FHP Says Driver Pulled From Stop Sign Causing Highway 29, Highway 196 Crash
June 24, 2024
Multiple people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Molino.
A pickup truck attempting to cross Highway 29 and SUV collided at Highway 29 and Highway 196 about 2:35 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a pickup driven by a 52-year-old Cantonment man stopped at the stop sign westbound on Highway 196 before pulling directly into the path of a SUV driven by a 67-year-old Illinois man that was southbound on Highway 29. Both vehicles came to a final rest on the southwest corner of Highway 29 and Highway 196.
Both drivers and two passengers in the SUV, ages 66 and 38 and both from Illinois, were transported by Escambia County EMS to area hospitals. None of the injuries were considered life threatening.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
My Life Depends On It: Retired Sheriff’s Deputy Needs Kidney Donor To Save His Life
June 24, 2024
Rudy Brown always knew he wanted to help people, and he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. And now he is humbly asking for help.
The retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy is pleading for a kidney — and there’s even a way for someone that isn’t a match to save his life.
Rudy joined the ECSO in December 1989 and spent 24 years on patrol in Escambia County. He retired due to his medical condition in 2013 and underwent a liver transplant in 2018.
“I pretty much bled out two times on the table,” he said. “It nearly killed me.”
The required anti-rejection medications caused his kidneys to fail just over year later. He’s in final stages of kidney failure and has been on the transplant list since October 2020, but so far, his number has not come up as he stays on dialysis.
A donor is the only option to keep him alive.
Rudy is hoping and praying for a kidney donation to save him. He is blood type 0, and anyone with the blood type can take a quick blood test locally to determine if they are a match.
A directed donation is when the donor names a specific person who will receive the kidney. It is the most common type of living donation. Directed donations are often between blood relatives, like parents, siblings, or children. They can also happen between people with close personal relationships, such as a spouse, friend, or coworker.
A non-directed donation is when a person donates anonymously to someone in need. They usually do not have any kind of relationship with the person who gets their donated kidney. It’s called a “good Samaritan” donation.
If someone turns out not to be a good match, another option is a “paired exchange.” A paired exchange involves two pairs of living donors and their recipients. The two recipients “swap” donors so that each receives a kidney from the other person’s donor.
“They can donate a kidney in my name, and it would me to the top of the list for a compatible donation,” he said. “They get to save two lives — the person that received their kidney and mind because I would receive one that works for me.”
Rudy is on the donor list through the Tampa General Hospital program, one of the top two programs in the nation. Call (813) 844-7137 or (800) 505-7769 and ask for the kidney donation program.
The entire process is at no cost to the donor or potential donor…it’s covered by Rudy’s insurance.
“I really, really need someone to help me. My life depends on it,” Rudy said.
Lawsuit Filed Over Escambia County Supervisor Of Elections Candidate Disqualification
June 24, 2024
Vowing “that this is not over”, attorney Bruce Childers has filed a lawsuit against Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender.
Last Thursday, the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office disqualified GOP candidate Bruce Childers, who was running for Supervisor of Elections, according to a statement from that office.
“Mr. Bruce Childers did not qualify as a candidate for the position of supervisor of elections.,” a statement from the Supervisor of Elections Office aid. “Mr. Childers’ full and public financial disclosure was not provided by close of qualifying, and Florida Statute §99.061(7)(a), requires a candidate qualifying for Constitutional office to provide a copy of the full and public financial disclosure Form 6 by the close of qualifying. The requirement is pursuant to the Florida Constitution and Florida’s election and ethics laws.”
“On Thursday, June 20, I received an email from the qualifying officer, not even from Robert Bender himself, that I was disqualified because I “failed to provide a copy of the full and complete financial disclosure Form 6,’” Childers wrote.in a social media post.
He has now filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency declaration from a judge to put him back on the ballot as a qualified candidate for supervisor of elections.
Childers said he wasn’t notified until Thursday that he was disqualified because he “failed to provide a copy of the full and complete financial disclosure form 6″.
Childers said he never received a call about any issues, which is something he claims should have been done, according to the Florida statute that states a qualifying officer shall make every reasonable effort to notify the candidate of missing or incomplete items.
“For those who know the history between Robert Bender and my wife over his 58% pension, you have probably read between the lines. I will leave it at that,” he said in his post.
