Nightly Traffic Shifts on Nine Mile Road At Highway 29 Overpass
July 28, 2017
East and westbound traffic on Nine Mile Road at the Highway29 overpass in Escambia County will be reduced to one lane from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Sunday, July 30. Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the inside westbound travel lane as the contractor prepares the area for construction of the support column for the new center bridge deck. Traffic control officers will be on site to help direct traffic.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 28, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending July 20 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Land was conducting a fishery inspection of a commercial fishing vessel in Pensacola. The vessel had multiple ice boxes filled with fish. Officer Land located two greater amberjack among the catch on the vessel. It is currently illegal to possess greater amberjack and the commercial size limit for greater amberjack is 36 inches. Both fish were undersized and were seized. The captain of the vessel was given a notice to appear for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Roberson was patrolling the Pensacola Pass when he conducted a fisheries inspection on a vessel with two individuals who had two red snapper and a mahi-mahi. He asked who had caught the snapper, and one of the individuals responded that he did. Both snapper were undersized and the individual was issued a misdemeanor citation.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Free School Supplies Available At Several Local Events
July 28, 2017
Free school supplies and other back to school essentials will be available to North Escambia area residents as follows:
Century
Free school supplies will be given out to Century residents only while supplies last on Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Showalter Park in Century. There will also be free food, family fun and face painting. The event is sponsored by Mayor Henry Hawkins.
Atmore Area
Grace Fellowship in Atmore will host Unity In The Community on Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be a kid’s carnival, food and entertainment. School supplies and school uniforms will be given to students in need in the community. Adults must accompany their children. Admission is free and everyone is invited. The church is located at 1412 E Nashville Avenue in Atmore.
Molino/Cantonment
Victory Assembly of God will host their annual Day of Hope back to school drive on Saturday, August 5 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Free backpacks, school supplies, grocery items and free professional haircuts will be available. For more information visit victorycan.org or call (850) 587-2295. The church is located on Highway 29 just south of Barrineau Park Rd. Children must be present to receive supplies.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Eight Facing Federal Pot Charges
July 28, 2017
A federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging eight defendants with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, four of whom were charged with being involved with 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Additionally, seven of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The defendants are:
• Charles Zachariah Sindylek, 31, Pensacola, Florida;
• Brandon Craig Remeyer, 34, Mission Viejo, California;
• Sanford Eugene Johnson III, 31, Pensacola, Florida;
• William Brett Brownell, 26, Milton, Florida;
• William Ezra Brownell (Brett’s father), 60, Mobile, Alabama;
• David Delgiacco, 55, Lake Forest, California;
• Andrew Paul Marcelonis, 31, Pensacola, Florida; and
• Steven Ryan Michael Sholly, 30, Pensacola, Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between January 2014 and June 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. It specifically alleges Sindylek, Remeyer, Johnson, and William Brett Brownell were responsible for involving 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in the conspiracy. The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, Sindylek, Remeyer, Johnson, both Brownells, Delgiacco, and Marcelonis conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy through financial institutions. The trial is scheduled for August 28 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
Pictured top: Charles Sindylek, Steven Sholly, William Brett Brownwell and Sanford Johnson III. Other mugshots were not immediately available.
Fire Heavily Damages Molino Home
July 28, 2017
Fire heavily damaged a home on Chance Road in Molino Thursday night.
The fire was reported just before 8 p.m All occupants were able to escape without injury.
The fire reportedly started with as a vehicle fire in a garage containing fuel and medical oxygen tanks.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Top Shuckers
July 28, 2017
Little did Biloxi know that the first inning solo homer by Blake Allemand would be the last hit and last run the Shuckers would earn off Pensacola Blue Wahoos starter Deck McGuire in his seven innings of work.
Behind McGuire’s right arm and right fielder Aristides Aquino’s two-run homer, Pensacola defeated Biloxi, 5-1, Thursday in front of 4,000 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The Blue Wahoos, whose game was delayed by rain Thursday for one hour, 40 minutes, leads the series, 2-1,
McGuire has now allowed six runs, five earned in 46 innings for a 0.98 ERA over his last seven starts since his June 24 outing against Chattanooga.
