Century Armed Robbery Suspect Captured In Alabama
July 16, 2018
A Century armed robbery suspect was captured this afternoon in Alabama.
Devante Aaron Knight, 26, was arrested before 2 p.m. in Conecuh County, AL, near Evergreen, according to local authorities.
Knight robbed the Century Kwik Stop at 8130 North Century Boulevard at just before 10 p.m. on July 2, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Escambia County deputies said Knight was considered armed and dangerous.
It is expected Knight will face unknown charges in Coneuch County. He will also be extradited back to Escambia County.
Wreck Claims Life Of Pedestrian From Atmore, Driver Charged With DUI
July 16, 2018
An Atmore man has passed away from injuries he received when he was struck by a DUI driver Saturday night in Bay Minette.
Logan Heath Barrett, 23, passed away Sunday morning.
According to Bay Minette Police, the accident happened about 9:56 p.m. near the intersection of McMeans Avenue and West 5th Street. Barrett was crossing McMeans Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 24-year old Andrew Milton Cross of Birmingham, according to Bay Minette Police.
Cross was initially charged with driving under the influence, assault first degree, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. It is expected that charges will be upgraded. Cross was being held in the Baldwin County Jail with bond set at $61,500.
The accident remains under investigation.
Pictured: Suspect Andrew Milton Cross.
Driver Flips Pickup Into Molino Yard
July 16, 2018
A driver apparently fled the scene after crashing a pickup truck into a Molino yard Sunday night.
The pickup overturned into a fence on Molino Road near Sunshine Hill Road about 9 p.m. The driver was not around the vehicle when first responders arrived a short time later.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Summer Reading Fun, Summer STEAM This Week At the Molino And Century Libraries
July 16, 2018
Here’s some of what’s happening this week at the Molino and Century branch libraries.
Bucky & Gigi
Wednesday, July 18, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
Thursday, July 19, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
These two former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clowns will amaze and amuse, dazzle and delight, by using physical comedy, circus skills, mime, magic improvisation and audience participation.
Summer STEAM
Tuesday, July 17, 2 p.m. – Century Branch Library
Join us for the program, Making Music: Strings. You can make music with almost anything. This time we will be making string instruments using mostly recyclable
materials. Create it here and take it home with you for hours of fun.
Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Come explore new robots from the West Florida Public Libraries collection in this hands-on experience. Learn to think like a robot in order to code your robot to complete tasks.
NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Felon Convicted On Additional Weapon And Drug Charges
July 16, 2018
A felon from Escambia County has been convicted of additional drug and firearm charges.
After a three-day jury trial, Kenneth Lamar Weathers, 27, was convicted of two counts of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In June 2017, while cleaning a hotel room, a housekeeper found a pistol under the mattress. Weathers, who stayed in the room the night before the current occupant, was determined to have possessed the firearm.
In October 2017, law enforcement officers were notified that an armed male, later identified as Weathers, was within a residence. When officers arrived, an injured woman was in the rear bedroom of the apartment with Weathers. During a search of the residence, a pistol was located between the mattress and box spring where Weathers was lying. A bag in the closet contained $3,661 in U.S. currency, 15 individually wrapped clear baggies with cocaine, and Weathers’s Florida identification card.
For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Weathers faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. For possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
Shower And Thunderstorm Coverage Increases
July 16, 2018
Sunday afternoon storms brought heavy rainfall, downed a few trees and led to scattered power outages in the North Escambia area.
One Pinedale Lane off West Roberts Road, a pine tree brought down power lines, leaving 17 homes without power (pictured below). One Pineville Road west of Walnut Hill, power lines were downed. The storms also brought thousands of lightning strikes, like the Molino strike captured in the photo above. (Click here for the lightning video.)
And we are expecting more thunderstorms on Monday. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Pictured: Molino lightning strike by Abbie Gulsby for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: A downed tree on Pinedale Lane. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward High 50-Year Multi-Class Reunion Scheduled
July 16, 2018
The Ernest Ward High School Class of 1968 will host a multi-class reunion for the classes of 1967, 1968 and 1969 on Saturday, August 4, at the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club building at 7 p.m.
To RSVP or for more information, call Karen (Pitts) Brown 850-327-4523, Brenda (Clark) Berry 850-327-6435, Renee’ (Blanton) Godwin (850) 327-6757 or Mike Hanks (251) 368-4660.
FDOT: This Week’s Trouble Spots On State Roads
July 16, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Saturday, July 21.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations. U.S. 29 lane restrictions are Monday through Saturday.
