School Bus Detouring Around Bridge Closure Involved In Wreck
December 8, 2017
A school bus, detouring around one of many bridge closures in North Escambia, was involved in an accident Thursday morning on a dirt road outside Walnut Hill. There were no injuries to the drivers or seven students headed to Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High School.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 47-year old Paul Ryals of McDavid was driving a 2002 Toyota Tacoma south on South Pineville Road near Ryals Lane as the 2016 Escambia County School District bus driven by Barbara Hollingsworth was traveling north. Both vehicles approached at entered a curve at the same time. The FHP said Ryals failed to to maintain his lane, “causing him to go into the opposite lane of traffic”. The front of the vehicle collided, with $8,000 in damage to the Tacoma and $400 in damage to the bus.
Ryals was cited for failure to maintain lane, per FHP.
School district officials said the bus driver was using South Pineville Road as a detour around a closed bridge on O.C. Phillips Road. South Pineville is a very rural dirt road that is very muddy on rainy days, but is the recommended (and only) detour around the bridge closure.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County School District Names Top 5 Teachers
December 8, 2017
The Escambia County School District named their Top 5 Teachers of the Year Thursday afternoon. They are:
- William Broome — Woodham Middle School
- Shana Brown — Molino Park Elementary School
- Megan Carroll — Northview High School
- Suzanne Hollingsworth — Beulah Elementary School
- Carla Ross — Washington High School
The winner will be announced at the annual Golden Apple Dinner on January 26, 2018.
Pictured; Molino Park Elementary School teacher Shana Brown and her fifth grade students celebrate. Thursday, Brown was named one of Escambia County’s Top 5 teachers. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Claus Visits Century Library (With Photo Gallery)
December 8, 2017
Santa Claus paid a special visit to the Century Branch Library Thursday evening taking those special Christmas wishes.
Puppies were the most requested items, with children asking for other items including dolls, toy cars, video games and more.
And one young man brought a big smile to Santa’s face when asked what he wants for Christmas morning.
“I want breakfast,” the young man replied.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Santa will be back in NorthEscambia on Tuesday with a visit to the Molino Branch Library at 6 p.m. for a special Pajama Story Time with Santa. Children invited to wear their comfy, cozy pajamas, brink a blanket and join the library staff for a stories, milk and cookies along with a very special visit from Santa Claus. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Let It Snow! Winter Weather Advisory Issued
December 8, 2017
A winter weather advisory has been issued for the North Escambia area. Snow is in the forecast tonight, with up to 1 inch accumulation. Ice may also form on bridges and overpasses, making driving dangerous. There is also a freeze warning in effect for tonight.
Send your snow photos to news@northescambia.com and we might use them in our coverage.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 47. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 31. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 33.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Pictured: A flashback to a snowy day in February 2010 showing (top) a rare Florida snowfall, heavier snow in Atmore (below) and several inches around Highway 21 and I-65 (bottom). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Graduate Taylor McCarty Completes Navy Basic Training
December 8, 2017
Navy Seaman Taylor J. McCarty recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL.
During the eight-week program, McCarty completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
McCarty will continue her training in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as a hospital corpsman.
McCarty is the daughter of Deborah Carter of Cantonment. She is a 2013 graduate of Tate High School.
Dump Electronics, Household Hazardous Waste, Tires For Free
December 8, 2017
The Escambia County Waste Services Department will host the next Regional Roundup on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Perdidio Landfill, located at 13009 Beulah Road. Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste and up to four tires per vehicle, free of charge.
Residents can dispose of all types of clean, dry, recyclable electronics including computers, monitors and terminals, keyboards, mice, printers, TVs, copiers, gaming systems, remotes, fax machines, stereo systems, cell phones and telephones. Electronics that have been gutted will not be accepted. Appliances, including fans and air conditioners, are not accepted.
