Sentencing Delayed For Cantonment Man Convicted Of Hit And Run That Killed One Juvenile, Injured Another
August 14, 2021
Scheduled sentencing was delayed Friday for a Cantonment man that hit two juveniles with his SUV last year on Quintette Road, killing one of them.
Robert William Etheridge II, 59, was found guilty on July 8 of one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Sentencing was delayed after the withdrawal of Etheridge’s attorney. Judge Jennie Kinsey granted the motion and provided Etheridge with time to find a new attorney.
He’s expected to be back in court on September 3, and a sentencing date may be set at that time.
About 8 p.m. on April 6, 2020, 12-year old Hailey Locke and 13-year old Rylee Simmons, both students at Ransom Middle School, were on Quintette Road approaching Carrington Lake Boulevard when they were struck by a Ford Escape driven by Etheridge. Troopers said he fled the scene and called the FHP about 24 minutes later to say he thought he had hit a deer.
The windshield was cracked in the crash, but not enough to obscure the driver’s view, according to an arrest report. The area in which the collision occurred was lit with multiple overhead lights, the weather was clear and there was a full moon, FHP said.
When law enforcement responded to his home, Etheridge showed signs of intoxication. The jury determined by their verdict that Etheridge knew, or should have known, that he had collided with people and left the scene of the crash.
Rylee was removed from a life support a little over a week later after his organs were donated.
Pictured top: Rylee Simmons, 13. Photo provided by family for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: The crash scene on April 6, 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Funeral Services Set For NWE Youth Football Coach
August 14, 2021
Services have been set for a North Escambia youth football coach that passed away Thursday morning due to COVID-19.
Funeral services for 41-year old Gregory Elbert Gibson will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Bradberry Park football field in Walnut Hill. Burial will follow at Poarch Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Gibson served as president of Northwest Escambia (NWE) Chiefs Football and Cheer since 2013 and had coached most years since 2002.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Sylvia “Jodi” Gibson, son Justin Elliott Gibson, and daughters Olivia Gibson, Caitlyn Gibson and Presley Gibson.
For the complete obituary, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Santa Rosa Commits $1 Million To Help Fund $3 Million Park In Jay
August 14, 2021
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The Santa Rosa County Commission has committed $1 million toward a new $3 million Bray Hendricks Park in Jay.
The town has raised about $1 million so far, including a $300,000 legislative appropriation, $260,000 from the American Rescue Plan and a $50,000 donation from Maverick Natural Resources.
“As we are raising a million dollars, we are asking you guys to match the million dollars,” Mayor Shon Owens told commissioners. “Then we would probably move forward, potentially, a loan for the other million dollars to the town. That’s why we are here; we’ve been working on this for years. I think everyone here has a very clear understanding of where we are headed. We understand the growth in our county, we understand the amount of people that are moving north. We want to be proactive in a situation that we can provide those amenities for the community that’s coming.”
He said over 500 new homes are on the way for northern Santa Rosa County.
The park plans call for a new outdoor fitness center, two t-ball fields, five little league fields (four 200-feet and one 300-feet), two concession stands, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, one football field, a splash pad, amphitheater, bathrooms and a maintenance building.
Owens said the current Bray-Hendricks Park is over 40 years old and has seen few improvements in decades.
“By the end of this year, we will be ready to be able to go to work,” Owens said. He said they expect to have about $1 million in about six months toward the $3 million price tag. About $1 million will go to civil work such as drainage in the beginning, making it unrealistic to build the park in a phase approach.
A verbal commitment for the million dollars is expected to be ratified at an upcoming meeting of the Santa Rosa County Commission.
It’s expected work could begin after the 2022 Fourth of July Fireworks show in the park.
Increasing Tropical Rain Chances Through The Weekend
August 14, 2021
For the latest tropical weather update, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sacred Heart Reopens Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Due To Demand
August 14, 2021
With the resurgence of COVID-19 in the area, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart is resuming its drive-thru COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday.
