3-Year Old Struck And Killed By Vehicle In Atmore
October 31, 2019
A young child was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday night in Atmore.
It happened in the Fillmore Drive driveway entrance to the the Lil’ Angels daycare located directly across from Rachel Patterson Elementary School on Rockaway Creek Road.
Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said the 3-year old was hit by a vehicle driven by a teenage sibling. When officers arrived at the daycare, the child was found in the driveway and pronounced deceased at the scene by medics.
“According to witnesses at the scene, a female was seen exiting the daycare and began walking to a vehicle. Witnesses said two small children followed behind her and when the vehicle began moving, one of the children was struck. The other child was not injured,” Brooks said.
The driver of the vehicle was later identified as the child’s 15-year old sister.
Brooks stressed that the accident was in no way related to Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Names have not been released. The accident remained under investigation Thursday night.
Editor’s note: The age of the child has been updated to 3; police first stated on scene that the child was believed to be 4-years old.
Pictured top: The vehicle that struck and killed a 3-year old child Thursday night in Atmore. Pictured below: Officers investigate the accident at the rear entrance to the Lil’ Angels Daycare. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Placed On Lockdown Due To Threat
October 31, 2019
Ransom Middle School was placed on a brief lockdown Thursday morning due to a threat.
The written threat was located within the school, but it was not immediately known if it was left Thursday or sometime previously, according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Andrew Hobbs. He said surveillance video was being reviewed as the investigation continues.
Escambia County School District Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross said the lockdown was brief, lasting only about 15 minutes before it was lifted.
The exact nature of the threat was not released by the school district or Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Parents were notified of the lockdown by a telephone callout from the school.
File photo.
Century Considers Millions In Proposals To Fix Gas, Sewer Problems With Little Upfront Cash
October 31, 2019
Century is considering two proposals to bail the town out of million of dollars of trouble with the natural gas department and aging wastewater treatment facility (WWTP) without much upfront cash.
Millions In Sewer System Problems
The nonprofit Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) has created an asset management plan that identifies the most urgent and critical needs in the town’s water system. The plan is a requirement for participating in the State Revolving Fund Program. Century may receive financing or a grant up to 90% of an estimated $7 million plus price tag to fix the WWTP and sewer system to bring them into compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
If the town receives a 90% grant, they hope to cover most or all of the 10% match with funds from Sen. Doug Broxson and the state, and Commission Steven Barry and Escambia County.
Installing Gas Meters At No Real Cost
Florida Gas Utility (FGU) is proposing to connect Century to the Peninsula Pipeline Company (PPC) and the Florida Gas Transmission (FGT) Transportation Service Agreement, build a gate station for the town, connect to the town’s existing delivery system, and replace every natural gas meter not covered an existing agreement with Pensacola Energy.
Century currently receives service from the Gulf South Pipeline on a “pay as you go” type rate for the quantity of pipeline capacity at $1 per dekatherm, which is 1 million BTUs.
FGU is recommending a 20 year term with the additional connection to Peninsula Pipeline at a cost of 40 cents per dekatherm. There would be a contracted capacity of 120 dekatherm per day in summer, 750 dekatherm per day in winter. That’s higher than the town’s historical usage, allowing for growth. There would be a 273,000 minimum over the first five years.
Century would also need additional capacity at a cost of 6 cents per dekatherm, using excess capacity from the Town of Jay. The total expected cost would be 46 cents per dekatherm, compared to $1 from Gulf South.
Under the agreement, FGU would build a new gate station to connect to PPC and pay the estimated $200,000 to $250,000 cost normally paid by the customer. In addition, PPC would build Century’s part of the station and charge the town for the actual cost of such work plus a negotiated markup estimated at $50,000 to $75,000.
Pensacola Energy is under contract to replace 10 commercial gas meters, including the meter at Century Correctional Institution. FPU will replace all other meters, both commercial and residential, for the actual costs plus a negotiated markup over time. The cost is estimated at $75,000 for 500 meters at $150 per meter.
