One Injured In T-Bone Type Wreck At Highway 29, Molino Road
December 29, 2022
One person was injured in a T-bone type collision Wednesday night at a Molino intersection.
A white SUV collided with the driver’s side of a southbound pickup truck about 5:55 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Molino Road.
The driver of the SUV was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life threatening. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured.
Witnesses told the Florida Highway Patrol that the driver of the SUVfailed to stop at a red traffic light. The FHP investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Family Of Cantonment Murder Suspect That Killed Himself In Jail Files Lawsuit
December 29, 2022
The family of a Cantonment murder suspect that took his own life in the county jail has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Escambia County and two corrections officers.
Lukas MacKenzie Snelson, 24, was charged with second degree homicide, grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest for the death of his grandmother, 75-year old Fran Fournier.
On December 30, 2021, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the end of Candy Lane in Cantonment for a death investigation. Fournier was found deceased, seated in a recliner with two dog leashes wrapped around her neck, according to an arrest report. Snelson was arrested hours later.
A few days after his arrest, Snelson was found hanging in his cell and later died at a local hospital.
The lawsuit claims Snelson was not provided proper mental health care and was not protected from self-harm.
“Escambia County and its corrections staff were deliberately indifferent to the medical needs and constitutional rights of Mr. Snelson who left behind a 2-year-old son at the time of his death,” the lawsuit states.
“His death could have been prevented if Jail staff assisted him during the 40-minute period when the make-shift rope was tied around his neck, or if someone had changed the broken lights in his cell, used a flashlight during the visual checks, or actually confirmed that he was breathing during the visual checks,” the suit contends.
Below: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigates the murder of a Cantonment woman on Candy Lane on December 30, 2021. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Donates Over 22,000 Toys To Marine Toys For Tots
December 29, 2022
Navy Federal Credit Union has partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for 25 years spreading holiday cheer. This year, more than 330 Navy Federal branches participated as drop-off sites worldwide, setting record donation amounts.
“Toys for Tots is fortunate to have a long-time partner like Navy Federal Credit Union,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 75 years through our Toys for Tots Program. Navy Federal Credit Union’s support will allow Toys for Tots to deliver hope and the magic of the holidays to children in need in communities
throughout the U.S.”
This year, Navy Federal collected over $33,000 in monetary donations and over 22,000 toys with 92% of their branches worldwide serving as collection sites.
“I’m proud to see how our branch network rallied around Toys for Tots this year, as nearly all of our branches participated,” said Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), executive vice president of Branch Operations at Navy Federal. “Our team members embody our core value of championing communities where we serve, which has amplified our successful partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.”
North Beulah Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Next Wednesday
December 29, 2022
Residents of the north Beulah area will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge Wednesday, January 4 during a 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 us from West Nine Mile Road to just north of Frank Reeder Road, and between Tower Ridge Road and Beulah 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
For more information, contact Development Program Manager Max Rogers at (850) 595-3499 or mprogers@myescambia.com.
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 5,469 tons (10,938,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Alabama Troopers Say Rider Died After His ATV Was Struck By Escambia, Florida, Man
December 29, 2022
An Alabama man died after his ATV was struck by a van driven by an Escambia County, Florida, man.
William J. Miller, 67, was critically injured when the 2009 Kawasaki Mule ATV he was operating was struck by the 2009 Chevrolet Express Van driven by 40-year old Jonathan T. Chavers of Escambia County, Florida, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement agency.
Miller was transported to University Hospital in Mobile, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on December 22, Alabama troopers said in a statement released on December 28.
The crash happened just after noon on Wednesday, December 21 about eight miles south of Millry, Alabama.
Alabama State Troopers are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
Sunny For Thursday, Possible Heavy Rain On Friday
December 29, 2022
.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 69. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 60. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 72. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Ferrell Maurice Crowder
December 29, 2022
Ferrell Maurice Crowder, a resident of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the age of 90.
He was born in Griffin, Georgia on March 6, 1932, to the late Harry Pierce Crowder and Nellie Kate Smith Crowder. Ferrell served his country in the United States Navy and then worked as a Steam Plant Operator for the
Department of Defense.
He is preceded in death by his son, Steven Ray Crowder; parents; and siblings, Lenwood P. Crowder, Donald L. Crowder, Rachel Heath, M. Smith Crowder, Carol J. Brown, Norma L. Crowder, and Wallace A. Crowder.
