$21.8 Million, 3-Year Project Beginning On Highway 90 Bridges Between Escambia, Santa Rosa
December 28, 2021
Construction is expected to begin next week on the Highway 90 bridge project over Simpson River, between Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The work includes reconstructing the eastbound bridge and widening the westbound bridge to include seven-foot outside shoulders and bicycle lanes. Additional improvements include milling and resurfacing the pavement, improving drainage, installing new signage and guardrail, and reconstructing curb and gutter.
Drivers should anticipate traffic shifts and nighttime lane closures. In addition, the speed limit will be lowered to 35 mph. The project is estimated for completion in early 2025.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Happy Ending: Lost Bag Of Child’s Christmas Presents Returned (With Photo Gallery)
December 28, 2021
A Christmas present delivery has now been completed.
On Sunday, we published a story about a large bag of Christmas presents found in the area of 9 1/2 Mile Road and Pine Forest Road on Christmas morning.
The presents were found by not just any old Scrooge, but a special elf. No, a Christmas angel that turned in the gifts to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Norman Carlisle read the NorthEscambia.com story about 1:15 a.m. Sunday and knew immediately that the presents belonged to his adult daughter Jaclyn Chattin.
“We wrapped them up off 9 1/2 Mile Road and were returning home,” she said. “They fell out of our truck.”
The presents were intended for Chattin’s 5-year old son Dawson as family gifts for Christmas.
Chattin claimed the presents Monday morning at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for Dawson, and the Sheriff’s Office chipped in a gift bag full of goodies including a cup and official ESCO football.
“Thanks for the post and especially to that honest person who turned them in,” Carlisle wrote on Facebook.
“It’s a Merry Christmas,” Chattin said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Robert David Preston
December 28, 2021
Robert David Preston, long-time resident of Pensacola, Florida, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2021. He was 89 years old.
Robert served as a naval fleet diver in the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked for NARF (Naval Air Reworks Facility), retiring after 25 years.
He married Deann in 1962 and the two shared over 37 years of life together. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and a beloved Grampa. Over the years he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and could build and repair almost anything.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Deann; parents, John and Matilda Preston; brothers, Russell and John; and sisters, Dorothy, Beverly and Mildred.
He will always be remembered by his children, Kathy (Richard) Fellgren, Elaine (Randy) Webb, David (Mona) Preston, and Wayne (Renee) Preston; grandchildren, Emily (Ross) Daughdrill, Taylor Webb, Amy Fellgren, Ben Preston, and Ava Preston; great grandchildren, Riley and Will Daughdrill; and siblings, Howard Preston, Richard Preston, and Janet Feallock.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, Pensacola, on December 29, 2021 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Randy Webb, Taylor Webb, Ben Preston, Ross Daughdrill, Rob Doucette, and James Purvis.
Robert’s family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and acts of kindness during this difficult time.
Frances C. Abrams Hershman
December 28, 2021
Frances C. Abrams Hershman, age 78, of Lillian, AL passed away on December 25, 2021.
She was born on May 1, 1943 in Century, FL to Johnny W. Abrams, Sr. and Beulah “Bessie” Conway Abrams. She retired from the United States Government Civil Service after many dedicated years. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Ann Adams.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hershman of Lillian, AL; her brother, Johnny W. (Kitty) Abrams of Wawbeek, AL and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Hale of Atmore, AL.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery in Wawbeek, AL with Bro. Robert Bradley officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice.
Randy Brigan
December 28, 2021
Randy Brigan passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pensacola, FL on Dec. 24, 1947 to Alfred Delwyn Brigan and Irene Teel Brigan.
Randy served his county honorably in the U. S. Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He worked in the oil fields for Exxon/Mobile for over 30 years traveling around the country.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Teel Brigan; and daughter, Terry Brigan.