In order to pay for the gate station and meter replacements, FGU will bill Century the 46 cents per dekatherm for the pipeline capacity. The town will also repay the gate station at 22 cents per dekatherm and 33 cents per dekatherm for the meter installations for a total of $1.01 per dekatherm, just a penny over the current costs on Gulf South.
Pictured: Century’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. NorthEscambia.com photo.
A Taste Of Winter: Temperatures Falling To About 35 Tonight
October 31, 2019
A strong cold front will bring a taste of winter by Thursday night.
Temperatures will fall quickly Thursday night. By trick-or-treat or festival time at 5 p.m., temperatures will likely be in the upper 40s to around 50 degrees. By 9 p.m., it will be in the lower 40s on the way to a winter-like overnight low of 35 in North Escambia and the upper 30s closer to the coast.
And it won’t be just a short visit for the colder weather…we’ll have lows in the 30s Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Escambia Man Killed In Okaloosa I-10 Crash
October 31, 2019
An Escambia County man was killed in a traffic crash Wednesday night on I-10 in Okaloosa County.
Daniel Joseph Gafford, 39, was westbound on I-10 in a 2002 Mercedes Sprinter Van when he failed to maintain a single lane and struck a truck parked on shoulder due to a maintenance issue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Gafford was transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center were he was later pronounced deceased.
The occupant of the truck, 48-year old Kenneth Boggs of Port St. Joe, suffered minor injuries.
One Injured In Two Vehicle Wreck Near Road Prison
October 31, 2019
At least one person was injured in a two vehicle crash Wednesday night on Highway 297A near the Escambia County Road Prison.
The injuries were not considered to be life threatening. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Spooky Photos: It Happened One Night At The Molino Library
October 31, 2019
“It Happened One Night at the Molino Library” featured goofy library witches and trick-or-treating through the library. Those who dared also toured a haunted house.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trick-Or-Treat Safety: Most Sex Offenders Can Give Out Candy; How To Avoid Them
October 31, 2019
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY.
There are lots of ways to make trick-or-treating safer for children, including a quick check for sex offenders in the neighborhood.
According to the FDLE database, there are 23 sex offenders and predators in the Century zip code, 16 in the McDavid area, 15 near Molino and 72 in the Cantonment area. The numbers per zip code generally only increase further south in more populated areas in Escambia County. For instance, there are 162 registered offenders in the 32505 zip code.
Most Florida sex offenders are legally allowed to hand out candy to children in their neighborhoods as long as they are no longer on supervised probation, according to law enforcement officials.
The Florida Department of Corrections will work in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to keep the streets safe by ensuring sex offenders under felony supervision do not take part in any Halloween activities involving minors, the DOC said Wednesday afternoon. FDC probation officers make personal contact with sex offenders under FDC supervision and conduct surveillance initiatives such as residential searches, unannounced visits, covert monitoring of physical activity and location tracking. Special emphasis is also placed on areas such as motels and temporary housing areas where sex offenders live.
Authorities say that parents can turn to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual offender database to find the address of registered sex offenders that may be in an area where their children will trick-or-treat. In addition to addresses, the FDLE database also offers photos and descriptions of offenders along with information about their crimes.
Sex offenders that are sill under supervised probation are not allowed to give out candy or treats, are required to turn off their porch lights and close blinds, have no outside decorations, are not allowed to dress in a costume or mask, and are not allowed to answer their doors for trick-or-treaters.
“Offenders who do not remain in compliance with the terms of their supervision will be subject to immediate arrest,” according to the DOC.
To search the FDLE sex offender database, click here. To check the Alabama sex offender database, click here.
In addition to checking the FDLE database, officials said parents should make sure trick-or-treaters are accompanied by an adult, have a flashlight and phone.
