Early Morning House Fire Under Investigation
November 5, 2018
Fire heavily damaged a home early Monday morning off East Kingsfield Road.
Flames were shooting from the roof of the three story wood frame home on High Springs Road when firefighters arrived. All of the occupants were able to get out safely.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Ensley, Cantonment, Bellview, Brent and Ferry Pass stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Charges Against Police Chase Suspect Upgraded To Four Counts Of Attempted Murder
November 5, 2018
Charges have been upgraded against a duo charged in connection with a wild, shots fired, 10-mile long police pursuit early October 7 through Escambia County. A deputy’s vehicle was struck by gunfire at least twice during the pursuit that ended on Nine Mile Road. There were no injuries reported.
Christopher Michael Chancey, age 29 of Ten Mile Road, is now charged with attempted first degree premeditated murder with a firearm, three counts of attempted second degree murder with firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing and eluding and resisting an officer. He is accused of the attempted murder of four deputies.
Charges have been upgraded against Brittany Wagner. She has been charged with principal to first degree murder with a firearm and three counts of principal to attempted second degree murder with a firearm.
A deputy attempted to stop a 2003 Dodge Dakota driven by Chancey at the intersection of Jackson Street and Old Corry Field Road after an improper lane change. The vehicle accelerated away, passing other vehicles in no passing zones. The deputy turned off his emergency lights and discontinued the attempted traffic stop.
A second deputy observed the vehicle slide out of a parking lot and turn northbound on New Warrington Road at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted a traffic stop as someone fired a weapon at him from the vehicle. The deputy reported seeing the muzzle flash and hearing the gunfire, at which time he swerved his patrol vehicle to avoid being shot. Multiple deputies joined in the chase.
At Fairfield Drive and South Dakota Street, additional shots were fired at deputies. Chancery then turned on W Street and then onto Pensacola Boulevard. On Pensacola Boulevard, the vehicle continued northbound in the southbound lanes. Deputies continue to purse the vehicle as it turned eastbound onto Nine Mile Road.
At the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Old Palafox, a deputy ended the chase by using the PIT-maneuver. The driver, later identified as Chancey, ran from truck. He was taken into custody at gunpoint.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous bullet holes in the rear glass of the vehicle and a hole in the tailgate. A 9mm hangun was found on the ground outside the driver’s door of the pickup with an empty magazine and chamber. A second unloaded 9mm magazine was on the driver’s seat.
The passenger, Wagner, told deputies that they had left a party in Brownsville and got into an argument. She said Chancey accelerated away from deputies and fired several shots. Wagner said she handed Chancey a backpack that she knew to contain a firearm during the pursuit.
Chancey remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at just over $1.1 million. Wagner is being held with bond set at $1 million.
Chase images are from a low quality reader submitted video by Grant Vinson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Voter Info: Detailed Q&A With Two Century Council Candidates
November 5, 2018
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the four candidate seeking two seats on the Century Town Council.
The questionnaire was created as a secure Google Form with all completed forms stored and logged by Google. Each candidate received the exact same questions in the same order, and they were warned that responses would not be spell checked or edited. A link to the questionnaire was texted to the cell phone listed by each candidate with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Additionally, a link to the response form, an advance copy of the questions and detailed instructions were emailed to the email address each candidate listed on Supervisor of Elections forms. They were given a deadline of just over seven days to complete and submit their responses.
Two candidates submitted their responses; two did not submit a response or make any contact with NorthEscambia.com regarding the questionnaire.
Here are the responses. Click a name to continue:
Century Town Council, Seat 3
- Benjamin D. Boutwell
- Amanuel Onell Dubose (no response received)
Century Town Council, Seat 4
- Mary Hudson Bourgeois
- James Smith, Jr. (no response received)
Note: Sandra McMurray-Jackson was reelected to Century Town Council Seat 5 without opposition. She was not asked to complete this candidate questionnaire.
Ernest Ward Middle School Collects Relief Supplies For Michael Victims
November 5, 2018
The Ernest Ward Middle School SGA collected supplies for the victims of Hurricane Michael. The community project collected 45 boxes of food, cleaning items, baby products, hygiene items, paper products, games, books and numerous cases of bottled water, juices and assorted drinks.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt assisted by transporting the relief supplies to Blountstown High School and Chipola Family Ministries in Marianna.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay, Other Local Schools Begin Football Playoffs Friday Night
November 5, 2018
The first round of high school playoffs begins Friday night with the regional quarterfinals. The pairings were announced on Sunday.
