Discarded Cigarettes Blamed For McDavid Fire That Sent One To The Hospital
October 8, 2023
Discarded cigarettes are being blamed for a McDavid house fire Thursday afternoon that sent one person to the hospital.
About 4:11 p.m., a passerby reported the fire on the front porch of the home in the 1800 block of Lambert Bridge Road, just west of Pine Barren Road.
The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation determined the fire was sparked by discarded cigarettes on the porch. The home was a total loss.
The occupants of the home were able to escape. One person was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital for evaluation. Two family pets could not be located and were believed to have perished in the fire.
The McDavid, Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
For additional photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECSO Seizes 14 Grams Of Fentanyl, Over 200 Pounds Of Marijuana
October 8, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently seized enough fentanyl to kill thousands of people along with over 200 pounds of marijuana in a series of search warrants in an active narcotics investigation.
The ECSO Narcotics and SWAT Team, along with the Mobile Police Department, served three search warrants at two storage units located on Blue Angel Parkway and Pine Forest Road, and at a house on the 4000 block of Guerlain Way. They located a total of 191 pounds of marijuana and approximately 14 grams of fentanyl between the three locations.
Between both agencies, 221 pounds of marijuana, over $100,000 in currency, and approximately 14 grams of fentanyl were located. Suspects in this case will be charged accordingly, the ECSO said.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
October 8, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of October as crews perform construction activities. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- Sorrento Road (State Road (S.R.) 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – A new traffic signal at the Doug Ford Drive-Sorrento Road intersection in Pensacola will be fully operational the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 10.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to east of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete this fall.
- 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 October as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (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, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 13 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform concrete work. In addition, drivers will encounter nighttime lane closures, between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, Oct. 8 through Thursday, Oct. 12 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through 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/S.R. 95) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – A portion of the right turn lane from northbound North Palafox Street to Brent Lane will be temporarily closed Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 13 as crews construct a retaining wall and pour concrete. Drivers will still be able to access most of the right turn lane.
- U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) Routine Utility Maintenance at North C Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for utility maintenance.
- U.S. 98 (West Garden Street) Routine Utility Maintenance at U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for utility maintenance.
- S.R. 292 (South Pace Boulevard) Routine Utility Maintenance at Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for utility maintenance.
- S.R. 295 (West Fairfield Drive) Routine Utility Maintenance at Market Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Friday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance West of North Lloyd Street – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- Pace Boulevard Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Blount Street – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Yellow River – Motorists will encounter alternating lane closures south of I-10 Thursday, Oct. 12 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 98 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Cantilever Sign Overpass – Motorists will encounter alternating lane closures at the S.R. 399 ramp Friday, Oct. 13 from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 Avalon Boulevard to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter alternating daytime and nighttime lane closures Monday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 13 for stripping operations.
- 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 Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Oct. 8, through Friday, Oct. 13, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning Sunday, Oct. 8, motorists traveling eastbound will encounter a new traffic configuration from Whisper Bay Boulevard to east of Green Briar Parkway 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 Tuesday, Oct. 10 through Thursday, Oct. 12 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform pile cap construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
File photo.
Bonus Photos: Tate Glo-Co Homecoming Parade, Alumni Cheerleaders And More
October 8, 2023
The Tate Aggies celebrated a Glo-Co homecoming Friday night with a 58-41 win over West Florida.
For a homecoming parade gallery, click here.
For a gallery with alumni cheerleaders, cheerleaders, fans and more, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
A homecoming court gallery will publish on Monday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Charges Pending After One Killed In I-110 Wreck
October 8, 2023
One person was killed in a single vehicle wreck early Saturday morning on I-110, and troopers say charges are pending.
The vehicle was traveling north on I-110 when the driver lost control south of Airport Boulevard. The vehicle ran off the roadway, went down one embankment, up another embankment and rolled over through several small trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The vehicle came to rest on the driver’s side in a shallow ditch.
