Cantonment Rotary Recognized North Escambia Teachers Of The Year
May 12, 2024
The Rotary Club of Cantonment recently recognized teacher of the year from 12 schools located North of Nine Mile Road.
Rotarian Jim Prim worked with District 5 School Board Member Bill Slayton to organize the program.
The following teachers were recognized:
- Mary Lewis, Jim Allen Elementary
- Genia Bashore, Bratt Elementary
- Jennifer Smith, Kingsfield Elementary,
- Rionna Wages, Lipscomb Elementary
- Candace Blackburn, Molino Park Elementary
- Rosanna Newman, Westgate School
- Cassi McGee, Pine Meadow Elementary (also ECSD teacher of the year)
- Lisa Thomas, McArthur Elementary
- Glenda Bell, Ernest Ward Middle
- Angela Rose, Ransom Middle
- Megan Carroll, Northview High School
- Cristy Mills, Tate High School
Superintendent Keith Leonard was also in attendance. This is an annual event sponsored by Cantonment Rotary.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Littering And Red Snapper
May 12, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Cushing and Waters conducted a fisheries inspection on a vessel in Bayou Chico that was returning from a fishing trip. Officer Waters discovered one red snapper in the cooler. The owner of the vessel stated he didn’t know how it got in there. He was issued a citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Land and Mullins received information about a litter complaint in Yellow River Wildlife Management Area. A large television and multiple contractor bags of discarded painting supplies had been illegally dumped in the area. The officers identified potential subjects and interviewed them and they admitted to dumping items in the area. Each subject was issued a notice to appear. The subjects returned to the dump site to clean up the area and dispose of the items properly.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
May 12, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16 as crews place barrier wall.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform median work and barrier wall installation:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Outside lane closures on Nine Mile Road near Exit 5, Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until early 2025.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until mid-2024.
- 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 the spring 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.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform construction activities:
- Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway, Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Traffic flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- The right turn lane on Scenic Highway at the Olive Road intersection will be closed Friday, May 10 through Thursday, May 16 for guardrail replacement. Drivers will use the through travel lane to turn right onto Olive Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Westbound over Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge, Sunday, May 12 to Thursday, May 16, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities and paving operations. Drivers are reminded the I-10 westbound travel lanes are currently shifted slightly toward the inside of the roadway. The shift is expected to remain in place through May.
- 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, May 13 through Friday, May 17 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- 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, May 12, through Friday, May 17, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations West of Moll Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 13 through Thursday, May 16 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. for turn lane operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Jay Royals Win 1A District Crown
May 12, 2024
The Jay Royals claimed the regional baseball championship Saturday with a 3-1 defeat of Paxton.
No. Jay will face No. 2 Lafayette in the state semi final on March 15 in Fort Myers.
McIntosh Blast Lifts Blue Wahoos To Series Win Against Barons
May 12, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
This first six weeks of the season have not gone the way Paul McIntosh desired.
With his family in town Saturday, one sweet swing helped brighten the vibe.
McIntosh perfectly timed a 3-2 pitch in the sixth inning and launched a three-run homer that proved decisive in the Blue Wahoos’ 3-1 victory against the Birmingham Barons, thus clinching the series and delighting a sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was the Blue Wahoos’ (19-13) fourth win in five games against Birmingham (20-11), which has nine of the Chicago White Sox top 30 prospects on the roster and entered the week with a runaway lead for best record in the Southern League.
The latest win occurred during another stupendous Saturday at the ballpark.
This one included a postcard sunset, another sellout crowd, a pregame honor for Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel, a mid-game “Home Run For Life” to honor a recovering two-time stroke survivor, post-game fireworks provided by Bodacious Shops and Café, and a ballpark sleepover of local youth members of Scouting America.
It was quite the night, of course.
McIntosh joined with Blue Wahoos pitcher M.D. Johnson, who earned his first mound victory with another strong start, to win the night for Pensacola.
