Hail Up To Tennis Ball Size Falls In North Escambia Area (With Gallery)
March 28, 2023
Hail up to about tennis ball size (2.5 inches) fell during an early Tuesday morning thunderstorm in the North Escambia area.
NorthEscambia.com readers reported large hail in an area along and within a few miles of the Alabama/Florida line during a warned severe thunderstorm about 2 a.m.
The largest hail in photographs we saw was the tennis ball size that fell in Canoe, and we were told the photos were taken 30 minutes after it fell (picture top and first below).
For more photos click or tap here.
There was no immediate word on damage.
Pictured above and first below: Hail that fell in Canoe. Pictured below: Other hail photos from Nokomis, near Atmore, and Flomaton. Pictured bottom: This “hail probability” derived contour radar image shows the estimated area of the hail. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Inmate Gets 30 Years Killing Sex Offender Serving Life At Century Prison
March 28, 2023
An inmate has been sentenced for the manslaughter of another inmate serving life at the Century Correctional Institution.
Markell Brent Sawyer was sentenced to 30 years by Escambia Circuit Judge John Simon for the manslaughter of inmate Nelson Sanderson, 79, on August 17, 2020. According to prosecutors, Sawyer killed Sanderson by beating him over the head with a combination lock in a dormitory bathroom.
Sawyer was previously set to be released in December after serving nearly one year and seven months on criminal mischief and theft related charges. Now, he will begin the 30 year sentence consecutively and spend the next three decades in prison.
Sawyer’s prior criminal history includes convictions for theft, armed burglary, several burglaries, and sexual battery.
Sanderson was serving two life sentences out of Lee County for the lewd and lascivious molestation of a child less than 12-years old.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century
March 28, 2023
The 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning and continued through Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line Monday morning. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch from south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Chamber of Commerce with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. An additional leg of the torch run Monday traveled from south with the ECSO, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies taking part.
Statewide, the participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, represent a total of over 300 different agencies. Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and hats, and through various local fundraising events.
Pictured: The 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century and continued south in Escambia County. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s Special Election For Two Council Seats Is Today
March 28, 2023
A special election for two seats on the Century town council is today.
The candidates are listed below in a sample ballot image.
- Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Century Town Hall.
- Photo and signature ID is required for all voters. If you do not present one of the 12 approved forms of photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
- Be sure to review your sample ballot prior in order to familiarize yourself with all of the contests and bring it with you to the polls. A sample ballot was mailed to voters, and you can view your sample ballot online here.
- Remember to make only one selection in each contest on your ballot.
- If you are unsure of your registration status, check EscambiaVotes.gov/am-i-registered, e-mail soe@escambiavotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- Registration books closed on February 27. New registrations for this election may not be made at the polls.
- You may not return your completed vote-by-mail ballot to your polling place on Election Day. It must be returned to the Elections Office or to an election official by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
- If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, it is requested that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be canceled.
- If you voted-by-mail, you can visit EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot for the status of your ballot.
DeSantis Signs Bill Expanding Florida School Choice Program
March 28, 2023
In Miami Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 1, which expands available school choice options for all students in Florida by eliminating financial eligibility restrictions and the current enrollment cap.
“Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and today’s bill signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of these United States. When you combine private scholarships, charter schools, and district choice programs, Florida already has 1.3 million students attending a school of their choosing,” said DeSantis. “These programs have been instrumental in elevating student achievement over the past twenty years. I am grateful to the Florida Legislature, Speaker Renner, and President Passidomo for prioritizing this legislation and presenting it to me at the beginning of this year’s legislative session.”
HB 1 eliminates the current financial eligibility restrictions and allows any student who is eligible to enroll in K-12 to participate in available school choice options. The bill also continues to prioritize awards to students with household incomes that do not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level while incorporating a second priority to award scholarships to students who live in households with incomes between 185 percent of the federal poverty level and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. HB 1 also increases the annual scholarship adjustment for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities from one percent to three percent to address high demand and wait lists.
“This is a monumental day in Florida history,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the legislature, we continue to be the undisputed leader in school choice. Florida will always make good on our promise to ensure every single child has access to a world- class education.”
The bill also eliminates the current enrollment cap and the exemptions to the maximum number of students who can participate in FES-EO. For students who are not full-time enrolled in public or private school or who are not Home Education Program students, there will be a cap of 20,000 new scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year and a cap of 40,000 new scholarships for every year after that.
Additionally, this legislation requires the Office of K-12 School Choice to develop an online portal that enables parents to choose the best educational options for their student. The bill also eliminates the restrictive requirement that students must complete at least one credit through a virtual course to graduate.
The bill also allows the general education requirement to be waived for teachers who have had three years in the classroom if they have been rated ‘effective’ or ‘highly effective’ for three consecutive years. The bill also expands the length of a temporary teaching certificate from three years to five years.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Public Comment Solicited On Solar Powered Bus Shelters, Sidewalks For Palafox
March 28, 2023
Escambia County has prioritized three projects to apply for available grant funding.
The projects are:
- ECAT solar-powered bus shelters with ADA upgrades
- Palafox Street sidewalks from Highway 29 to Nine Mile Road
- Regional sidewalk and drainage projects:
- Jackson Street sidewalks and drainage from 57th Avenue to New Warrington Road
- “W” Street sidewalks from Airport Boulevard to Highway 29
- Hollywood Avenue sidewalks and drainage from Massachusetts Avenue to Fairfield Drive
The grants are part of the Rebuild Florida Hurricane Sally Hometown Revitalization Program. Led by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Office of Long-Term Resiliency, the program is designed to support the recovery of economic activity in commercial areas of Hurricane Sally-impacted towns and cities by facilitating the return and recovery of businesses, jobs, and provision of goods and services to the community.
