Century Man Charged Battery, Assault On His Kids After Funeral
July 5, 2024
A Century man has been arrested for an armed disturbance following a funeral.
Darryl Lamar Brown, 56, was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Brown allegedly slapped his adult child in the face with a hunting knife and threatened to stab him at a funeral repast.
A female told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she arrested at the funeral repast for her grandfather and Brown asked if she was not going to speak to him as she greeted the others present, according to an arrest report. She told deputies that he slapped her on the face with an open hand before she got up from the table and started yelling at him. Her brother wrapped his arms around Brown and tried to calm him down, but Brown slapped him in the face with the knife before pushing it into his stomach, the report continues.
The ECSO said Brown then told everyone to get off the property before he cut all of them. The siblings left the property and waited down the road for law enforcement, deputies said. Neither suffered visible injuries and declined EMS.
Brown remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Escambia Animal Shelter Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Friday And Saturday
July 5, 2024
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare will offer free adoptions for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6.
An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 West Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Escamba, Alabama, Wreck Near Pollard Claims One Life
July 5, 2024
One person was killed in a three-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 31 near Pollard in Escambia County, Alabama.
The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 31 and Old Highway 31, near the new Pollard Dollar General.
Multiple EMS units and two medical helicopters responded to the crash, along with other first responders including the Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue and others.
Alabama State Troopers are investigating and have not released further details.
File photo.
Escambia Woman Seriously Injured In I-10 Crash
July 5, 2024
An Escambia County woman was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash on I-10 in Santa Rosa County on Wednesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the wreck about 10 a.m. with a possible ejection. The 31-year-old woman was airlifted to an area hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening. An 11-year-old female passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured, and a 45-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries. Both passengers were from Florala, Alabama.
I-10 westbound was closed for just over 20 minutes due to the crash response.
FHP is continuing their investigation.
Atmore Prison Correctional Officer Arrested
July 5, 2024
A correctional officer at the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore was arrested Wednesday.
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Law Enforcement Services Division arrested 32-year old Shaquasia La’Sha Craig. She was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on a charge of third degree promoting prison contraband.
According to criminal complaint, Craig was caught with 50 Black and Mild cigars and two bottles of Gatorade that contained alcohol.
ADOC said she was terminated from her position.
Further information was not provided.
Wahoos Walked Off By Vasquez, Biscuits
July 5, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos suffered a dispiriting defeat on Thursday night, falling 6-5 in walk-off fashion to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Pensacola held a 5-1 lead late into the game, but after a 48-minute rain delay in the seventh inning the Biscuits took advantage of erratic pitching to storm back. In a save opportunity, Blue Wahoos reliever Raffi Vizcaíno (L, 3-2) walked the bases loaded in the ninth to set the stage for a Willy Vasquez walk-off, two-run single.
The loss was Pensacola’s first in walk-off fashion at the hands of an opponent, and just their second loss in 35 games when leading after eight innings.
In front of a sellout Fourth of July crowd of 6,548 fans, the Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early. Paul McIntosh led off the second with a triple against starting pitcher Ian Seymour, and scored on a safety squeeze bunt from Jakob Marsee. RBI singles from Joe Mack and McIntosh in the third extended Pensacola’s lead to 3-0.
After Vasquez dropped a pop-up at second base that would have ended the top of the seventh, Pensacola got RBI singles from Diego Infante and Jacob Berry to take a 5-1 lead.
Luis Palacios turned in a quality start, working into the seventh inning and allowing only four hits. But a Tanner Murray triple and Nick Schnell RBI single were followed by a squall of rain, forcing the Pensacola starter’s departure after 76 pitches.
On the other side of the delay, Patrick Murphy struggled with his command and issued three walks and a Gionti Turner RBI single to trim the Pensacola lead to 5-4. Vizcaíno worked a 1-2-3 eighth, but after Austin Vernon (W, 1-3) pitched a scoreless top of the ninth the Blue Wahoos reliever struggled with his command. Trying for his ninth save in nine tries, he issued three walks in the bottom of the ninth without retiring a batter before Vasquez chopped a walk-off single up the middle past a drawn-in infield.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Friday night. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Highway 168 Bridge Near Bratt Closed After Failed Inspection
July 4, 2024
A North Escambia bridge was abruptly closed Wednesday afternoon after it failed a state inspection.
The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch, about three-quarters of a mile east of Pine Barren Road near Bratt, is expected to be closed about 90 days for repairs, according to Escambia County officials.
The short wood bridge with a concrete deck was built in 1965.
When NorthEscambia.com photographed the bridge late Wednesday afternoon, it was obvious that at least one wooden support was extremely deteriorated and almost completely broken in two.
Highway 168 and the bridge have served as a vital link between Bratt and Century since the closure of an 81-year-old Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek in July 2023. It is currently estimated that the new Highway 4 bridge will reopen in late July. While not the “official” detour, many local residents have been using Highway 168 as a detour for Highway 4.
Now, Bratt Road Bratt to Byrneville is the detour for both Highway 4 and Highway 168. Drivers from Highway 168 will also use Pine Barren Road to the west and Raines Road to the east to reach Bratt Road.
