Update: Investigators Say Flomaton Death Was A Homicide; Victim Named
August 4, 2022
UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested. Click here for an update to this story.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirms a homicide investigation is underway after a 52-year old Flomaton man was found dead Wednesday.
“Dwight Dixon, 52, of Flomaton, was found deceased when officers from the Flomaton Police Department responded to an emergency call on Dixon Road,” ALEA said.
D.W. McMillan EMS was dispatched to a home on Dixon Road about 8:50 a.m. Wednesday. Flomaton Police also responded, and called ALEA for assistance.
ALEA is now the lead agency in the death investigation.
“Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Escambia County District Attorney’s Office,” according to ALEA.
“We are working the case along with them if they have need for any assistance,” Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson told NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Explosion Rocks Atmore Recycling Facility
August 4, 2022
An explosion rocked a recycling yard in Atmore Thursday morning.
An employee of Atmore Recycling on West Nashville Avenue was using a cutting torch to cut a large fuel tank that had been scrapped. Officials said the cutting torch ignited some residual vapors inside the tank, causing the explosion.
The employee was taken to Atmore Community Hospital for evaluation and soon released.
There was minor damage to the drop ceiling reported at a nearby office building on Tennant Drive, adjacent to the recycling Center.
People in the surrounding area reported feeling the explosion.
Pictured top: A large fuel tank that had been scrapped exploded while it was being cut Thursday morning at a recycling company in Atmore. Pictured below: A drop ceiling at a nearby business was damaged. Photo (top) courtesy Andrew Garner/Atmore Advance and photos (below) reader submitted for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elementary School Orientations Friday; Middle Schools Monday
August 4, 2022
Mark you calendars…here are the dates and times for Escambia County school orientation sessions:
Elementary Schools
- All elementary school orientations will be August 5 from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.
Middle Schools
- Bellview Middle – August 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Beulah Middle – August 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Brown-Barge Middle – August 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Ernest Ward Middle – August 8, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Ferry Pass Middle – August 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Jim C. Bailey Middle – August 8, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Ransom Middle – August 8, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
- Warrington Middle – August 8, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Workman Middle – August 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
High Schools
- Pine Forest High – August 6, 9:00 a.m. – noon
- Escambia High – August 6, 9:00 a.m. – noon
- Washington High – was held July 29
- West Florida High – was held July 30
- Tate High – August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Northview High – August 8, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Pensacola High – was held August 4
Update: Two Missing, Endangered Children Located
August 4, 2022
UPDATE: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says both children have been located.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two missing and endangered children last seen with their mother.
The ECOS said 10-year old Jordan Gunmar and 6-year old Jayce Franklin Mathis were last seen July 26 with 30-year old Brittany Breanne Franklin. There was no known clothing description available.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Sparkleberry: Escambia County Approves FPL Molino Solar Farm, The Third In North Escambia
August 4, 2022
The Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday sign off on a third Florida Power & Light solar farm in North Escambia on hundreds of acres in Molino.
The Sparkleberry Solar Energy Center is planned for 553 acres south of the end of Pilgrim Trail. According to FPL, over 200,000 solar panels will generate nearly 75 megawatts — enough energy to power 15,000 homes. FPL must still obtain construction permits, and the development order remains valid for at least 18 months for them to do that.
No water or sewer facilities are required, and on-site stormwater retention areas will be constructed to accommodate the semi-impervious and impervious cover.
According to the development order, no protected trees will be removed, and FPL will not be required to plant any trees in mitigation.
The Molino solar farm is roughly the same size as two others in North Escambia.
The 300,000 solar panels at the Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center on Bogia Road near McDavid have been in operation since the first of the year, producing up to about 75 megawatts.
The First City Solar Energy Center, the second FPL solar site to be built in North Escambia, off Holland, Cox and Roach roads in McDavid is not yet operational. It also has a planned output of 75 megawatts.
NorthEscambia.com graphic showing the proposed location of the Sparkleberry Solar Energy Center in Molino, click to enlarge.
FDOT’s Reconstruction Of Highway 29 In Century Will Cost The Town $377K They Don’t Have
August 4, 2022
A $3.3 million Florida Department of Transportation resurfacing and major safety improvement project on Highway 29 this winter will come with a big price tag for Century.
As we first reported in June, FDOT plans a major reconstruction of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line. The project includes the roadway reconstruction, curb and gutter, drainage upgrades, signal loop replacement, driveway modifications, and sidewalks — all paid for by the state.
But Century is facing an estimated $377,411.65 cost to relocate their water, wastewater and natural gas lines due to the highway project.
It’s money that Century does not have.
FDOT will loan Century the money on a 15-year note at 0% interest.
Dale Long, Century’s engineer, told the town council this week that he plans to explore if the town’s new Rural Community designation might allow for forgiveness of all, or part, of the loan amount.