Childer’s is the husband of Escambia County Comptroller and Clerk of the Court Pam Childers. After she filed suit, a judge ruled that a local retirement plan used by three Escambia County commissioners, including Bender, was unlawful.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino 9U Wins Escambia Annual All-Star Tournament Championship
June 24, 2024
The Molino 9U All-star team won the championship in the Escambia County Parks and Recreation 3rd Annual All-Star Tournament held at the NEP Bark.
The undefeated Molino 9U team defeated NEP Gold for the title.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
International Paper Donates More Than 500 Feminine Care Kits To The Community
June 24, 2024
Employee volunteers at International Paper Pensacola recently assembled more than 500 feminine care kits to help end “period poverty”.
This is the third year International Paper has packed feminine hygiene kits for the community. The kits include feminine products and a personalized note in a discrete bag. The kits were distributed to the Health and Hope Clinic, Pace Center for Girls, United Way of West Florida, and Ascension Sacred Heart Women’s Care Center.
“Our recent volunteer event, International Paper team members assembling care packages is just one way we’re contributing to this vital cause,” said Maggie VanHusan, International Paper financial analyst. “It’s a privilege to collaborate with local nonprofits and provide assistance to those in need.”
Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health supplies and education. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame, according to organizers.
International Paper’s fluff pulp goes into more than 100 billion menstrual care pads each year. The event is part of International Paper’s commitment to addressing a critical need in the communities where IP employees live and work by mobilizing people, products, and resources.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: This Week’s List Of Construction Slow Down Spots
June 24, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle is closed at the bridge over Eight Mile Creek through mid-2025 as crews replace the Eight Mile Creek bridge. Signage is in place to direct drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews place barrier wall and perform utility work:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange Sunday, June 23 through Thursday, June 27 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Lane closure on North Palafox Street between Hope Drive and the bridge over I-10, beginning Tuesday, June 25 at 8 a.m. and lasting approximately six hours. In this configuration, north and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers to direct drivers safely through the work zone
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform paving operations, barrier wall installation and bridge demolition activities:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Inside lane closures and minor traffic shifts on Nine Mile Road between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, June 23 through Thursday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through June as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- State Road (S.R.) 297 (Pine Forest Road) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near Bush Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, June 26 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for manhole repairs.
- S.R. 291 (North Davis Street) Routine Maintenance from East Jordan Street to East Lee Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent northbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs.
- S.R. 291 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) Routine Maintenance from East Jordan Street to East Lee Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs.
- West Cervantes Street Routine Maintenance at North Baylen Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Monday, June 24 through Sunday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole repairs.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Florida Georgia and Alabama Railroad Overpass – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of U.S. 90 Sunday, June 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28 as crews perform shoulder grading and sodding operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, June 23, through Friday, June 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
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- Beginning the week of June 23, motorists traveling westbound along U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa County will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Ramblewood Drive to west of Bayshore Road as lanes will be shifted north to allow the contractor to perform roadway widening operations in the median.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures west of S.R. 87 Monday, June 24 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 281 – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of the east Santa Rosa County line Wednesday, June 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Florida Georgia and Alabama Railroad – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of S.R. 87 Thursday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Marquis Bayou – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of C.R. 191 Friday, June 28 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Florida Gas Prices Rise Average Of 15 Cents Over Last Week
June 24, 2024
Florida gas prices have rebounded after sinking to multi-month lows. The Pensacola area’s lowest price Sunday night was $2.88
The state average rose 15 cents last week, then declined two pennies over the weekend.
Sunday’s state average was $3.35 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than a week ago. The price hike ended a 26-day streak of declines, which delivered a 33 cent discount. The state average eventually fell to $3.23 per gallon on Tuesday – which was the lowest daily average price since mid-February.
The average cost per gallon in Escambia County was $3.11 on Sunday. In Pensacola, the low price Sunday night was $2.88 at stations on Pensacola Boulevard, East Nine Mile Road and Airport Boulevard. In North Escambia, a low of $2.88 ws available at one Highway 29 station in Cantonment
“Oil and gasoline futures prices rose the past two consecutive weeks, which raised the cost of producing gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Futures prices reportedly increased on data that fuel demand is outpacing fuel inventories. Price fluctuations like this is very common during the summer travel season.”
The U.S. price for crude was back above $80 per barrel, after trading in the mid to low 70s during the past few weeks. Friday’s closing price of $80.73 per barrel is 7% more expensive than two weeks ago.
NorthEscambai.com photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Drop Series Finale To Chattanooga As Montgomery Clinches Division
June 24, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Sometime in the top of the sixth inning Sunday, it became official from afar that the Montgomery Biscuits had clinched the Southern League’s first half South Division crown.