CLASS 1A
No. 5 Graceville (3-5) will be at No. 4 Northview (6-4). On November 16 in the regional semifinal, the winner will play the winner of No. 8 Freeport at No. 1 Baker.
No. 6 Bozeman (2-5) will travel to No. 3 Jay (5-4). On November 16, the winner will play the victor of No 2. Vernon and No. 7 Chipley.
CLASS 6A
No. 7 Gulf Breeze (8-2) at No. 2 Pine Forest (7-3)
No. 6 Niceville (7-3) at No. 3 Crestview (7-2)
No. 5 Escambia (8-2) at No. 4 St. Augustine (5-5)
No. 8 Pace (7-3) at No. 1 Navarre (9-1)
Class 5A
No. 6 Bolles (6-4) at No. 3 West Florida (6-2)
Class 3A
No. 5 Pensacola Catholic (5-5) at No. 4 Fort White (8-2) –
FHP Seeking Cantonment Hit And Run Driver
November 5, 2018
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a hit and run driver that hit a vehicle Sunday morning about 10:30 on Highway 297A near Pine Forest Road.
The FHP said the hit and run vehicle was traveling west on 297A, pulled off the road at Thiggy’s, 4112 Highway 297A, and made a U-turn back into the road. The vehicle collided with the side of a 2015 Toyota Camry driven by 77-year old John Chapman of Pensacola. Chapman was not injured.
The vehicle, described as a maroon sedan, possibly a Chevrolet, fled the scene. It should have damage to the front right side of the bumper. The driver was believed to be female.
Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Knowles at *347 or by email at constanceknowles@flhsmv.gov.
Century Correctional Officer Assaulted By Inmate
November 5, 2018
A correctional officer was recently assaulted at Century Correctional Institution, according to information released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
On October 23, inmate Samuel Rivera assaulted an officer at approximately 9:00 p.m, according to the FDC. Rivera grabbed and attempted to tackle the officer. Staff responded, and the inmate was subdued.
The FDC saaid Rivera will receive a disciplinary report for this assault.
Rivera is serving 14-year sentence for robbery with a gun or deadly weapon and robbery without a weapon on a conviction out of Volusia County. He has since been transferred out of Century Correctional.
FDOT: Weekly Construction Traffic Delay List
November 5, 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) – The following traffic impacts will take place from Sunday, Nov. 4 through Saturday, Nov. 10. Work requiring lane restrictions will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Paving operations continue from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement- Activities are scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 5 to construct a bridge culvert on Crary Road over Pritchett Mill Creek. The project also includes paved roadway approaches and drainage improvements. Crary Road will be closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road. Motorists will be detoured via County Road (C.R.) 4 and Byrneville Road.
- State Road (S.R.) 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Maintenance at I-10- There will be intermittent lane restrictions at I-10 from 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5 to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 as crews repair overhead signs.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance from west of Nine Mile Road to Davis Highway- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from west of Nine Mile Road to Davis Highway from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 8 as crews repair signs.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Construction Activities at I-10- The northbound, outside lane on Pine Forest Road at the on ramp to I-10 east will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 to 3 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 as crews install a traffic separator.
- S.R. 10A (Mobile Highway) Underground Utility Operations west of Beulah Road- Traffic will be reduced to one lane just west of Beulah Road from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9 as crews perform underground utility work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22) – Drivers traveling I-10 and Avalon Boulevard will encounter the following traffic impacts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 8:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov.4 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- Alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard as crews widen the roadway.
- New traffic patterns on I-10 east and westbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue throughout the fall.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) – Traffic between 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.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road-Construction activities are underway near Constitution Drive. Motorists can expect lane closures to occur between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 98 and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Traffic Information Sign Installation- Crews will install overhead Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) on U.S. 98 east and westbound, west of Tiger Point Boulevard and west of Bay Woods Road in Gulf Breeze, and on Avalon Boulevard at Porpoise Road in Garcon Point. Work is scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 12.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Warmer With Showers And Thunderstorms
November 5, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
November 5, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Monday, Nov. 5
Northwest District 1 Advisory Committee – 6 p.m., Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Emergency Medical Services Storekeeper/Warehouse Supervisor Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. W St.
Contractor Competency Board – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Police Benevolent Association Union Negotiations – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, HR Training Room
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Santa Rosa Island Authority Committee – 5:05 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, Nov. 8
Planning Board – Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Planning Board – Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Science Hour – Bayou Chico Managed Aquatic Plant System & Beyond, Dana Morton & Brent Wipf, Escambia County – 6 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place