Escambia Man Gets Two Life Sentences For Home Invasion Robbery

June 3, 2019

An Escambia County man has received two life sentences for a 2017 home invasion robbery.

Shaba Ryheem Savage will serve the life sentences consecutive with 15 years imposed for false imprisonment, aggravated battery and grand theft

In February 2017 Savage and his co-defendant Terrell Williams forced their way into an Escambia County residence while armed with a long gun.  Savage is alleged to have held the family at gunpoint while Williams forced the father to drive him to various ATM machines in an effort to acquire cash.  During the incident, the father was struck in the head with the weapon and numerous items of personal property were stolen from the residence.

The investigation into the home invasion continued after Williams’ arrest and Shaba Savage was identified as the second intruder.  Savage was ultimately identified through the use of Facebook photographs. Additionally, one of the victims located her property in a pawn shop. The investigation determined that Savage’s then girlfriend received those items from the defendant and had pawned those items shortly after this robbery. Savage was then arrested.

Savage qualified as a habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender. He was released from prison in June 2016, eight months before this incident.

Williams was sentenced to 25 years in state prison.

FDOT Weekly Traffic Alerts – This Week’s State Road Slowdowns

June 3, 2019

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state road sand projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities

Escambia County:

  • U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from State Road (S.R.) 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29-  Cove Avenue from Nine Mile Road to Fretz Street will be closed until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1 to enable crews to perform roadway construction and drainage improvements. Traffic will be detoured to Bowman Avenue and Fretz Street. Detour signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary road closure and detour routes.
  • U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 2 through Saturday, June 8.
    • 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 bridge. 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 Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5 as crews pave the new U.S. 98 eastbound between the bridge and the Hampton Inn. Traffic flaggers will be positioned to direct vehicles in and out of adjacent driveways. Additionally, bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 2 through Sunday, June 9:
    • U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
    • North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
  • S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) from South of Usher Circle to North of Hestia Place- Traffic from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place will be shifted from its current alignment to the west Friday, June 7 as crew complete the installation of the box culvert under the roadway. Motorists can expect intermittent lane restrictions to occur from 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6 to 6:30 a.m. Friday, June 7 as crew make preparations to transition traffic. The north entrance to Usher Circle will also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drainage operation. Residents will utilize the south entrance of Usher Circle. The temporary lane shift and road closure is anticipated to take place for approximately three weeks.
  • U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah to Pine Forest Road-  Eastbound drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures between Eleven Mile Creek and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 2 as crews perform paving operations.
  • U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Utility Work- Drivers will encounter east and westbound, outside lane restrictions over Pensacola Bay from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 2 and Monday, June 3 as crews repair overhead lighting.
  • I-10 Routine Maintenance from Exit 5 (U.S. 90 Alt.) to Exit 17 (U.S. 90/Scenic Highway)- There will be east and westbound, inside and outside lane restrictions between U.S. 90 Alt. and Scenic Highway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 3 until Thursday, June 6 as crews repair overhead lighting.
  • I-110 Routine Maintenance from Exit 1A (Gregory Street West) to the I-10 interchange- There will be north and southbound, inside and outside lane restrictions between Gregory Street and the I-10 interchange from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 3 until Thursday, June 6 as crews repair overhead lighting.
  • County Road (C.R.) 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Activities associated with the bridge replacement project on C.R. 168 over Unnamed Branch, Northwest of Century continue. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2019.
  • Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert.  Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
  • Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4.  Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road.  The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
  • Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4.  Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.

Santa Rosa County:

  • U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions near the Gulf Breeze bridge approach from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5 as crews pave the new U.S. 98 eastbound between the bridge and the Hampton Inn. Traffic flaggers will be positioned to direct vehicles in and out of adjacent driveways. Additionally, bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 2 through Sunday, June 9:
    • U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
    • North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
  • I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for I-10 and Avalon Boulevard between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, June 2:
    • Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews perform construction activities.
    • Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard (Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday as crews work to widen the roadway.
  • S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter alternating and intermittent minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday, until Thursday, July 30 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
    • U.S 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
    • U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
  • S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road–All north and southbound travel lanes between C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and two miles south of the Yellow River are now open. Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures as crews complete construction activities.  The speed limit is currently 45 MPH.
  • U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road- The westbound, left turn lane at Sunrise Drive is open to traffic. Improvements at Navarre School Road and drainage improvements at Thresher Drive and Newport Street are complete. Crews will soon place the final layer of asphalt and striping, perform general project clean up, and place sod.

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.

Fire Heavily Damages Home Near Jay

June 3, 2019

Fire heavily damaged a home northeast of Jay on Sunday.

