Barth Cleaned Up Wednesday. What’s Next?
May 17, 2023
During an April town hall meeting held in Cantonment, Commissioner Steven Barry said he is looking for ways to help the small community of Barth after residents reached out.
Barth is a quiet little community between Highway 29 to the west and the Escambia River to the east, a couple of miles north of the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection.
During that meeting, Barry promised the first-ever community cleanup event. That took place Wednesday , with residents of Barth and a portion of Molino able to yard debris and other items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Some of the roads in Barth are dirt. And it’s dark, with no street lighting.. There’s no bus stop, no community center, and no playground. Children play basketball in the street with a goal next to Barth Lane.
“This is a small community, but we are still people. And we need the same concern and consideration,” resident Mary Nory recently said. She was born in Barth, moved away, and returned home about a decade ago. “No one seems to help Barth. They pass over Barth. They go to everywhere but Barth, and there is a whole community here.”
NorthEscambia.com reached back out to Barry this week to find out the status of street lights and perhaps even a park, as were discussed during the April meeting.
Escambia County has identified several locations around Barth for streetlights. Those are Highway 29 and Barth Road, Highway 29 and North Barth Road, Barth Road and Barth Heights, and Barth Road and Barth Lane. Barry said the county is now simply waiting for Florida Power & Light to install the lights.
In April, Franscine Mathis told Barry that she would love to see a community park in Barth, and that she has had contact with a Barth landowner with “a lot of land” that has expressed interest in allowing a park on their property. Barry replied that was doable, if they donate the land or lease it to the county for $1 a year.
I’m comfortable looking at something similar to what we did in the Walnut Hill community, a small community park that’s walking distance for a lot of residents that may not have transportation,” Barry said. He said a park in Barth could be located on any small parcels owned by the county. The Katie Mae Marshall Memorial Park open in July 2021 on North Cypress Street in Walnut Hill with a playground on a small parcel that escheated to the county.
This week, Barry said there has been no movement forward to date on a possible park. That’s because, he said, no landowner had made contact with a possible location. He said the county will search for any parcels in the area that are county property, perhaps that escheated to the county in a tax case.
Defending State Champions Jay Defeat Northview For Regional Title (With Gallery)
May 17, 2023
The defending 1A state champion Jay Royals are headed back to the final four.
The Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 8-3 Tuesday night in Jay.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The Royals were first on the board with a solo homer from Ella Nelson, who went 3-3 to lead at bat.
Jenna Toups went seven innings for Jay, giving up three runs and nine hits while striking out three.
Jamison Gilman and Aubrey Stuckey threw three innings each for the Chiefs. Mary-Clayton Dawson went 3-4 to lead Northview at the plate.
Northview’s season (15-13) ended in the top eight in the state. The Royals ( 16-11) will move to the state semifinals at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont on May 22 against Liberty County (19-8).
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Elderly Van Driver Crashes Into Helicopter Outside Local Hospital
May 17, 2023
An elderly Escambia County driver crashed into a medical helicopter at a local hospital Tuesday afternoon.
The Shandscair 6 medical helicopter had just landed on the ground-level helipad at Sacred Heart Hospital. After shutting down the helicopter, the flight crew transferred their trauma patient into the hospital.
A short time later, an 82-year old man was attempting to find a parking space outside the hospital and drove onto the restricted helipad.
As he attempted to circle the helicopter, the driver’s van collided with the helicopter’s tail rotor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“The helicopter was inspected before further flight,” FHP said.
There were no injuries.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Myers, Mesa Pace Wahoos In Record Ninth Win In A Row
May 17, 2023
The most successful stretch in Blue Wahoos franchise history now has a special feat attached.
The Blue Wahoos blasted their way to a record ninth consecutive win, led by Victor Mesa Jr. hitting a three-run homer in the seventh inning to break a tie game in Pensacola’s eventual 9-3 victory Tuesday night against the Tennessee Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 3,337 on “Doggone Tuesday” where fans can bring their beloved dogs watched a continuation of the Blue Wahoos’ (23-11) scorching streak. This team has now won 17 of its last 18 games with possession of the best record in the Southern League.
“That’s the most impressive part,” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel on the three-week success. “I don’t think I’ve been a part of something like this, to be honest. We’ve had some good runs, but even last year, I don’t think we had anything close to this.”
The same components of the three-week stretch were on display. The Blue Wahoos got strong pitching, this time from M.D. Johnson’s longest start of the season, then Will Stewart and Sean Reynolds in scoreless relief. Reynolds struck out the game’s final batter with the bases loaded.
