Update: Teen Arrested For Fatal Cottage Hill Shooting Of 16-Year-Old
April 15, 2024
Monday afternoon, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 19-year-old wanted in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old late Friday night in Cottage Hill
The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road about.
Deputies arrived to find a 16-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene.
“The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, Ethan O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting the 16-year-old. O’Brien fled the scene before deputies arrived,” The ECSO said Saturday morning.
O’Brien, age 19 of Cantonment, will be charged with manslaughter through negligence.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene still surrounded the home Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Arrested On Cocaine, Fentanyl Charges After Traffic Stop
April 15, 2024
A traffic stop led to the arrest of a Cantonment man on felony cocaine and fentanyl charges.
Kevin Jacob Moore, 35, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (fentanyl), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office stopped a Nissan Altima for a seatbelt violation at I-10 and Pensacola Boulevard.
Moore was one of three passengers in the vehicle. He was sitting on a plastic container that contained a white substance that field tested positive for cocaine, a smoking glass pipe, and a plastic straw, according to an arrest report. A metal smoking pipe was located next to the plastic container.
He told deputies that the substance was fake fentanyl that does not have the same effect as the real drug, but he was unaware of what it was called, the report continues. Deputies said he claimed ownership of the metal smoking pipe, but not the glass pipe.
The driver of the vehicle was issued citations for driving while a valid driver’s license and a seatbelt violation.
Century Correctional Officer Recognized For Stopping Contraband Exchange
April 15, 2024
The Florida Department of Corrections recently recognized a corrections officer at the Century Correctional Institution.
According to FDC:
“During her duty in the visitation area, Officer Norman prevented contraband exchange at Century CI. She noticed a visitor behaving suspiciously and subsequently arrested them on cocaine trafficking, contraband introduction, and resisting officer charges. This incident exemplifies Officer Norman’s diligent efforts in upholding Florida’s public safety mission.”
Graphic/FDC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Police Warn Of Door To Door Satellite Equipment Scam
April 15, 2024
Police have issued a warning about a possible door to door scam in the area.
The Atmore Police Department said they have received reports of individuals going from home-to-home claiming to be representatives of satellite companies and requesting to enter residences to inspect satellite equipment.
“This is a play to case your house,” Atmore PD said, warning not to let them inside.
NorthEscambia.com has received similar reports from readers in the Walnut Hill, Dogwood Park, McDavid, Enon and Molino areas. Residents have reported one of the individuals as driving a grey or silver four-door car, possibly a 2022 Nissan Sentra.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
April 15, 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 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) - Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on I-10 near Exit 10 beginning Friday, April 12 as crews perform clearing and grubbing work. In addition, the speed limit on I-10 has been reduced to 50 mph and will remain lowered through 2030.
- I-10 at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform construction activities:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alternating lane closures on Nine Mile Road, Thursday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until spring 2025.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until summer 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 fall 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. Signs are 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 may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform earthwork, signalization, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound outside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound outside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 17. The I-10 westbound inside lane will remain open. Additionally, 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 Wednesday, April 17 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- 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, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 15 through Thursday, April 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Century 10U Lady Legends Win Mid-Season Tourney; 12U Takes Second
April 15, 2024
The Century 10U Lady Legends went 5-1 and won the GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament championship in Pace.
The team lost their first 10U “A” bracket game Thursday night before a five-game winning streak, including topping Molino Dirt Road Divas twice for the title.
The Century 12U Lady Legends took second in the tournament as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Pictured top: Century 10U Lady Legends. Pictured below: Century 12U Lady Legends Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos End Montgomery Road Trip With Victory, Snap Losing Streak
April 15, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their six-game series versus the Montgomery Biscuits with a 4-2 win on Sunday.
After failing to score in its Saturday doubleheader, Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning on Sunday. After a double from right fielder Diego Infante and a single from first baseman Zach Zubia, shortstop Jonathan Guzmán belted a three-run home run to give the Wahoos a 3-0 lead against Montgomery starter Ben Peoples (L, 1-1).
The Wahoos ultimately held the lead the rest of the game thanks to strong pitching from starter Paul Campbell (W, 2-0) – who pitched 5.0 innings of one-run ball – and bullpen work from Chandler Jozwiak, Matt Pushard, and Austin Roberts (S, 2). The Biscuits collected eight hits in the game but stranded 13 runners on base in the contest. Pensacola third baseman Sean Roby’s solo home run in the top of the ninth inning gave Pensacola a 4-1 lead before the Wahoos eventually held on to close out the game.
Lane Closures As $6.2 Million Highway 29 Resurfacing Underway North Of Highway 97
April 14, 2024
Work is continuing a $6.2 million Florida Department of Transportation Project to resurface Highway 29 from Highway 97 to north of Champion Drive.
Lane closures are underway for paving operations. FDOT said lane closures are prohibited from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. and from 1 – 3:00 p.m. on school days.
Improvements in the project include the milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, auxiliary lane and shoulder widening, signalization, and signing and pavement marking improvements.
According to FDOT, the 4.58 mile project is set to be completed in the Fall of 2024, weather permitting.
Thursday night, one person was killed and another critically injured in a crash involving a motorcycle during lane closures in the construction zone on Highway 29 near the Highway 97 intersection. The Florida Highway Patrol said the pick-up truck rear-ended the motorcycle. Troopers did not directly attribute the cause of the crash to the construction zone.
Pictured: Lane closures and work to resurface Highway 29 north of Highway 97 as seen Thursday afternoon, April 10. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Military Dad Surprises Kids, His Sister After Long Deployment
April 14, 2024
The Dove family received a really sweet surprise last week in Flomaton as a military dad returned from his deployments.
Flomaton High School graduate Tyler Dove is a father of four that has been stationed in Hawaii for quite some time.
Friday, he came home and visited Flomaton Elementary School, surprising his daughters McKinley and Paislee, and his sister Shelbi Hines, who is a Flomaton Elementary teacher.
And as if that’s not sweet enough of a story, it gets better with a birthday surprise. Friday was his young sister Raegan’s sweet 16.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Holds Lineman Camp For Local Students (With Gallery)
April 14, 2024
Fifteen students from area schools recently embarked on an electrifying journey at the first-ever Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman’s Camp.
Hosted by EREC, the camp not only equipped participants with essential skills in pole climbing and line repair but also delved into the intricacies of underground lines, bucket truck operations, right of way importance, and transformer functionality.
Under the guidance of experienced professionals, these budding linemen immersed themselves in hands-on activities, gaining practical knowledge that could potentially shape their future careers in the electrical industry. From mastering the art of ascending a pole to understanding the critical role of transformers in power distribution, each session was designed to empower the next generation of utility workers.
Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC, emphasized the importance of camaraderie and safety within the industry, echoing the sentiment of a tight-knit family at EREC. “We are family here at EREC, and if there is any takeaway from this camp, it is to be safe at all times and take care of your brothers,” remarked Campbell.
Beyond technical skills, the camp fostered a sense of community and responsibility among the participants. Through teamwork and collaboration, students not only tackled challenging tasks but also forged bonds that transcended the boundaries of the camp.
With their newfound skills and the spirit of camaraderie instilled by EREC, these students are poised to become the linemen of tomorrow, ensuring that communities remain powered and connected for generations to come, EREC said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