Coincidentally, the Blue Wahoos had their game lead evaporate and never reclaimed as the Chattanooga Lookouts took a 6-4 win in the series finale that left a quiet mood among a crowd of 4,488 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Pensacola’s bid for a third straight First Half divisional win in the league, and accompanying playoff qualifying spot, came up 1.5 games behind Montgomery in the standings as the season now resets for the second half.
But the week still ended full of impact.
The Blue Wahoos twice wore jerseys this week, including Sunday, to honor the Pensacola Seagulls and their impact during a segregated era. Sunday’s game was part of Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” to recognize the number Jackie Robinson wore during his Minor League career before breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947.
The Blue Wahoos’ (38-30) second-place finish came with a seventh winning record in the past eight half-seasons with three different affiliations.
And this year’s edition stayed in contention until the Biscuits scored an eighth-inning run and held off the Birmingham Barons 5-4 in their final first half game.
Sunday started just fine for the Blue Wahoos.
They took a 4-0 lead after two innings. Three of the first four batters in the first inning reached base. Zach Zubia hit a two-run double and Nathan Martorella followed with a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.
Cody Morissette blasted a solo homer in the second inning on a ball that traveled 455 feet and hit the top of a table umbrella on the Coors Light Cold Zone in right field.
Paul Mcintosh led off the third inning with a double, but was stranded. It became one of the Blue Wahoos’ last scoring opportunities.
The Lookouts (20-49), the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate, who struggled to finish with the worst record in all minor league levels, concluded their final first half with a series split in Pensacola.
They got a two-run homer from Ivan Johnson off Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez in the third inning, then a solo blast from No. 9 hitter Jose Torres in the fifth inning.
In the eventful sixth, the Lookouts loaded the bases, got an RBI groundout by Torres, then a two-run double by Johnson off reliever Dale Stanavich that became the game-winner.
Two Chattanooga relievers to shut out the Blue Wahoos in the final four innings.
The Blue Wahoos will now take Monday off, recharge, then begin the second half of the schedule on Tuesday in Biloxi against the Biloxi Shuckers.
WHAT’s NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (June 30).
WHERE: Keesler Federal Park, Biloxi, Miss.
Local Hams Take To The Airwaves For Amateur Radio Field Day, Practicing Emergency Communications
June 23, 2024
Local ham radio operators at two locations in Escambia County took part in the 2024 American Radio Relay League Field Day this weekend.
ARRL Field Day was an opportunity for about 40,000 amateur radio enthusiasts throughout the U.S. and Canada to set up temporary communications stations and make contact with like-minded people. Licensed radio operators, often called “hams,” spent the weekend practicing community outreach, emergency preparedness and technical skills.
The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association operated continuously from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday at Ashton Brosnaham Park off East 10 Mile Road.
Amateur radio operator Gene Bannon, call sign KB4HAH, said amateur radio operators were the only ones communication for 36 hours after Hurricane Ivan. He said sheriff’s deputies could not talk to each other and the fire departments couldn’t talk to each other.
He added that amateurs were the communications source for the first 36 hours before the arrival of satellite trucks and other equipment arrived.
Bannon said that’s the reason amateur radio exists.
For a photo gallery from both field day sites, click here.
Club members set up their amateur radio equipment — ranging from old 1980s radios to modern digital gear and satellite communications. With a generator and portable antennas, including a wire antenna spanning half a soccer field, they were soon communicating with ham operators across the United States and Canada.
The goal was to reach other ham operators in as many Canadian provinces and U.S. states as possible, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Southern Amateur Radio Union (SARU) participated from Travis Nelson Park on West Highway 4 in Bratt, near Northview High School. Club members from both Escambia counties (Alabama and Florida) participated from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday. Operators would carefully tune radios, repeat their call sign and see who would answer from where.
The amateur radio operators have their own equipment inside the Escambia County Operations Center, ready to provide needed communications during local emergencies. That room was named for Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, a ham operator that passed away in May 2021.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
There’s No Lt. James Perry: Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Phone Scam
June 23, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is warning of an ongoing phone scam.
ECSO said they have been notified that several citizens are receiving phone calls from someone who is identifying themselves as “Lt. James Perry of the ECSO Civil Division”. They are asking citizens to call or report to the Sheriff’s Office.
ECOS said there is no ““Lt. James Perry” employed at the Sheriff’s Office and the call is a scam.