Ferrell is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Martha Ann Goen Crowder; three daughters, Sheila A. Golden, Melanie J. Crowder, and Vicki L. Pehmoeller; son Maury Crowder; grandchildren, Jacob C. Weaver, Emily G. Crowder, Jesse M. Crowder, Michelle D. Smith, Nicholas A. Smith, Ryan A. Kukelhan, Carrie M. Kukelhan, Erica A. Rozzero, Heather M. Pehmoeller, and Laurel E. Pehmoeller; and great grandchildren, Bryan L. Birmingham, Terry J. Birmingham, Alanea L. Agrecy, Austin G. Smith, Dagan C. Smith-Goodwin, Cole Lowery, Bryn E. Rozzero, and Paul M. Rozzero, IV. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Barrancas National Cemetery. A procession will leave Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at noon.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 2, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Sylvia Ann Mitchell
December 29, 2022
Sylvia Ann Mitchell, age 77, passed away at home on December 23, 2022, after a brief hospital stay. She was born in Munford, Alabama, to Frank and Ruby Mitchell and was a resident of Pensacola, Florida since 1959.
She was predeceased by her mom and stepdad, Ruby and Memphis Lovett; her brothers, David Mitchell and Billy Mitchell.
She is survived by her brother, Tommy Mitchell; her niece, Angel Mitchell McCabe (David’s daughter); sisters, Nina Lovett Diamond and Sena Lovett; along with numerous nieces and nephews that were the children she never had.
Her proudest accomplishment was the BA she received from UWF, but she was equally proud of her beloved nieces and nephews. Aunt Sister, Sylvia loved hearing about their achievements and cherished the time she spent with each and every one whether it was a visit or just a phone call. Sylvia retired from Escambia County Property Appraiser Office, which gave her more time for working in her yard, reading, and discovering cable news. She was also a crossword puzzle enthusiast and that created one of life’s torments for her – an undelivered newspaper on Wednesdays and Sundays
The family would like to thank the Neuro ICU Unit at Ascension Sacred Heart and her nieces, Angel, Charlie, Breanna, and Haley for the compassion and care they provided her in her final days. The family also extends their gratitude to Vitas Healthcare Hospice for the healthcare needs they provided Sylvia at home. Also, a special thanks to Thomas for the loving care he provided during her final week.
Visitation for family and friends will be at 1 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, with Jerry Resch officiating, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, FL 32526.
After Protest, Cox Declines To Bid Again On North Escambia Residential Fiber Internet
December 28, 2022
After filing a formal protest of the first Escambia County bid solicitation award for fiber internet to North Escambia homes and county facilities, Cox Communications has declined to submit a second bid.
The county originally accepted proposals to provide fiber to homes north of 10 Mile Road and approved entering into a memorandum of understanding with Escambia River Electric Cooperative in late November. Cox Communications retained a law firm and filed a formal protest against the award.
The county decided to resolicit bids with a deadline of December 22.
In a letter to Escambia County’s purchasing director, Cox said they “determined that the change in geographical scope with regard to areas of the County be served is much further away from our existing fiber network that reaches to Cantonment. Therefore, after careful consideration, we do not think it is feasible for us to respond to the RFP (request for proposals), as amended.”
The first proposal from EREC included only their electric franchise territory, an area essentially north of Barrineau Park Road. As a member owned electric cooperative, EREC would provide fiber internet service to all 4,000 plus homes and businesses in their territory. In the first round, Cox submitted a proposal to provide broadband internet to about 2,500 homes in unspecified areas north of 10 Mile Road.
The New Request For Proposal
In the new solicitation, Escambia County is seeking a company to provide the high speed broadband in an area from Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road north to the Alabama state line.
In addition to providing broadband services in unserved and underserved areas of the northern part of the county, the county is seeking an estimated 104 miles of fiber to serve 40 county facilities in the geographic region. The broadband service must be capable of achieving symmetrical residential speeds of 1 GB or greater.
The “leading-edge” broadband services” must also list retail prices and include a rate cap for residential customers for the first three years after connection and specify a maximum annual increase percentage.
Escambia County is committing up to $10 million American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the project, with the company owning and operating the network.
Proposals were due by December 22. The county is expected to review those proposals with a possible award by the county commission coming in January.
Second Phase Coming
Escambia County has committed another $12 million in a second phase for a future fiber to the home buildout and service to county buildings to the south of Muscogee Road.
In their letter to the county, Cox hinted that they will bid on that southern phase.
“Cox remains dedicated to providing connectivity to unserved and underserved areas, and we look forward to future partnerships and competing for opportunities with Escambia County,” the company said.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
December 28, 2022
Northview High School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Dequan Shabazz (pictured left) and Braden Glick. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.