One Arrested For Arson After Fire At Nine Mile Self Storage Facility
March 25, 2023
An Escambia County man has been charged in connection with arson in connection with a fire at a Nine Mile Road self-storage facility.
Jacob Wayne Johnston, 44, was charged with second degree arson, burglary causing damage over $1,000, and criminal mischief with property damage over $1,000. He was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
The fire happened Thursday morning at Prime Storage in the 1100 block of West Nine Mile Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from the facility. The contents of two storage units were a total loss, and eight additional units suffered smoke-related damages.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives estimated damage at $50,000.
According to an arrest report, Johnston called dispatchers on Friday and said he wanted to speak with a deputy about the fire.
A deputy discovered Johnston was under investigation as an arson suspect, and that Johnston had made reference to “suicide by cop”. Investigators also found text messages from Johnston discussing the arson, according to an arrest report.
Johnston was caught on camera allegedly prying open a lock before taking several times, placing them in his truck and driving away about 15 minutes before the fire, the report states.
There were no injuries.
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Tate Gets Big Walk-Off Win Over Arnold At Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 25, 2023
A big walk-off single from Ethan McAnally on a 1-2 count gave the Tate Aggies a 4-3 win over Arnold on the big stage at Wahoos Stadium Friday night.
McAnally and Frank Randall led Tate at the plate with two hits each. Brayden Touchstone, Drew Reaves, Kaleb Posta and Caden Kelly each tallied a hit for Tate.
Reaves went six and two-thirds innings for the Aggies, allowing eight hits and three runs while striking out five. Colton Swiers pitched one-third of an inning, giving up one hit and striking out one.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Becoming Sunny, High In The 80s For Saturday
March 25, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A chance of morning showers, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
NAS Pensacola Is Open To The Public This Weekend
March 25, 2023
NAS Pensacola will open to the public this weekend, March 25-26, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Public access to NAS Pensacola will be available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on Blue Angel Parkway. All guests 18 and older must have a valid state or federal picture ID such as driver’s license or passport. Access will be available depending on available parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse.
Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available. Temporary traffic control points will be located on base to prevent public access to other areas of the installation.
While on the installation, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and the museum. Access to Barrancas National Cemetery is always available to anyone with family interred at the cemetery through the Visitor Control Center at the Main Gate.
The following restrictions will apply:
- No weapons (firearms/knives) allowed (to include concealed weapon permit holders)
- No backpacks/coolers allowed (diaper bags or medically required bags are acceptable and subject to search)
- No alcoholic beverages allowed
- No drones allowed (countermeasures will be taken)
- Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access
- All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches and background checks
Northview Beats Jay 5-1 At Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 25, 2023
For the second straight night, the Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals. Northview earned a 5-1 win at Wahoos Stadium Friday night.
Cason Burkett went three innings, allowing four hits and no runs while striking out four. Kaden Odom was on the hill for four innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two.
Jamarkus Jefferson and Burkett had one hit each for Northview.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Justin Smarr went three and third innings for Tate, allowing five runs on two hits and striking out six. Ayden Sowers led the Royals at the plate at 2-3.
Northview was coming off a 9-2 win over Jay Thursday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Iconic WWII Aircraft Open For Tours, Rides At The Pensacola Airport
March 25, 2023
The distinctive rumble of radial engines from one of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”, will be heard in the skies over Pensacola Sunday as she is visiting Pensacola International Airport as part of the AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force. The bomber is joined by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, a T-34 Mentor and a RC-45J Expeditor.
The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the ramp will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the B-24 cockpit when the aircraft is not flying.
The aircraft are staged at the Pensacola Aviation Center FBO ramp located at Pensacola International Airport, 4145 Jerry L. Maygarden Road.
The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Access to the ramp where the warbirds are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under. Supporting aircraft will be offering rides all four days. The B-24 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-24 will be available Sunday when the aircraft is done flying.
To book a ride, visit at AirPowerTour.org. (Ride prices range from $359 to $675 per person depending on aircraft and the length of flight and include ramp access.)
