‘Armed And Dangerous’ Suspect Wanted For Burglaries In Walnut Hill, Atmore, Bay Minette
September 13, 2023
Authorities are searching for an “armed and dangerous” suspect in connection with burglaries in Walnut Hill, Atmore and Bay Minette.
Mario Dewayne Mendez. 46, is wanted for a September 5 burglary on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill where a golf cart, tools, camera accessories and other items were stolen, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe Mendez is responsible for multiple thefts Monday and Tuesday in Atmore where a pistol and rifle were stolen.
“Various Items from weapons and other property have been stolen,” APD said. “Mendez is presumed to be armed and dangerous due to the items stolen from various properties.”
He is also wanted by the Bay Minette Police Department.
Anyone with information on Mendez’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Image page top and first image below from a Walnut Hill burglary courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Bottom two images and photo inset courtesy Atmre Police Department for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Termites, Rot And Lead Paint Will Likely Cause Century To Replace Historic Community Center
September 13, 2023
In April 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century to renovate two community centers.
Now, it appears all but certain that one will be razed and replaced with a new building.
Just under $2 million was designated to renovate the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 West Jefferson Avenue. The former school building was constructed in 1945.
But time and termites have taken an obvious toll on the wood building, which sat empty, neglected and unmaintained for years by the Escambia County School District. The school district has now transferred the title to the Town of Century.
During a community meeting attended by about 50 residents Tuesday evening in Century, architect Ben Townes said the building simply has too much termite damage, too much lead paint and too many structural problems to repair with the available budget. Spending the full budget on renovating the building would likely leave a more structural sound, but incomplete, building that could not be occupied.
The remainder of the grant awarded by DeSantis, about $850,000, was designated for improvements at the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard. Project consultant Robin Phillips said those funds will likely be diverted to the Carver Community Center due to unanticipated and drastic increases in construction costs.
A new Carver Community Center will pay homage to the existing structure.
An informal poll of the residents attending Tuesday’s meeting showed almost unanimous support for demolishing the current building and constructing a suitable replacement.
For more photos from Tuesday’s meeting, click here.
At least one additional public session is planned to allow residents to have input into the design of a new building.
Tuesday’s meeting was a workshop; the town council could not take a formal vote on the future of the Carver Community Center.
Pictured top: The former Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue. Pictured top inset: A preliminary conceptual drawing of a new community center was provided to the town council in May. Pictured bottom inset: Architect Ben Townes and consultant Robin Phillips address residents Tuesday evening. Pictured below: Residents Helen Mincy and Pastor Michael Steward were among those that spoke Tuesday evening during a workshop meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McDavid Woman Hit Boyfriend With Yeti Tumbler, Threatened Him With Knife, ECSO Says
September 13, 2023
A McDavid woman is accused of hitting her boyfriend in the head with a Yeti tumbler and threatening to stab him with a knife.
Amber Marie Nelson, 40, was charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor battery.
Nelson became involved in a disagreement with her boyfriend over how she speaks to him and his family, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
She threw several objects at him, eventually striking him with a Yeti tumbler in the back of head leaving noticeable swelling, according to an arrest report The victim said she displayed a knife and stated that she would cut him, the report continues.
The victim showed deputies a scar on his arm he said is where Nelson stabbed him previously, deputies said.
The incident happened on December 11, 2022, but deputies were unable to locate her at the time. She was arrested this week on an outstanding warrant and released Tuesday night from the Escambia County Jail on a $3,500 bond.
Picking Up One Piece At A Time: Volunteers Work To Collect Litter In Beulah
September 13, 2023
“Beulah Volunteer. Picking up one piece at a time.”
That’s what is printed on the t-shirt Sabine Ahrens often wears while out picking up litter in Beulah. Ahrens and her “picking partner” Myrna Lane have been out picking litter in the Beulah area the last few months.
They have collected 336 pounds so far.
Pictured: Volunteers Sabine Ahrens (above) and Myrna Lane (below) have been out picking up litter in the Beulah area for the last few months, collecting 336 pounds to date. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Defeats Pine Forest In Match Played With No Officials
September 13, 2023
In a match played without officials, the Northview Chiefs defeated the Pine Forest Eagles 2-0 in high school volleyball Tuesday in Bratt.
Northview took the two sets 25-14, 25-12.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Northview (5-3) will be at Laurel Hill on Thursday. Pine Forest (0-5) will host West Florida on Monday.
We were told there were no officials at the game due to a scheduling error.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Softball 10th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser Held (Photo Gallery)
September 13, 2023
Almost 100 people participated in the 10th Annual Tate High School Softball Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser.
There were about 30 teams that took part in the event at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center.
The top three teams were Elite Mechanical, American Concrete Supply and Cordova Dentistry.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Fall In Extras Despite Sánchez’s Awaited Return
September 13, 2023
Sixto Sánchez bounded out of the Blue Wahoos dugout and leaped on the mound.
Just being in a game again meant a lot.
Pitching against an opponent for the first time in three seasons, Sánchez used a two-strikeout, scoreless first inning Tuesday as a first step toward what the Miami Marlins hope is a comeback from a long road of misfortune. He last pitched for them in the National League playoffs in 2020.
