Atmore Finalizes Contract For New Ambulance Provider. And Why That Matters In Florida.
September 14, 2021
The Atmore City Council voted unanimously Monday afternoon to finalize a contract for a new ambulance provider. It’s an arrangement that’s been running without a formal contract since September 1, and an arrangement that could have impacts for Escambia County in Florida.
The Escambia County (AL) Health Care Authority (ECHCA) reached an agreement with MedStar to provide comprehensive 24/7 ground ambulance coverage for the greater Atmore market, replacing ASAP EMS. Officials have cited a poor response by ASAP as the reason for the change.
The MedStar ambulances are operating out of the former Atmore Fire Station 4 on Pensacola Avenue. The fire trucks and personnel have been moved back to the main Atmore fire station at city hall. Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles said he’s confident the move will not have any impact of the quality of service provided by his department, even though that puts all of his fire trucks on one side of a town bisected by railroad tracks The Pensacola Avenue fire station, south of the railroad tracks, was closed about three years after Hurricane Ivan with no significant problems.
One of the MedStar ambulances in Atmore was moved from its previous post at the Flomaton Fire Station. D.W. McMillan EMS has assumed responsibility for providing ground ambulance service in the greater Flomaton area.
ECHCA has also contracted with MedStar to provide medical helicopter service to all of Escambia County, Alabama. MedStar’s Air Care 2 helicopter is currently based at Atmore Community Hospital.
Ambulances from Escambia County, Alabama, also respond to Florida under mutual aid agreements.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responds periodically to Atmore to assist with emergencies, and, a little more often, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responds to the Flomaton area.
As NorthEscambia.com reported in July, MedStar’s Atmore helicopter will also respond to North Escambia in Florida under a new “first call agreement” between the operator of ShandsCair and Escambia County, Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Make Plans Now For Your Child On Sept. 22, It’s An Early School Release Day
September 14, 2021
Parents of Escambia County School District students take note….Wednesday, September 22 is an early release day and dismissal times have changed.
Early release days offer teachers and staff the opportunity for professional development, according to the district.
On all early release dates, schools will serve lunch and regular transportation will be provided.
In addition to September 22, there will also be early release days on November 3 and January 26. Early release times for each school are below.
High Rain Chances Continue Due To Tropical Moisture
September 14, 2021
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED FORECAST INFORMATION
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 80. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Northview Volleyball Defeats Pine Forest (With Photo Gallery)
September 14, 2021
The 1A Northview Lady Chiefs varsity volleyball team improved to 4-1 Monday night with a win over the 5A Pine Forest Lady Eagles.
Northview lost the first match to Pine Forest 21-25, but came back to defeat the Eagles 25-16, 25-13, 25-14 for the win.
Northview has earned victories so far this season over Pine Forest, W.S. Neal, Flomaton, and 6A Escambia. Their only loss was to 4A West Florida.
The Lady Chiefs will be back at home Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Baker (3-1) in their first 1A district matchup of the season.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Register By Wednesday For Tate Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Clinic
September 14, 2021
It’s almost time for the annual Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Clinic, and the deadline to register is Wednesday.
The clinic will take place on Saturday, September 25 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. There will be a parent showcase at noon with a special performance.
Registration forms and payment are due by Wednesday, September 15. Cash, check and money order are accepted. Checks should be payable to Tate High School and must include a phone number.
The cost of the clinic is $50 per athlete which includes an exclusive 2021 Lil Aggies t-shirt and a matching hair bow. Lil Aggies will receive free admission into the football game on Friday, October 1 and invited to cheer during the first quarter with the varsity cheerleaders.
RSVP online by clicking or tapping here, or download a registration form (pdf).
COVID-19 Vaccine Available This Afternoon In Century, Other Locations This Week
September 14, 2021
Community Health Northwest Florida will offer COVID-19 vaccines Tuesday afternoon in Century, in addition to other sites this week.
The COVID-19 vaccination clinic for ages 12 and older will be held from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday at Community Health Northwest Florida Century Pediatrics at 501 Church Street. Participants will have the choice of the Pfizer (ages 12+) or Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+) vaccine.
Other vaccination opportunities from Community Health this week include:
Thursday, Sept. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post # 193 – 2708 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola
Vaccine: Pfizer (ages 12+) and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+)
Friday, Sept. 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: CHNWF Highway 90 Pediatrics – 4435 US Hwy 90, Pace
Vaccine: Pfizer (ages 12+) and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+)
Friday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Brownsville Community Center – 3200 W. Desoto St., Pensacola, FL
Vaccine: Moderna (ages 18+) and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+)
Persons wishing to participate in any CHNWF vaccination clinic may call the Community Health Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment or simply walk in at their convenience during regular operating hours.
- All adult participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment.
- Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine and should not enter clinic facility.
- Individuals who have had the monoclonal antibody infusion treatment should wait at least 90 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Robert Glenn Thrower, Sr.
September 14, 2021
Robert Glenn Thrower, Sr. passed peacefully in his home in Walnut Hill, Florida on Saturday morning, September 11, 2021. He was 85.
Glenn was born in Trenton, in Paint Rock Valley of Jackson County, Alabama. He and his parents, the late William Arthur Thrower and Lillie Myrtle Sanders, moved to Walnut Hill, Florida in 1948 and remained lifelong residents. Glenn is also preceded in death by two brothers, James Arthur Thrower of Section, Alabama and Hollie Wayne Thrower of Walnut Hill, Florida, and one sister, Mary Lucille Thrower Page of Scottsboro, Alabama.
