The Heat Sticks Around For The Weekend, And A Chance Of Rain Returns
July 1, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect with heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) expected to range from 108-112 degrees on Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 92. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Here’s The Schedule Of Area Fireworks Shows
July 1, 2023
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July fireworks shows and events across the North Escambia area
Jay — Tuesday, July 4
The Town of Jay will have fireworks at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 from inside Bray-Hendricks Park. Bring a lawn chair. Parking will be available in the fields on Higdon Drive and the Max Lane parking area.
Pensacola — Tuesday, July 4
The “largest fireworks show ever held over the bay” will be at 9 p.m. on July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display featuring a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, meticulously choreographed pyrotechnics, and awe-inspiring special effects. The night sky will come alive as the fireworks are expertly synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack provided by CatCountry 98.7. Renowned pyrotechnicians from PYRO Shows have been commissioned to design a show that surpasses all expectations, promising a truly enchanting atmosphere of wonder and awe.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, chairs, and radios and plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along Bayfront Parkway and fully immerse themselves in the festivities.The evening’s celebrations kick off with Symphony Sparks & Stars, a free Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium starting at 7:30 pm. Radios are highly encouraged to enjoy the synchronized music and avoid the delays that come with streaming apps. Additionally, an exciting lineup of local food trucks will be serving up fantastic eats in Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach — Tuesday, July 4
The Pensacola Beach fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on July 4 over Santa Rosa Sound. It will be simulcast on CatCountry 98.7 in conjunction with the downtown Pensacola show. The beach fireworks show is set to immediately follow the Bands on the Beach concert, featuring Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, from the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach.
Man Charged With Murder For Atmore Deadly Shooting
July 1, 2023
An Atmore man has been arrested in connection with a shooting death last month.
Eric DePaul Mitchell, 44, was charged with murder and discharging a firearm. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Mitchell allegedly shot Robert Starks of Atmore in the area of Carver Avenue and King Street about 2:15 a.m. on May 29. Starks later died from his injuries.
No motive has been released by the Atmore Police Department.
Deputy Escambia County Attorney Kristin Hual Receives Association Award
July 1, 2023
Deputy Escambia County Attorney Kristin Hual received the from the Florida Association of County Attorneys Board of Directors Writing Award. The Waward recognizes those who have made significant contributions to FACA and its program through their leadership and dedication.
“Kristin has worked very hard to serve not just the Escambia County Attorney’s Office, but also our colleagues across the state,” said Escambia County Attorney Alison Rogers. “It is a very well-deserved honor.”
The Florida Association of Counties is a Florida nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to provide a forum for research, advice and discussion in the development of local government law, including technical assistance
Eder Encouraging In 4-1 Loss To Biscuits
July 1, 2023
Jake Eder struck out seven batters over 5.0 innings on Friday night, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos offense was kept quiet in a 4-1 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Eder (L, 0-1), making just his second Double-A start of the season in his continued return from injury, allowed two runs on four hits in the tough-luck loss. Ronny Simon’s two-run homer in the third inning proved to be all the run support the Biscuits would need.
Mason Montgomery (W, 2-2) turned in his best start of the year for the Biscuits, allowing just a single over 6.0 scoreless innings. Only a Will Banfield homer in the ninth inning prevented Pensacola’s second shutout loss of the season.
The Biscuits added insurance runs against Cristian Charle in the later innings with an RBI double from Mason Auer and an RBI single from Austin Shenton. Two outfield assists from right fielder Griffin Conine prevented Montgomery from collecting two additional runs.
Pensacola ends June with a 13-11 record, their third straight winning month after going 11-10 in April and 18-8 in May.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Saturday.
Update: Missing, Endangered Girl 8-Year Old Located
June 30, 2023
UPDATE: This missing girl has been located, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered eight-year old girl.
Taj Dennis (pictured) was last seen Sunday, June 25 in the 900 block of South Corry Field Road wearing jeans and a purple/white t-shirt.
She was last seen with her non-custodial mother, 41-year old Esther Alexis and is believed to still be with her. They may be headed towards the Orlando area.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Escambia Public Works Manager Aaron Smith Retires After 36 Years
June 30, 2023
Escambia County Public Works Division Manager Aaron Smith has retired after 36 years of service.
