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Bonus Photo Gallery: Northview And Flomaton Band, Cheerleaders, Fans And More

The Northview Chiefs defeated the Flomaton Hurricanes 48-33 Friday night in Bratt.

For a photo gallery with the cheerleaders, bands, fans and more, click here.

For a game action story and photo gallery, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Escambia County Native Serving Navy In Nuclear Deterrence Mission

An Escambia County native native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.

Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Moody joined the Navy six years ago.

“I joined the Navy for a better life,” said Moody. “I also joined for the financial security the military provides.”

Today, Moody serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.

“My favorite thing about my job is that I get to work with people from many different backgrounds,” said Moody. “I also get to travel to a lot of places, which I love.”

Growing up in Pensacola, Moody attended Pine Forest High School and graduated in 2010,

“I am thankful for the NJROTC program at Pine Forest High School,” said Moody. “The leadership there is what started me on this journey and gave me a passion for the Navy.”

Now, Moody uses skills and values similar to those found in Pensacola to succeed in the Navy.

“My hometown taught me to have respect for the people I work with,” said Moody. “That has carried me a long way in my career. I also learned that we all come from different backgrounds. We all have different dreams and goals, but we’re all trying to accomplish the same mission.”

The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.

The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.

STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.

Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.

The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Serving in the Navy means Moody is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is important to the National Defense Strategy because we are a show of force around the world,” said Moody.

Moody and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been being named Sailor of the Year in 2021,” said Moody.

As Moody and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“For me, serving in the Navy is a sense of pride,” added Moody. “I feel good about how I contribute and give back. It’s really a sense of pride for me. I love it.”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Downward Trends Ends At The Pump In Florida

The downward trend at the pump came to an end last week. The state average price for regular unleaded increased 7 cents per gallon, reaching $3.61 on Sunday.

The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.41. A North Escambia low of $3.22 could be found Sunday at three stations along Highway 29 near Muscogee Road. In Pensacola, a low price of $3.15 could be found Sunday night on Nine Mile Road.

This snapped what became a 70-day streak of declines, amounting to a total discount of $1.36 per gallon.

The 10-week streak began in mid-June, when the state average fell from its all-time high of $4.89 per gallon down to $3.53 last Monday.

NorthEscambia.com photo.

Ladwig’s Strong Start Spoiled In 11-4 Wahoos Loss

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 11-4 in their series finale against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday afternoon despite another quality start from A.J. Ladwig.

Ladwig (L, 7-4) allowed an unearned run in the first and a solo homer to Niko Hulsizer in the fourth, but completed 6.0 innings of four-hit ball. Pensacola couldn’t solve Montgomery starter Michael Mercado or reliever Chris Gau (W, 5-0), collecting only an infield hit over the first seven innings.

Montgomery broke the game open in the top of the eighth, scoring four runs against Jefry Yan thanks to a pair of walks and RBI singles from Kyle Manzardo and Jordan Qsar. The Blue Wahoos returned the favor with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, getting two-out RBI hits from Nasim Nuñez, Paul McIntosh and J.D. Osborne to draw the deficit to 6-4.

Biscuits reliever Trevor Brigden fanned Griffin Conine as the potential go-ahead run to end the eighth-inning threat, and the Montgomery offense got back to work in the ninth with five more runs against Zack Leban and Robinson Martinez. A Manzardo three-run homer was the decisive blow as the Biscuits earned a split in the six-game series.

After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game road series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Tuesday.

by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

ECUA Proposes Water, Sewer And Sanitation Rate Increase, Plus Extra Sanitation Fee

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has proposed a rate increase for sanitation, water and wastewater services.

The ECUA board voted to advertise a public hearing on the rate increases for September 27.

Proposed Sanitation Rate Increase

ECUA is proposing a sanitation (garbage) rate increase of 6% plus the addition of a $1 per month fee to fund the construction of a new sanitation transfer station on Pine Forest Road. Customers will continue to pay the $1 per month until the transfer station is paid off, which is currently projected to be in 2043.

The rate increase applies to the collection fee. For the average family with one 90-gallon container, the monthly rate will increase from $26.39 to $27.67, plus the $1 fee for the transfer station. The transfer station location is the current ECUA complex at Godwin Lane and Pine Forest Road.

The motion approving a fiscal year 2023 budget with the sanitation rate increase and the $1 fee was made by District 5 board member Kevin Stephens, and seconded by Dale Perkins. It passed 5-0.

