Legendary Tate Football Coach Carl Madison Passes Away
March 4, 2024
Legandary high school football Coach Carl Madison passed away Sunday night following a long illness.
“His legacy lives on the players. He not only coached but was a father figure to many,” the Tate Quarterback Club said. ” You weren’t just a player…you were a son. He pushed you to be a better man than a better player. Please pray for his entire family. May God bring them peace and comfort.”
Arrangements have not yet been announced.
In October 2022, the football field at Tate High School was dedicated in honor of high school sports legend Carl Madison.
The field inside Pete Gindl Stadium is “Carl Madison Field” in honor of the man that led the Aggies to a 1980 state championship and is one of the all-time winningest high school coaches in the nation.
“The best advice you can give people is play clean and hard, and be ready to back the next day,” Madison said shortly before tossing the coin for the Aggies at that October game against Escambia.
Madison was surrounded at the ceremony by former players from his nearly five decades coaching, including members of the Aggies 1980 state championship team.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Madison, who turned 92 in January, sits at number two on Florida’s all-time football coaching victories list with a 326-129-7 record and is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
In addition to winning a state title at Tate, he took the Pine Forest Eagles to two state championships in 1987 and 1988. The 1988 Eagle team was named as national champions by USA Today, and Madison earned the title of the National High School Football Coach of the Year. All in all, he coached at five different Florida High Schools including Ernest Ward, plus three out of state schools.
His football days began early at Escambia County High School in Atmore where he played tailback under Coach Herbert Barnes from 1945 to 1947, making him one of Atmore’s semi-famous “Barnes Boys” with 30 straight wins. After a stint in the Army, from 1950 to 1952, Madison played college ball for Texas Tech and Troy State Teachers College in the mid-1950s.
Fresh out of college, Madison coached for four years beginning in 1957 at Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill. He moved to Milton High in 1961, coaching them to a state championship and 34 straight victories. He then took a coaching job at a Georgia High School, losing a state championship game in 1968.
Madison joined the coaching staff at Tate in 1971 on his way to winning that 1980 state championship. He left Tate in 1983, heading to Pensacola High for a couple of years. Then it was off to Pine Forest and those back-to-back state championships. He coached at an Albany, Georgia, school, another 10 years at Milton High and another short period at PHS during the period from 1989 until 2002.
In 2002, he took the head coach job at the small Jackson Academy in Alabama. The then 71-year old took over a team that had gone 0-10 prior to his arrival. He lost his first two games at Jackson, but he went on to win the state championship. The following year, Jackson was undefeated and won another state championship.
In 2009, Madison briefly came out of retirement to once again take to the field at Tate, this time as an offensive consultant.
For a photo gallery from the stadium naming, click or tap here.
Pictured: The dedication of Carl Madison Field in 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Davisville Mobile Home Fire
March 4, 2024
A mobile home fire in Davisville injured two people Monday afternoon.
The fire was reported about 12:45 p.m. in the 6500 block of West Highway 4, just off Highway 97, in Davisville.
The fire in the single wide mobile home reportedly started in the kitchen.
Two people were transported to an area hospital for minor injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
March 4, 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:
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound 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.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (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 lane closures and intermittent nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 as crews perform concrete and striping work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until 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 (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.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Over Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) - Drivers will encounter lane closures and traffic pacing operations on I-10 near Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) Sunday, March 3 through Thursday, March 7 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews perform striping and barrier wall work. Vehicle pacing operations, also known as “rolling roadblocks,” are used to create gaps in traffic so that short-duration construction activities can be completed. In addition, traffic on I-10 will be temporarily shifted to the outside (right) beginning Sunday, March 3 so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Routine Maintenance at Nix Road – Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Routine Maintenance at Cordova Road – Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
- S.R. 727 (South Fairfield Drive) Routine Maintenance from Graupera Street to U.S. 98 – Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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, March 3, through Friday, March 8, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning Sunday, March 3, motorists traveling eastbound will encounter a new traffic configuration from Green Briar Parkway to the end of the project as lanes will be shifted slightly north to allow for crews to perform construction activities on the south side of the eastbound lanes.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed nightly Wednesday, March 6 through Friday, March 8, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from North of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 (Spanish Trail) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, between S.R .87 and Hwy. 178, Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 north and southbound, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, March 4 through Thursday, March 7, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for manhole adjustments.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Property Owner Wants To Remove 73-Year Old Cantonment Subdivision Plat
March 4, 2024
A property owner wants the Escambia County Commission to remove a plat for a Cantonment subvision that was first drawn out 73 years ago.
The Cantonment Park Subdivision was platted in 1951 on a portion of a 52-acre parcel just across the railroad tracks along Highway 95 between Benjulyn Road and Countri Lane. The property has an address of 600 Old Novak Road.
For owner Martin Coe to redevelop the property, the original 24-lot plat needs to be vacated, according to the county.
This week, the Escambia County Commission will consider scheduling a public hearing for April 4 on removing the Cantonment Park Subdivision plat.