Pictured: Looking south into Florida on Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Part of a Highway 29 safety improvement project will include the realignment of this curve. Graphics below show project details. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Rain Expected Overnight
August 4, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. 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. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Escambia One Of Nine Counties Included In New Opioid Recovery Program
August 4, 2022
Escambia County is one of nine counties in the state to be included in a new opioid recovery program announced Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis said the piloted substance abuse and recovery network addiction care – Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) – is the first of its kind in the nation, according to the governor.
“Biden’s border crisis has caused a massive infusion of drugs coming into our state,” DeSantis said. “This year we increased the penalties for individuals trafficking drugs in our state, and now we are giving Floridians the tools they need to break the substance abuse cycle. Substance abuse can affect any family at any time, so from education to law enforcement to treatment we are going to make sure that Floridians can take advantage of this new addiction recovery model.”
Escambia County County EMS Chief David Torsell said recently that Escambia County leads the state in opioid overdose deaths.
“In my 26-year career, I have not seen as much death from overdose in such a short amount of time as I’ve been in Escambia County,” Torsell said. He’s been in Escambia County since June 1, 2021. “A very sad thing.”
As of August 1, Escambia EMS had responded to 1209 overdoses this year, with 37 of those in the last week.
“It is so vital for individuals contending with a substance use disorder to have access to the right array of services that will work for their individual needs,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “When agencies, stakeholders, and partners alike come together to bolster our state’s system of care, we can ensure that Floridians have access to comprehensive services when they need it most. Today’s announcement of the implementation of the CORE Network model throughout the state is yet another example of how the DeSantis administration is leveraging our state’s resources to help families move forward with dignity on their journey of recovery.”
“Addiction is heartbreaking for all involved, and we ultimately want to help people address the stress traumas that led them to addiction,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “One day the standard of care will address the trauma and the stress, but until then we have the evidence-based practices that exist in place. This program is an applied, intensive application to managing addiction through powerful, effective practice that connects people to what they need to get out of the horrific cycle of addiction.”
The COREprogram was successfully piloted in Palm Beach County for nearly two years and will be expanding in up to 12 counties to break the overdose cycle. Floridians battling with addiction can utilize CORE for stabilization and to receive medical assisted treatment that is specialized to sustain a clean pathway to success. CORE will be expanded in two phases. Phase one counties include Escambia, Brevard, Clay, Duval,, Gulf, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, and Volusia counties.
District 5 Cottage Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Next Wednesday
August 4, 2022
Residents of Cottage Hill will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, August 10 during a District 5 Neighborhood Cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. The collection area is east of Highway 95A, between the side streets north of McKenzie Road to Eden Road and to the east of Williams Ditch Road (see map above).
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 4,696 tons (9,392,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
John S. Kulback, Jr.
August 4, 2022
John S. Kulback, Jr. passed away on August 1, 2022, at his home in Cantonment, Florida. He was well over 97 years old.
John was born in Jersey City, N.J. January 20, 1925, to John and Mary Kulback. Both of his parents were immigrants from Slovakia. John also had two siblings: Irene and Joan.
After high school John served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the Parachute School at Ft. Benning, G.A. and was then a paratrooper, expert rifleman, and communications man during WWII. He was such a proficient marksman, that he frequently would win passes from his base or encampment. He actively served in the Pacific theatre including the Philippine jungles and during the occupation of Japan by U.S. forces. John was honorably discharged in February 1946 at Ft Dix, New Jersey. He received the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WWII Victory medal. He was one of the true heroes of WWII who fought to the war’s end and helped preserve our freedoms. He was proud to be born in the United States and partake in the “American Experiment.”
In 1951 John married Dolores Gunza of Paterson, New Jersey. After they wed, they lived in Paterson, New Jersey for a few years. Then they purchased a home in the quiet New Jersey suburban town of Waldwick. There they raised three children: Heidi, Cindy, and Kevin.
John always showed a strong work ethic and persistence in whatever he took on. He always worked diligently to provide for his wife and children and was a true family man. He worked in a number of occupations and completed some college-level training, including coursework in supermarket operations through Cornell University. Eventually he achieved the position of food and meat buyer at the corporate level for Grand Union Supermarkets in Wayne, New Jersey.
In 1994 he and his wife moved to Cantonment, Florida from New Jersey, after retiring a few years earlier. John enjoyed BBQ’s, an occasional fishing trip, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.
John is preceded in death by his wife Dolores. Survived are his three adult children, two grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and his sister Joan Fenton. A visitation and memorial service will be held Monday August 15 at 10 a.m. at Family Funeral and Cremation on Davis Highway in Pensacola. The remains of John and Dolores Kulback will be placed at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery after a service (which is to be determined).