Motorcyclist Apprehended After Crash, Manhunt In Cantonment
June 8, 2022
A motorcyclist that wrecked Wednesday morning in Cantonment was tracked down after he ran from the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the Michael Fredrico Avitio, age 43 of Pensacola, was traveling west on Becks Lake Road when ran off the road and collided with the tree line. An FWC officer arrived on scene and asked the driver for his identification.
FHP said the Avitio refused to provide identification and fled on foot.
Officers with FHP, FWC, Escambia County Sheriff’s offices and corrections used K-9s and aircraft to search for the driver. Avitio was apprehended and transported to the hospital for injuries sustained during the collision.
Avitio was charged by with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, no driver’s license for the operation of a motorcycle, attached tag no assigned and possession of methamphetamine. FWC charged hime with trespassing, resisting and obstruction. He also had an outstanding warrant from Bay County for violation of probation of a meth possession charge.
Weaver Promoted To ECSO Storekeeper, Warehouse Manager
June 8, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has promoted John Weaver to storekeeper/warehouse manager. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
McDavid Man Accused Of Assault And Battery Using A Golf Club
June 8, 2022
A McDavid man is accused of assault and battery using a golf club.
Michael David Jones, 31, was charged with aggravated assault and two counts of battery and cocaine possession.
Jones allegedly swung a golf club at a close relative and “poked” her in the side with the golf club handle following a disagreement. When the victim tried to leave the room, Jones grabbed her right arm and threw her into a door, according to an arrest report.
The victim fled, called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and then returned to the home. The report states he jumped into the bed of her truck. She drove northbound on Stefani Road, and Jones jumped out near Moonlight Drive. He was not immediately located and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
When the warrant was served, Jones was sitting on a bed with a clear bag containing a powder that tested positive for cocaine, the report states.
Jones remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $14,500.
Escambia Firefighters Rescue Cat Trapped Under Vehicle
June 8, 2022
Escambia Fire County Fire Rescue responded to a call of a cat trapped under a vehicle Tuesday in Beulah.
“Upon arrival, an adult cat was found trapped in the spare tire underneath a vehicle in the 7500 block of Oak Lake Road Boulevard. The lowering system that would remove the spare tire was determined inoperable, leading ECFR to use special tools to safely remove the cat,” the fire department said in a statement.
The cat was removed and returned to its owner.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Think There’s More Traffic On Pensacola Beach These Days? You’re Right.
June 8, 2022
If you think there’s more traffic lately on Pensacola Beach, you’re right.
Last Saturday, June 4, a record 23,543 vehicles passed through the toll plaza, according to Escambia County. That broke a recent record of 22,909 on May 7.
The county installed a vehicle counter at the toll booth in 2016.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see another record-breaking weekend just a few days into summer vacation,” said Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes Pensacola Beach. “Since the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza switched to electronic billing in 2020, we have noticed a reduction in travel times, leading to increased confidence for everyone coming to Pensacola Beach. Breaking a record so close to the previous one shows that Escambia County is poised for another successful summer season. We’re working closely with our tourism partners to provide a positive experience on Pensacola Beach for locals and visitors alike, and we are all eager to see how the remainder of the summer plays out.”
In April 2020, the Bob Sikes Toll Booth went to all electronic tolling, which means drivers do not have to stop and are encouraged to keep driving through the toll booth. A $1 toll will be collected from all vehicles traveling to Pensacola Beach / Santa Rosa Island via the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge. The $1 toll is collected electronically using SunPass®, E-Pass, North Carolina Quick Pass, Georgia Peach Pass, PayTollo app or TOLL-BY-PLATE.
For TOLL-BY-PLATE users, the toll is still $1 each time you pass through the toll plaza, plus a $2.50 administrative fee that is charged each billing cycle (once per month.) No matter the number of trips you take to the beach, you will only be charged the administration fee once per billing cycle.
Warm Night, Low Only In The Mid 70s
June 8, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Company Interested In Century Industrial Building, Possibly Bringing 12-15 New Jobs
June 8, 2022
An out-of-state company is interested in locating in an empty industrial space owed by the Town of Century.