Wednesday night, just hours after the Highway 168 bridge closed, a driver missed a sharp curve on the Bratt Road detour and plunged into a deep ravine.
Average daily traffic in 2021 was 550 vehicles per day on the Highway 168 bridge. However, traffic is likely significantly higher now the closure of the Highway 4 bridge for replacement.
NorthEscambia.com will follow the repair process and post future stories.
Pictured: The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch late Wednesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Where To Find Fireworks Shows On The Fourth (And The Fifth)
July 4, 2024
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area on July 4-5
Molino
Crossfaith Church in Molino will host third annual Fourth of July fireworks and celebration on Thursday, July 4. Events start at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dark. Parking is limited, so the public is advised to arrive early and bring a chair.
Jay Celebrations
Jay will begin their events will the 25th Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K race and One Mile Run at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Jay City Hall. Day of registration is $25. Call Matthew Dobson at (850) 2172693 for info. The annual Town of Jay fireworks show will begin about 9 p.m. at the center of the Bray-Hendricks Park property. The only parking on park property will be between the baseball field off Max Lane. A law chair or blanket is encouraged for attendees.
Pensacola Fireworks
The 2024 Pensacola’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront.
The show will feature a dazzling array of colors, expertly choreographed pyrotechnics, and special effects synchronized to music from CatCountry 98.7. Eventgoers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany the displays.
Pensacola residents and visitors are invited to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and radios to secure the best spots along Bayfront Parkway. The show can be viewed along Bayfront Parkway from the Veterans Memorial Park to Bartram Park. Boats are required to maintain a distance of at least 1,200 feet from the east side of the Pensacola port for safety purposes. Viewers are not permitted to bring their own fireworks, sparklers, or other pyrotechnics. Officials have also asked that viewers refrain from bringing their pets.
Symphony Sparks & Star Concert Pensacola
A free Symphony Sparks & Stars concert by the Pensacola Symphony will be held at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Local food trucks will be available at Veterans Memorial Park and Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sk.
Both firework shows will simulcast live on CatCountry 98.7. The 2024 July 4th Fireworks Show takes place sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
July 4th Riverfest Milton
The annual July 4th Riverfest will take place along the Milton Boardwalk. The annual Firecracker Bike Show will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. along South Willing Street, and the Freedom Car show will also be held along South Willing Street from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at dark.
Atmore
Wind Creek on Highway 21 in Atmore will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show – July 5
The annual Century-Flomaton July 4 Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5 at Showalter Park on Kelly Field Road. The event will include food trucks, a bounce house and more. Fireworks will begin at dark. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Driver On Bratt Bridge Detour Route Plunges 25 Feet Down Into Ravine
July 4, 2024
A driver who said she was taking a bridge detour route for the first time missed a curve and plunged about 25 feet down into a ravine Wednesday night in Bratt.
The adult female on her way to work told officials that she was taking the Highway 168 detour route along Bratt Road when she missed a 90-degree curve. Her vehicle left the roadway in a 90-degree curve in the 8600 block of Bratt Road. That is east of Vaughn Road at the Escambia River Electric Cooperative Bratt Substation.
The eastbound vehicle left the roadway, missed several large trees, and plunged into the deep ravine about 10:30 p.m. The woman was able to exit the vehicle on her own.
She refused medical transport by Escambia County EMS.
The woman told officials that she normally travels Highway 168 to work but took the detour on Bratt road for the first time Wednesday night after a Highway 168 bridge was closed Wednesday afternoon after a failed inspection.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Who Has The Best Local Fireworks Show? How Will Locals Spend The Fourth? Our Survey Says…
July 4, 2024
How will North Escambia residents celebrate the Fourth of July, and which town has the best local fireworks show?
NorthEscambia.com conducted a survey with four questions for the Fourth. We found the majority of respondents will enjoy family time and cookouts, while more are opting for fireworks at home with family or friends instead of public fireworks shows. And most won’t be going to the beach or traveling very far from home.
Celebration Plans
Family time (68%)
Cookout (47%)
Fireworks at home with family/friends (34%)
Public fireworks shows (31%)
Nothing special (21%)
Spending Amount
A majority, 48%, said they’ll be spending under $50 on their celebrations, while 23% said $50-$99 and 15% responded $100-$249. Only 14% plan to spend over $250.
How Far To Travel
Most, 69%, don’t plan on any extra travel, 24% will travel under 100 miles, and 4% will travel 100 to 499 miles. About 2% said they will travel over 500 miles during the holiday period.
Best Local Fireworks Show
Survey participants said the best local fireworks show is:
- Pensacola 45%
- Pensacola Beach 24%
- Jay 9%
- Atmore (Wind Creek) 15%
- Century/Flomaton 4%
- Milton 2%
(For a fireworks show schedule, click here.)
This was an informal, non-scientific survey with 13,131 respondents. Percentages in this story may not exactly total 100 due to rounding and exclusion of minor answers.
NorthEscambia.com photo.