Driver Airlifted After Highway 97 Rollover Wreck Near Walnut Hill
January 20, 2023
One person was seriously injured in a rollover crash Thursday night on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill.
The driver of a pickup truck was reportedly southbound about 5:30 p.m. when he sideswiped another vehicle, ran off the roadway, and overturned in a ditch and culvert about a half mile north of Mason Road.
The adult male was airlifted to the hospital by Medstar Air Care 2 helicopter from Atmore. His injuries were not considered to be life threatening.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
The Florida HIghway Patrol is investigating the wreck.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Christin Love Is Molino Park Elementary’s Teacher Of The Year
January 20, 2023
Christin Love was named the Molino Park Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
NorthEscambia.com is continuing to spotlight Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area during January.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Central Takes Two From Northview (With Photo Gallery)
January 20, 2023
The Central Jaguars took two in varsity action Thursday night against the Northview Chiefs.
Central 54, Northview 38 (Boys)
The Central Jaguars defeated the Northview Chiefs 61-21 Thursday night in Bratt.
The first period ended in a 4-4 tie, and the momentum continued with the Chiefs on top 15-12 by the half. Central battled back to a 21-21 tie before pulling ahead in the third period.
The varsity boys Chiefs (0-10) will host Flomaton (4-9) Friday night at 6:30.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Central 61, Northview 21 (Girls)
Central took a 16-1 lead in the first period on their way to a 61-21 win over Northview Thursday night in Bratt.
Northview varsity girls (1-10) will host Flomaton (1-5) Friday at 5 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Bellview Library Closed For Maintenance
January 20, 2023
The Bellview Library, which just opened last September, is closed this week for maintenance.
The library will be closed through Saturday, January 21 for the work.
All events and programs for the week have been canceled, except an Arbor Day tree giveaway planned to 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 21 will take place.
During the closure, library return materials may be dropped off in the drop box outside the Bellview Library or returned to any other West Florida Public Libraries location. The Bellview Library will reopen on Monday, January 23.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Foreign Manufacturing Company Agrees To Lease Century Industrial Park Building
January 19, 2023
A 50-year old foreign company is ready to lease a Century building in a town-owned industrial park, according to the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance.
The company will set up their first domestic manufacturing and warehouse distribution facility serving the oil and gas industry in what is commonly known as the Helicopter Technology Building.
Company officials were in Century last week to meet individually with each town council member and look at any potential upgrades to the 40,000 square foot building.
A lease was prepared for approval this week, but due to an apparent clerical mistake it was not provided to council members in advance. They will vote on accepting the lease terms at an upcoming meeting.
The company has agreed to pay the appraised value of the building — $7.833.33 a month, totaling $188,000 the first two years. The lease will continue for five years with a 3% annual increase beginning in the third year. The company will accept the building “as-is” and pay all utilities, maintenance, insurance and taxes.
The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology company. The building has sat empty since then.
According to FloridaWest, the company plans to hire five people initially, with a goal of 10 employees by the end of the year with an average salary of $46,570 — the average wage in the Pensacola area. The company hopes to begin warehouse operations by the end of February with a forthcoming expansion into manufacturing.
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the economic development organization for Escambia County. Most details about the new company and their plans remain confidential during discussions, as is allowed and is standard in economic development in Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ribbon Is Cut To Reopen The Newly Rebuilt Ascend Community Park
January 19, 2023
After a brief rain delay, the ribbon was cut Wednesday morning to reopen the renovated Ascend Community Park.
Ascend Performance Materials CEO Phil McDivitt was on hand to offer remarks and congratulate the teams from Ascend and Turner Industries who led the effort to restore the park after extensive damage from Hurricane Sally.
“Parks are about family,” said McDivitt. “For 70 years, our Pensacola site has employed fathers and mothers, their children and now grandchildren in this community, so Ascend is also about family. We’re happy to be able to welcome the community and their families to the park once again.”
The park, located at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road in Cantonment, is now open from sunrise to sunset daily.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured top: Ascend employee Chuck Langham, who managed much of the renovation work, cuts the ribbon to reopen the Ascend Neighborhood Park. Pictured first below: The first visitor to the park Wednesday enjoys the slide. Picture second below: Ascend Performance Materials CEO Phil McDivitt makes remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured bottom: Employees from Ascend Performance Materials and Turner Industries celebrate the reopening of the Ascend Neighborhood Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaways Friday In Century, Saturday In Molino, Pensacola
January 19, 2023
Florida Arbor Day tree giveaways will be held Friday in Century and Saturday in Molino and Pensacola.
Century – Friday
The Florida Forest Service and the Town of Century will hold a tree giveaway for Florida residents beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at the community center on West Highway 4 at Industrial Boulevard. Trees available will include live oak, red maple, mayhaw, red cedar or dahoon holly. There is a limit of two trees per person while supplies last.
Molino, Pensacola – Saturday
Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a tree giveaway at the Molino, Bellview and Tryon branches of the West Florida Regional Libraries. Species available include live oak, dahoon holly, mayhaw, and Walter’s viburnum. There is a limit of two trees per household while supplies last.
Poarch Creek Tribal Police Chief Mike Reynolds Passes Away
January 19, 2023
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Police Chiefs Mike Reynolds passed away unexpectedly Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was 59.
“Mike worked tirelessly to ensure our public safety while forging deep connections with countless Tribal members and our neighbors. His loss will be felt deeply by many,” Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan said. “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Mike’s family and his many law enforcement colleagues.”
Mike became the Poarch Creek chief of police in 2016 after a 35-plus year career in law enforcement in Mobile County and for the city of Chickasaw in Alabama.
Escambia’s Teacher Of The Year Is Angela McFarland Of WFHS
January 19, 2023
Angela McFarland of West Florida High School has been named the Escambia County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
McFarland joined the district in 1996 as a Pine Forest High business teacher. After spending four years in the same position at Washington High, McFarland was hired as a business and multimedia teacher at WFHS in 2009. She has also taught with the Escambia Virtual Academy since 2020.
“Mrs. McFarland’s contributions to Escambia County Public Schools epitomize the dedication, flexibility and innovation so necessary to prepare our students for a successful and meaningful future. She is truly an invaluable asset to her students, her school and this community as a whole,” said Superintendent Tim Smith.
She will now represent Escambia County in the state Teacher of the Year competition.
NorthEscambia.com is continuing to spotlight Teachers of the Year from the North Escambia area during January.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Gets Nearly 21 Years For Murdering His Half-Sister, Burying Her Body Near Jay
January 19, 2023
A man has been sentenced to nearly 21 years in prison for murdering his half-sister five years ago before burying her body outside Jay.
Jerry Savoy Phillips Jr., 31, pleaded no contest to second degree premeditated murder with a firearm for the death of his half-sister, 38-year old Felicia Kuswandy. He was sentenced to 249.45 months in state prison.
Kuswandy’s remains were found buried behind a home in the 7700 block of Highway 4 east of Jay on December 14, 2018. The murder was believed to have occurred on or about November 12, 2017.
Phillips was jailed in Alabama on drug trafficking charges until late October 2020, at which time he was formally charged with his half-sister’s death in Florida.