Inmate Escapes From Atmore Prison Sunday Morning
June 12, 2022
Authorities are searching for an inmate that escaped from prison Sunday morning in Atmore.
Inmate Edward Williams, 41, escaped from the Fountain Correctional Facility about 9:20 Sunday morning, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections. He is described as a black male, six-feet one-inch tall, 143 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan in color state inmate uniform.
He was serving a 999 year, 99 month and 99 day sentence for multiple 2004 first degree robbery convictions in Jefferson County.
Anyone with information can call the ADOC at (800) 831-8825 or their local law enforcement agency.
Want To Run For Public Office In Escambia County, Century Or Pensacola? This Is Qualifying Week.
June 12, 2022
Want to run for public office this year in Escambia County, Century, or Pensacola? This is qualifying week.
Candidates begin qualifying for the 2022 Primary and General elections at noon Monday, June 13, according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office. Qualifying will run through noon on Friday, June 17.
Local candidates will qualify in the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office located at 213 Palafox Place on the 2nd Floor. In addition, a qualifying officer from the Supervisor of Elections Office will be at Century Town Hall on Wednesday, June 15 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to accept qualifying paperwork from Century council candidates.
Local offices that will appear on the 2022 ballot in Escambia County are:
Escambia County Commission – Partisan
Escambia County Commissioner District 2 and 4
Escambia School Board – Nonpartisan
Escambia School Board Member District 1, 2 and 3
Special Districts – Partisan
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 2, 4
Special Districts – Nonpartisan
Santa Rosa Island Authority
Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District
Groups 2 and 4 (and Group 3 for 2 year term)
Town of Century – Nonpartisan
Town Council Seats 3, 4 and 5
City of Pensacola – Nonpartisan
Mayor
City Council District 2, 4 and 6
Judicial – Nonpartisan
County Court Judge Groups 1 and 3
Escambia Fire Lieutenant Named Florida Professional Firefighter Of The Year
June 12, 2022
The Florida Professional Firefighters have recognized Lt. Nick Gradia of Escambia County Fire Rescue as Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year. Gradia is a 2003 graduate of Northview High School. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Heat Index Around 105 Sunday Afternoon; Slight Chance Of An Afternoon Shower
June 12, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 110. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Flomaton Police Have A New Incident Command Center
June 12, 2022
The Flomaton Police Department has a new incident command center.
The trailer was purchased by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and provided by the Escambia County (AL) Emergency Management Agency. Flomaton PD converted it into the command center for use in Flomaton and to provide mutual aid to neighboring agencies and communities.
According to Flomaton Police, the command center will be used at festivals and public gatherings, large incidents, search and rescue, lengthy fire scenes, drone operation and other operations.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here’s A Big List Of VBS Events Across The North Escambia Area This Summer
June 12, 2022
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition across the North Escambia area. A list of VBS events is below.
To submit your North Escambia area VBS, email news@northescambia.com, or click here for our contact form
Walnut Hill Baptist VBS
Walnut Hill Baptist Church “Monumental” VBS 2022 will be June 12-16 from 6-8:30 p.m. Ages 4 to completed fifth grade.
Pinehaven Baptist Church VBS
Pinehaven Baptist Church at 10400 North Palafox will hold “Mighty God” VBS June 13-17 from 6-8:20 p.m. Transportation available. (850) 476-6331
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church VBS
MP Kidz at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church at 6205 North “W” St. will hold VBS June 13-17. from 6-8 p.m. Register online at pensacolachurch.org/vbs/
First Baptist Church of Cantonment VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold “NORB-E, an Out-of-this-World Mission to Discover God’s Glory” VBS June 20-24 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Classes for pre-K through youth, special needs students and parents. Dinner will be served each night. Register online: fbccfl.com
Poplar Dell Baptist Church VBS
Poplar Dell Baptist Church will hold “Kookaburra Coast” Vacation Bible School June 20-24 from 5:30-8 p.m. Bible study, crafts, recreation, missions, music and supper.
Hillcrest Baptist Chuch VBS
Hillcrest Baptist Church will hold “Being Created in Christ’s Designed Purpose” VBS June 20-24 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. for kids who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 5. Register at hillcrestchurch.com. The church is located at 800 East Nine Mile Road.
Enon Baptist Church VBS
Enon Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School June 20-24 from 6-8 p.m. for ages 4-12.
Farm Hill Church VBS
Farm Hill Church at 140 Madrid Road in Cantonment will hold “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness.” Vacation Bible School June 27-July 1 from 6-8:30 p.m. for ages 3-12. Register online here.
Pine Forest Assembly VBS
Pine Forest Assembly will hold VBS July 8-10, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Ages from 3 (potty trained) to 12 years. 3125 Pine Forest Road, Cantonment.
Highland Baptist VBS
Highland Baptist Church “Spark” VBS will be held July 11-15 from 6-8 p.m. Ages 4 years to completed fifth grade.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on Bogia Road will hold “Zoomerang – Returning to the Value of Life” VBS July 11-15 from 4-6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided.
Gonzalez UMC VBS
Spark Studio VBS will be held July 18-22 from 6-8 p.m. at Gonzalez United Methodist Church. For children who have completed pre-K through fifth grade. Register at https://vbspro.events/p/959a75
Calvary Baptist Church VBS
Calvary Baptist Church at 6824 Pine Forest Road will hold “Spark” VBS July 18-22 from 6-8 p.m.
First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola VBS
The First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola will hold “Oasis Adventures” VBS July 19-22 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.for ages 5-11. Dinner will be served. Registration is open now.
