate Keith Edmund Gavin was carried out by lethal injection on Thursday at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore.
He was pronounced deceased by a physician at 6:32 p.m.
On Wednesday, Gavin had three visitors and no phone calls. On Thursday he had four visitors, no phone calls, refused his breakfast meal, accepted his lunch meal, had a few snacks and refused his final meal. He id not make any special requests.
Gavin was sentenced to death for the 1998 capital murder of William Clinton Clayton, Jr. , in Cherokee County. Clayton was the father of seven and had stopped at an ATM to withdraw money for a date night with his wife.
“After a Cherokee County courier, William Clayton, Jr., finished his day’s work, he stopped at an ATM so he could treat his wife to dinner, only to be robbed of his life by Keith Gavin,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “After receiving a death sentence, Mr. Gavin appealed time after time for years to avoid justice, but failed at every attempt. Today, that justice was finally delivered for Mr. Clayton’s loved ones.
“I offer my prayers for Mr. Clayton’s family and friends who still mourn his loss all these years later,” Ivey said.
Plans Refiled For Circle K At Highway 95A, Quintette Road; Intersection Improvements Proposed
July 19, 2024
Plans have been refiled with Escambia County Building Services for a new Circle K in Quintette.
The 3,966 square foot Circle K would be located on 2.31 acres at 2000 North Highway 95A, with driveway access from both Highway 95A and East Quintette Road.
The plans show six fuel stations with three diesel dispensers.
The new plans are in the pre-application stage with the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
Plans were previously filed for a 5,200 square foot store at the same location but Circle K did not complete the process.
Intersection Improvement Grant
Escambia County is seeking funding to improve and align the intersection of Quintette Road with Highway 95A.
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.
According to Escambia County, Quintette Road (CR 184) is a vital route for logging traffic from points to the northeast extending to the Florida/Alabama state line, to provide pulpwood to the International Paper Mill at Cantonment.
Quintette Road has also served as the only connection between Escambia and Santa Rosa County in the event of a catastrophic storm, as occurred in 2004 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, when the US 90, I-10, and US 98 bridges were all incapacitated and incapable of carrying traffic.
A study determined that a a traffic signal was not warranted at the intersection. The study was done in the summer of 2023 before the proposed addition of the Circle K.
A westbound right turn lane is also proposed to reduce delays with logging trucks turning north onto CR 95A. Preliminary sketches indicate the proposed improvements can be facilitated within the existing public rights-of-way, but a potential corner clip donation may be required of the Circle K property once the design is underway.
Circle K has, in an email to the county, previously obligated $250,000 toward the intersection improvements.
Escambia County commission is seeking a Florida Department of Transportation Regional Incentive Program grant funding for the intersection. If awarded, the grant will require $1.275 million in matching funds from Escambia County.
Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said the grant recently that the application is still outstanding.
The total project, including grant funds, is estimated at $2.375 million.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Anthony Pleasant Meet & Greet, Catfish Fundraiser Saturday In Century
July 19, 2024
Two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant will return to the park that bears his name for a youth football fundraiser Saturday.
Blackcats Black & Gold Night will be held 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Anthony Pleasant Park off East Highway 4 in Century.
Catfish plates will be available for $14 each with preorder pick up at 6 p.m. Limited plates are available. Call or text Kaley at (850) 417-0412 to order. All proceeds will got to Century Blackcats Football & Cheer.
Admission is free.
A meet and greet with by held with Anthony Pleasant, and there will be flag football games for all ages.
Pictured: Sporting a “Blackcats Pride” hat, two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant speaks to the Northview Chiefs football team in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Officials Warn Of Possible Alligator In Flomaton’s Hurricane Lake
July 19, 2024
Officials have received reports of alligators in a Flomaton lake.
The Flomaton Police Department has received reports of alligator sightings in the lake at Hurricane Park
“Please use caution while we work on a solution to remove the alligator,” the Flomaton Police Department said.
Pictured: An alligator was spotted in Flomaton’s Hurricane Park Lake in 2021 and the lake was closed. State wildlife officials were unable to locate the alligator. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hank’s Furniture to Pay $110K In EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit
July 19, 2024
Hank’s Furniture, Inc. will pay $110,000 and furnish other relief to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over and incident at nationwide retailer’s store in Pensacola.
According to the lawsuit, a former assistant manager at Hanks on Davis Highway notified the company that her religious beliefs prevented her from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Rather than discuss the employee’s religious beliefs to determine the feasibility of an accommodation, management ignored accommodation requests then summarily denied the employee’s requests and attempted to dispute the validity of her sincerely-held religious beliefs, the EEOC said.
The commission said the alleged conduct violated a prohibition on religious discrimination, which requires an employer to accommodate an employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs if the employer knows or suspects the beliefs conflict with an employer requirement, and there is no undue burden on the employer.
Under the three-year decree settling the case, Hank’s will also adopt and implement a written policy assuring employees the retaler will interpret religious accommodation requests broadly based on EEOC guidance and will accommodate religious beliefs that do not put an undue burden on the company. Additionally, decision makers, managers and employees will receive updated training about religious accommodation and anti-discrimination provisions.
Voter Registration And Party Change Deadline Is Monday, July 22
July 19, 2024
The registration and party change deadline for the August 20 primary is Monday, July 22, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender.
Those who do not register before this deadline will be unable to vote in the Primary Election. Voters who wish to change party affiliation for the primary and do not act by this deadline will have to vote with the party they are currently registered with.
Registration and party changes can be made online at registertovoteflorida.gov. Physical applications can be found at EscambiaVotes.gov and submitted by mail or in-person at the main office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in Pensacola. There are also applications available to complete upon arrival at the Supervisor of Elections office.
For more information, visit EscambiaVotes.gov.
Escambia School Board Buys 36 Acres For $3.9 Million For New Beulah School
July 18, 2024
The Escambia County School Board has approved the purchase of property in Beulah for a new school for nearly $4 million.
The 36-acre tract is bordered by Mobile Highway, Beulah School Road and Helms Road.
The board approved purchasing the property from James Frank and Cornelia Sue Higdon for $3.9 million. It is located less than a mile from the current Beulah Elementary School and about two miles from Beulah Middle School.
Escambia School Superintendent Keith Leonard said it has not yet been determined which grades might be served by a new school on the site., but it will alleviate crowding at other schools in the area.
There are 900 students at Beulah Elementary School with a multitude of portables.
The school board will discuss plans for the new school at a meeting in August, and Leonard hopes that plans will be ready in about six months with construction possibly starting in about a year.
NorthEscambaia.com graphic.
Head On Crash Injures Two In Beulah
July 18, 2024
Two people were injured in a crash before daybreak Wednesday in Beulah.
The crash happened at the intersection of Beulah Road and West Nine Mile Road at 3:07 a.m.
Authorities said two vehicles were involved in the head-on crash. One patient was extricated from their vehicle.
Two people were transported by Escambia County EMS to area hospitals.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
FWC Removes 14 Boaters For Boating Under The Influence During Blue Angels Air Show
July 18, 2024
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says they removed 14 boaters suspected of boating under the influence during the four days of the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
FWC als said despite the substantial numbers of vessels in the water, only two minor boating incidents were reported and there no significant or fatal boating accidents occurred over the course of the event.
“Blue Angels Weekend is a much-anticipated tradition for so many people in our area,” said Maj. Robby Creech, FWC Northwest regional commander. “I am proud of the dedication and commitment shown by the officers in our region, our local law enforcement partners and FWC officers from outside our area who volunteered to take time away from their lives and their family to travel here to protect the boating public and provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. That’s really what it’s is all about.”