The public comment period on the projects is open through April 12. Send comments to sallyrecoverygrant@myescambia.com.
Turning A Little Bit Cooler Tonight
March 28, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind around 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Atmore Police: Pensacola Man Charged After Drugs, Fake Money, Car Chase, Shots Fired Incident
March 28, 2023
A Pensacola man is facing charges in Alabama on drug charges after what Atmore Police described as incident involving fake money for drugs, a car chase and shots fired.
Charles Robinson Anthony, 26, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia charges filed by the Atmore Police Department.
Sunday, Atmore Police responded to a reported shots fired incident in the area of Highway 21 and Poarch Road, near the Wind Creek Casino. In an area parking lot, a deputy from the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office spotted one of the vehicles described by a witness as being involved in the incident. When the deputy approached the driver, later identified as Robinson, he ran from the scene but was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, according to Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann.
“Officers interviewed Robinson and were able to determine through statements and evidence that Robinson attempted to sell narcotics to suspects in a second vehicle who attempted to pay Robinson with fake currency with “Motion Picture Only” stamped on the fake currency,” McMann Said. “The second vehicle sped away and Robinson began pursuing the vehicle. During the pursuit, one of the occupants of the vehicle shot at Robinson striking his vehicle at least one time.”
Police said the occupants of the second vehicle were not located.
“The incident is still under investigation and additional charges are forthcoming,” McMann added.
Northview Drops Monday Night Game To West Florida (With Gallery)
March 28, 2023
West Florida 11, Northview 5
The Northview Chiefs took an early lead but couldn’t hang on Monday night as they lost to West Florida 11-5.
The Chiefs took a 2-0 lead on a Josh Landis double in the bottom of the first inning before West Florida tied it up in the top of the third. The Jaguars jumped ahead with five runs in the fifth.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Tyler Shaw went for six innings for Northview, giving up six hits and seven runs while striking out eight. Kayden Odom pitches two-thirds of the final inning, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out one. Landis tossed one-third of an inning, giving up two hits and four runs.
Landis was 4-4 at the plate for the Chiefs. Northview also had one hit each from Shaw, Luke Bridges, Rustin Pope, Jamarkus Jefferson, Wyatt Scruggs and Cason Burkett.
On Tuesday, the Chiefs will host the Washington Wildcats at 7:00.
Northview 8, West Florida 2 (JV)
Also Monday, the Northview Chiefs junior varsity team beat the West Florida High Jaguars JV team 8-2.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
H. Aaron Dagen
March 28, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023, H. Aaron Dagen, beloved father to Axl Beauregard, (his fur baby), son, brother, and friend, passed away due to heart complications. Aaron was born to Robert Lee Dagen and Doris (Hall) Dagen November 30, 1966, in Atmore, AL, and at the time of his passing resided in Pensacola, FL, at his beloved home he called Hinterlands.
Aaron had a strong work ethic, as was evident in his careers. He previously held various positions within the medical field, which also included teaching. Through his medical career journey, Aaron served as a medical missionary in the Philippines helping others. Later his career choices found him working for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, and eventually securing a position he loved with the Pensacola Police Department. Those who worked with Aaron admired him for how he brightened their work day. He was known for his wit and humor, and for having a generous spirit.
Aaron was a devoted father to his fur baby, Axl Beauregard Dagen. Axl was a rescue dog, and the term rescue is perfectly fitting, as Aaron felt he just didn’t rescue Axl, but that Axl had also rescued him once he entered his life. The love the two had for one another was always evident in the photos he shared, and their evening walks they took.
Aaron had a love for fishing, and particularly surf fishing at Johnson’s Beach. He would frequent the beach to gather sand fleas and fish for pompano on numerous occasions. Even if the day out on the beach didn’t produce any yield, Aaron always made the best of the day with snapping those amazing photos of his time and sharing with his many friends and family. He always took advantage of the day, no matter the situation.
His home, Hinterlands, flourished with the love he had for plants and flowers. He cared for and nurtured such a vast array, and always took pleasure in showing them as you visited, and was always willing to share.
Aaron loved life and always took advantage of every chance he could to live life to the fullest. He had an adventurous and spontaneous soul. He was a devoted, caring, and true friend to so many. He never met a strange along his life’s journey. Through the years, Aaron amassed an enormous array of friends, capturing them all with his beautiful soul. He loved his friends dearly.
He loved making his orange marmalade and sharing, even having friends gather to help in making at times. With every holiday gathering Aaron attended, he always brought his fabulous bread pudding and whisky sauce, which was always anticipated and so delicious!
Aaron is predeceased by his father, Robert Lee Dagen; his maternal grandparents, Clara Wilson Cook and James O. Cook, and Archie Hall; and his paternal grandparents, William H. (Bill) Dagen and Aggidean (Barlow) Dagen.
He is survived by his mother, Doris (Hall) Dagen; his beloved Axl Beauregard; his siblings: (sister) Patricia (Pat) Peacock (Doug); (brother) Charles W. Creel (Charley); (sister) Dean (Pebbles) C. Dagen-Daw (Kenny); numerous nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews; numerous cousins.
Also surviving Aaron are his numerous friends he also considered his family, in particular JJ, Roberta, Ken, Miss Rae, Melony, Kim, Lisa, Karen, Beth, Lynn and Michael.
The family would like to express a special thank you to JJ, Kim, Lisa, Karen, Beth, Melony, Lynn and Michael for the care and friendship shown to Aaron, and for your support to him over the years. Each of you cared deeply for Aaron, and it does not go unrecognized for all you have done.
A special thank you to Patrick and Misty for the amazing care of Aaron’s beloved Axl.
Trahan Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of Aaron. A Celebration of Life event will be held at a later date, in the near future.