There are also several community fall festivals and events planned across the area tonight, offering a “safe” alternative to the traditional door to door trick-or-treating. For a list of many of those events, click here.
Photos: Doing The Monster Mash At Ransom Middle School
October 31, 2019
The Ransom Middle School Jazz Band presented the “Monster Music Mash” this week in the school cafeteria. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Big List: Trick Or Treats; Trunk Or Treats And More Tonight
October 31, 2019
Several Halloween and fall festival events are scheduled in the North Escambia area tonight and in the next few days. Here’s the big list:
Victory Assembly of God Community Fall Festival
Victory Assembly of God will hold their annual Community Fall Festival on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be carnival games and candy, trunk-or-treat, hayrides, inflatables, a rope-and-barrel bull ride, and much more. Chili and hot dogs will be served. Everything is free. The church is located at 1895 Victory Road in Cantonment. Call (850) 587-2295 for more information.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Trunk Or Treat
Join St. Monica’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, October 31 for Trunk or Treat. To participate, decorate your car, truck or even your motorcycle and yourself with a theme of your choice and set up in our parking lot by 5:30. Kids will trick or treat from car to car and enjoy some free, fun and entertaining activities.
Beulah Free Will Baptist Trunk or Treat
Beulah Free Will Baptist Church Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. There will be free food, fun and games. Everyone invited.
Canoe Church Trunk Or Treat
Second annual Trunk or Treat at Canoe Church, 155 South Canoe Road, on Thursday, October 31 from 4-6 p.m. Refreshments and hot dogs provided.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat at First Baptist Church of Cantonment, 118 Morris Ave, on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. There will be hayrides, games and candy.
Beulah Church Trunk-N-Treat
Trunk-N-Treat at Beulah Church, 7561 Mobile Highway, from 6-8 p.m on Thursday, Ocotober 31. Free candy, food and fun.
Trick or Treat In Jay
The Town of Jay will hold Trick or Treat on Commerce Street on Thursday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m. Trick or treat booths open at 5 p.m. Kids Costume Contest (no pets) at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Town of Jay.
Bratt Assembly of God Fall Carnival
Bratt Assembly of God will have a fall carnival on Thursday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. The church is located at 5841 Godwin Cemetery Road.
Atmore Trick or Treat
Trick or Treat on Main Street in Atmore will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.
Ensley Church of The Nazarene Fall Festival
Ensley Church of The Nazarene will hold a fall festival on October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The event is free. All are welcome. The church is located at 8300 N Palafox Street in Pensacola.
Highland Baptist Church Trunk or Treat
Highland Baptist Church will hold a Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A snack supper will be provided free of charge and there will be bounce houses for children. The church is located at 6240 County Hwy 95A in Molino.
Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival
Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival will be Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m.. Fun, games, and fellowship for the community.
Light the Night Block Party
Klondike Church will host their 7th annual “Light The Night” Block party on Thursday, October 31, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Activities include trunk or treat, hayrides, games, give-away drawings, and photo booth. Hot dogs will be available. The entire event is free. For more information visit https://lovepensacola.org/blockparty. The church is located at 7201 Klondike Road in Pensacola.
Century Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat
The Century Chamber of Commerce will hold a town trunk or treat on Thursday, October 31, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Pumpkin carving/decorating contest, costume contest, goodies, and a dunking booth at Showalter Park.
Windy Hill Baptist Church Fall Festival
Windy Hill Baptist Church at 9896 Rebel Road is having a Fall Festival on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. Free chili, hot dogs, nachos, drinks and a hayride.
Jim Allen Elementary School Fall Carnival
Jim Allen Elementary School will hold their annual Fall Carnival on Friday, November 1 from 3-6 p.m.
Cora Baptist Church Fall Festival
Fall Fest on Saturday, November 2, at 3:30 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church at 12953 Chumuckla Highway, Jay.
Pollard McCall Junior High Carnival
Pollard McCall Junior High School will hold their Fall Festival on Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.