‘Real Life Grinch’ Destroys Business Windows Across Block of Downtown Atmore
December 11, 2023
The Atmore Community joined together Sunday in a recovery effort after a man described as a “Grinch’ shattered or busted out the glass windows and doors of numerous downtown South Main Street businesses just hours before the town’s Christmas parade.
Shawn Edward Brown was quickly developed as a suspect and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton without bond early Sunday afternoon.He was charged with 11 counts of first degree criminal mischief and third degree burglary.
Officers learned he was in a vacant building in the 200 block of West Louisville Avenue. Police said Brown broke a window pane to the front door, unlocked the door and entered the building. He then damaged several walls.
According to the non-profit Main Street Atmore organization, windows or doors were damaged at a list of locations on South Main Street:
- We Care Thrift Store
- Lance’s Outlet
- Hawt Mess Boutique
- Strand Theatre
- Encore
- Atmore News
- Tot Shop
- Atmore Flower Shop
- Williams Station Embroidery
- building owners John Kipper and Andy Anderson
Many of the downtown storefront windows were decorated with Christmas displays.
The Pride of Atmore group canceled a Sunday afternoon showing of “The Grinch” due to safety concerns over shattered glass. A group of citizens worked to organize an effort to cover boarded up windows with Christmas wrapping paper prior to the Christmas parade.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience. A real life grinch of a fit decided to hurt every business and business owner on the south west corner of downtown Atmore,” the group said.
Main Street Atmore made an immediate offer of $500 for each business to help with repair efforts with the possibility of additional grants or funds to come in the future. The non-profit was also soliciting tax-deductible donations mailed to Main Street Atmore, 201 Louisville Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502.
Tate Aggies Baseball Team Gifts Books, Reads To O.J. Semmes Elementary Students
December 11, 2023
The Tate High School Aggies baseball team visited O.J. Semmes Elementary School Friday, gifting books and reading to kindergarten students.
In addition to the books, the Aggies also provided cookies and juice.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spelling Bee Winners Announced
December 11, 2023
Escambia County Public Schools has announced the winners from the 48th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee.
Mason Shiueh, a fifth-grade student at Kingsfield Elementary School, emerged as the champion, showcasing an exceptional command of the English language and spelling prowess.
Ty Hagan, a fifth-grade student from Byrneville Elementary, was the second-place finalist and Aria Hungerford, a fifth-grade student from Sherwood Elementary, as the third-place finalist.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
December 11, 2023
Northview High has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Xyria Henry Martin and Sophia Ann Marie Jones.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Sink To New 2023 Low, AAA Says
December 11, 2023
Florida gas prices are now the lowest of 2023, according to AAA> The state average dropped 15 cents last week, settling at $3 per gallon on Sunday.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.84, with a low of $2.65 avilable on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Oil and gasoline futures prices plummeted last week, after a weekly fuel report showed strong refinery activity, leading to big gains in gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “About 35% of Florida gas stations now have fuel below $3 a gallon. Nearly 10% of retailers have prices in the low $2.70s. While prices could bounce around in the coming weeks, drivers should expect pump prices to remain low through the holidays unless oil prices suddenly spike.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Don Christian, III, Named Escambia County 2023 Employee of the Year
December 11, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has recognized Don Christian, III, as the December Employee of the Month and the 2023 Employee of the Year. Christian, the Traffic Program Manager for the Engineering Department’s Transportation and Traffic Operations Division, has been employed with Escambia County since April 2007.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the not only the Employee of the Month but the Employee of the Year awards,” said Christian. “I am so honored to have my work recognized this way. I would like to thank my family, friends and coworkers for their love and support. This accomplishment is not something that I did alone. I hope that this recognition of my work can serve as an inspiration to others to whatever their career may be. Remember – if my work can make a difference, so can yours. I will continue my efforts to provide to my best ability and look forward to many years to come. I am humbled and appreciative.”
As Traffic Program Manager, Christian leads a team that responds to citizen inquiries and researches different measures, including establishing new sidewalks and speed tables on county-maintained roadways that contribute to the traffic calming program. Their work minimizes unsafe behaviors, leading to increased pedestrian safety. Among his many accomplishments, Don has ensured the installation of 35 miles of sidewalks throughout Escambia County since stepping into the role.
Christian frequently aids with establishing ADA-compliant sidewalks in county infrastructure projects, from identifying specific locations to funding. Recently, Don identified several miles of new sidewalks to work with the ongoing resurfacing and sewer expansion projects in the Brownsville community and secured funding from the Community Redevelopment Agency to complete the project.
“We are thrilled to recognize Don for his accomplishments and dedication to the Engineering Department and our county residents,” said Joy Blackmon, P.E., Director of Engineering and County Engineer. “He regularly demonstrates proactive and prompt communication, a positive attitude, attentiveness, and professionalism when speaking with citizens. His problem solving ability and willingness to go above and beyond for citizens is a tremendous asset to the county. He is a community role model and leader, and his hard work will have long-lasting, positive impacts on Escambia County.”
East Quinette Road Resurfacing Project Begins Monday In Escambia County; Expect Possible Delays
December 10, 2023
A resurfacing project on East Quintette Road is set to begin Monday.
The Escambia County Engineering Department will resurface East Quintette Road from Highway 95A to the Santa Rosa County line.
Traffic will be reduced to a single lane through the construction zone. Traffic delays are possible due to increased traffic volume, and motorists are encouraged to seek an alternate route.
The project is expected to be completed by January 2024, weather permitting.
Molino Christmas Parade Returns (With Photo Gallery)
December 10, 2023
After an absence of several years, the Molino Christmas Parade returned for 2023. Hundreds of people lined Crabtree Church Road to see dozens of units in the parade.
Proceeds from parade entry fees will be used to help a local family in need this Christmas season.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos by Meridith Lynn Caum, Lindsey Cook, Barbara Hollingsworth and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Crowds Attend Annual Beulah Bash (With Photo Gallery)
December 10, 2023
Thousands of people attended the annual Beulah Bash hosted by Marcus Pointe Baptist Church – Beulah Saturday at the Escambia County Equestrian Center.
The event featured plenty of craft vendors, food from local food trucks, a judged car show with custom and classic cars, and plenty of entertainment for all ages including kids crafts, inflatables, and even some snow.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos by Brianna Seckinger, Athena Kemp, Tracee Neese and others for NorthEscambia.com.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Area Residents Have Over $66 Million Unclaimed With The State. How About You?
December 10, 2023
Escambia County arrea residents have over $66 million in unclaimed money and property available from the state.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis has launched the the Holiday Money Hunt and is encouraging Floridians to spread the word and search to see if you or your business has Unclaimed Property that has been unknown or lost and ready to recover.
CFO Patronis is on a mission to celebrate the holidays and return every last cent back to its rightful owners. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.2 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens.
“I am excited to kick off the Holiday Money Hunt this holiday season and spread the word about unclaimed property in Florida. During the holidays, everyone can use a little extra cash, and an unexpected check from the State of Florida may help make things a little brighter this year. I am going to be working throughout this month and next to get the word out about Unclaimed Property and I hope you take advantage of this great opportunity. One in five Floridians has unclaimed property just waiting to be claimed and it only takes a few minutes to search now by visiting FLTreasureHunt.gov.”,” Patronis said.