Justin Labrato, chief operating officer for Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, said there has been a significant demand for COVID-19 testing at Ascension Sacred Heart’s emergency rooms, urgent cares centers, pediatric and primary care offices over the past couple of weeks.
“We decided to re-open the Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart COVID-19 drive-thru testing center in Pensacola to help our residents get reliable COVID-19 testing that they need quickly and conveniently,” he said.
No appointments are needed. Sacred Heart will offer the commonly used PCR testing to those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms and the rapid COVID-19 tests to those exhibiting symptoms of the virus. After Saturday, the hours of operations for the center off Bayou Boulevard will be each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pensacola International Airport Tears Down Former Air Traffic Control Tower
August 14, 2021
This week, Pensacola International Airport said goodbye to the former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building, clearing the way for future expansion as the airport continues to see record-breaking numbers. Located on the north end of the terminal, the building was for decades the work area of air traffic controllers, technicians, and support staff has now been demolished.
This structure was built in the 1960s and was designed to accommodate all the Federal Aviation Administration activity at the airport. Operations housed within included air traffic control tower, terminal radar approach control facility or TRACON, flight service station, communications equipment, and administrative spaces. In 1994, a new stand-alone tower was constructed to give controllers the ability to view the airfield without obstruction, which is still in use today.
All other FAA activity remained at the north end location until 2007, when the new facility was completed next to the tower and operations at the old TRACON were closed. There have been discussions over the years about converting the structure into office space or other uses, but airport directors have always agreed the location would someday be required for the growth of the airport and the terminal.
“This week marks a milestone that many airport directors before me would be excited to see happening,” said Airport Director Matthew Coughlin. “The demolition of this structure, along with other enabling projects, paves the way for future expansion outlined in our master plan.”
Pensacola International Airport’s master plan goes out 20 years and includes several projects that enable the addition of a new concourse. Some of these projects include removal of the old TRACON structure, additional parking facilities, redesign of curbside, and other airfield projects. Most recently, PNS completed the construction of an airside remain overnight aircraft ramp that will afford additional capacity to park commercial service aircraft.
“In order for us to achieve the expansions outlined in the master plan, we will need to complete the smaller enabling projects systematically,” said Assistant Director for Planning and Engineering Ken Ibold. “Our engineering and financial teams are working now to develop and set into motion that timeline.”
This summer, Pensacola International Airport experienced exponential growth in passengers in comparison to 2019. This growth has accelerated expansion plans. According to the master plan, PNS will be able to add 10 new gates to the terminal in the next three to five years. This will support continued air service expansion and flight options for the Gulf Coast residents and visitors.
Pictured above and below: A former air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control building at Pensacola International Airport was demolished. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell. Pictured bottom: An earlier look a the demolition, courtesy City of Pensacola.
Escambia Reports 2,217 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week; Hospitalizations Increase To 357
August 14, 2021
There were 2,217 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
Baptist, Ascension Sacred Heart and West Florida hospitals reported a combined 357 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Friday.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 40,411 (+2,217)
Positivity rate last week: 24.9%
Current total hospitalizations: 357
Over age 18 and over hospitalizations: 345
Under age 18 hospitalized: 12
Escambia County Vaccinations
People vaccinated: 133,048
Total Population of Escambia County Partially Vaccinated: 47%
Total Population of Escambia County Fully Vaccinated: 38.5%
*These numbers are the percent of total Escambia County population vaccinated. Not the percentage of hospitalized individuals.
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 22,659 (+2.295)
Positivity rate last week: 31.9%
People vaccinated: 76,991
Partial vaccination rate (age 12+): 48%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,877,214 (+151,415)
Case positivity rate: 19.3%
Deaths: 40,766 (+286)
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Evie Lou Baggett
August 14, 2021
Mrs. Evie Lou Baggett, age 75, was called home August 7, 2021 at her home in Atmore, AL. She has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. and was a member of the Martinville Baptist Church.
