Local Rotary Clubs Pack Meals For Manna To Fight Hunger
February 18, 2024
The Cantonment Rotary Club joined the Combined Rotary Of Pensacola (CROP) Clubs at Manna Food Pantries in the fight against hunger on Saturday. Rotarians Against Hunger is a project of the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola (CROP) that launched in 2012. The 12th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger service project created more than 20,000 meals that will be donated to Manna for distribution through Manna’s pantry and programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured: Rotarians Against Hunger, a project of the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, Saturday at Manna Food Pantries. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Respond To Electrical Burning Smell At Cantonment Waffle House
February 18, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a reported electrical burning smell at the Waffle House on Highway 29 in Cantonment Saturday morning.
Firefighters from the Cantonment and Ensley stations of ECFR arrived to find an electrical problem with a light ballast. There was no damage and no injuries reported. The restaurant returned to business as usual.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fall Short To Quad City On Military Apprecation Night
February 18, 2024
By Bill Vilona Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers produced another shooting gallery of chances Saturday but couldn’t hit the target enough to end frustration against the Quad Cities Storm.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Trailing 3-0 into the third period, despite a huge advantage in shots on goal, the Ice Flyers’ comeback fell short in a 3-2 loss, amid the latest massive crowd of 7,019 at the Pensacola Bay Center for Military Appreciation Night.
The Ice Flyers finished with a 43-19 dominating difference in shots but exited the ice without points.
This weekend series closes with a matinee at 4:05 p.m. against Quad City on Friends and Family Day.
The Storm (21-18, 42 points) is now 4-0 this season against the Ice Flyers (17-20, 2 OT losses, 36 points). Pensacola has slipped to just one point ahead of Evansville in seventh place in the Southern Professional Hockey League standings.
A portion of the crowd had exited after two periods with Quad City up 3-0. They missed a riveting ending.
The Ice Flyers produced goals 10 minutes apart in the final period to energize the crowd. They gained an extra attacker with 1:30 remaining when pulling goaltender Steven Mundinger, but Quad City held on.
The game recap:
FIRST PERIOD
Quad Cities took a 2-0 lead with its first three shots in game and led 3-0 at intermission.
Six minutes into the game, Quad City center Patriks Marcinkevics from Latvia got past an Ice Flyers defenseman deep in the zone and lifted a backhander past Mundinger in the top shelf of the net.
The Storm made it 2-0 only 11 seconds after killing off an Ice Flyers power player. Leif Mattson finished a 2-on-1 situation by flipping a shot into the upper corner with 9:42 remaining in the period.
The Storm then got their second power play opportunity late in the period and scored 11 seconds into man advantage. This time, Matt Ustaski scored his 23rd goal this season on a rebound shot with 3:19 left.
SECOND PERIOD
No scoring.
The Ice Flyers outshot Quad City 16-4 in this period but came up empty again. The most telling moment occurred with 3:38 left when Reggie Millette got his stick blade on a loose puck with nothing but open net. But as he let a backhand slider go, Quad City goaltender Kevin Resop threw out his leg and deflected the puck at the last second.
This play typified the Ice Flyers night of frustrations.
THIRD PERIOD
Fortunes changed for the Ice Flyers. Just not enough.
Mitch Atkins scored four minutes into the third period on an assist from Taylor Egan. That goal ended a 10-game, red-lamp drought for Atkins and brought the crowd into the game.
Egan then rifled home a power goal with 5:57 remaining with a laser shot from between the faceoff circles. From that point the Ice Flyers got some other changes, including a couple opportunities with Mundinger pulled for the extra attacker, but Quad City defense held up.
NOTABLES – The Ice Flyers wore attractive red-white-blue jerseys with stars with the Naval Air Station Pensacola logo on the front. These jerseys were auctioned after the game with proceeds benefiting Covenant Care. The jerseys were also sold at the arena merchandise stands.
About 20 minutes prior to the opening faceoff, the U.S. Marine Corps had an enlistment ceremony on the ice inside the blue line area. A group of enlisted service members carried out the ceremony with a red carpet across the ice.
Capt. Terrence Shashaty, Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola, was honored before the game with the ceremonial puck drop. Shashaty also got the crowd going at the second intermission by using the “Gatlin Gun” to send soft stress balls into the stands.