NorthEscambia.com images, click to enlarge.
Sample Ballots On The Way For Presidential Preference Primary
March 4, 2024
Sample ballots for the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary Election have been mailed to Escambia County voters, according to Supervisor of Elections Robert D. Bender.
The sample ballot, in both English and Spanish, includes a ballot image, the voter’s polling location and information on the three ways to vote: early, vote-by-mail, and on Election Day. A sample ballot is also available at EscambiaVotes.gov or below.
The sample ballot, in both English and Spanish, includes a ballot image, the voter’s polling location and information on the three ways to vote: early, vote-by-mail, and on Election Day. A sample ballot is also available at EscambiaVotes.gov.
Florida is a closed primary state. The 2024 Presidential Preference Primary is for Republican voters only.
Some party candidates for president have suspended or ended their presidential campaigns. If a candidate did not submit a formal withdrawal before December 12, 2023, in accordance with state law., the candidate nominee’s name must remain on the Presidential Preference Primary ballot for their respective party. A vote cast for any candidate nominee appearing on the ballot will count as a vote for that candidate.
Century Reshedules Council Meeting Due To Primary Election
March 4, 2024
The Century Town Council has rescheduled one of their March meetings due to the upcoming March 19 Presidential Primary Election.
The council normally meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
The March 19 meeting has been rescheduled to the following day, Wednesday, March 20, because the council chambers is a polling location.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Elementary Schools Place In Science Olympiad; Molino Park Takes First Overall
March 4, 2024
Molino Park Elementary School tok first place overall in the 6th Annual Elementary Science Olympiad recently at Washington High School. A total of 21 elementary schools sent teams of students to compete in nine different events.
For additional photos, click here.
Winners were:
Overall:
- 3rd: Bellview
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 1st: Molino Park
Starry, Starry Night:
- 6th: Oakcrest
- 5th: Molino Park
- 4th: Jim Allen
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: Brentwood
- 1st: Beulah
Tennis Ball Catapult:
- 6th: Global Learning Academy
- 5th: Bratt
- 4th: Oakcrest
- 3rd: Molino Park
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 1st: Scenic Heights
Estimania:
- 6th: McArthur
- 5th: Bellview
- 4th: Jim Allen
- 3rd: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Sherwood
- 1st: Pleasant Grove
Grasp a Graph:
- 6th: Pleasant Grove
- 5th: Scenic Heights
- 4th: Bratt
- 3rd: AK Suter
- 2nd: Kingsfield
- 1st: Hellen Caro
Write It, Do It:
6th: AK Suter
5th: Jim Allen
4th: Beulah
3rd: Blue Angels
2nd: Pine Meadow
1st: Molino Park
Mystery Powders:
- 6th: Lipscomb
- 5th: NB Cook
- Tie: 3rd: Global Learning Academy
- Tie: 3rd: Kingsfield
- 2nd: Molino Park
- 1st: Pleasant Grove
Rock Hound:
- 6th: Global Learning Academy
- Tie: 4th: Molino Park
- Tie: 4th: Bellview
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: McArthur
- 1st: NB Cook
Science Bowl:
- 6th: Kingsfield
- 5th: Ferry Pass
- 4th: Lipscomb
- 3rd: Bellview
- 2nd: Scenic Heights
- 1st: Pine Meadow
Robotics Pathways:
- 6th: Scenic Heights
- 5th: Beulah
- 4th: McArthur
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: Jim Allen
- 1st: Longleaf
Spirit Award: Longleaf
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Price Inched Higher Last Week, AAA Says
March 4, 2024
Florida gas prices averaged $3.34 per gallon on Sunday. That was three cents more than a week ago, and only three cents less than this year’s high of $3.37 per gallon.
“Florida gas prices inched higher last week and are likely to get even more expensive either this week or next,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gasoline futures shot up 30 cents late last week. That’s an indicator that summer-blend gasoline has moved into the market. Drivers should expect a jump at the pump, but how much remains to be seen.”
The average price per gallon in the Pensacola metro was $3.12 with a low of $2.97 available at a Nine Mile Road station. The lowest North Escambia price Sunday night was $2.99 stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEsambia.com photo.
Woman Dies In Escambia County Motorcycle Crash; Driver Critically injured
March 3, 2024
A 58-year old female motorcyclist was killed in an Escambia County crash Saturday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 58-year old Lillian, Alabma, woman was a passenger on a motorcycle that was turning from Asheland Avenue onto West Detroit Boulevard and crashed into the tree line.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 72-year old Pensacola woman, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Baptist Hospital.
FHP Is continuing their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
County Will Consider Vacating Portion Of San Carlos Road Right Of Way
March 3, 2024
The Escambia County Commission will consider to vacate a portion of unimproved right of way of San Carlos Road in Cantonment.
The commission will vote this week on setting a public hearing for April 4 at 5:32 p.m. to consider the move and notify all property owners within 500 feet.
NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.