Randy is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judi Brigan; father, Alfred Delwyn Brigan; step-daughter, Melissa Sheets; sisters, JoAnn (Ray) Duckworth, Shirlie (Billy) Stevens, Tanya (Gary) Mitchell; grand-daughter, Miranda Miller; and great grandson, Camden Smith.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Wade Rials will officiate services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
IP Mill In Cantonment Switching Natural Gas Supplier To Pensacola Energy
December 27, 2021
In 2022, the International Paper mill in Cantonment will switch natural gas suppliers to Pensacola Energy, significantly increasing revenue for the municipal utility while saving money for IP.
“Pensacola Energy offered natural gas at competitive rates and we look forward to our relationship with them,” Whitney Fike, IP communications manager, said.
“It’s not often that a gas utility gets to add a major industrial customer like that, and we are fortunate to be able to secure a supply of gas that is costing them less than their current supply,” Pensacola Energy Director Don Suarez said. “That addition of International Paper will increase our throughput, our sales, next year by about 14%.”
“Utilities are slow growth businesses, so 14% increase in one year is significant for us. So we are real excited about that,” Suarez continued.
Pensacola Energy was able to offer IP a lower natural gas price than they are currently paying because of a discount from a prepaid gas agreement, according to Kaycee Lagarde, public information officer for the City of Pensacola.
Area residents won’t see any digging, new pipes or any physical changes around the IP mill in Cantonment with the new gas supplier.
“Pensacola Energy is working through our current supplier to deliver the gas and bill International Paper, so this will be a strictly transactional change,” Lagarde said. ” No digging or pipe changes will be necessary, and the gas will flow just like it currently does through the pipeline.”
Pictured: The International Paper mill in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FHP Pursues, Arrests Driver Traveling Over 100 In 40 MPH Zone
December 27, 2021
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a driver Sunday night that was traveling over 100 mph in a 40 mph zone.
The vehicle was clocked at 104 mph on Beverly Parkway when the trooper began the pursuit. Several PIT maneuvers were performed before the vehicle was disabled on Saufley Field Road. A Florida Highway Patrol K-9 was deployed and the suspected driver was apprehended.
The suspect driver was identified as 18-year-old Trequez L. Davis of Pensacola. He already had an active warrant out of Okaloosa County for fleeing and eluding. Troopers said various amounts of different narcotics were located in center console of the vehicle, and a large amount of cash was also located.
Davis was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges that included reckless driving, feeling and eluding, no driver’s license, and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.
Here’s How To Get A Property Tax Discount, If You Pay By December 31
December 27, 2021
A 3% discount on payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends Friday, December 31, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s office will open from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 31. 2021. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Property owners paying their 2021 real estate and tangible personal property tax will receive a 3% discount when paying online by midnight December 31. Online property tax payments may be made by visiting the payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. Current taxes may be paid by eCheck for no additional fee. Proof of payment will be available online and by email.
To check the status of your taxes, pay online or print a receipt, visit the payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the tax collector’s office by email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com or by phone with any questions.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Warm Weather Sticks Around, Rain Chances Rise Into Mid-Week
December 27, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
New Year’s Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Karl King Named Tate High School’s Teacher Of The Year
December 27, 2021
Karl King has been named Tat High School’s Teacher of the Year.
King began his career as an educator in 1995 in Edmond, Oklahoma, at Summit Middle School where he taught eighth grade math, Algebra 1, and coached football for two years. He transferred to Edmond Santa Fe High School in 1997 where he spent 6 years teaching Algebra 1 and serving as a varsity baseball coach and freshman football coach. In 2003, he was offered the opportunity to become a head baseball coach and spent six years at Putnam City North High School where he taught Algebra 1 and also served as a freshman football coach. In 2009, he became the head baseball coach at Edmond North High School where he spent the next seven years teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Intermediate Algebra while winning a baseball state championship in 2012 and being named the Oklahoma Coach of the Year.
In 2016, he and his family made the big move to Cantonment where he is now in his sixth year at Tate High School teaching Liberal Arts Math 1 and 2 and serving as an assistant varsity baseball coach.
“Coach Karl King, we are proud to have you represent us as Tate High School’s Teacher of the Year! Thank you for your dedication to our students, school, and community,” the school said in an email.