Glenn inherited an appreciation for music from his mother, and played trumpet and trombone in the Ernest Ward High School marching band. He loved singing and harmonizing, and later played guitar and mandolin. As a child of the Space Age, Glenn was fascinated with science and chemistry. After studying at Pensacola Junior College, he began a 35-year career with Monsanto as a microscopist in the chemistry lab.
In 1961, Glenn had the good fortune of persuading Nina Gail Joiner to marry him. They shared a love of travel, historical research, fishing, gardening, and a sense of humor. Glenn and Gail raised two children, the late Robert Glenn Thrower, Jr. (Tina) and Lori Ann Thrower Sawyer (Thomas) of Walnut Hill, Florida.
Glenn was proud of his children, and his grandchildren Rachael A. Thrower, Sara E. Sawyer (Daniel Wallace), Cheryl Thrower (Joey Nasser), and Sehoy Thrower.
Glenn served as a Sergeant in the National Guard Reserve. He enjoyed sports and playing golf. He was active in the church throughout his life and loved his church family wholeheartedly. A voracious reader, he could hold a lively conversation on almost any subject.
In 2011, Glenn’s wife Gail died after 50 years of marriage. Seeking renewed purpose, he and his daughter Lori began volunteering on archaeological excavations with the University of Alabama. Glenn cherished the five years he worked with his beloved ‘digging buddies’.
Glenn appreciated the tireless work of his Hospice chaplain, social workers and home health nurses. He was also grateful for the kindness and dedication of all his caregivers, most recently Sandra Stewart, Elizabeth ‘LeAnn’ Qualls, Ashley Paul, Cynthia Freeman and Miranda Lee.
Visitation will be from 6pm – 9pm Tuesday, September 14. A memorial service will be held at 10am Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home of Atmore, Alabama; with Rev. LaDon Hall and Rev. James Stickle officiating.
Retired Officer Charged With DUI Manslaughter Following Fatal Airport Boulevard Pedestrian Crash
September 13, 2021
A retired police officer is charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash Monday morning on Airport Boulevard.
About 7:30 a.m., a pedestrian was walking westbound on an Airport Boulevard sidewalk, between The Fresh Market and Sam’s’ Club, when they were hit by a pickup truck driven by 74-year old Alvin Odessel. Godwin.
The name of the victim has not been released, but Pensacola Police have confirmed the victim was not a student at nearby Washington High School.
According to police, Godwin retired from the Pensacola Police Department as a lieutenant about 20 years ago. He was released from the Escambia County on a $100,000 bond. Due to his status as a retired officer, his mugshot is exempt from release under Florida law.
Airport Boulevard was closed for several hours due to the crash but has since reopened.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Man Cashed Check Stolen From Cantonment Mailbox, Forged Another, ECSO Says
September 13, 2021
A Cantonment man is accused of trying to cash a check stolen from a mailbox on East Kingsfield Road, cashing second fake check and pawning a gun.
Allen Alberto Maddox, Jr., 48, was charged with felony counts of uttering a forged check, uttering a false instrument, defrauding a money service business, grand theft and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
A victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that on June 23 he placed three envelopes containing checks in his empty mailbox for pick up. The checks were payable to Gulf Power, a $1,400 check to a mortgage company and a third to another company. The following day, he received a call from his credit union asking if he had written a $1,400 check to anyone local, and he stated that he had not. He obtained the information to contact Cash Any Checks on Pensacola Boulevard.
He contacted the check cashing business to find a male was at the location trying to cash a $1,400 check made out to “Allen Maddox”. Maddox left the store before law enforcement could be contacted. The company sent a copy of the check to the victim, who turned to the internet to find Maddox’s previous arrests and photos in a jail view log and Facebook. He sent the photos back to the check cashing business, which confirmed the pictured man was the one that attempted to cash the fraudulent check.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the check did appear to be altered, and Maddox was identified from a lineup.
In late July, Maddox was identified as the person that allegedly cashed a fraudulent $865 check at National Check Cashing on Mobile Highway. According to an arrest report, Maddox provided his photo identification and fingerprint when cashing the check, which had an inconsistent check number and an nonexistent routing number.
And in August, Maddox allegedly pawned a revolver for $350 after asking for $500. Maddox provided his photo identification and fingerprint at the time, according to the arrest report. The firearm was was not listed as stolen.
Maddox remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $15,000.
Tate Aggies Honor 13 Fallen Service Members
September 13, 2021
The smell of Aggie Fries was in the air below the Aggie Shack Friday night at Tate High School’s Pete Gindl Stadium.
Tate’s Showband of the South and the West Florida band battled to be the loudest shortly after kickoff.
And the Tate AJROTC stood watch over 13 chairs. just off the track and the end zone of Carl Madison Field.
Up on the grass above, a few kids tossed a football. Some sat watching the game. A group of girls took selfies for their insta. #Cute #Happy #GoAggies #Merica.
These chairs that would not be filled on this Friday night with a faint hint of fall weather in the air. Thirteen chairs, thirteen photos, thirteen pairs of boots, and 13 American flags. Seats saved for 13 brave men and women who never made it home from war. Seats to remind fans about what’s really important.
It may have been a tough task for Tate against West Florida Friday night. They lost. Pretty bad actually. But the Aggie spirit won.
As the team left the field, many players stopped by the 13 empty chairs. They knelt. Some silent, some in prayer. All in respect of the 13 heroes lost. And freedom.
The Aggie spirit won Friday night. #GoAggies #Merica.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