Johnson produced his best outing, which followed his previous best last week. He worked six innings, allowing just three hits and one run with no walks and six strikeouts.
When Johnson struck out Birmingham’s Edgar Quero, the No. 5-rated prospect for the White Sox, to end the sixth, he pumped his fist, pounded his glove and walked into congratulatory teammates in the dugout. One night earlier, Johnson was engaging fans by passing out team posters on Giveaway Friday.
His show of emotion Saturday led into the eventful bottom half of the sixth.
Left fielder Nathan Martorella continued his impact since joining the Blue Wahoos this week by leading off with a single. Joe Mack followed with a walk.
With one out, McIntosh battled into a 3-2 count against Barons reliever Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa, who was just added Saturday to the Barons’ roster following a trade with the Texas Rangers.
The next pitch was a hanging slider. McIntosh barreled the pitch into a towering blast that cleared the leap of left fielder Wilfred Veras and became a game-changing 3-run shot.
“I actually did see him (Hoopii-Tuionetoa) before… in the Arizona Fall League (in October), so there was some sort of familiarity there,” McIntosh said. “I just tried to put together my best swing with a couple guys on.”
It was McIntosh’s first homer of the season and he entered that at-bat with just one hit in 13 prior at bats. His batting average had dipped under .200.
But that swing was the boost the Blue Wahoos needed. From there, this team’s excellent bullpen took over. Angel Macuare (2 innings) and closer Austin Roberts threw up zeroes to seal the game. They allowed just two hits with four strikeouts.
Roberts ended the game by striking out Tim Elko on a 96-mph fast ball that froze him.
The series will conclude on Sunday with Barons starter Drew Thorpe (5-1, 1.01 ERA) against the Blue Wahoos’ Paul Campbell (3-1, 1.88) in a weeklong matchup that has showcased both teams’ deep pitching strengths.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Escambia Man Gets 20 Years For Attempted Murder At Convenience Store
May 12, 2024
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a gas station shooting that stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend.
Shannon Lee Wheat, 23 was convicted of attempted second degree murder with a firearm and shooting into a building.
An August 30, 2022, Whet opened fire and discharged approximately nine rounds into a crowded convenience store on Mobile Highway in broad daylight.
The intended victim, Anthony Westery, was struck three times, and another customer shot. Other rounds were fired through the storefront window, into the door frame, and into the ceiling of the store. The
entire incident was captured on surveillance video recorded by the convenience store.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered the Wheat opened fire and shot at the victim over an argument about Westery parking in front of a gas pump. The argument was started by the defendant’s girlfriend when she thought Westery was going to hit her car while parking his car. The surveillance video showed clearly that the victim did not come close to hitting the girlfriend’s car, and Westery was walking away from the argument and into the store when Wheat opened fire.
Amazing Rare Sight: Northern Lights Over North Escambia Area
May 11, 2024
North Escambia area residents were treated to a rare sight Friday night. The Aurora Borealis! was visible in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties all the way to the coast.
The experience, commonly called the northern lights, was caused by an extreme solar storm.
With more opportunities to spot the show into the weekend, the best way to view the Aurora Borealis is a rural location away from city lights. Because of the sensitivity to light, phone cameras have also been proven to spot the colors better than the naked eye–just set your camera for a long night mode photo.
Photos were contributed by numerous NorthEscambia.com readers, including Chandra Rigby, Brett Sawyer, Mindy Smallwood, Terry Maden, Naomi Simpkins, Judy Gafford Fehl, Kayla Anne Avirett, Alton Wilson, Kelly Booker Bell, Autumn Walters, Angela Shiver, Courtney Rabun, Angela Wilson, Natalie Doggette, Missy Woodham, Angela Wilson, Amanda Gibbs, Stacey Cain, Kim Carroll, Mindy Smallwood, Rachel Carrow, Heather Boutwell, Wendy Moye, Melinda Kriss, Andrea West, Taylor Meacham, Jennifer Cole, Rebecca Mears, Lori Wallace, Britt Gilbert, Mandi Watcher, Amanda Burdette, Summer Payne, Matthew Kennell, Robyn Borelli, and Kristi Price.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes At West Kingsfield Road Bridge
May 11, 2024
A driver crashed at the West Kingsfield Road bridge over Eleven Mile Creek Friday afternoon.
