2010 Census: Population Shift To Cantonment Area; Escambia Grows; Century, Pensacola Shrink
March 18, 2011
Escambia County’s population increased only slightly during the last ten years, but the county experienced a population shift into the area between Barrineau Park and 9 Mile roads, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Escambia County saw a very slight 1 percent increase during the decade as the population increased from 294,410 in 2000 to 297,619 in 2010.
The county is divided into four “Census County Division” areas. Population figures from those divisions showed a very definite growth trend in the “Cantonment CCD” — an area roughly bordered by Barrineau Park and Quintette roads to the north and 9 Mile Road to the south. The area showed a 15.8 percent population increase to 50,638 person.
The three other Census County Divisions all showed 1.4 to 3.0 percent population decreases (see maps below).
Century’s population decreased slightly, from 1,714 in 2000 to 1,698 in 2010. The City of Pensacola saw a more substantial population decrease — almost 8.5 percent — from 56,255 in 200o to 51,923 in 2010.
Neighboring Santa Rosa County grew from 117,743 to 151,372 during the decade,an increase of almost 29 percent. Santa Rosa was among the fastest growing counties in Florida. The Town of Jay’s population decreased, from 579 to 533.
Below: This graphic shows the 10-year population change in four Census County Divisions in Escambia County.
Tate High Student Passes Away
March 18, 2011
Grief counselors were on hand again Friday at Tate High School following the death of a student Thursday morning.
The Gabe Carter, 15, reportedly began experiencing a seizure in a classroom and collapsed. The freshman was transported from the school by LifeFlight to West Florida Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An announcement Thursday afternoon notified Tate students that their classmate had passed away, and counselors were made available.
Sexual Assault Victim Allowed To Return To School
March 18, 2011
The ninth grade victim of an alleged sexual assault at Tate High School is off suspension and will be allowed to return to class. But the 14-year old girl’s mother says she will be home-schooled and will not return to the public school system the remainder of the year.
Another ninth grader, 16-year old Raymond Teamer, is accused of forcing the girl to perform oral sex in a reading classroom on March 1. He is charged with felony sexual battery and indecent exposure. Teamer remains suspended from Tate and faces potential expulsion.
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan says the school waited too long — until March 4 — to report the incident. But school officials say that procedures were followed and the incident was reported March 2.
Photos: A Very Special Anniversary Dinner
March 18, 2011
Reita and Larry Irwin of Bratt were able to celebrate a very special anniversary, thanks to the staff at Century Care Center.
Reita and Larry are both residents at Century Care Center. As their 33rd anniversary approached, staff member Pat Sharp wanted to make sure the couple could have a special romantic evening together. She and the staff, along with volunteer Betty Jones, arranged for the couple to enjoy a steak dinner complete with roses and sparkling grape juice, in a “private” dining area.
Pictured top: Reita and Larry Irwin of Bratt enjoy a special 33rd anniversary dinner. Pictured below: Reita Irwin, Larry Irwin and Century Care Staff membe Pat Sharp with Reita Irwin. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ironic Photo: ‘Buckle Up Or Pay Up’
March 18, 2011
Just two days after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office began a two-week crackdown on seat belt use in Escambia County, our cameras happened upon the pictured traffic stop Thursday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The driver of this pickup was pulled over on Highway 97 after an Escambia County deputy observed him not wearing a seat belt. It’s worth noting the bumper sticker on the truck — “Buckle Up! Or Pay Up!”.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Arrested For Armed Robbery; Accomplice On The Run
March 18, 2011
An Escambia County man was arrested on armed robbery charges as deputies continue their search for his accomplice.
Steven Alexander Wilson, 18, of Pensacola was charged in the armed robbery of a Tom Thumb convenience store at 6930 Pine Forest Road.
At about 9:34 p.m. on March 4, Escambia County deputies responded to a reported robbery at the store. When deputies arrived they were told by the clerk that two people entered the store and demanded money from the register. The suspects were said to have been wearing all black and wearing masks. One of the suspects was armed with a knife.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s major crimes unit were able to identify the armed suspect as Wilson. They also identified his accomplice as 21-year-old Courtney Aviana Rogers of 6761 Community Drive in Pensacola. Investigators have obtained warrant for her arrest.
“These two are charged with robbery and public order crimes,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn. “The public order criminal charge is for wearing a mask while committing this crime.”
Investigators encourage anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of Rogers to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at 850-436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP.
Interactive Map: New 2010 Florida Census Numbers
March 18, 2011
The U.S. Census Bureau released 2010 population data for Florida on Thursday.
This interactive map show population change for any county in the state; simply move your mouse over the map. For more information about local population numbers, click here.
The U.S. Census Bureau released 2010 population data for Alabama Thursday.
Chiefs, Cougars Split Two
March 18, 2011
The Northview Chiefs and the Escambia Academy Cougars split two in Canoe Thursday.
The Cougars defeated the Chiefs in varsity action, 4-3. In junior varsity action, Northview beat Escambia Academy 8-2. Hunter Rigby hit a fence-hopping, almost a homer for a double for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs will be on the road Friday afternoon to face Freeport. The JV begins at 4:00, and the varsity is scheduled for 6:00. The Northview Chiefs and the Escambia Academy Cougars will face off again on March 28 in Bratt.
Carnival Continues In Flomaton
March 18, 2011
Looking for something fun to do? A Spring Carnival in Flomaton has been held over through Saturday night.
The Spring Carnival includes rides, games and food for all ages. The carnival is located at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31 in Flomaton. Gates will open at1 p.m. Saturday. Arm bands are available, or pay as you ride.
The Carnival is sponsored by the Tri-City Rotary Club and the Flomaton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Tri-City Rotary Club serves the Century, Flomaton and Jay areas.
One Airlifted After Barth Lane Stabbing; Victim Won’t Cooperate With Deputies
March 17, 2011
One person was reportedly stabbed multiple times in the Barth community near Molino Thursday night, but authorities said no one would cooperate in their investigation.
A 29-year old male was transported to a Pensacola hospital by LifeFlight after the incident about 8:25 p.m. on Barth Lane, off Barth Road east of Highway 29. He was reportedly stabbed in the abdominal area.
The stabbing is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but deputies said Friday morning that there was no cooperation at the scene Thursday night.
“There was an altercation in the street between the two subjects, but neither the victim nor the suspect would cooperate with the officer last night,” said Melissa Rawson, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: A male was reported to be stabbed multiple times at this house on Barth Lane near Molino Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.






