Overall Crime Down In Florida, Down For Escambia Sheriff’s Office
November 26, 2017
The latest state and local crime stats have been released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement , showing a decrease in the amount of statewide crime. Locally, the change rate in Escambia County crime was not clear to missing data.
Statewide, the crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
In Escambia County, the Pensacola Police Department did not report data for inclusion on the report, making the county-wide comparison over last year impossible.
For the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, murders increased from seven during the first half of 2016 to 12 in the first half of 2017. Rapes increased from 67 to 88, and burglaries increased from 825 to 889.
The number of robberies reported to the ECSO decreased from 166 to 120 in 2017, aggravated assaults were down from 540 to 490, larcenies were down from 2,944 to 2,837 and motor vehicle thefts decreased from 265 to 263.
The clearance rate, the number of crimes solved, dropped from 32.1 percent in 2016 to 26.4 percent in 2017 for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The total number of serious crimes dropped from 4,814 in the first half of 2016 to 4,699 through June 2017 for the ECSO.
Walnut Hill Girl Named Junior Rodeo Queen
November 26, 2017
Leila Ann Mason of Walnut Hill was recently crowned the 2017-2018 Alabama Junior Rodeo Association Queen. Mason, 11, is a sixth grader at Ernest Ward Middle School. The Alabama Junior Rodeo Association is a non profit organization that promotes the sport of rodeo to youth from kindergarten to 8th grade. The association promotes sportsmanship, good character and the rodeo life style. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Health Department: Get Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough
November 26, 2017
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) reminds everyone to get vaccinated, and stay vaccinated, against pertussis. Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a vaccine-preventable illness, but can be highly contagious to non-vaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals. The disease is easily passed among individuals in close contact with one another. Pertussis can be especially dangerous to newborn infants who are too young to get vaccinated. This illness is also serious for people with weakened immune systems and for older adults.
“Pertussis easily spreads within families and in other settings where there are close contacts among individuals, such as households, schools, and group child care situations,” said FDOH-Escambia’s Director, Dr. John Lanza. “Because pertussis can be so dangerous for infants, it is important that as many people as possible get vaccinated and stay vaccinated.”
– Pertussis is very contagious and is spread from person to person through the droplets from a cough. The main symptom is a cough that lasts for two weeks to several months. The cough can be very serious. Individuals may be unable to catch their breath and begin to turn blue. Severe coughs can also lead to vomiting, sleep loss, weight loss, nose bleeds, rib fractures, hernia and even pneumonia. In infants, the cough may have a “whoop” sound at the end.
– Individuals who have these symptoms, and those who have a cough and have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with pertussis, should see a doctor.
– Everyone should talk with their physician about getting vaccinated. Individuals aged six weeks and older are eligible for the pertussis vaccine. The vaccine is available at FDOH-Escambia and from many private physicians.
– Previously-vaccinated persons may need a vaccine booster if there is going to be a newborn in their home, or they are going to be around older adults or individuals with poor immune function.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
November 26, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities next week:
Escambia County
- Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- The exit ramp from I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 south (Exit 10A) will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured to Exit 10B.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north (Exit 10B).
- I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. beginning Friday, Nov. 17 as crews perform paving work.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound near Scenic Highway Friday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21.
- The on-ramp from Scenic Highway to I-10 westbound will be intermittently closed Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21. Traffic will be detoured on I-10 eastbound to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) to access I-10 westbound.
- The I-10 eastbound off-ramp to Scenic Highway will be intermittently closed Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21. Traffic on I-10 eastbound will be detoured to Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22) to access I-10 westbound to Scenic Highway.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 (Bayfront Parkway), between 14th Avenue and the bridge, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 21 as crews place temporary lane separators and barrier wall.
Santa Rosa County
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
West Florida High Grad One Of Three Sailors Lost In Navy Plane Crash At Sea
November 25, 2017
One of three Navy sailors lost at sea earlier this week was from Pensacola.
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso was a 2017 graduate of West Florida High School. He joined the Navy immediately after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father.
Grosso, a native of Florida was assigned to Ronald Reagan. His previous duty stations include the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon.
He was aboard a C-2A Greyhound that crashed en route to the USS Ronald Reagan Nov. 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew and passengers at the time. Eight personnel were recovered on scene after the crash by U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 12).