The 6-foot-6 former 2010 first round pick worked seven innings, allowing one run on one hit, gave up four walks and struck out three to improve his record to 9-7 with a 2.58 ERA.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said the 28-year-old minor league journeyman stepped up to take on the mantle of the Blue Wahoos with the loss of Tyler Mahle and Austin Ross.
“He just stepped up and took on the number one role on our staff,” Kelly said. “There are a lot of scouts here and a lot of places you can pitch. The opportunity is there. He’s opening some eyes.”
McGuire credited his battery mate and defense for his performance Thursday.
For McGuire, who has bounced around with five organizations in his seven seasons, he just wants to keep playing somewhere and hopefully one day impress his toddler. With a 4.58 ERA for his minor league career, he is having one of his best seasons with Pensacola. At the end of this season, he will have pitched in all 30 Double-A ballparks.
“The most important thing for me is keeping a jersey, keeping a job,” McGuire said. “I want to make (my son) proud. Hopefully, I’ll play long enough that he’ll understand, ‘Hey, dad has a pretty great job’.”
The Blue Wahoos lineup, which had only scored 12 runs over McGuire’s last six starts, broke out for five runs for him Thursday.
Pensacola didn’t wait to score on Biloxi. Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino went 65 at bats between his ninth and 10th home run but just five at bats until he blasted his team-leading 11th over the wall in left center. The two-run homer, his second in three games, in the second inning gave the Blue Wahoos a, 2-1, lead.
Kelly credited Aquino for continually trying to improve his swing. He worked with Cincinnati Reds roving instructors — Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, former Red Eric Davis and Milt Thompson — this year to make adjustments at the plate.
“He may be (frustrated) inside but he never shows it on the outside,” said Kelly of the No. 6 prospect in the Reds organization who is batting .214 but leads the team with 11 homers and is tied for the lead with 41 RBIs. “He is one of the most confident kids I have ever seen.”
Pensacola scored two more runs in the inning when shortstop Blake Trahan smacked a deep fly ball to the left center gap that both the left fielder and center fielder dived for but missed, allowing Pensacola catcher Joe Hudson to make it a, 3-1, game. Blue Wahoos center fielder Gabriel Guerrero hit a sizzling grounder into left field that drove in Trahan to put Pensacola ahead, 4-1.
Aquino, who was 3-4 and scored twice Thursday, also showed off his ability to slap a single to the opposite field when the Biloxi infield shifted left, playing him to pull the ball.
The 22-year-old then stole second and took third on the Biloxi catcher Jacob Nottingham’s throwing error trying to nail him. Aquino scored on a wild pitch by Shuckers reliever Hiram Burgos to put Pensacola ahead, 5-1 in the third inning. Aquino did all that with two outs and Hudson at bat
James Wesley Brazier
July 28, 2017
James Wesley Brazier was born in Dallas, Texas to the late Herman Barnes and Evaline Brazier. James attended BTW High School in Dallas TX. After graduating from high school, he later relocated to Los Angeles, CA. After working on many jobs, he finally went to work for Lockheed Martin in Burbank, CA and retire in 1996. After retirement we relocated to Lake Charles, LA, Orlando, FL and moved to Cantonment, FL. He enjoyed traveling until his failing health. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He exchanged his earthly life for an eternal life.
He is preceded in death by his parents Herman Barnes and Evaline Brazier; grandparents Ollie and Lillian Brazier and Golden McGill; great grandson D’Angelo Watts.
Everyone, most notably, his dear loving family, will cherish the memories of James Brazier life.
James leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife and caregiver Mrs. Jennie Espie Brazier of Cantonment, FL; two daughters, Anita Brazier of Bakersfield, CA and Eyvette Espie of Dallas, TX. Two grandchildren, Shanell Roberts and Khalil Ealy of Bakersfield, CA; two brothers, Harold and Carl Barnes of Dallas, TX; two brother-in-law’s, Jimmie and Robert Espie; five sister-in-law’s, Linda and Patricia Barnes of Dallas, TX, Nancy Underwood, Barbara Mitchell and Mattie Carter; his oldest cousin Barbara Hurd of Los Angeles, CA and nieces, great nieces, nephews, great-nephews and a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday August 4th, 2017 from 5-8pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with services to follow on Saturday August 5th, 2017 at Deliverance Tabernacle and Christian Center with Bishop Charles Young officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North uis entrusted with the arrangements.