Proposed Water And Wastewater Rate Increase

ECUA is proposing a 5% rate increase for water and wastewater. For an average customer using 6,000 gallons, the increase will be less than $1 per month for water and about $2 for wastewater.

The motion approving a budget with the rate increase for water and wastewater was made by District 1 representative Vicki Campbell and seconded by Dale Perkins before passing unanimously.

A Final Farewell: Last Call Sounds For Retired Century Fire Chief Regi Burkett

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon for Regi Burkett, the longtime chief of the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.. He was 62.

Burkett passed away August 20 at the age of 62, surrounded by his family at his bedside.  Burkett spent nearly 40 years in the fire service for his community.

During a graveside service at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Cemetery in Byrneville, an Escambia County Fire Rescue dispatcher conducted a traditional “last call”.

“Escambia to retired fire chief 501″, the dispatcher called twice with no response.

“Escambia to retired fire chief Regi Burkett,” the dispatcher said, her voice resounding across the radios at the funeral service. “There is no response from retired fire chief 501, chief Regi Burkett.”

The radio silence was broken again, this time by tones used to alert firefighters to important information, followed by:

“On behalf of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the members of Century Fire Department, after 40 years of service to the citizens of Escambia County, it is with great sadness to announce that retired fire chief Regi Burkett has completed his last call on earth and is ready for his next assignment to watch over his friends, family and fellow firefighters. Retired fire chief Regi Burkett, although you are gone, you will not be forgotten. Escambia clear at 16:13.”

Burkett joined the Century Volunteer Fire Department in April 1978. He advanced through the ranks before being named chief in 1987. He served as Century’s fire chief until his retirement in July 2017.

Burkett is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Ann Burkett, son Ryan Burkett, daughter Casey Roach and numerous other family and friends.

FWC: If You Find A Fawn, Leave It Alone

White-tailed deer fawning is in full swing in the Florida Panhandle. Sometimes people assume a fawn they find by itself has been abandoned, and they try to “rescue” it, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

But instead of trying to rescue it, FWC says just leave it alone.

During the first few weeks of a fawn’s life, a doe will hide her offspring then move to a safe distance to prevent her scent from attracting predators to the young animal’s hiding spot, FWC said. She’ll return often to nurse and care for the fawn. While hidden, the baby deer might lie motionless as a survival mechanism to deter predators. But sometimes people mistakenly think a fawn’s lack of movement means it’s sick or injured, prompting them to remove the animal to get it help.

“If you find a fawn that you think is abandoned, do not touch it, pick it up or remove it from its natural environment. Instead, leave it alone and quietly move away from the area,” FWC said.

Open House Tuesday At High Schools In Escambia County; Middle and Elementary Coming Soon

Open house events are this week for high schools in Escambia County and are coming up next month for middle and elementary schools.

All high school open houses in Escambia County will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 30.

Elementary school open houses will be September 13 and 15. The schedule is below.

Middle school open houses will be September 8 at 6 p.m.

Pictured top: Visitors to the open house Tuesday at Northview High School will get a look at the school’s new flooring. Pictured below: The elementary school open house time and date schedule. NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.

Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Escambia County:

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work on resurfacing. All other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
• U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
• West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime and nighttime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1. The closures will allow crews to adjust manholes and the pedestrian fence.
• North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, Aug. 29 through Friday, Sept. 2 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
• Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
• Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
• I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1. Construction crews will be installing “rumble strips” and profiled thermoplastic edge lines on the ramp. In addition, the speed limit on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound has been permanently reduced to 35 mph.
• Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, Aug. 29 through Friday, Sept. 2 for placement of a watermain.
• Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Sorrento Road, between the Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. The closures will allow for shoulder base construction and drainage work.
• Barrancas Avenue Routine Maintenance from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Barrancas Avenue and all side streets between Manchester Street and the Bayou Chico Bridge from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Sunday, Aug. 28 through the next several weeks. Crews will be adjusting manholes and paving and striping the roadway.
• North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Maintenance at the I-10 Westbound On-ramp – Motorists will encounter expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Sunday, Aug. 28 for barrier wall repair operations.

Santa Rosa County:

• Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
• U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
  • Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sept. 2 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
• I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime and daytime lane closures the week of Monday, Aug. 29 for construction activities.
• U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction at Rosewood Avenue – Motorists can expect intermittent outside westbound lane closure Sunday, Aug. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for construction of turn lanes.

All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Conine’s 20th Homer Helps Blue Wahoos Win Third In A Row

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