HHW items can cause injury if handled improperly. These items will usually have a warning or cautionary statement on their labels, such as flammable, corrosive, poisonous or toxic and include items such as swimming pool chemicals, cleaners, drain openers, paint and paint products, fuels, gases, lawn and garden chemicals, aerosol cans and automotive repair and maintenance products.
For more information about Regional Roundup events or proper disposal of waste, contact the Escambia County Waste Services Department at 850-937-2160 or wasteservices@myescambia.com.
Volunteer Needed For West Florida Public Library Board Of Governance
December 8, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
The duties of the board include establishing policy and overseeing the management of Escambia County library services and making recommendations to the BCC regarding the annual budget according to the purposes and authority set forth in resolutions, interlocal agreements and other agreements, as well as state and federal laws. These duties also include establishing an annual plan of service and the long-range strategic planning of library services.
West Florida Public Libraries provides service to all of Escambia County, with the board typically meeting on the fourth Monday of the month from 4-6:30 p.m.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Thursday, Dec. 14. Resumes should be submitted to Todd J. Humble, Director, West Florida Public Libraries, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, FL, 32502 or by email to tjhumble@mywfpl.com.
Julia Nell Strickland O’Farrell
December 8, 2017
Mrs. Julia Nell Strickland O’Farrell, age 84 of Bratt, FL, received her angel wings while surrounded by her beloved family on the afternoon of December 2, 2017.
Julia Nell spent her lifetime bringing joy, comfort, and kindness to all who knew her. She lived a joyful and selfless life, always giving what she had and never expecting anything in return. She was kind, loving, caring, gentle, and one of the sweetest ladies this world has ever known. A true and shining example of how we all should live.
Julia Nell was preceded in death by her father, James Strickland, her mother, Vera Daniels Strickland, and her sister Bobbie White.
Her beautiful, kind, loving, and selfless spirit will live on through those she has left behind; her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, Ernest Ellis O’Farrell of Bratt, FL; her sister, Gloria Faye Kent (Jerry) of Brewton, AL; her brother, Ricky Strickland (Brenda) of Pensacola, FL; her three children, Julie O’Farrell Fountain (David Findley) of Atmore, AL, Brenda O’Farrell Pitts (Freddy) of Madison, FL, and Ernest Hallrick (Hal) O’Farrell (Patty) of Ozark, AL; her grandchildren, Bill Fountain of Lake Villa, IL, Angie Pitts Santee of Naples, FL, Burt Pitts of Crawfordville, FL, Nellie Pitts Blair of Live Oak, FL, Christina O’Farrell of Houston, TX, Danielle Clark of Yulee, FL, Jennifer Morgenroth-O’Farrell of Bermerhaven, Germany, and Janet O’Farrell of St. Albans, WV; 15 great-grandchildren; and her numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Services were held at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, with Rev. LaDon Hall presiding. Eulogy was delivered by her son-in-law, Freddy Pitts.
Burial ceremony was at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Chad Kent, Wade Kent, Dalton Kent, Mason Kent, Alan Lowery, Mike Gibson, and Larry Gibson.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
Two Homeless After Jay Travel Trailer Fire
December 7, 2017
Fire destroyed a travel trailer in Jay about noon Thursday, leaving two people without a home.
Neighbors said two men and their dog had been living in the camper on State Street just off Highway 4. The men and their dog were able to get out of the camper with no injuries; however, it was not immediately clear if they were inside when the fire started or were already gone for the day.
The camper quickly burned to the ground before firefighters arrived. Neighbors used water hoses and firefighters worked to save nearby structures from the blaze.
Pictured top and inset: Fire rages inside a camper trailer in Jay midday Thursday as seen before firefighters arrived. Reader submitted photos by Alyssia Mcclantoc for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: The travel trailer was a complete loss. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Molino Crash
December 7, 2017
Two people were injured in a Thursday morning accident at Highway 29 and Molino Road. Both were transported to Pensacola hospitals with injuries that were not considered life threatening. The 8:45 a.m. accident briefly shut down northbound Highway 29. Further details have not been released as the Florida Highway Patrol continues their investigation. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