Mrs. Baggett loved shopping and traveling with her late husband Mr. Roy Baggett. They both loved traveling with the Poarch Creek Seniors. She loved traveling so much that she, loved to talk with her son Rex, to find out about all the different places he had been traveling to being an airline pilot.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Williams (Ellen Miller Williams), husband Roy Baggett, one brother, Louis Zangas, two sisters, Elizabeth Williams and Polly Hicks.
She is survived by her son, Rex Baggett (Stephanie) of Atmore, AL; one sister, Marie Lynn of Atmore, AL; two grandchildren, Lindsey Baggett and Clay Dall.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Earl Harrison officiating.
Burial will follow at Little Rock Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Rex Baggett, Doug Murphy, Clay Dall and Cameron Murphy.
Sarah Virginia (Cool) Schachle
August 14, 2021
Sarah Virginia (Cool) Schachle 97 of Molino, FL, died August 12, 2021, at home.
A native of Pennsylvania, she lived in Biglerville, PAc before moving to the Pensacola, FL, area in 1951 with her husband and children. She helped manage S & R Egg Ranch with her husband, while raising 11 children with love and care.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George William Schachle Jr.; daughter, Virginia K. Druding; son, Timothy L. Schachle; and grandson, Joseph Flowers. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Grace Cool; and numerous brothers and sisters.
Sarah is survived by her children, George W. (Cindy) Schachle of Montana, Paul F (Margaret) Schachle of Molino, Vincent P. (Becky) Schachle of Molino, John M. Schachle of Pensacola, Pastor Anthony L. (Jane) Schachle of Tennessee, Susie S. (Wes) Conner of Molino, Donna M. Sanders of Molino, Charles D. Schachle of Molino, and Joseph E. Schachle of Molino. Along with 22 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; and her brothers, John Cool and Danny Cool of Pennsylvania.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, August 17,2021. Visitation will be 12-1PM
Funeral service will follow at 1PM with Pastor Tony Schachle Jr. and Pastor Jim officiating.
Interment will follow in Morgan Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Schachle, Charlie Schachle, Matthew Milstid, Benny Porter, Josh Allen, and Brian Darbyshire. Honorary bearers will be Aaron Gaff, Conner Schaefer and Wes Conner.
The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care they gave mother in her last days.
Blue Wahoos Strike Out 17 Biscuits But Fall 3-1
August 14, 2021
Seaver Whalen hit a go-ahead three-run home run against CJ Carter as the Wahoos fell to the Biscuits 3-1 Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
In another abbreviated outing for the Wahoos, Jake Eder pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in which the left-hander surrendered only one hit. He walked two and struck out three while throwing a total of 56 pitches on the night.
Once Eder departed, the bullpen shouldered most of the game and pitched remarkably well. Andrew McInvale was the first name out of the bullpen and turned in his best outing as a professional. He pitched 2.1 perfect innings, including an immaculate fifth inning when he struck out the side in nine pitches.
After McInvale, CJ Carter (L, 0-1) made his long-awaited Blue Wahoos debut and recorded three strike outs in his only inning of work. Unfortunately, he also allowed a walk and three hits, one of which was a two-out, three-run homer to Whale to erase what was a 1-0 lead. After Carter’s lone inning, Jefry Yan pitched two perfect innings and struck out five. In total, the Wahoos struck out 17 Montgomery Biscuits, which ties a Biscuit season-high for most strike outs in a game.
Offensively, Pensacola was held to a total of two hits on the night, both off starter Jayden Murray. The first hit was a J.D. Orr double with two outs in the third. The second hit was a solo home run from Brian Navarreto in the fifth, which put Pensacola ahead 1-0 at the time.
The nwzrof the series is Saturday at 6:00 PM CT at Blue Wahoos Stadium. LHP Will Stewart (5-5, 3.90) will start for Pensacola and he will be opposed by RHP Easton McGee (3-0, 4.44).