Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Is Now Open
June 1, 2022
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners through July 1. The program is limited to Escambia, Santa Rosa and 42 other northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
“Pine forests are one of the most vital natural resources for Florida’s ecosystem – from clean air and water to sequestering carbon and providing home goods and other wood products,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Sixty-five percent of Florida forests are privately owned, so supporting our landowners is critical to not only reducing the risk of forest pest outbreaks but protecting livelihoods and protecting a natural resource that protects and provides for us every day.”
“Southern pine beetles are one of the most destructive insects in southern pine forests,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Southern pine beetle activity is currently relatively low in Florida. We can keep it that way by taking preventative measures now.”
Didder, Blue Wahoos Walk Off Shuckers, Reclaim First Place
June 1, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos overcame an early deficit to defeat the Biloxi Shuckers 5-4 in 10 innings on Tuesday night, snapping a four-game skid and helping reclaim first place in the South Division.
Paul McIntosh hit a game-tying homer in the eighth, Griffin Conine tied the game again with a single in the bottom of the tenth, and Ray-Patrick Didder ended the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly.
The Shuckers took an early lead in the second inning against A.J. Ladwig, turning four consecutive hits into three runs. Tristen Lutz hit a two-run double and Gabe Holt added a sacrifice fly to put Biloxi ahead 3-0.
Jefry Yan, Dylan Bice and Andrew McInvale combined for 5.2 one-hit innings of scoreless relief to keep the game in reach, and the Blue Wahoos slowly chipped away at the deficit against the Biloxi bullpen. Conine hit a two-out RBI double in the third to get the Blue Wahoos on the board and José Devers circled the bases after a walk in the fifth before McIntosh’s game-tying homer in the eighth.
Colton Hock (W, 3-2) allowed a Lutz RBI single in the top of the tenth to score Biloxi’s automatic baserunner, but prevented further damage to keep the score 4-3. Troy Johnston led off the bottom of the tenth with his third hit of the night against reliever Nash Walters (L, 2-1), putting runners at the corners. McIntosh was retired, but Conine grounded an RBI single up the middle to tie the game and Didder lofted a fly ball to center that was deep enough to score Johnston for the winning run.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos have pushed 0.5 games ahead of Biloxi and Mississippi in the South Division with 23 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their homestand against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Whaoos
Update: State Prison Inmate Recaptured After Escape From Atmore Prison
May 31, 2022
The U.S. Marshals have recaptured an inmate that escape from Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore Tuesday morning.
Corey Daniel Gable, age 31 of Mobile, was serving a 20 year sentence for first degree assault. The Alabama Department of Corrections said he left Fountain about 10:30 a.m.
ADOC said he was recaptured in Prichard.
Jay Teen Shot And Killed Father With A Shotgun During An Argument, SRSO Says
May 31, 2022
More details have been released in the case of a Jay teen charged with second degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing his father Saturday afternoon in Jay.
Jaden Simmons, 16, shot and killed 43-year old Jonathan Simmons, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Jaden Simmons shot his father in the chest with a shotgun loaded with buckshot, according to an arrest report. Jonathan Simmons was pronounced deceased at the scene in the 3000 block of Highway 4.
Another person in the home stated that Jaden and his father were verbally arguing in the living room. She told deputies that Jaden walked away, and his father followed. She said she heard more verbal arguing and a gunshot, but did not witness the shooting.
“Jaden walked away from the argument and intentionally grabbed a shotgun,” the arrest report states.
All of Jaden Simmons’ statements to law enforcement were redacted from the arrest report obtained by NorthEscambia.com.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said the shooting was not a “Stand Your Ground” case because Jaden Simmons had an exit from the situation and the father was not armed.
“He could have left, but he did not choose to leave,” Johnson said. “And the father was not armed at the time he shot and killed him.”
Jaden Simmons was booked as a juvenile, but is expected to be charged as an adult.
Smoke Plume From Controlled Agricultural Burn Seen For Miles
May 31, 2022
A large plume of smoke Tuesday afternoon could be seen from Davisville, Bratt, Walnut Hill, Atmore.
