Lane Closures Begin Today On Jacks Branch Road
August 21, 2014
Drivers can expect delays on a portion of Jacks Branch Road beginning Friday and continuing through next week.
Alternating lane closures will occur on Jacks Branch Road between Barrineau Park Road and Schifko Road in Cantonment today, and Monday-Friday of next week. The lane closures will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. as crews work to widen the roadway.
Residents will have access to their property at all times although workers may need to temporarily close some driveways and relocate or replace mailboxes.
Flagmen will be onsite to help direct traffic and drivers are asked to obey the speed limit that has been reduced by 10 mph throughout the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion this fall.
Power Boat Stops In Cantonment In Advance Of Saturday Grand Prix
August 21, 2014
The Stihl offshore racing boat US-1 was on display Wednesday at A-1 Small Engines in Cantonment in advance of this weekend’s 1st Annual Pensacola Grand Prix Sunday on Pensacola Bay.
Sunday’s races will start at 1 p.m. and 2 pm. with Plaza de Luna and Maritime Park designated as prime viewing areas. For more info, click here.
During Wednesday’s Stihl US-1 visit to Cantonment, A-1 Small Engines held a couple of giveaways — Brad Early won a Stihl blower, and Tim Bragg won a 25 quart Engel cooler.
Pictured: The Stihl offshore racing boat US-1 at A-1 Small Engines in Cantonment Wednesday. Photos courtesy April Conatser for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Suns OutSlug The Wahoos
August 21, 2014
The Jacksonville Suns scored eight runs over the first four innings to knock Blue Wahoos starter Robert Stephenson (L, 6-9) from the game on their way to a 10-6 win on Wednesday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos had the bats going again with two more home runs after blasting a team-record five on Tuesday night. Yorman Rodriguez had the first with a two-run homer in the second. Travis Mattair matched his 2013 home run total with his 13th round-tripper in the fifth.
Kyle Waldrop had a nice night offensively with an RBI double in the first inning for Pensacola’s first run. He added a single later in the game for a 2-for-5 night. Pensacola also got some production from catcher Yovan Gonzalez. He collected his first hit since joining the Wahoos with a single in the second inning. He later doubled and scored in the eighth inning as part of a 2-for-4 night.
Stephenson struggled on the mound in his start. The hard throwing right-hander was charged with 8 R/7 ER on six hits over 4.0 innings. He walked two and struck out five. He ended up with the loss. Pensacola knocked around Jacksonville’s starter Justin Nicolino (W, 12-4). He allowed 5 R/ER on nine hits over 5.0 innings with just three strikeouts. It was the first time he had allowed as many as five earned runs since Pensacola scored five against him on May 19. Despite his struggles, the Suns lefty still picked up the win.
With the win, Jacksonville will hold on to a share of the lead in the South Division and they lock up the series win.
Pensacola will try to end the season series with the Suns on a high note Thursday night. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-6, 3.01) will start for the Blue Wahoos against an unannounced starter for Jacksonville. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. CT from Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
by Tommy Thrall
Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Found
August 21, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent homicide in southwest Escambia County.
Shortly after noon Thursday, a deceased male was discovered in the area of Weller Avenue and Bradfield Drive, off Gulf Beach Highway. Deputies have identified the victim as 25-year old Tyler A. Evans of Pensacola.
Investigators are working the case as a homicide. Early indications are that the murder was not a random act, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators are looking for a gold 2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab with Florida tag J284AZ in connection with the incident. Anyone having any information concerning the crime or the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Citing an ongoing investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is not releasing any further information.
Man Gets Jail Time For Stealing Makeup, Drug Possession
August 20, 2014
A Century man has been sentenced to jail for stealing a large quantity of makeup from a Walmart and for drug possession.
Eric James Grimes, age 23 of Highway 168, was convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, methamphetamine possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, and grand theft. He was sentenced to 90 days in the county jail.
In late April, a deputy in the Casino Beach parking lot stopped to assist Grimes, who seemed to be lost. Grimes told the deputy he’d lost his yellow Nissan truck, and began to act nervously, according to an arrest report, telling the deputy that he had an outstanding grand theft warrant for his arrest.
As he was taken into custody, deputies reported that they located plastic bags of crack cocaine and a sandwich bag containing a “significant” quantity of methamphetamine on Grimes’ person.
The grand theft warrant stemmed from a March 5 incident at Walmart on Mobile Highway. Grimes was positively identified from a photo lineup as the man a store loss prevention officer said he observed in the cosmetics department taking large quantities of expensive cosmetics, concealing them in his jacket and exiting the store.
Escambia County Mosquito Borne Illneses Advisory Upgraded To Alert
August 20, 2014
An mosquito-borne illness advisory for Escambia County has been upgraded to an alert.
The change came after the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County received notification of a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in a resident of Escambia County, FL, according to a news release issued Tuesday afternoon. A probable human case in the county was previously reported.
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts. FDOH-Escambia reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.
School Board Honors Molino Park’s Woodward As Principal Of The Year
August 20, 2014
Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward was officially recognized Tuesday night by the Escambia County School Board as the Escambia County Principal of the Year.
Following a standing ovation, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas lauded Woodward’s many accomplishment at Molino Park.
“She always finds a way to put students first,” Thomas concluded.
“I am definitely humbled that I was the one chosen to receive the award this year. I work among a very talented and dedicated group of principals,” Woodward said. “I am receiving the principal of the year award not because of the things I do, but because of my staff, the fruits of my staff, my parents, my students, my community continually striving for excellence.”
Just a year ago, Molino Park was recovering from a break-in and the theft of about $60,000 in technology, and the school was rated as a “C” by the Florida Department of Education. Now, Molino Park Elementary is an “A” school with a 95 percent proficiency in math — among the highest scores in the district and state.
“Research says that what people hear last is what they remember most,” Woodward told the school board. ” So I say to you, to God by the glory, for it is from Him all blessings flow.”
Also Tuesday night, Janet Penrose of Belleview Middle School was honored as the Escambia County Assistant Principal of the Year.
For an earlier NorthEscambia.com story about Woodward and her award, click here.
Pictured top: Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward was presented the Escambia County Principal of the Year Tuesday evening before the Escambia County School Board. Image for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 700 Homes, Businesses Lose Power Tuesday Night
August 20, 2014
High winds as thunderstorms moved through the area Tuesday night left over 700 North Escambia area homes and businesses without power for several hours.
About 230 homes were left without power when a tree fell on a line along Highway 97 near Pilgrim Trail about 8:30 p.m. That plunged homes in the Highway 97, White Ash Road, Pine Circle Drive, Chaudron Road and Pilgrim Trail subdivision areas into the dark. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was dispatched to the scene due to a grass fire sparked by the power lines. Power was restored in the area by midnight.
Just before 9 p.m., nearly 500 homes and businesses along East Kingfield Road from Highway 29 to Riddle Road lost power. The outage included homes on a portion Tate Road, Pompano Street, Stallion Road, Pine Forest Road, Cricket Ridge Drive. Ryale Road, Filly Road, and Staff Drive. Power was restored in the area by 12:30 a.m.
Northview Grad Baldwin Graduates From Military Basic Training
August 20, 2014
Air Force Airman Arthur Jacob Baldwin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Baldwin is the son of Henry L. Baldwin of Cantonment and Jennifer A. Baldwin of Molino.
He is a 2012 graduate of Northview High School.
Teen Injured In Cedar Tree Lane Crash
August 20, 2014
A teen was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Cantonment. The driver of a Mazda 626 apparently lost control and slammed into a utility pole about 6:45 p.m. on Cedar Tree Lane near Cedar Point Road. The teen was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
