Bonus Photos: Northview, Flomaton Bands And Cheerleaders
September 1, 2023
The Northview Chiefs took on the Flomaton Hurricanes last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the bands and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Deploys Team For Hurricane Idalia Search And Rescue
September 1, 2023
Members of the Escambia County Fire Rescue Light Technical Rescue Team deployed Wednesday to Madison, Florida, to assist with rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. ECFR’s crew will spend up to 14 days performing search and rescue operations.
The team that deployed to Madison is composed of eight personnel specially trained in technical rescue. The team receives several hours of additional training in five disciplines: Vehicle and machinery rescue, structural collapse, trench rescue, rope rescue and confined space rescue. Some of the personnel also have specialized training in flood water rescue.
“ECFR is fortunate to have these specialized rescue teams and the equipment to serve our citizens,” said Deputy Chief Paul Williams. “These specially-trained personnel serve the citizens of the county daily, and we are proud to assist other agencies and citizens of Florida in the hurricane-ravaged areas.”
The current team deployed to Madison consists of ECFR members from the McDavid, Brent and Pleasant Grove fire stations. In addition, members of Escambia County Emergency Management have deployed to Tallahassee to provide logistical support.
Wahoos Quieted By Aguiar, Lookouts In 7-1 Loss
September 1, 2023
If not for three misplaced fastballs, Luis Palacios had a pitching line as good as any of his starts this season.
Unfortunately for him, that trio decided the game.
A rough first inning that included two home runs was later followed by a two-run bomb in the seventh in the Chattanooga Lookouts’ eventual 7-1 victory at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In between those two innings, Palacios faced the minimum 15 batters. He allowed just one hit – a second inning single by Ivan Johnson, who was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a double. It was part of five consecutive innings when Palacios retired Chattanooga in order.
At that point, the Blue Wahoos trailed just 3-1. Will Banfield hit a fourth inning homer in his 2-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos managed just four hits off Lookouts starter Julian Aguiar, who worked into the eighth inning, striking out 12 of the 23 batters he faced. He did not allow a walk, improving to 4-3 with 3.47 earned run average.
The Lookouts tacked on a pair of unearned runs against Blue Wahoos reliever Chandler Jozwiak in the eighth, after a leadoff walk and a pair of infield errors.
With their win, the Lookouts (67-55 overall) took a 2-1 lead in the series that now shifts to the weekend.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
FHP Ride Along: Drivers Cited For School Zone Violations, Speed In North Escambia
August 31, 2023
An elementary school teacher will be going before a judge to explain her speed in a Highway 97 school zone.
Her Acura MDX was clocked by laser at 53 mph northbound in Walnut Hill when she passed a flashing school zone sign for Ernest Ward Middle School. At 53 mph in a 20 mph school zone, it’s a mandatory court appearance.
NorthEcambia.com was along for the ride Wednesday afternoon with Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zach Cupples for traffic enforcement.
In the EWMS school zone, it did not take long to stop violators.
We were parked in a driveway near the Walnut Hill Fire Station, the black and tan FHP Dodge Charger clearly visible to oncoming southbound traffic. The flashing school zone sign almost directly across the highway. The driver of a F150 belonging to an Atmore business was clocked at 40 mph, 20 mph over. If convicted, the driver is facing a $456 ticket.
Another driver, with a child in their Honda Pilot ,was stopped at 23 mph over in the school zone. That’s also a $456 ticket.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Florida takes school zones seriously, Cupples said. When FHP scheduled the NorthEscambia.com ride along, the original plan was to work the school zone and follow a few school buses in light of a photo we published last week that showed a chemical tanker truck passing a school bus that was stopping for students to board on Highway 97. The trooper was so busy writing school zone violations Wednesday afternoon that we missed the bus, literally.
So we set out for a few other locations that our readers have complained about across the area.
We took Highway 99 North to Highway 164. With some portions only about eight-feet wide, Highway 164 has been the site of several crashes attributed to the road width. There were few vehicles on the road that time of the afternoon and no traffic stops.
Cupples ran LIDAR — essentially like radar but using a distance sight and a precise laser beam — on Highway 29 in the general area of Hecker Road in the heart of Century.
A Pontiac GT was ticketed for 50 in a 35 mph one. A Dodge Charger was stopped for 53 mph in a 35 and ticketed for no proof of insurance. A BMW X7 driver was pulled over for 56 mph in the 35 zone.