- Northbound traffic has been shifted onto the newly constructed bridge section as demolition efforts continue.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Paving operations continue between Muscogee Road and West 9 ½ Mile Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19.
- 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 10) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19.
- 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.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- Airport Boulevard from S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) to S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) – Intermittent lane closures between Davis Highway and 9th Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 10A (Scenic Highway) Underground Utility Operations for Addison Drive – The northbound, left turn lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, July 16 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 as crews relocate underground utilities.
- S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29– Waring Road will be closed at Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 through 5 p.m. Friday, July 20 to place drainage pipes across the roadway. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes. Detour signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary road closure and detour routes.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Rehabilitation/Repair over White River - The westbound lane from west of Woodbine Road to just past the White River Bridge will be restricted to one lane from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Friday, July 20 as crews work to widen the roadway. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, will also be encountered as crews reconstruct the travel lanes.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – The following construction-related traffic impacts are planned S.R. 87 the week of Monday, July 16:
- North and southbound traffic on S.R. 87 south of the Yellow River bridge will be shifted to the newly constructed northbound lanes. Crews will work to reconstruct the southbound travel lanes.
- Intermittent lane shifts on S.R. 87 north and southbound, between the Eglin Air Force Base boundary and two miles south of the Yellow River, for paving work.
- Traffic between County Road 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed
- S.R. 87 Landscape between U.S. 98 and River Road – Drivers can expect intermittent turn lane restrictions between U.S. 98 and River Road 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday as crews install landscape and irrigation.
Logan Heath Barrett
July 16, 2018
Mr. Logan Heath Barrett, age 23, passed into Heaven on July 15th, 2018. Logan was born in Henderson, TX and resided in Atmore, AL. He was a 2013 graduate of Henderson High School and was a millwright for Swift Lumber Company in Atmore.
Logan is survived by his father abd mother, Larry and Paulette Barrett of Atmore; his brothers, Daniel and Carson Barrett of Atmore; grandparents, Lorita Ball of Atmore; Noah Paul and Gay Martin of Dekalb TX; Robert and Lucille Teel of Atmore, Aunt Jeanna Martin Smith of Omaha TX, niece Jade Barrett, nephew Brantley Barrett of Atmore, several cousins and an amazing group of very close personal friends.
Logan was a gentle giant. He was the light in the room. He cared deeply about his family & friends and never met a stranger. Logan lived life to the fullest. He worked hard and played harder. His passions included welding, racing, riding Harleys with his buddies, being with his friends, and spinning pretty ladies around a dance floor. He was the best at everything he did and was very loved by all who knew him.
Visitation will by Thursday, July 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Crawford A Crim Funeral Home in Henderson TX. Funeral services will be held at Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum TX, Friday July 20, at 10 am.. Interment will follow at Ward’s Creek Cemetery in Simms, TX at 2 p.m.
Pallbearers will be his closest family and friends.
Richard Dale Wood
July 16, 2018
Mr. Richard Dale Wood, age 65 passed away on July 03, 2018 in Milton, Florida. Richard was born in Escambia County, Florida and resided in Milton, Florida.
Richard was born January 18, 1953, to the late Oscar and Bertha S Wood of Jay, Florida. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Ricky Dale Wood; and four brothers, Oscar Jr. Wood, Allen “AJ” Wood, Audrey G. Wood and James E. Wood.
Richard is survived by his sons, Richie Brian (Brandi) Wood of Milton, Florida, and Eric Shane (Kristina) Wood of Flomaton, Alabama; and his grandchildren, Melissa, Leigh Ann, Montana, Leslie, Breonna, Hunter Wood and Joshua Gillis. He also leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters Shirley (Douglas) Nelson of Century, Florida, and Polly (Keith) Garrison of Jay, Florida; and his brother, Jimmy (Glenda) Wood of Jay, Florida.
Richard was a loving Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Brother. He was loved by many and loved to spend time with his family and friends hunting, fishing and running dogs. He loved nothing better than to hear a dog hot on a deer or reeling in a big bass. He was retired from Santa Rosa County Road and Bridge crew after 38 years.
Visitation was Sunday, July 08, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home in Milton, Florida. Funeral Services were Monday, July 09, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Lewis Funeral Home in Milton, Florida; with Rev. Bobby Carnley and Clarence Carnley, officiating. Interment will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery on Chumuckla Highway, in Jay, Florida.
Pallbearers will be Fred Williamson, William Dunsford, Joe Todd, William Inman, Allen Inman, Billy Williamson and Chris Wood.