Harold L. Gebhard
July 28, 2017
Harold L. Gebhard, loving husband and best friend to his loving wife Lelia Capps Gebhard passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
Harold was born and raised in Bainbridge, Lancaster County, PA to Harry L. and Esther Shellenberger Gebhard. He grew up in Bainbridge as one of six children- three boys and three girls. He was a member and attended Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL.
Harold proudly served his country for 23 ½ years in the United States Air Force, followed by 33 years of service to the U.S. Postal Service. During his military career he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State. He was a Master Mason, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Hadji Shrine. Harold’s many military awards and commendations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals (2), Commendations Medals (4), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam service Medal, National Defense Medals (2), Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Air Force Longevity Service Awards (6) and nine Good Conduct Medals. Harold loved his country and volunteered and served in Vietnam. He had a distinguished and rewarding career serving his country in the USAF and the U. S. Postal Service.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Herman T. Gebhard.
Harold is survived by his forever friend and love, his wife, Lelia of Pensacola, FL. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage together. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen Gramm, Hazel Chapin (David), Mount Joy, PA and Hilma Mumma (Clay) of Lancaster, PA; his brother, Howard (Beth) of Ephrata, PA; sister-in-law, Katherine Gebhard of Manheim, PA; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Dr. Stan Lewis will be officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family request in lieu of flowers, if you desire, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 12th Avenue, Pensacola FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL is entrusted with the arrangements
Century Chamber Director: ‘I’d Really Like To Talk To The Mayor’
July 27, 2017
The Century Area Chamber of Commerce needs the support of the Escambia County Commission but is missing the support of the town’s mayor — that was the word from the chamber’s executive director during a Wednesday night economic development summit held by the commission.
The major economic development players in the county appeared before the commission — including Florida West, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Improvement Board and United Way — to discus the direction and pace of economic development in Escambia County. The meeting was held in advance of a Thursday meeting in which the commission will discuss their budget to fund several of the groups, including nearly 100 percent of the Century Chamber.
“I want to know about Century. I want to know what I need to be doing differently in the conduct of my job here,” Commissioner Doug Underhill said. “The Century Census tract is on that really need to be focused on…This is an opportunity for the five of us to understand what we can be doing better to fix the social ills, the economic aspect of the social ills in Century.”
“We are the gateway to Alabama and Florida,” Etheridge told commissioners as she stressed the transportation infrastructure service the town such and road and rail. “We are positioned very well to become a hub…areas that we have in Century could easily be pitched to companies that want to have an ‘inland port’ because we are so close to rail and highways.”
Etheridge said Century did take a hit in the January 2016 EF-3 tornado that struck the town.
“We’ve got to find a way to get Century out of poverty. We have so many residents that are in poverty, so many,” she said.
The group discussed possible collaboration efforts between the Century Chamber and the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce.
When asked by Commissioner Steven Barry, Etheridge said she has received assistance from economic development agency FloridaWest, but not from the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.
“Any issue you bring forward for economic development in Century you’ll find support from me,” Commissioner Luman May told Barry and Etheridge.
Etheridge told commissioners that what she most needs is support from Century Mayor Henry Hawkins.
“What I could use from the county is for the county to touch base with the new mayor. He’s a member of the chamber, but he’s not attended any of the chamber meetings except for one that I know of,” she said. “We would like to see more participation from our mayor. I’ve reached out to him, but he’s not returned my phone calls.”
“I’m going to call the mayor of Pensacola and see if I can get him to city council meetings, and see if I can get the mayor of Century to go to the chamber meeting,” May said with laugh. “I don’t know if I’m going to be successful, but I will try both of them.”
“I’m not trying to be a tattle-tale,” Etheridge said. “I’d really like to talk to the mayor.’
Pictured Century Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Etheridge addresses the Escambia County Commission Wednesday night in Pensacola. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Heat Index Up To 107 Today, Slight Chance Of Rain
July 27, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.