Escambia County Receives New Offer For OLF-8
November 20, 2023
Escambia County has received a new offer for a portion of the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) was received from Beulah Town Center, LLC.
“This invitation to negotiate is with the desire to develop a portion of this unique county asset following the design principles approved by the (Escambia) Board of County Commissioners in the DPZ Master plan for OLF8,” the letter stated. Beulah Town Center Manager Fred Hemmer said the offer was for about 375 acres of mixed use residential, retail, green space, and infrastructure property.
The offer letter includes $20 million for the 375 acres with additional options totaling up to an additional $12 million.
According to a blog post from District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, the offer follows the spirit of the Master Plan and includes no single-family housing.
Bells Will be Ringing: Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off
November 20, 2023
The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign is back on in the Pensacola area, ushering in the festive spirit of Christmas. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising initiative, providing life-changing programs and services throughout the year, including food assistance programs, emergency financial assistance, youth programs, and disaster response.
The 2023 Red Kettle campaign goal is $148,000. The Red Kettle campaign ends December 23, and kettles are in 19 locations in both Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.
The Salvation Army has an unwavering commitment to helping people in times of need, and the Red Kettle campaign is a critical source of funding that helps us meet that commitment,” said Captain Stephan Wildish of The Salvation Army of Pensacola. “The funds the community generously gives to the Red Kettle ensures families do not have to make agonizing choices between basic needs like housing, food, and medical care.”
The Salvation Army relies on the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide Christmas to local families and safeguard the well-being of people in need through year-round programming and social services.
Volunteering as a bell ringer is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community while spreading the season’s joy. To become a volunteer bell ringer, please visit RegisterToRing.com and follow the prompts or contact Captain Stephan Wildish at (850) 432-1501 or email Stephan.Wildish@uss.salvationarmy.org .
Florida Gas Prices Sink to New 2023 Lows
November 20, 2023
As nearly 2.8 million Floridians prepare to take a Thanksgiving road trip, Florida gas prices have fallen to new 2023 lows. Sunday’s average price of $3.04 per gallon is 15 cents less than a week ago and the lowest daily average price since late December 2022. It’s also 37 cents less than what drivers paid last Thanksgiving ($3.41).
“More than half of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While there could be some fluctuations in the coming weeks, AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike.”
Flroida’s chepaast metro market at $2.88. In North Escambia, a low of $2.76 was available at a station on Highway 20 in cantonment.
The plummeting price of oil has been a big contributor to the recent plunge at the pump. Crude oil fell from $93 a barrel in late September to $72/b last week. During that same time, the state average dropped from $3.69 per gallon to $3.04/g.
Chance Of Severe Storms Into Tuesday Morning
November 20, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 73. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
Eight Injured In I-10 At Pine Forest Road Pileup Crash
November 19, 2023
Eight people were injured in a seven-vehicle pileup about 4:30 Saturday afternoon on I-10 at Pine Forest Road.
“A white Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck pulling a heavy duty trailer, loaded with a mini steam roller and a small excavator collided with several vehicles prior to coming to a stop,” according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Two of the injured were airlifted by medical helicopters.
I-10 eastbound was closed down for about two hours due to the crash.
UWF’s Season Ends With NCAA Playoff Loss At Delta State
November 19, 2023
After so many special moments and mind-blowing wins in its post-season history, UWF’s football team endured an opposite experience this time.
by Bill Vilona
The Argos were blown out from the outset, committing a variety of self-destructive mistakes in a 49-14 rematch loss Saturday against Delta State in the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 first-round playoffs at McCool Stadium.
Only four weeks ago on this field, the Argos (8-4) exited with their season’s biggest win – a 24-21 win against the Statesmen. That ultimately earned UWF an unseeded, at-large spot in the seven-team, region playoff field and the Argos’ fifth playoff trip in their seven-year existence.
But what ensued Saturday was unlike the Argos previous 15 playoff games. They were 4-0 in postseason rematches against Gulf South Conference opponents, including last year’s playoff win at Delta State, plus 12-3 overall with 11 of those playoff wins away from UWF.
All of that good mojo, however, quickly dissolved when the Statesmen produced five touchdowns in the first half for a 35-0 halftime lead that made the second half a formality on the outcome.
“Yeah, it definitely is (difficult to overcome) and to me, that’s all on me as a head coach,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles, who completed his first season at the helm. “I didn’t put our guys in the best chance to win the game and turnovers obviously raise the chances for the other team to win the game.
“I thought we had a good chance to come in here and play well. We just didn’t do enough on both sides of the ball to get a win. We know there’s a lot of things we need to improve on next year coming back.”
It was UWF’s worst playoff loss in terms of points allowed and margin of defeat.
Senior quarterback Peewee Jarrett, who played such a big part of the past two years of success, went through his toughest game in a UWF uniform.
He committed four turnovers, fumbling three times in the first half and throwing a third-quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Jarrett finished completing 15 of 27 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns, but most of his positive stats came in the second half.
“I gave (Delta State) opportunities myself by putting the ball on the ground,” Jarrett said.
Both of UWF’s star receivers, seniors John Jiles and Caden Leggett, did not have a touchdown reception. Jiles was held to five catches for 46 yards; Leggett had only two grabs for 35 yards.
The three players were among 16 seniors on UWF’s team and their impact before Saturday’s loss weighed heavily on Nobles as he reflected upon the season.
“I think about our players, our seniors and everything they have given to this program,” said Nobles, fighting back emotions after the game. “Um, I get emotional about them, just because I hate to see them go out like this.