Also honored was game sponsor, Navy Federal Credit Union, with public relations executive Bill Pearson participating in a ceremonial puck drop.
The McGuire’s Irish Pipe Band entertained at the first intermission with a medley of official songs from the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
QUOTABLES – Ice Flyers Coach Gary Graham
“Again, we had plenty of chances to win that game. That is the good news. We don’t bear down on our scoring chances. The amount of chances we had around the goal mouth with pucks laying on the side, wide open (net), that we didn’t bury… we easily could have scored five or six goals (Saturday), very easily.
“But we did not capitalize and (Quad City) don’t need much. They have some really good shooters on that team and a lot of high-end skill. We did a good job most of the night containing, it, but you give them those chances and they make you pay. You are going to have to score goals against that team.
“Our team has been the same all year. We have to get our offense going early, because that is a momentum thing for us. We were down 3-0, but it easily could have been 3-3, so it’s frustrating.
“We went into this weekend wanting to win a playoff series, wanting to win two of three, so we have already been swept and now it’s just a pride thing. We have to go out (on Sunday) and get two points.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
NEXT FACEOFF
WHO: Quad City Storm vs. Ice Flyers.
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Cantonment Man Killed In Beverly Parkway Wreck
February 17, 2024
A Cantonment man was killed in a three vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on Beverly Parkway in Escambia County.
The collision involving three pickup trucks happened about 12:30 p.m. near the intersection with Pipeline Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 42- year old Cantonment man was driving a Nissan pickup east in the inside lane of Beverly Parkway when he crossed the center turn lane and traveled into the path of a Ford pickup driven by a 58-year old Cantonment man. The vehicles collided head-on. The Nissa pickup continued to cross the westbound lanes and collided with a Ram pickup driven by a 68-year old Milton man.
The 42-year old Cantonment man was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger, a 42-year old Cantonment woman, suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Ford pickup was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. His passenger was not injured.
The driver of the Ram pickup was also not injured.
The investigation is continuing; names have not been released.
Escambia County Completes Eleven Mile Creek Basin Stormwater Improvements
February 17, 2024
Escambia County recently completed stormwater improvements to the Eleven Mile Creek basin, including the addition of a stormwater pond at West Roberts Road to help reduce flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.
The approximately $4.26 million project was funded by RESTORE Direct Component Pot 1, and it is designed to reduce the frequency of flooding while protecting surrounding homes from flooding in a 100-year storm event.
“We are continually working to improve our stormwater infrastructure in District 5, and I’m excited to complete this project to help mitigate flooding in the West Roberts Road area of Eleven Mile Creek,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “I look forward to continuing to complete projects like this that directly benefit residents of District 5 and Escambia County.”
Accoridn to Escambia County, the West Roberts Road stormwater pond is one of 14 regional stormwater ponds planned for the Eleven Mile Creek basin that will provide flood attenuation, improve water quality, expand and/or improve adjoining floodplains and wetlands, and have a direct positive impact on Eleven Mile Creek and Perdido Bay.
The project included construction of a dry retention pond and 4,363 feet of stormwater conveyance, which will attenuate and treat approximately 90 acres. The design goes above and beyond state stormwater requirements, with a treatment volume of approximately 648,954 cubic feet – nearly four times the required volume of 164,635 cubic feet.
A section of West Roberts Road was also reconstructed and resurfaced through the project, in addition to the construction of stormwater drains along West Roberts Road near the stormwater pond.
Escambia Recognizes Firefighters For Recent Structure Fire Rescues
February 17, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue honored their firefighters for their work involving two residential structure fire rescues during a presentation on Friday.
During the presentation, ECFR Fire Chief Adam Harrison acknowledged the bravery and commitment of the ECFR firefighters who risked their lives to save the life of another. Chief Harrison, along with ECFR Battalion Chief Curt Isakson, discussed the roles Escambia County Emergency Communications and Escambia County EMS played in the rescues, including the clear information provided by emergency dispatchers and the smooth, seamless transition of patient care from the firefighters to the paramedics and EMTs.