Sánchez, 25, once among professional baseball’s top prospects, provided the Blue Wahoos an initial lift that led into an early lead. But the Mississippi Braves rallied with a pair of home runs off Luis Palacios, then made a 10th-inning run stand, for a 5-4 victory in the series opener at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The loss ended the Blue Wahoos’ seven-game win streak. It extended what has been Pensacola’s thorn this season. They are now 1-6 in extra-inning games.
Coming off a six-game road sweep at Rocket City, the Blue Wahoos (76-55) again started fast. They worked four walks for a first-inning run off M-Braves opener Drue Hackenberg. They got another run in the second of an RBI single from Nasim Nuñez.
They took a 3-1 in the fourth by loading the bases before a fielder’s choice groundout from Victor Mesa Jr. But when Nuñez hit into a double play to end the inning, the Blue Wahoos didn’t have multiple baserunners the rest of the game.
The M-Braves (60-72), who are now 11-14 this season against Pensacola, jumped on two mistake pitches from Palacios to change the game.
Palacios was brilliant in his last outing, going eight scoreless innings on three hits in a win last week at Rocket City. He flashed some of that same effectiveness Tuesday.
But in the sixth inning with two outs and nobody on, he gave up a single to Jesse Franklin and Bryson Horne followed by blasting a pitch deep over the right field wall to tie the game. In the seventh, Cal Conley’s solo homer provided a 4-3 lead.
The Blue Wahoos tied the game when Cody Morissette led off the bottom of the ninth with a homer that cleared the right field wall and a leaping attempt by Drew Campbell.
The M-Braves won the game in the 10th when placed runner Campbell stole third, then scored on a wild pitch, by closer Jefry Yan.
The Blue Wahoos had their placed runner, Mesa Jr., reach third on a wild pitch with none out. But M-Braves reliever Brooks Wilson threw a steady succession of splitter fastballs that resulted in three consecutive swinging strikeouts from Nuñez, Will Banfield and Jake Thompson to end the game.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, former Pensacola Catholic standout Jordan McCants had a sacrifice bunt that became a game-winning play on a throwing error to score Jan Mercado as the Jupiter Hammerheads won their Florida State League playoff opener 3-2 in 10 innings.
The Blue Wahoos’ series with the M-Braves continues on Wednesday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
IP Donates Property To Expand Carver Park In Cantonment
September 12, 2023
International Paper recently donated property to Escambia County for $10 for the expansion of Carver Park in Cantonment.
The 0.7 acre is located directly south of the current park. Pictured above, the 2.7 acres of the current park is highlighted in yellow, and the donated property is highlighted in red. The space between the two parcels is county right of way.
In the event the property is no longer used for a public park in the future, the property will revert back to International Paper.
Travis Smith Family Named 2023 Outstanding Farm Family For Santa Rosa County
September 12, 2023
Travis Smith and family have been selected as the 2023 Outstanding Farm Family of the Year for Santa Rosa County.
Travis, a fifth generation farmer in Santa Rosa County, has been involved in the world of farming from a remarkably young age. A lifelong resident of Jay, Florida, Travis’ upbringing revolved around the fields of peanuts and cotton that surrounded his family’s home. It was within these fields that Travis’ journey as a farmer began, pulling weeds and tending crops, a humble start that would significantly shape the farmer he is today. As a child, working alongside his father and grandfather, he learned firsthand the tireless dedication and perseverance required to nurture crops to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Travis absorbed the wisdom and knowledge passed down from his father and grandfather. His experiences in the peanut and cotton fields also fostered a sense of connection to the broader agricultural community. He witnessed the interdependence of farmers, as they came together during planting and harvest seasons, lending each other a helping hand when needed. Over time, Travis’ roles expanded beyond weed pulling, as he took on increasingly significant responsibilities in the family’s farming operation.
Travis and his wife Brittany were high school sweethearts. Brittany and Travis were married in August of 2007 and have since expanded their involvement, not only in Smith Farms, which Travis shares with his father, but also adding acres to their own farm.
Travis serves on the board of directors for Escambia Peanut Company, the Farm Credit Nominating Committee and the Santa Rosa County Extension Agricultural Advisory Committee.
Travis and Brittany and their three children, Leah, Lexie and Tate, enjoy being outdoors together, hiking, running, and being out on the water. Their children are now following in Travis’ footsteps, pulling weeds and learning from their father and grandfather.
GED Classes Offered At Molino Community Center, Several Other Locations
September 12, 2023
George Stone Technical College is offering fall GED classes at the Molino Community Century, Ensley Elementary School, CareerSource Escarosa, Blue Angels Elementary and at their main campus.
Classes are open enrollment; students can start anytime.
George Stone Technical College offers GED classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Molino Community Century, 6450 North Highway 95A.
GSTC also offers GED classes at Ensley Elementary School every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Tuition is free at the Ensley Elementary site at 501 East Johnson Avenue.
GED classes are also held at CareerSource Escarosa every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon at 6913 North Ninth Avenue. In addition, George Stone has partnered with Blue Angels Elementary School to offer GED classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m.
GED classes on the main campus at 2400 Longleaf Drive are offered throughout the day and online sessions are available for students meeting certain requirements.
For information on any of the George Stone GED classes, contact Patricia Harrison at (850) 941-6200, ext. 2361 or pharrison@ecsdfl.us. GTSC can assist with registration.