CSX ‘Spirit of our Law Enforcement’ Locomotive Travels Through Area
December 27, 2022
CSX Transportation’s “Spirit of our Law Enforcement” commemorative locomotive passed through the local area recently.
It was named to honor the nation’s police officers who dedicate their lives to serve their communities. It is part of a collection of Pride in Service locomotives launched in 2019 to honor those that serve, including law enforcement, first responders and the armed forces.
The locomotive was recently spotted by first responders at the James Road crossing in Nokomis, Alabama, just north of the Alabama-Florida state line.
“We had just finished responding to a medical emergency when we spotted this CSX tribute engine with a coal train,” Nokomis Fire Rescue Captain Jerry Gehman said. He and fellow firefighters Chief Tommy Pickern, Lt. Frisco Gehman, medic Danny Lowery, firefighters Brad Adams, Robert Grissett, Hannah Miliken, and Hunter Miliken stopped to pose for photos with the Spirit of Law Enforcement.
CSXT 3194 is painted primarily in black, blue and white, with the slogans “To Protect and Serve” and “Honoring Our Law Enforcement.” It also prominently features the CSX Transportation Railroad Police logo, as well as police, fire and emergency responder logos.
“The locomotives will remind everyone who sees them of the daily sacrifices made by the individuals who serve our nation and our communities, along with their families,” CSX said.
Photos by Jerry Gehman for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Yep. That Was a Peacock On The Highway 4 Escambia River Bridge.
December 27, 2022
Yes, that was a peacock on the Highway 4 Escambia River Bridge between Jay and Century.
Numerous NorthEscambia.com readers sent us photos and contacted us after seeing the peacock strolling along in the emergency lane of the bridge.
We are told the owner has been missing the colorful bird for a while. But when they tried to retrieve the peacock from the bridge, it flew into nearby trees. At last report, the peacock was not yet home.
Pictured: A peacock on the Highway 4 Escambia River Bridge between Century on Christmas Day. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Family Identifies Victim In Fatal Crash Into Flomaton High School; Investigation Continues
December 27, 2022
Family has identified the woman killed last week when her vehicle slammed into a building at Flomaton High School, as the investigation into the crash continues.
Family members said 21-year old Shaneal Schifano of Georgia has just recently moved to Atmore for a new job.
She was pronounced deceased on the scene by first responders. early Friday morning after her vehicle left Highway 31 and crashed into the school building. S
There were no passengers in her vehicle, and there were no other vehicles involved.
The Flomaton Police Department is continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. The Flomaton Fire Department, D.W. McMillan EMS, and Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office also responded. The Century Station of Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue was dispatched but later canceled.
AAA Predicting 6.3 Million Floridians Are Traveling For The Holidays
December 27, 2022
Tis the season to travel, and AAA estimates 6.3 million Floridians will journey 50 miles or more away from home from December 23 to January 2. That’s an increase of nearly 108,000 people over last year and a new record-high for the year-end holiday travel period in Florida.
National travel figures are also stronger than 2021, yet slightly lower than pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 112.7 million Americans are forecast to travel during the year-end holidays. That’s an increase of 3.6 million people compared to last year and the third busiest since AAA began tracking in 2000.
“Despite inflationary pressures, consumers remain resilient and dedicated to travel this year, and the holidays will be no different,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Americans are spending more on travel than any other time in the past two years. The good news is the cost for a holiday road trip will be less expensive than anticipated, now that gas prices are on the way down.”
In Florida, nearly 5.8 million residents will take at least one holiday road trip. That’s 110,000 more than last year and a 2% increase from 2019.
The most congested days on the road are forecast to be December 27 and 28, and on Monday, January 2.
This Christmas Was Super Cold, But It Wasn’t The Coldest Ever Here.
December 26, 2022
This Christmas was really bitterly cold in North Escambia. But it was not record-breaking cold.
The coldest Christmas on record in Escambia County was back in 1983 when the official thermometer at the Pensacola airport fell to 11 degrees. This year, the coldest temperature recording in North Escambia was 18 degrees at Northview High School in Bratt.
Pictured: A local resident took advantage of the cold temperatures to use a sprinkler to create this ice near West Roberts Road and Stallion Drive in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Winning $57K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold In Cantonment
December 26, 2022
Someone is over $51,000 richer today after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Cantonment.
The quick pick ticket sold at the Mill Bar and Package on South Highway 29 was one of four winning tickets sold in Friday night’s drawing and is worth $51,638.17. The other winning tickets were sold in Orlando, Sanford and Ocala.
The 269 tickets matching four numbers won $123.50 each. Another 8,732 tickets matching three numbers are worth $10.50 each, and 88,006 ticket holders won a free ticket for picking two numbers.
Friday’s winning numbers were 4-15-23-24-29.
Many Are Using Space Heaters To Stay Warm. And That Can Be Dangerous.
December 26, 2022
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Need a free smoke detector in Escambia County? Call (850) 595-HERO.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Community Food Pantry
December 26, 2022
Tate High School Alumni group recently made a donation to the community food pantry ministry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Was A Little Brighter For 20 Families Thanks To Flomaton Police
December 26, 2022
Christmas was a little brighter for 20 local families, thanks to the Flomaton Police Department.
The department held a “Fill the Cruiser” toy drive during December, collecting over 300 gifts for the families, providing Christmas toys to over 50 children.
Flomaton High School students help with the gift wrapping. Century Correctional Institution donated bicycles, and local stores provided cardboard boxes.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2022
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s a story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.