Troopers said a passenger in the vehicle, a 33-year old man from Lewisville, Texas, was pronounced deceased. The driver, a 33-year old Pensacola man, and his 32-year old passenger were seriously injured.
FHP did not release any names.
File photo.
Fields of Faith: Community Worship Service Wednesday Night At Tate High
October 8, 2023
UPDATE: This event has been moved indoors to the Fryman Gym due to the threat of rain.
Tate High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host Fields of Faith at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, October 11, in the Fryman Gym.
Fields of Faith is an interdenominational national event where thousands gather on over 500 athletic fields across the country to share their faith. It is a national student-led initiative where students are meeting and organizing the event. Students invite their peers, teammates, families and the local community to meet on the school’s athletic field to worship, pray, be challenged to read the Bible, and follow Jesus Christ.
Guest speaker Austin Marshick, a University of West Florida soccer player, will also share a message.
Admission is free. Local churches, athletic teams, and the community are encouraged to attend.
One Injured In Early Morning Highway 97 Crash Near Walnut Hill
October 7, 2023
One person was injured in a crash early Saturday morning on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill.
The rollover wreck was reported about 2:35 a.m. on Highway 97 just south of Howell Road. The female driver lost control, left the roadway and crashed into the treeline.
The driver was able to get out of the vehicle on her own. Her injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS were also dispatched.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Crowns Homecoming Queen Lexi Nelson
October 7, 2023
Friday night, Tate High School crowned Homecoming Queen Lexi Nelson.
First runner-up to the queen was Taylor Bree Fitzgerald, and second runner-up was Synoma Perea.
- For a homecoming court photo gallery, click here.
- For a homecoming parade gallery, click here.
- For a gallery with alumni cheerleaders, cheerleaders, fans and more, click here.
- For a game action photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Second runner-up Synoma Perea, Tate Homecoming Queen Lexi Nelson and first runner-up Taylor Bree Fitzgerald. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Great Tate Comeback Continues With 58-41 Hoco Win Over West Florida (With Photo Gallery)
October 7, 2023
The great Tate comeback continues.
The Tate Aggies got a big 58-41 homecoming night win over the West Florida Jaguars Friday night in Cantonment. The Aggies are at 4-2 — their best season since 2017.
- For a game action photo gallery, click here.
- For a homecoming court photo gallery, click here.
- For a homecoming parade gallery, click here.
- For a gallery with alumni cheerleaders, cheerleaders, fans and more, click here.
Tate was first on the board when quarterback Taite Davis hit C.J. Autrey for a 75-yard touchdown. With a missed extra point, the Aggies were up 6-0. The Jags answered with a TD and a good kick to give WFHS a 7-6 lead.
Tate regained the lead on a Carson Secchiari touchdown from five yards out, 13-7. Then Davis found Autrey again, this time from 28-yards, to give the Aggies a 20-7 advantage in the first.
In the second quarter, Davis hit Christian Neptune for a 27-7 Aggie game. The lead was cut to 27-13 as the Jaguars scored from 75 yards out.
On a Tate punt, a high snap over Jackson Clarke’s head was recovered by West Florida in the endzone, 27-20.
Tate (4-2) will host Pace (5-1) next Friday night, while West Florida (2-4) will head over to Pensacola High (0–7)
- For a game action photo gallery, click here.
- For a homecoming court photo gallery, click here.
- For a homecoming parade gallery, click here.
- For a gallery with alumni cheerleaders, cheerleaders, fans and more, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Dog And Cat Adoptions At The Escambia Animal Shelter
October 7, 2023
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” event through October 15.
Adoptions for all cats and dogs 1 year or older will be free. Puppies will be available for $50 and kittens will be available for $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
“We are proud to participate with Bissell for the second time for their ‘Empty the Shelters’ event,” said John Robinson, director for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. “This will provide opportunities for all of our great dogs and cats to find their new families this summer. Adopting a pet not only gives our homeless animals a second chance, but also creates space that will allow our organization to help many other animals in need of temporary housing. We have a large number of animals available for adoption that will make a great addition to your family.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m