Allen Memorial UMC VBS
Allen Memorial UMC will hold “Food Truck Party/On a Roll With God” VBS Thursday and Friday, July 21-22 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.and Saturday, July 23 from 9 a.m. until noon. Snack and lunch provided for grades K-5.
Food For Help
Gonzalez Baptist Church is distributing food to those in need on the 2nd Wed. of each month from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Pickup is located at the back of the church. The church is located at 1590 Pauline Street, in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 968-6224, ext 101.
Boy Scout Troop Meetings
Boy Scout Troop 26 in Atmore meets each Monday night from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Boy Scout Hut located at the Corner of Craig St & Carney St. For more information, contact Amanda Gibbs at (850) 293-5444.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 12, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 12 through Saturday, June 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 14, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, as crews install pedestrian fence.
- The new traffic signals on Cervantes Street at the J Street, L Street, and R Street intersections are now activated.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – The sidewalks on the eastern side of Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and Navy Boulevard, are closed as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the western side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, June 12 through Thursday, June 16 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night as crews work on guardrail improvements.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Pavement Coring Operations near Manolete Steet – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Monday, June 13 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for pavement coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance near Addison Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Wednesday, June 15 from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. for underground fiber improvements.
- North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Maintenance North of Langley Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Monday, June 13 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 12 through Saturday, June 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 14, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, June 12 through Friday, June 17, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Portside Drive to North College Parkway as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities on the outside lane.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures the week of Sunday, June 12 for construction activities. In addition, road closures at the overpass from 11 p.m. Thursday, June 16 to 5 a.m. Friday, June 17, traffic will be diverted to the westbound off ramp and will re-enter the interstate on the westbound on ramp.
- S.R. 87 Pavement Coring Operations from East Bay Road to Vonnie Tolbert Road in Navarre – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 13 through Thursday, June 17 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for pavement coring operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Blue Wahoos Fall 5-1 To The Barons In Birmingham
June 12, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos took a 1-0 lead to the bottom of the eighth inning in their game against the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night, but uncharacteristic bullpen struggles cost the club in a 5-1 loss.
Jeff Lindgren tied a career high with 7.0 innings of scoreless work in his start for the Blue Wahoos, his fourth quality start in six Double-A appearances this season.
The Blue Wahoos maintained their 4.0-game lead in the South Division with 13 to play in the first half, as every other team in the division also lost.
Troy Johnston provided Pensacola’s only run-scoring hit of the night with an RBI double in the third against Birmingham starter Emilio Vargas to put the Blue Wahoos up 1-0. Pensacola managed just three hits in the game, and none after the fourth inning as a Barons bullpen effort from Kyle Kubat, Declan Cronin, Garrett Davila (W, 2-0) and Fraser Ellard kept the Blue Wahoos in check.
Birmingham was stymied by Lindgren through seven innings, but pounced on Andrew McInvale (L, 0-1) in the eighth. A leadoff walk to Craig Dedelow was followed by a game-tying RBI triple to Yoelqui Cespedes, who was then brought home on an Alex Destino sacrifice fly to put the Barons up 2-1. Three hits, two walks and a hit batsman followed as the Barons eventually stretched the lead to 5-1.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series and road trip against the Barons on Sunday.
Written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
David Solomon Garrard
June 12, 2022
David Solomon Garrard, 63 of Pensacola, FL passed away Monday, May 30 in Pensacola, FL. He was born May 8, 1959 in Atmore, AL, to the late John and Fonda Solomon Garrard, Jr.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Michael “Mike” Garrard.
David is survived by two nieces, Kelly (Russell) Howard of Allen, TX, and Lori Beth (Michael) Diller of Walnut Hill, FL, 9 great nieces and nephews, as well as a dear friend, Mr. Robert Craker of Pensacola, FL, who was instrumental in David’s life the last 8 years.
David was a proud member of Escambia Academy’s Class of 1977. He went on to Auburn University where he graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. He owned and operated a successful landscaping company in Birmingham. His landscaping business led him into the field of real estate in which he obtained his real estate license and became a Realtor. He enjoyed showing and selling houses, and often became close friends with his clients. David was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He had most recently developed a love for traveling and was looking forward to his next adventure. For the last several months, David served as Sexton at St. Francis of Assissi Episcopal Church in Gulf Breeze, FL.
Graveside Memorial Services will be held Monday, June 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Margaret Shepard officiating.
Family Believes 18-Wheeler May Have Caused Fatal Molino Crash; FHP Says They Will Investigate
June 11, 2022
Family members believe an 18-wheeler may be what caused a wreck that claimed the life of a Cantonment man Friday afternoon on Highway 29. And the Florida Highway Patrol says they will investigate that possibility.
The crash happened about 12:40 p.m. on Highway 29 between Highway 196 and Chance Road in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver lost control as his southbound Ford F150 pulling a utility trailer crossed over the median and overturned multiple times, coming to rest into the northbound lanes. Lance Smith, 39, was ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County EMS. A 16-year male passenger from Molino was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
The initial investigation indicated that it was a single vehicle crash; but, family members are offering a cash reward for information about a big truck that may have caused Smith to lose control of his pickup.
“We can’t confirm at this time that an 18-wheeler was actually involved,” FHP Lt. Jason King told NorthEscamia.com. He said troopers will follow up as their investigation continues. “This is a very, very sad time for the family and early stages of our investigation. We hope we can discover every contributing factor we can.”
“We are definitely open to receiving information regarding an 18-wheeler that may have been involved in this fatal crash. Anything we can gain to follow up on to solidify its involvement or even eliminate its involvement will be most helpful,” King said.
Anyone with additional information on the crash can call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP.
Pictured: A fatal crash on Highway 29 in Molino Friday afternoon. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