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Northview Shuts Out Flomaton 10-0
March 25, 2023
Emma Gilmore pitched the Northview Chiefs to a 10-0 shutout of Flomaton in four innings Friday night.
Gilmore went all four innings, recording just one hit, no runs and no errors while striking out eight.
The Chiefs took and earl 3-0 lead when Brooks tripled on a 3-1 count.
Mary-Clayton Dawson, Makayla Golson and Aubrey Stuckey each went 2-2 at the plate. Gilmore, Chloe Ragsdale, Rylee Brooks and Kendall Alvare each tallied one hit for the Chiefs.
Jacie Himes had Flomaton’s only hit for the night. McKenna Pettis took the loss for the Canes on the mound, allowing 10 hits, 10 runs, committing nine errors and striking out one.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Easter Egg Drop And Livestock Show Saturday In Molino
March 25, 2023
The Northview High School FFA Blue Jacket Jamboree, along with the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show, is going Saturday in Molino.
Admission and parking are free for both the Blue Jacket Jamboree and livestock show at the Escambia 4-H Livestock Facility located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino. All proceeds will benefit Northview High School FFA students and their scholarship fund.
BLUE JACKET JAMBOREE
The Blue Jacket Jamboree will bel from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday and will feature dozens of arts and craft vendors, food vendors, a car show, local entertainment and much more. An Easter egg drop will take place at 11 a.m. with two areas separated by age (bring your own basket).
A kids zone from 10 am to 2 p.m. will have several carnival style games and bounce houses with a $5 wristband for unlimited play from
Vendors will be selling jewelry, custom stainless steel tumblers, clothing, skincare products, Scentsy, beekeeping supplies, candles, soaps, 3D printed figurines and more. The Southern Revival Band will be performing throughout the day.
LIVESTOCK SHOW
The Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization Livestock Show will continue Saturday. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday
- 9:00 a.m. — Swine
- 11:30 a.m. Steers
- Noon — Rabbits
- 1:00 p.m. — Goats and lambs
- 2:30 p.m. — Preview steers
- 4:00 p.m. — Poultry auction
- 5:00 p.m. — Steer and swine auction
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Update: Service Location Changed To Park West For Northview Senior Killed In Highway 29 Wreck
March 24, 2023
A location change has been announced for a Celebration of Life Service for Northview High School senior that passed away last week in a tragic head-on crash on Highway 29.
Kara Santorelli, 18, lost her life when her vehicle was struck by a wrong-way driver on Highway 29 near Quintette Road at 12:41 a.m. last Friday.
Due to another event, the service location has been moved from the Pensacola Beach Pier to Park West on Pensacola Beach.
The service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Park West 1235, Fort Pickens Road (clikd for map). (Turn right at the light on Pensacola Beach, continue west 2.5 miles until you see the pavilions on the left. Parkin is across the street.) Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach towel. In the event of rain, the service will be held under the pavilions.
(For the complete obituary, click here.)
“Kara had the most beautiful smile and the sweetest soul. Everyone that knew her, loved her,” the GoFundMe reads. “She was looking forward to graduating in May and her future was bright! Kara loved spending time at the beach or on the boat and with friends and family. Kara worked at the local restaurant, Jimmy’s Grill, in Molino. She will be greatly missed.”
Family members have also established a GoFundMe help to help with final expenses. To donate, click or tap here to visit GoFundMe.
All proceeds will go directly to her family, according to a GoFundMe spokesperson.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Body Found Along East Kingsfield Identified As 69-Year Old Missing Cantonment Woman
March 24, 2023
A body found three weeks ago in Cantonment has been identified as a missing 69-year old woman.
Workers in the area located the decomposed body along East Kingsfield Road, just west of Riddle Road the morning of March 3.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the woman as Mary Louis Fountain. She was last seen on February 6 in the area of Winners Circle off East Kingsfield Road. Deputies said at the time that she may have been in need of medical attention.
Foul play is not suspected.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