“In a one-week period, our Fire and EMS personnel have responded to numerous emergencies, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief Harrison. “Their swift response and effective coordination have resulted in several remarkable civilian rescues, showcasing the true essence of heroism.”
Highway 95A Residential Structure Fire
ECFR units Cantonment, Ensley, Beulah, McDavid, Bellview, and other staff responded to a residential structure fire at the 2600 block of N. Highway 95A at 11:43 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Upon arrival, a single-story wood-framed structure was showing heavy fire conditions in the front of the home. During the size-up of the situation, firefighters were able to access the home in the rear. During the primary search of the burning structure, one person was discovered inside the home and was quickly removed.
“As we went in, we were doing a search and our firefighters reported to me that we had a victim,” said Lt. Jeff Rohrer. “At that point, I went on the radio and let our command know that we had a victim and that we were pulling the victim out of the Charlie side.”
Once the victim was brought out of the home, firefighters performed CPR until Escambia County EMS took over patient care. The victim was transported to an area hospital by LifeFlight crews. The fire was brought under by 12:05 a.m. and is being investigated by the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives.
Family tells NorthEscambia.com that the victim later passed away on February 2.
Deauville Way Residential Structure Fire
ECFR units Squad 3, Engine 17, Ladder 12, Engine 11, Engine 1, Battalion Chief 2, Battalion Chief 3 and Chief 2 responded to a residential structure fire at the 4500 block of Deauville Way on Monday, Feb. 5. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were visible from the single-story home. Bystanders confirmed to ECFR that one person was trapped inside the structure. Firefighters located the occupant within 90 seconds after entering the home and safely removed the victim from the home.
“As I made my way to the front door, I could hear the victim inside screaming for help,” said Lt. Charles McGuffey. “So I made a decision to go in and I was able to hear her and use the thermal imager to get to her. As I got to her, I realized she was conscious and I told her to put her arms around my neck and we’ll get you outside.”
Once the victim was out of the home, Escambia County EMS provided immediate medical care and transported them to an area hospital. ECFR conducted an investigation and determined the fire was accidental and electrical-in-nature. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the displaced occupants.
Escambia Westgate’s Very Special Mardi Gras Parade (With Photo Gallery)
February 17, 2024
A very special Mardi Gras parade was held Friday morning for the special needs students of Escambia Westgate School.
With plenty of beads, trinkets and smiles, the parade rolled through the school parking lot for students that might not otherwise be able to attend a regular Mardi Gras parade.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos courtesy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Arrests Escambia Man On 20 Child Porn Counts
February 17, 2024
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 26-year old Steven Thomas Twitty of Escambia County on 20 felony counts for possession of child sexual abuse material, and one felony count each for transmission of child sexual abuse material and possession of over 20 grams of marijuana.
The investigation began in November 2023 after FDLE agents identified an unknown internet user offering to share electronic files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Through the investigative and legal process, Twitty was linked to the file sharing.
Agents served a search warrant on Twitty’s home on February 15, and an onsite forensic analysis of his computer was conducted. Numerous file paths were located that had filenames indicative of child sexual abuse material. FDLE said Twitty admitted that he had possessed the child sexual abuse files that were shared online, which depicted some children as young as 5-years old. Agents also located more than 20 grams of marijuana in his bedroom during the search.
The investigation was conducted by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Squad.
Twitty was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond pending first appearance. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
Traffic Stop Leads To Woman’s Arrest With Trafficking Amounts Of Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine
February 17, 2024
An Escambia County woman is facing multiple drug charges after a traffic stop early Friday morning in Escambia County.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled 41-year old Cassy Callahan over on Pensacola Boulevard near Stumpfield Road. Callahan has an active arrest warrant for larceny and fraud.
During the arrest, deputies located cocaine in Callahan’s possession. Deputies searched the vehicle and located a trafficking amount of cocaine (69 grams), over 500 grams of fentanyl, trafficking amounts of methamphetamine (over 160 grams), marijuana, Xanax, and other drug paraphernalia, according to ECSO.
Callahan was charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The passenger, Whitney Bailey was arrested on an active warrant for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Photos courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Drop Weekend Opener To Quad Cities
February 17, 2024
By Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
Garrett Milan tied the Ice Flyers franchise goal-scoring record Friday, but he wished the feat came with better satisfaction.
