NWS Confirms An EF-1 Tornado Touchdown And Strong Straight Line Winds Wednesday Morning
May 25, 2022
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down Wednesday morning in the Ferry Pass area.
A NWS Mobile storm survey team found scattered locations of wind damage across the area, especially in the area of Davis Highway. Straight line winds of 60 to 80 mph caused damage in the area around Davis Highway., while the airport recorded a wind gust of 59 mph.
Winds appeared to strengthen near North Davis Highway south of I-10 and generated a brief tornado. It appeared to first organize and touchdown at Olive Baptist Church about 5:11 a.m. and moved northwest. The tornado moved to the northwest and reach peak EF-1 intensity with 90 mph winds along Whitmire Drive with downed trees and power lines. A camper was flipped and a shed suffered minor roof damage. The tornado path was about 50 yards wide.
The tornado appeared to lift as it reached East Johnson Avenue.
Further to the north, additional pockets of spotty wind damage were noted up to the Nine Mile Road area, where a box truck was flipped over in the parking lot in the 1600 block of Nine Mile Road in front of Crumbl Cookies, SportClips and Chipotle. Readers tell us the truck is always parked in that parking lot in the 1600 block of Nine Mile Road, near Hillview Drive.
At Olive Baptist Church, several trees were downed. There was water inside the Early Learning Center, and they were unable to assist with food and utility assistance programs on Wednesday, according to Drayton Smith of the Ministry Village at Olive. Residents of the Charis House at Olive joined church members and staff in working to clean up.
There were no injuries reported in the morning storms.
A few thousand Florida Power & Light customers lost power.
A tornado warning was in effect at the time.
Pictured above and first two photos below: The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down Wednesday morning at Olive Baptist Church. Pictured third below: Windows were blown out of Eyeglass World on North Davis Highway by straight line winds. Pictured bottom: Straight line winds overturned a box truck on Nine Mile Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Accused Of Murder At Highway 29 Circle K Released On Bond
May 25, 2022
The man charged with a deadly shooting Monday morning at a Highway 29 convenience store was released from jail on bond Tuesday night.
Charles Tyree Moore, 35, is charged with second degree murder for the shooting death of 35-year old Durrell Dupree Palmer at the Circle K on Highway 29 at West Roberts Road. During his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon, his bond was set at $150,000. Jail records indicate that he made bail and was released at 6:39 p.m. Tuesday.
Under the terms of his release, he must surrender any firearms within 24 hours.
Moore is due back in court on June 17 for an arraignment hearing.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said there had been “interaction” between the individuals going back two years. He said they had an argument over Palmer’s wife about two weeks ago, but she was not involved in the incident Monday morning.
“During a conversation that they had actually at the Circle K ended up escalating and ended up in gunfire,” Simmons said Monday afternoon.
Both men were at the Circle K at Highway 29 and West Roberts Road about 7:30 Monday morning when Moore pulled a handgun and fired four or five shots at Palmer, according to the sheriff. The incident occurred outside the store near the gas pumps at the southern end of the parking lot.
Moore fled the scene, but called the ECSO and told them that he would be stopping and placing the gun in the glovebox of his vehicle. Deputies took him into custody within minutes on Palafox Street at Nine Mile Road.
The sheriff said Moore had no criminal history and held a concealed weapons permit.
Palmer was a father, community activist and local business owner involved in the Black Lives Matter efforts in Pensacola.
Pictured above and below: A man was shot and killed at the Circle K at the corner of Highway 29 and West Roberts Road about 7:30 Monday morning. Pictured first below: The suspect was taken into custody minutes later on Palafox Street at Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Inmate Reportedly Stabbed At Century Correctional Institution
May 25, 2022
An inmate was reportedly stabbed Tuesday at Century Correctional Institution.
The male inmate was airlifted to an area hospital by Medstar Air Care 2 helicopter.
The Florida Department of Corrections confirmed that an inmate on inmate altercation took place at the Tedder Road prison but did not confirm the identity of the inmate or the extent of his injuries.
The incident is under investigation by the Office of Inspection General. Further details were not released.
FDC said inmates who cause harm to others are held accountable for their actions, including administrative sanctions, placement in restrictive housing and criminal charges if applicable.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Names The Top Of The Class Of 2022
May 25, 2022
Tate High School has named the top of the Class of 2022.
Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 is Jenna Kathryn Bennett (pictured left) with a GPA of 5.283. Salutatorian is Kaitlyn Rose Williams with a 5.245 GPA.
The Tate High School Class of 2022 graduates at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Top 10% honors graduates are as follows:
- Jenna Kathryn Bennett
- Kaitlyn Rose Williams
- Allison Haley Baer
- Fletcher Reese Howard
- Mikayla Marie Porter
- Margaret Marie Darbyshire
- Carter James Pitts
- Alyssa Ann Daniels
- Danica Riddell
- Brianna S Perea
- Dylainie Charlery
- Mikaela Gabriele Infante Lara
- Elise Claire Grissom
- Addison Charles Jenkins
- Kaya Rose McKay
- Michael Perez
- Rikki Jayden Camacho
- Cooper Bryant McKinney
- Kaitlyn Lorraine Stephens
- Natalie Renee Gaddy
- Holly Marie Phillips
- Cody N Alltop
- Elias G Ray
- Jenna Lynn Banta
- Kaleigh L Chism
- Gabrielle Cyprienne Gryskiewicz
- Kayla Denelle Le Tolbert
- Jefferson Jiang
- KaleighAnne Viado Villanueva
- Paige Rhyan Foxworth
- Dalton Wayne Etheridge
- James Austin Goolsby
- Sarah Marie Cook
- Grier Alexander Locke
- Amara Layne Wynder
- Jaxson Todd Stafford
- Jordan Cochran
- Brianna Lynn Wilson
- Grace Madison Neal
- Alaina Grace Shuey
- Emma Grace Schelling
- Madison Faith Sheets
- Melissa Renee Holland Schauer
Here’s The Schedule, And Live Video Links, For This Week’s Graduations
May 25, 2022
Graduations are scheduled through Thursday at the Pensacola Bay Center for Escambia County schools.
The schedule and live video links are below.
Friday, May 20
11 a.m. — Escambia Westgate
Tuesday, May 24
9 a.m. — District Extended
Wednesday, May 25
9 a.m. — Pine Forest High
12:15 p.m. — West Florida High
3:15 p.m. — Northview High
6:30 p.m. — Tate High
Thursday, May 26
9 a.m. — Pensacola High
12:15 p.m. — Escambia High
3:15 p.m. — Escambia Virtual, Success Academy, and George Stone
6:30 p.m. — Washington High
NOAA Predicts Above Normal 2022 Hurricane Season
May 25, 2022
Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, are predicting above-average hurricane activity this year — which would make it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.
“Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “Throughout the hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around-the-clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.”
The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon. An enhanced west African monsoon supports stronger African Easterly Waves, which seed many of the strongest and longest lived hurricanes during most seasons. The way in which climate change impacts the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones is a continuous area of study for NOAA scientists.
Pictured below: Visible satellite image of Hurricane Ida approaching land in the Gulf of Mexico at 4:10 a.m. on August 29, 2021.
IP Donated Butterfly Kits To 631 Classrooms In Escambia And Santa Rosa
May 25, 2022
International Paper, in partnership with Celebrate Planet Earth, provided 631 kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with free butterfly and sunflower kits, enabling local children to experience the wonder of nature.
Schools received their kits March through May, and students had the opportunity to witness caterpillars undergo metamorphosis over the course of two to three weeks. Once the butterflies emerged, students fed them sugar-water for about a week before experiencing the delight of releasing them into the world. Students also learned how to sprout and grow sunflowers from seed to bloom.
The butterfly and sunflower kits were distributed to 27 schools:
- Bagdad Elementary School
- Bellview Elementary School
- Berryhill Elementary School
- Beulah Elementary School
- Blue Angels Elementary School
- Bratt Elementary School
- Capstone Academy – Milton
- Central School
- Creative Learning Academy
- East Milton Elementary School
- Ensley Elementary School
- Episcopal Day School
- Gulf Breeze Elementary School
- Jim Allen Elementary School
- Kingsfield Elementary School
- Lincoln Park Elementary School
- Lipscomb Elementary School
- Longleaf Elementary School
- McArthur Elementary School
- Molino Park Elementary School
- N. B. Cook Elementary School
- Oriole Beach Elementary School
- Pine Meadow Elementary School
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School
- S.S. Dixon Primary
- W. H. Rhodes Elementary School
- West Navarre Primary
“We are committed to improving the communities along the greater Gulf Coast, and we aim to be responsible stewards of our planet,” said Scott Taylor, Pensacola Mill manager. “We are proud to offer this learning experience to the young students in our surrounding communities and hope it instills in them a respect for our planet.”