There were no injuries reported in the fire on Sharp Lane off Highway 87 near the Alabama/Florida state line and the Dixonville community.

The Berrydale, Jay, Allentown and Muson volunteer fire departments from Santa Rosa County responded, along with the Dixonville (AL) Volunteer Fire Department.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Carrie B. Rimpf

June 3, 2019

Carrie B. Rimpf, age 91 of Cantonment, FL passed away on June 4, 2019. She entered heaven, safe in the arms of Jesus.

She was born in Covington County, MS on March 30, 1928. She was married 11 years to Rudolph J. Barbaric. Sr, until his death in 1954.

She was married to the late Anton F. Rimpf, Sr (Tony) for 56 wonderful years. Carrie was a devoted mother in raising her four children, Jeannie Barbaric Rutherford Sasser (Jimmy) of Molino, FL, John Barbaric (Sarah) of Pensacola, FL, Randy Barbaric of Seminary, MS and Anton F. Rimpf, Jr (Cindy) of Camden, SC. She was a caring grandmother to Angela Neal (Kevin), Andrea Ontiveros (Mario), Shane Barbaric, Scott Barbaric, Jennifer Wilson Leibold (Denny), Brian Rimpf (Lauren), Kevin Rimpf (Kasey), Bridget Rimpf Wolfe (Matt), and Nathan Rimpf (Nicole). She always grieved the loss of Shane who died in 2002. Carrie was the proud great grandmother of 10 great-grandchildren.

She was thankful to be able to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a loving mother, homemaker, and supportive wife.

Carrie loved her Lord and took great comfort in reading the Bible. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to any of the organizations who assist wounded veterans.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Brian Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow in Barrineau Park Colony Cemetery formerly known as St. Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to service.

High Heat Forecast

June 3, 2019

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

<

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Pictured: Sunday’s North Escambia sunset. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Pump Prices Fall Further

June 3, 2019

Florida gas prices are poised for another week of declines after big drops on the stock market, according to AAA.

Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $2.57 per gallon. The state average is 4 cents less than a week ago, 22 cents less than last month, and 30 cents less than a year ago. Escambia County drivers are paying an average of $2.56 a gallon, down 4 cents a week ago, 15 cents less than a month ago and 30 cents less than a year ago.

Gas prices in Cantonment were around $2.44 Sunday night.

Woman Charged In Stabbing Sunday Afternoon In Cantonment

June 2, 2019

A woman was arrested in connection with a stabbing in Cantonment Sunday afternoon.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 25-year old Keriah Renea Giomi stabbed an adult male in the 300 block of Wegner Avenue near Pine Avenue about 3:50 p.m.

The  victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover from stab wounds to his calf, according to deputies. The Sheriff’s Office has not released details on the incident, other than to say Giomi did not live with the victim.

Gomi was charged with aggravated battery, false imprisonment and destroying evidence. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail shortly before 6 p.m.

Old Fannie Road Near Flomaton Closed Due To Collapse

June 2, 2019

A road just east of Flomaton was closed Sunday afternoon after a small portion collapsed due to a water leak.

Old Fannie Road between Welka Road and the railroad tracks is closed due to the hole and possible additional damage under the road surface.

The McCall Water System is working to make repairs to the leak. The Flomaton Fire Department, Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers responded.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Driver Walks Away From Cantonment Rollover Crash

June 2, 2019

A driver was able to walk away without serious injuries from a rollover crash in Cantonment Saturday evening.

The crash happened on Jacks Branch Road near Old Bridge Road about 7 p.m. The adult female driver lost control of her SUV and overturned into the woodline. She driver was able to get out of the vehicle on her own and refused medical transport to the hospital.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County EMS and the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Woman Charged With Throwing Drink At Congressman Matt Gaetz Outside Town Hall Event

June 2, 2019

A woman was arrested Saturday after alltedly throwing her drink at Congressman Matt Gaetz as he was leaving his “We Won’t Back Down” town hall event at a Pensacola restaurant.

Pensacola Police say a female protester threw a drink at Gaetz, hitting him in the back as he was making his way to his waiting car outside the main entrance of the Brew Ha Ha Restaurant.

Police say 35-year old Amanda L. Kondrat’Yev was quickly taken into custody and charged with battery. She was released from the Escambia County Jail Saturday night on a $1,000 bond.

Kondrat’yev ran against Gaetz for his Congressional seat in 2016, along with Cris Dosev and Mark Wichern. She is also the lead plaintiff in the Bayview Cross case against the City of Pensacola.

« Previous PageNext Page »