“Aaron’s career has had a huge impact on the community here in Escambia County, especially in the north end of the county,” Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “He’s just a wealth of knowledge, accomplished a lot, and this community is absolutely better because of his career here.”
A retirement lunch was held in his honor this week, where Smith said the department is a success because of the staff and the job that they do.
“Aaron is one of the people that we handed a job, handed him a responsibility and he is going to get it taken care of and do it right,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “But the most important thing is to get the work done, and he’s always got a smile on his face.”
Smith said he does not really have any big plans as he heads into retirement.
“I’m going to take care of the grandkids, get them to school, and I’ll take care of mom and dad,” he said. “We’ll do some fishing; that’s where I’m headed.”
“No looking for potholes,” he quipped. “But I will report one if I hit it though.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Receives Minor Injuries When Truck Rolls Over On Highway 29
June 30, 2023
One person received minor injuries in a crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 29 in McDavid.
The driver was northbound on Highway 29 just south of Bogia Road when he apparently lost control, over-corrected and struck a guardrail. The vehicle rolled over, struck a utility pole and caught fire.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Convicted Sex Offender Found Guilty On Federal Charges For Viewing Child Porn At His Business
June 30, 2023
A convicted sex offender has been convicted on federal charges for viewing child porn on a smart TV.
Following a three day trial, 58-year old Frank Paul Knight was found guilty of receiving and possessing images and videos of child pornography. Sentencing is currently set for September 25 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Based on his prior child pornography convictions, Knight faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum of 40 years.
“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work diligently to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they no longer have the opportunity to exploit any child again. Due to their efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – back behind bars.”
Between October 1, 2018, and October 12, 2022, Knight received, and attempted to receive, material containing child pornography. Also, between September 1, 2021, and October 12, 2022, Knight possessed, and attempted to possess, material containing child pornography. Knight is a previously convicted federal sex offender for similar crimes spanning 2002 – 2009. He served over six years in federal prison for those crimes but was released in 2015.
On October 5, 2022, one of the U.S. probation officers who was supervising Knight conducted a random check at Knight’s place of business and discovered electronic devices that had not been reported by Knight to his supervising officer.
On October 11, 2022, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the United States Probation Office seized additional electronic devices at Knight’s location that he also had not reported.
At that time, a smart TV was located in Knight’s personal living area within the business, which consisted of a small living room area and a connected bedroom. All the accounts on the Smart TV were logged in under Knight’s name and email address, and the browser history revealed child pornography websites had been recently accessed.
Investigators interviewed six of Knight’s employees. All of them stated they knew about Knight’s personal space, but none of them used the space or the television.
The electronic devices that were seized were analyzed by forensics examiners with the Department of Homeland Security, and numerous images and videos of child pornography were located on multiple seized devices. The devices all contained Knight’s login information, email accounts, credit card accounts, photographs, and other identifying information belonging to Knight. The devices also contained browser history searches and link files for child pornography dating back to 2018.
“This convicted felon once again showed no respect for the law by possessing child sexual abuse materials while on probation,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno. “Thanks to the vigilance of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the U.S. Probations Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this repeat offender will now be behind bars, making our communities safer for our children.”
Escambia Man Gets Just Over 10 Years For Killing His Mother
June 30, 2023
A 19-year old Escambia County man has been sentenced to just over 10 years in state prison for killing his mother in April 2022.
David Allan Ohlson, 19, was originally charged with second degree murder. He took a plea deal, pleading no contest to manslaughter and was sentenced by Judge John Simon to 124.5 months with credit for 446 days served.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Princeton Drive for an “accidental shooting”, but they discovered it was actually a domestic incident.
Ohlson’s mother was found with a shotgun wound to her abdomen. She was transported to an area hospital where she later died.
Ohlson’s father told deputies he received a call from the woman around 12:30 a.m. saying Ohlson was acting out and “made mention of a gun,” according to an arrest report. The father said he arrived at the home a short time later and found Ohlson sitting cross-legged on the floor with a shotgun.
According to the report, Ohlson raised the gun and pointed it at the father before pointing it at his mother. The father said Ohlson then pulled the trigger and dropped the gun. The father picked it up, “secured it inside of his truck” and called 911.