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Sailors,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet. “Their service and sacrifice will be lasting in Seventh Fleet and we will continue to stand the watch for them, as they did bravely for all of us.”
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Over the course of two days of continuous search efforts for the Sailors, ships and aircraft covered nearly 1000 square nautical miles.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire team onboard Ronald Reagan go out to the families and friends of our fallen shipmates,” said Capt. Michael Wosje, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5). “We are thankful for our professional search and rescue teams and their incredible bravery. The entire Navy team is working together to investigate the cause of this mishap and we will remain focused on our mission to operate forward in a safe and professional manner to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
FHP: Sen Greg Evers Not Under Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs Before Fatal Crash
November 25, 2017
Former Florida Sen Greg Evers was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a fatal crash August 21.
A report released Friday by the Florida Highway Patrol said the driver’s toxicology report indicated no alcohol or narcotics were found. The report only indicates prescribed medication for ongoing health issues. With the report, the FHP’s investigation is now closed.
An autopsy released earlier this month listed Ever’s official cause of death as drowning, with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a contributing factor.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Evers ran off Griffith Mill Road near Baker sometime late in the day August 21. He apparently missed a curve and his vehicle was found submerged in Penny Creek after going through a guardrail. The vehicle was discovered the following day.
A native of Milton, Evers, a Republican, served nine years in the Florida House before his election to the Senate in 2010. Evers left his Senate seat last year to make a bid for the U.S. House but lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Related: Greg Evers Remembered As Champion For Florida, North Escambia
Pictured top. Sen. Greg Evers.
Two Injured In Highway 29 Crash
November 25, 2017
At least two people were injured in a two vehicle crash Friday night on Highway 29 near Quintette Road.
The accident happened about 10:45 p.m., shutting down southbound Highway 29 for nearly an hour. One driver was trapped and freed using the Jaws of Life.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
Photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
West Florida Wins 5A Regional; Blountstown Beats Baker In 1A Semi Final
November 25, 2017
West Florida 24, Trinity Christian 14 (5A)
The West Florida Jaguars won the Regional 1-5A championship Friday night be defeating Trinity Christian 24-14 at Woodham Middle School.
The game remained scoreless headed into halftime, with Trinity first on the board with 7:44 to go in the third quarter. The Jaguars answered with a 6-yard touchdown run drom Devin Abrams with 5:54 in the third quarter. Both teams took it home again the third, including an 13-yard West Florida rushing touchdown from senior Bryant Johnecheck.
The fourth quarter began with the teams tied 14-14. West Florida dominated the fourth, with a 19-yard field goal from Dylan Bredesen and 35-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Jordan to Keyshawn Helton with 1:25 left to play.
Up next, West Florida (12-1) will host Baker County (12-1) at 7:30 at Woodham Middle in the 5A state semifinals.
Blountstown 41, Baker 21 (1A)
Blountstown beat the Baker Gators 41-21 Friday night to advance to the 1A state title game. Blountstown was leading 21-13 at the half before outscoring the Gators 20-8 in the second half for the win in Baker.
Blountstown will face Madison for the 1A state championship in Orlando on Thursday, December 7.
Register Now For Molino Christmas Parade
November 25, 2017
The 15th Annual Molino Christmas Parade is set for next Saturday, December 2 at 11 a.m.
The parade route starts at the west end of Crabtree Church Road and ends and the Molino Ballpark were Santa Will be waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
To participate in the parade, preregister at Jimmy’s Grill or register the day of the parade and be in line by 10:15 a.m.. Registration fees are $30 for floats; $20 for vehicles, motorcycles, tractors or golf carts; and $10 each for horses. No 4-wheelers or go-carts. All proceeds go directly back to the community to help children in need.
For more information, contact Karen Odom at (850) 281-4748 or Jimmy’s Grill at (850) 754-0041. Donations such as toys and non-perishable foot items can be dropped off at Jimmy’s Grill.
The rain date will be Sunday, December 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Pictured: Scenes from the 14th Annual Molino Christmas Parade in 2016. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
No Road Construction Lane Closures This Weekend In Florida
November 25, 2017
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office has suspended construction-related lane closures across Northwest Florida for the Thanksgiving Holiday. There will be no work on the interstate or state roads requiring lane restrictions through Sunday, Nov. 27. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect and drivers may encounter construction workers and reduced speed limits. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and online at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.