FloridaWest Business Development Officer Danita Andrews told the town council Tuesday night that the company is looking at a potential lease to own agreement for the building in the town’s industrial park, but first they need a current appraisal.
One proposal has been received so far of $3,450 for the appraisal, and FloridaWest will pay for half of the appraisal cost once a bid is accepted.
Andrews said most information about the company is currently confidential, a is allowed under state law for economic development negotiations.
She said the company would bring 12-15 jobs initially with an average wage of $20-$25 an hour. She also mentioned that welders will be required by the business at about $30 an hour.
In addition, she said the company would run business hours, not be a 24/7 operation.
The building was last appraised in 2017 at $550,000, or a rent of $80,000 per year ($6,667 per month). Since that time, the town has made roof repairs and other improvements.
Known as the former Helicopter Technology building, it is a 40,000 square foot office/warehouse facility with full climate control, sprinkler system, upgraded HVAC and energy efficient lighting. The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology.
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is economic development organization for Escambia County.
Pictured top: The industrial site known as the former Helicopter Technology build in Century. Pictured inset: FloridaWest Business Development Officer Danita Andrews addresses the Century Town Council Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Coast To 10-1 Over Birmingham
June 8, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their fourth in a row on Tuesday night, opening up their six-game series against the Birmingham Barons with a blowout 10-1 victory.
A.J. Ladwig (W, 1-1) delivered a quality start for his first win in the Marlins organization, allowing only an unearned run over 6.0 solid innings.
The Blue Wahoos maintained their lead in the South Division by 3.5 games with 17 to play in the first half, pending other games throughout the league.
Ray-Patrick Didder opened up the scoring in the second with a solo homer, and Luis Aviles Jr. made Birmingham starter Jason Bilous (L, 3-5) pay for three walks in the third with a three-run homer of his own.
Troy Johnston and Paul McIntosh twice went back-to-back with RBI doubles in the fourth and sixth innings. Johnston, the reigning Southern League Player of the Week, finished 2-for-4 and McIntosh was 4-for-5 with 4 runs batted in.
Andrew McInvale and Josh Simpson relieved Ladwig with the game well in hand, facing the minimum over the final three frames to coast to victory.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Wednesday
David Martin Hadley
June 8, 2022
Mr. David Martin Hadley, age 63, passed away, Monday, June 6, 2022 in Atmore, AL. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL.
Mr. Hadley enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed shooting pool, Nascar racing as well as vintage automobiles.
He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Hadley.
He is survived by his mother, Mazie Hadley, of Atmore, AL; his loving wife of 29 years, Linda Hadley, of Atmore, AL; one son, Charlie (Samantha) Hadley, of Pensacola, FL; one grandchild, Kristie Hadley, two great-grandchildren, Khloe Hadley, Kallie Hadley, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Uriah Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Rob Faircloth, Jim Young, Brian Belle, Glenn Carlee, Stephen Simpson, and Whit Whitaker.
State Budget Includes $1.3 Million For New Water Meters In Century
June 7, 2022
The new budget recently signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis includes just over $1.3 million for new water meters for the Town of Century.
The funds would replace about 825 water meters with remotely readable radio-enabled units.
The $1,301,892 will be use to replace all of their approximately 825 existing water meters, moving from a manual read system to a radio reporting system. The town will purchase new meters that can be read remotely by radio, two mobile readers, and a base station with a laptop. Fund will also be used for mobilization, grass and landscape replacement and other associated costs.
According to the town, water meters are failing and service connections are leaking. Replacing the meters and repairing leaky connections will improve water quality. Due to limited staff, the town has previously only been able to replace about 20 meters annually, according to their funding request.
Water meters not otherwise replaced in Century are 11 years old, purchased in 2010 and installed in 2011.
Both commercial and residential meters will be replaced.
Pictured: Century Town Hall. NorthEscmabia.com photo, click to enlarge.