While southbound on Highway 29 at 35 mph in Century, the driver of a GMC Sierra pickup truck quickly changed lanes dangerously close to the marked FHP unit and sped up to about 45 mph. As we followed directly behind, he reached speeds up to 51 mph the 35 zone before the blue lights came on. The driver was also cited for no proof of insurance; the most recent insurance card he could provide was from 2020.
We also made several passes through a Highway 29 construction zone in Century where four lanes are shifted into two. We also sat stationary and clocked vehicle speeds. Vehicle after vehicle passed with none exceeding the speed limit by more than a couple of mph.
All drivers in this story are innocent until their admission of guilt or conviction.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Family Seeks The Person They Believe Burned Their Late Father’s Home
August 31, 2023
A family is looking for answers after they say someone set fire to their late father’s home earlier this week.
The home in the 1500 block of Tommy Street, just a few blocks from Pine Meadow Elementary School, was destroyed by fire before daybreak on Monday. Escambia County Fire Rescue was dispatched just after 5 a.m. and arrived to find fire coming from several windows of the single story home. The fire was brought under control in under an hour, but the home was a complete loss.
The Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause and origin of the fire and has not yet made a final determination.
The home belonged to John Justice until he passed away earlier this year at the age of 74. The family had been cleaning up the home to sell.
His son, John Henry Wilkes Justice, is offering a $5,000 reward for “the arrest of the arsonist” that he believes started the fire.
“My goal is to turn something bad into something good. My dad always said the only thing bad people fear is good people willing to do the right thing. I’m hoping that there is a good person who knows what has happened. I hope the reward betters their life,” he said. “The weight of losing my father has been bigger than an elephant on our family. I feel everything happens for a reason and we are trying to use this opportunity to get someone bad off the streets and help a good person make a better life (with the reward).”
The family is asking anyone with information to call (850) 384-1773.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Indicted For First Degree Murder In Fentanyl Death
August 31, 2023
An Escambia County man has been indicted for first degree murder for a fentanyl death.
The grand jury returned the indictment against 38-year old Quantae Solethia Sanders for first degree murder death caused by the unlawful distribution of fentanyl for the death of Christopher West on January 18, 2023. According to prosecutors, Sanders was linked to the delivery of fentanyl to West just before he died.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has published that fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Presents Awards (With Gallery)
August 31, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently honored several individuals during an awards ceremony.
For more photos, click or tap here.
According to the ECSO:
Investigator Dave Bashore was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Bashore’s exemplary work and commitment to the Sexual Offender/Predator unit have played a crucial role in maintaining public safety in Escambia County.
Investigator Gregory Goult was presented the Commendation Medal award. Investigator Goult excels in Economic Crimes and Fraud investigations, showcasing his skill in handling difficult cases. His commitment to Escambia County’s citizens has positively represented himself and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Robert Campbell and Deputy Trae Walsingham were presented the Commendation Medal award. In March of 2023, Deputies Campbell, Walsingham, and Edgar responded to a domestic violence complaint. Their proactive pursuit of the suspect, along with their swift and skillful medical response to his deteriorating condition, prevented further harm and showcased their dedication to public safety. Their well-rounded approach, reflects their exceptional professionalism.
Deputy Zachary Banks was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, after his shift, Deputy Banks assisted the Pensacola Police during a house fire. He helped rescue a trapped child and began immediate life-saving efforts.
Deputy Banks performed chest compressions, and others gave oxygen and aided in breathing. Their actions revived the child before EMS took over. Deputy Banks’s brave and quick actions played a crucial role in saving the child.
Deputy Cody Brown was presented the Life Saving Medal award. In May of 2023, when Deputy Brown arrived at a house fire, he quickly joined fire personnel to help an adult female. Using his previous firefighter and EMT experience, he efficiently provided crucial medical aid to the victim, including oxygen and breathing assistance for about 17 minutes until EMS arrived. Deputy Brown’s actions were crucial in saving the woman.
The Investigations/Warrants Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Stephen Cappas, Master Deputy Douglas Shoemaker, Master Deputy Eric Peck, Master Deputy Jeremy Jarman, Master Deputy Travis Peacock, Deputy Dalton Heigele, Lorraine Russell, Diona Murphy, Maria Camargo, Nicole Stout, Susan Merritt, Teresa Lyons, Karen Sztukowski, and Shea Goodale.
The Investigations/Special Victims Unit was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Sergeant Shaun White, Investigator David Bashore, Investigator Suzanne Pollock, Investigator Nate Hamel, Investigator Erin Bullard, Investigator Bernice Andre, Ola Wolff, Kimberly Smith, LaTonja Crocker, Angela Murphy, and Jeremy Horn.