Pictured: Students enjoy butterflies at Kingsfield Elementary School (above) and Molino Park Elementary (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Lady Royals Win State Semifinal; Play For State Championship On Wednesday
May 25, 2022
The Jay Lady Royals defeated Liberty County 3-2 Tuesday afternoon in Clermont in the 1A state softball semifinal.
Alayna Lowery led the Lady Royals in the circle, allowing five hits and two runs in five innings while striking out five and walking one.
Lowery, Caitlyn Gavin, Mattie Cochran, Kassidy Nevels, Ella Nelson, Brett Watson, and Kaylee Gilbreath each had one hit for Jay. Mattie Coleman pitched two innings, giving up no hits and no runs while striking out three.
The Lady Royals move on to the FHSAA 1A state championship game Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. EDT. They will face Fort White.
Braves Snap Blue Wahoos’ Winning Streak At Seven
May 25, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got a stellar start from Jeff Lindgren, but saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end with a 5-2 loss to the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday night.
Lindgren allowed only one hit over 6.0 scoreless innings, striking out four batters and facing only one over the minimum.
The Blue Wahoos, playing for the first time in six days, turned a leadoff double from Luis Aviles Jr. into the game’s first run in the third inning thanks to an RBI single from Griffin Conine. That lead held through the middle innings, but Mississippi starter Alan Rangel kept the Blue Wahoos from adding any more.
In the seventh, the Blue Wahoos’ usually dependable bullpen had an off night. Josh Simpson, who entered with 18.2 scoreless innings to start his season, allowed a single and a pair of walks to load the bases before Riley Delgado hit a two-out, two-run single to put the Braves in front 2-1.
J.D. Orr led off the bottom of the seventh with a walk, and swiped second and third base on consecutive pitches before coming home on a sacrifice fly from José Devers to tie the game 2-2. The Blue Wahoos got a leadoff walk in the eighth against Justin Yeager (W, 1-0), but left him aboard to send the game to the ninth still tied.
In the ninth, Anthony Maldonado (L, 1-2) issued back-to-back leadoff walks before Jacob Pearson hit a go-ahead RBI double off the right field wall. Andrew Moritz followed with a two-run single past a drawn-in infield to extend the Mississippi lead to 5-2. Justin Maese (S, 
worked a perfect bottom of the ninth to lock down the save.
The Blue Wahoos’ seven-game winning streak, their longest streak since 2018, came to a close as their division lead shrank to 2.5 games with 29 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Mississippi Braves on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Pensacola Fitness Murder Suspect Arrested At Nine Mile And Beulah Road
May 24, 2022
UPDATED — Kennon Farrow has been arrested without incident at Nine Mile and Beulah Road. A traffic stop was made by members of the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force, Pensacola Police, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. There were no injuries during the traffic stop.
Previous story:
The Pensacola Police Department is searching for 39-year old Kennon Nicholas Farrow for a fatal shooting Tuesday morning at Pensacola Fitness on North 9th Avenue at Creighton Road.
At 4:25 a.m., Farrow allegedly entered the gym armed with a handgun and fired several shots at 48-year Carla Elaine Williams. She was hit multiple times and pronounced deceased at the scene.
PPD said Farrow fled the scene. He is now wanted for first degree premeditated murder.
Police first said he might be traveling in a gray Mercedes Benz with Florida tag #154-RZU. Late Monday afternoon, PPD said they now believe he is traveling in small blue Nissan SUV with an unknown tag number.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Farrow, they are asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP to remain anonymous.
Williams (pictured below) was an associate math professor and former basketball star at Pensacola State College. She worked at PSC for over 24 years in athletics, collegiate high, and the math and computer science departments.
Farrow (above) is pictured in a February 2022 mugshot