“It doesn’t matter about me, I’m going to hopefully be here for a long time, but our seniors don’t get a chance to do this again. I’m proud our seniors, proud of the guys on how they played (in careers) and we’ll be back, I can promise that.”
Said Jarrett: “I had never really played in an atmosphere like this (in UWF career) where winning was the standard, winning big. So being at this program has been great. I’m glad I had an opportunity to play around a lot of guys here who have been here for four years and brought me into their brotherhood.”
UWF entered the game with the best playoff-winning percentage in NCAA D-2 history. The Argos had won this region three times, including last year’s run to the national semifinals. They were 4-1 in games played at Delta State, which entered Saturday ranked No. 8 nationally and No. 2 in the region.
On their first offensive play, the Argos got a 44-yard completion from Jarrett to Zac Offord, which was Offord’s biggest play this season and it served immediate notice of the Argos being back in their road playoff comfort zone. Offord, a junior, finished with three catches for 68 yards.
But an offsides penalty and Jarrett getting stuffed on a scramble run led to a punt and Delta State began its scoring explosion.
The Statesmen started at their own 8 and stunned with a 63-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Shegog to Nathan Howard on a wide-receiver screen.
This began a performance from Shegog, a fifth-year senior, which included six touchdown passes in completing 19 of 25 throws. He also rushed for 22 yards and did not commit a turnover.
On the ensuing possession following the game’s first touchdown, Jarrett lost the ball on a first-down run from UWF’s 45. A Delta State lineman returned the ball to the 8. On 3rd-and-goal from the 4, Shegog connected with tight end Tycen Gray for the second touchdown.
Jarrett’s second fumble ensued three plays later, giving Delta State the ball at the Argos 37. This time the UWF defense forced a stop.
When the Statesmen got the ball again, they drove 73 yards in five plays to take a 21-0 lead.
UWF answered with a drive that resulted in a first down at the Statesmen 5. But a throw to Jiles was incomplete, a running play was stopped and Jarrett was sacked on third down. Placekicker Griffin Cerra’s 24-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright and fell away.
It was this kind of day.
Jarrett’s third fumble led to another DSU touchdown with 2:31 left. And then a final dagger was applied when the Statesmen went 80 yards in five players against UWF’s defense. When an Argo defender slipped in coverage, Shegog’s 37-yard touchdown was caught by Jaylen Green with one second remaining in the half.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said UWF senior linebacker Gael Laurent, who was a freshman and part of UWF’s 2019 national title season, then last year’s run to the national semifinals while being a part of a playoff team in all four of his seasons.
In his final game Saturday, Laurent led UWF’s defense with nine tackles including five solo stops.
“I never thought my career would end like this,” he said. “But I had a lot of fun. I enjoyed every ride along the way. I’m really happy to be an Argo. Unfortunately, we came up short (Saturday), because we didn’t execute how we were supposed to as a team, but my career has been phenomenal. I love being an Argo.”
In the second half, UWF scored a pair of touchdowns, highlighted by Jackson Blalock’s 71-yard TD on a double-reverse, flea-flicker and Jarrett’s throw midway through the third quarter.
Anthony Ballard caught a 46-yard TD pass from Jarrett in the fourth quarter.
“Our character and our resiliency is what shows up in a game like that,” Nobles said. “Just our guys fighting and we never feel like we’re out of it until the last second and that is kind of how our program has been built off the ground. You come from that underdog mentality and our guys did that (Saturday).”
30,000 Pound Thanksgiving Meal Distribution Held Saturday In Beulah
November 19, 2023
A 30,000 pound Thanksgiving food distribution was held Saturday morning at Beulah Church.
The food distribution was to help those who may be struggling and going through a hard time to supplement their family Thanksgiving. There was full Thanksgiving meal available for the first 300 families.
Rep. Michelle Salzman and Beulah Church in partnership with Farm Share and other community partners Sponsored the distribution along with Commissioner Steven Barry, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Kevin Stephens, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Ascend Cares, The Butcher Shoppe, International Paper, Florida Power and Light, Beulah Church, Escambia County Council PTA, Aaron Erskine, State Farm Tyler Kercher, Escambia County Council PTA, Thompson Trucking, & other community partners are joining in the effort.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Academy FFA Chapter Forestry Team Takes Seventh In The State
November 19, 2023
The Beulah Academy FFA Chapter Forestry team tied for sixth place to take seventh place in the state.
The team took third overall in map interpretation.
Luke Graham was the high scoring individual in map interpretation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Releases Blurry Suspect Vehicle Photo In Fatal Hit And Run Crash That Killed Molino Man
November 18, 2023
Update: Friday night, the Florida Highway Patrol released the photo above.
“Although the photo is extremely blurry, we believe the vehicle is possibly a silver or light blue Dodge Challenger with loud exhaust. Passenger side damage with airbag deployment, as well as one maybe even two of the side windows shattered from impact, FHP said.
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for clues about a hit and run driver after a 20-year old motorcyclist from Molino was killed in a hit and run Wednesday night in Beulah.
The crash happened about 8:45 p.m. on West Nine Mile Road and Allegheny Avenue. Troopers said an unknown type of passenger vehicle turned left in front of the motorcycle, causing the crash. The Molino man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The suspect vehicle may have both right side windows shattered and may be grey or silver, troopers said.
Anyone with information is asked to call *FHP (*347), Crime Stoppers, or 911.
Mostly Sunny, Dry Weekend
November 18, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.