ECSO Fleet Services was presented the Unit Citation award. Members of this unit included: Lieutenant Patrick Crossley, Jake Lucas, Allen Bell, Noah Benjamin, Robbie Kent, Christopher Leverett, Chad Mauldin, Jack Reid, Stephen Ware, Carl Weis, and Malcolm Reid.
The ECSO also congratulated the following individuals for their years of dedication and commitment to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
Sergeant Thax Langford – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Eric Peck – 20 years of service
Master Deputy Bryan Poole – 20 years of service
Pamela Gaines – 20 years of service
Henrique Dias – 25 years of service
Teresa Price – 25 years of service
Sergeant Steve Morris – 35 years of service
Joeann Wiggins – 35 years of service
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
90,000 Gallons Of ECUA Drinking Water Headed To Hurricane Idalia Victims
August 31, 2023
ECUA was able to help a Louisiana company tasked with providing drinking water to victims of Hurricane Idalia in Florida.
Macro Companies of Broussard, LA, reached out to the ECUA Tuesday, looking for a water supplier willing to provide thousands of gallons of potable water destined for the Big Bend area. Within a few hours, Bill McElligott, vice-president of Macro Companies and Robert Rogers, ECUA Water & SCADA Operations Manager had a plan in place.
By late afternoon, 15 tanker trucks began rolling in to ECUA’s Ellyson Industrial Park campus to fill up. ECUA set up two locations to expedite the fill-up time where hydrants supplied the tankers an estimated 90,000 gallons of potable water. Drought conditions in Louisiana made it difficult for Macro to source the water locally before setting out to Florida’s Big Bend area.
“Each tanker holds approximately 6,000 gallons, and we are able fill them up in 35 minutes or so, about 170 gallons per minute,” Rogers said. “We are happy to lend a hand and help get this vital resource to where it is will be needed after the storm.”
As of Tuesday, McElligott didn’t know yet where the Florida Department of Emergency Management would specifically direct his convoy of tankers.
“Typically, we are sent to supply nursing homes, dialysis centers, and food preparation stations that are set up in the storm recovery area”, he said.
ECUA will remain on standby as a source of potable water for if the tankers need to be refilled.
Weather Clouds Wahoos’ Rallies In 4-2 Loss
August 31, 2023
With the sun still shining and rain falling, a brilliant rainbow formed before the game above Blue Wahoos Stadium.
That became the best bit of fortune Wednesday with the Blue Wahoos.
After Chattanooga jumped to a 4-0 lead amid some inclement weather, the Blue Wahoos halved the deficit, but left runners in scoring position in the final four innings of a 4-2 loss against the Lookouts.
In each of the last four innings, the Blue Wahoos had two runners on base, but were unable to get a two-out hit or a big blast to change the game.
The Blue Wahoos collected nine hits in the game, including seven of the nine batters in the lineup with at least one hit, but were unable to get a big inning.
Norel González had a pair of singles. Newcomer Tanner Allen, a Mobile area native, playing in his eighth game in the outfield, hit his first home run for the Blue Wahoos with a solo blast in the fifth inning. Catcher Paul McIntosh scored the team’s other run on a balk after moving to third on a wild pitch.
Starting pitcher Patrick Monteverde matched his second-shortest outing with 4.2 innings in a hard-luck loss. He gave up a leadoff triple to the Lookouts’ star centerfielder Blake Dunn, one of the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospects. Dunn then scored on a wild pitch. The Lookouts got three more runs against Monteverde in the second inning with Francisco Urbaez hitting a two-run homer as the big hit.
Three Blue Wahoos relievers – Caleb Wurster, Matt Pushard and Josan Méndez – combined to give up just two hits the rest of the way.
The Lookouts made several big defensive plays to take away hits and right fielder Rece Hinds, a former star at Niceville High, threw out Pensacola’s Cobie Fletcher-Vance in the third inning with a laser throw to the plate as Fletcher-Vance tried to score on a fly ball.
Cody Morissette hit a deep ball to the base of the right-center wall that just missed a homer and Victor Mesa Jr. was robbed on a leaping line-drive catch.
It was that kind of night for the home team.
The third game of the series will be Thursday.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Highway 95A
August 30, 2023
A 30-year old pedestrian was killed when he was struck by a vehicle early Wednesday morning on Highway 95A.
The pedestrian was in Highway 95A north of Gateway Lane when he was struck by a southbound pickup truck driven by a 63-year old Pensacola woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene at 4:36 a.m.