It was 160 acre agricultural controlled burn of a field post-harvest in the area of Greenland Road and Dortch Road.
Pictured: A smoke plume from the controlled burn of a field could be seen for miles. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
At 104, Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Emond Breaks His Own World Record
May 31, 2022
Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment, age 104, broke his own world record Monday.
Emond held the Guinness World Record as “World’s Oldest Conductor” for leading the U.S. Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note in Glenn Miller’s iconic “In the Mood” at the American Veteran Center’s “America Valor: A Salute to our Heroes”. He set the previous record at age 103 last November in Washington, D.C.
Monday night, he led the Pensacola Civic Band in the seventh annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert at the Community Maritime Park amphitheater.
“I’m so happy that I’m still able to do this. It was my life’s work conducting, so once or twice a year when I get a chance, it’s always good,” Emond said. “I’m real happy I still have the physical strength to do this.”
Related: Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Frank Emond Turns 104
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Emond, CWO4 USN (RET.), spent his naval career as a musician and band director. He was on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) getting ready to play morning “Colors” on his French horn when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Emond then walked to the conductor’s stand, picked up the baton and proceeded to direct the band in “Stars and Stripes”.
After seven years of playing horn, he became a Navy bandleader, retiring in 1968.
He remained a music man; sometimes leading the music at Gonzalez Methodist and performing with the Pensacola Civic Band.
Pictured: At 104, Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Emond of Cantonment broke his own Guinness World Record as “World’s Oldest Conductor” Monday at the Pensacola Memorial Day Concert. Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Reno’s Reptiles Will Visit Local Libraries This Week
May 31, 2022
Reno’s Reptile will visit a West Florida Public Library near you this week.
The animal show-and-tell with alligators, tortoises, snakes and more will be at the library as follows:
- Tuesday, May 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Westside Library
- Tuesday, May 31, 3-4 p.m. – Tryon Library
- Wednesday, June 1, 3-4 p.m. – Genealogy Library
- Thursday, June 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Molino Library
- Friday, June 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Century Library
- Friday, June 3, 3-4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Saturday, June 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Southwest Library
Pictured: Reno’s Reptiles visits the Molino Library in 2018. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Services, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century In June
May 31, 2022
The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office is returning to Century.
FLOW is a standalone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Vehicle registrations can be renewed up to three months and driver licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
The FLOW mobile office will be at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 North Century Boulevard on Wednesday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc.
Pictured: The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office at the courthouse in Century in January 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Academy Head Football Coach, Headmaster Hugh Fountain Moves To Pike Liberal Arts
May 31, 2022
Monday, Escambia Academy Head Football Coach and Headmaster Hugh Fountain was named the new head football coach and athletic director at Pike Like Arts School in Troy, effective immediately.
Fountain led the EA Cougars to six consecutive football championship games and two Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) state championships during his tenure. He spent 11 years as a football coach at Escambia Academy, compiling a 94-31 record.
Prior to his time at Escambia Academy, Fountain coached at Charles Henderson High School for 16 years, plus W.S. Neal and Evergreen high schools.
Pike Liberal Arts was a member of the AISA for over 50 years, but they transitioned to play under the Alabama High School Athletic Association this fall.
Driver Passes Away Following Walnut Hill Railroad Crossing Crash
May 31, 2022
The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed that a man has passed away after hitting a railroad crossing gate post Sunday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The 42-year old male from Walnut Hill was driving his Honda Accord eastbound on Arthur Brown Road near Corley Road about 4 p.m. when he crossed over the center line and struck the crossing gate post. The vehicle continued across the tracks, left the roadway, crossed back over Arthur Brown Road and came to rest in a field. The crossing post tore into the engine compartment of the vehicle and pierced the windshield.
The adult male was airlifted to the USA Medical Center in Mobile by Air Care helicopter where family says he passed away Sunday night.
The crossing sign, lights and gate were destroyed in the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
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NorthEsambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