Instead, the Quad City Storm broke open a tight game with four goals in the final period, skating off with a 6-3 win against the Ice Flyers. It was the first of three consecutive games between the teams this weekend at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Ice Flyers halved the lead to 2-1 in the final seconds of the second period and carried momentum into the intermission.
But that became short-lived.
Quad City scored just 36 seconds into the final period, got a pair more to pad a lead, then finished their scoring with empty net goal with 41 seconds remaining.
A crowd of 4,462 on Dino Race Night watched Milan get a historic goal with his one-time shot with 7:35 left in the game. It was his 85th goal for the Ice Flyers, matching the record set by former Ice Flyers great Adam Pawlick, who set the mark in three seasons (2013-2016).
The Storm (20-18, 40 points) began the weekend two points ahead of the Ice Flyers (17-19, 2 OT losses) for sixth place in the SPHL standings.
Ice Flyers goaltender Eric Dop made his first start at home after playing both games last week at Huntsville.
The game recap:
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers had a 12-5 edge in shots on goal, but Quad City scored the only goal of the period. It occurred with exactly 10 minutes left, just 11 seconds after the Storm killed off the Ice Flyers only power play chance.
The Storm caught the Ice Flyers in a 2-on-1 advantage at center ice and Quad City center, Leif Mattson, faked a pass and buried a wrist shot behind Dop in the top corner of the net.
Three minutes later, the Ice Flyers killed off a Quad City power play by limiting the Storm to one shot.
The best Ice Flyers scoring chance occurred when Garrett Milan was thwarted by Storm goaltender Brent Moran with 3:34 left. Then just 27 seconds later, Ivan Bondarenko and Malik Johnson had great chances in the crease area, but with Moran on the ice, a teammate got in the net to stop a loose puck.
SECOND PERIOD
After missing on a power-play chance in the final two minutes, the Ice Flyers broke through when Dale Deon scored on a rebound with just 28.8 seconds left. That goal halved the Storm lead and lifted up the crowd with the goal dance.
Reggie Millette created the opportunity with his wrist shot that forced a kick save by Moran and Deon was there to bang in the rebound while skating toward the crease. It was Deon’s second goal since joining the Ice Flyers last month, as part of an early January trade with the Peoria Rivermen.
Earlier in the period Millette was involved in a pair of scrums with Quad City players.
Quad City took a 2-0 lead less than four minutes into the period on a wrist shot by Logan Nelson between the faceoff circles. But that score could have been more if not for two big saves by the Ice Flyers’ Dop in this period that kept Pensacola within striking distance.
THIRD PERIOD
What a goal flurry ensured from the start of this period.
Nelson scored his second goal of the game for the Storm just 26 seconds into the period, after he rifled a screened shot past Dop.
It then became a 4-1 lead when Trevor Mount scored nine minutes later.
Milan’s goal was followed by the Storm’s Darren McCormick scoring two minutes later and that one became a back-breaker.
Millette scored the Ice Flyers third goal in unassisted fashion with 1:26 left in the game.
NOTABLES – There were three heats of the Dino costume races in the first intermission. That was followed by a consolation and championship race during the second intermission.
This was the Ice Flyers’ 19th home game. They will have seven home games left following the weekend series.
QUOTABLES:
Ice Flyers Coach Gary Graham: “I think the first two periods was a competitive game. We had a really good start to the game. We gave them (scoring) chances off the rush and that’s what happened. It’s a game of chances. Those first two goals, we didn’t give up much, but the chances we did give up, they capitalized on.
“I thought that goal we scored at the end of the second period was just what we needed at the right time. Unfortunately, we might of come out in the third period almost a little too high and they came out and were opportunistic again. They scored right away and you just could feel the air let out of our whole group. That was a tough goal. That goal summarized what happened in the third period. We just didn’t handle the moment well. The next 10 minutes we didn’t play good hockey at all.
Ice Flyers center/captain Garrett Milan: “Like I told the guys in the (locker) room… they congratulated me, it’s great, but honestly tying the record means nothing. I’ll trade that for wins right now. It’s all about wins right now.”
NEXT FACEOFF
WHO: Quad City Storm vs. Ice Flyers.
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