The vehicle came to rest deep in a wooded area, and the adult driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional information.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Did Your Power Go Out? Let’s Talk About Your Fridge And Food Safety
May 11, 2024
Many North Escambia area residents lost power for many hours Friday, some now for more than 24 hours, as the result of early morning storms.
And that brings food safety to mind.
The bottom line? When in doubt, throw it out.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension Service says the clock starts ticking when the power goes out.
According to UF/IFAS:
Once the inside of your fridge goes above 40 degrees, the “danger zone,” you typically you have about four hours before food starts to spoil. Freezers take longer to reach the “danger zone”. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for 4 hours. A full freezer that is unopened will keep food frozen for 48 hours, about 24 hours for a freezer that is half full.
Perishable foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40° F for over 2 hours should be thrown out. Never taste food to determine its safety. If unsure of the length of time that your perishable food has been exposed to temperatures above 40° F use a food thermometer. If the internal temperature reads 40° F or above, discard the food item.
If the temperature of the refrigerator rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, you will need to discard the perishable foods listed below:
- meat, poultry, seafood
- cold cuts, hot dogs
- casseroles
- custards, pudding
- cream, sour cream
- soft cheeses, shredded cheeses, low-fat cheeses
- yogurt, milk
- eggs
- creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce
- cookie dough, refrigerator biscuits or rolls
- cooked pasta, rice, pasta salads
- pizza
- cut fresh fruits
- greens, cooked vegetables, opened vegetable juice
- baked or mashed potatoes, potato salad
Any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture also should be discarded. Never taste foods to determine their safety!
Foods that are safe, even if held at 40°F (4°C) or above for more than two hours, are:
- hard and processed cheeses that are properly wrapped
- grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses
- margarine that is properly wrapped
- canned or uncut fresh fruit and fruit juices (but discard if they look, feel, smell, or taste unusual)
- fresh vegetables, canned vegetables
- herbs, spices
- breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, bagels, pancakes, waffles
- peanut butter, jelly, relish, mustard, ketchup, olives
- taco, barbecue, and soy sauces
Opened jars of mayonnaise, tartar sauce, or horseradish (unless held at 50°F for more than eight hours)–then throw them away
Frozen foods that have partially or completely thawed can be refrozen if they contain ice crystals. If they have completely thawed but are still at a temperature of 40°F or below, they also can be refrozen. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Although partial thawing and refreezing of these foods will be safe, the quality of some foods, especially vegetables and fruits, may be reduced. Hard cheeses, breads, and fruits and vegetables and their juices–if they look and smell normal–can be refrozen even if they have been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
One way to ensure the safety of thawed meat products that have been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or less is to cook them immediately. Either serve the food immediately or refreeze the cooked item. Be sure to cook to the proper temperatures, checking internal temperatures with a thermometer. Refrigerate and use within two days or freeze the leftovers immediately.
New City Of Pensacola Parking Rates In Effect
May 11, 2024
The City of Pensacola has doubled parking rates.
The rate has increased from 50 cents an hour to $1 an hour.
City parking remains free on Sundays — excluding boat ramps
“The number one biggest concern from the 2023 Parking Survey was the limited amount of available parking spaces during weekend nights,” Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “Well, this is also the time when city parking is free. With the increase of visitors and traffic to our downtown, plus the fact that rates haven’t been raised in almost 20 years, it’s time to balance supply and demand.”
City parking remains free on Sundays — excluding boat ramps.
For more information on City of Pensacola parking, click here.