Johnson worked six complete innings, allowing three runs on a pair of homers, but also produced nine strikeouts and zero walks.
They peppered 14 hits against four Smokies pitchers. Dane Myers had five of those hits on a 5-for-5 night with two runs scored. Every Blue Wahoos batter reached base and eight had at least one hit.
And the Blue Wahoos played flawless defense.
“It’s a good core group of guys who are grinding every day. The lineup we roll out there is relentless,” Randel said. “If the pitching holds up we always have a chance. The guys did a great job with two strikes (Tuesday) and the goal is to just win every at-bat, win every pitch.
“We are on a nice little streak. The ‘Hoos are hot. But they’re fun to watch.”
After scoring their first two runs on errors, the Blue Wahoos tied the game on Will Banfield’s solo homer in the sixth inning.
In the decisive seventh inning, Troy Johnson led off with a single and Dane Myers singled. Mesa Jr. following by hitting a 92-mph cutter from Ryan Jensen over the right field wall. The ball just cleared a leaping attempt by right fielder Owen Caissie as the crowd roared.
Jose Devers followed with a single and later scored on Barrett Hostetier’s two-out single, finishing a 4-run rally.
Banfield drove in two more runs in the eighth inning with his single.
The game marked the first time the Blue Wahoos faced the Smokies, the Chicago Cubs affiliate, since Pensacola won the Southern League title on September 28 with a decisive Game 3 win in Tennessee.
Johnson’s previous three starts in recent weeks were all affected by rain. The past two outings, he was unable to pitch past the second inning. His last start in Birmingham was halted after one complete inning.
But the weather held Tuesday for him to work through six innings.
The teams will continue the series Wednesday night with the Blue Wahoos’ top pitcher, lefthander Patrick Monteverde (4-0, 1.22 ERA) going against the Smokies’ Walker Powell (2-0, 3.22).
written by Bill Vilona
Flight Cancellations Tonight At Pensacola Airport Due To Underground Fire, Lighting Failure
May 16, 2023
Additional flight cancellations at Pensacola International Airport are expected after sunset tonight, Tuesday, May 16, due to ongoing repairs to runway and taxiway lighting.
Flights arriving or departing from PNS during daylight hours are not expected to be impacted, but travelers are encouraged to check their flight status online at flypensacola.com/fly/flight-status. Any cancellation decisions are made by the individual airline.
Pensacola International Airport crews and contractors have been working diligently to bring the runway and taxiway lights back in service, and additional contractors will be engaged tomorrow to expedite repairs. Crews had to temporarily stop work this afternoon due to unsafe conditions caused by lightning.
The runway lighting outage was caused by an electrical fire that was discovered early Monday morning, located in an underground duct bank that routes the wires through the airfield electrical system. The electrical fire was contained to the underground duct bank and extinguished itself once the circuit was turned off.
Flights were also delayed or canceled Monday night.
One Injured In Pine Forest, West Roberts Rollover In Cantonment
May 16, 2023
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash at Pine Forest and West Roberts roads early Tuesday morning.
The driver of a passenger car was apparently northbound on Pine Forest Road and failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicle crossed West Roberts Road and overturned, sliding until coming to rest on its roof.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating has not released further details.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Study To Consider Realignment, Four-Laning Of Beulah Road To A Relocated Kingsfield Road
May 16, 2023
The Escambia County Commission this week will consider funding a study on realigning Beulah Road to accommodate a proposed Kingsfield Road relocation project.
The Beulah Road extension would be studied as a rural four lane divided, limited access road, which would likely begin as two lanes in the near future and ultimately expand to four lanes, according to the county. The proposed Beulah Road Extension also includes a new I-10 interchange.
The western extension of Kingsfield Road has been designed and permitted. It consists of rebuilding the existing roadway westward a half mile from County Road 97 and the construction of a new road one mile to the west.
The proposed $911,000 Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study will consider the safety and environmental impacts of the Beulah Road realignment. It will take approximately 18 months to complete.
The Escambia County Commission will consider funding for the study at their meeting on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Barth/Molino Community Cleanup Is Wednesday
May 16, 2023
The first Barth/Molino community cleanup will be held Wednesday
Residents of a portion of Barth and Molino a will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge during the neighborhood cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate. All items to be picked up should be at the curb by 7 a.m. Wednesday. Items left at the curb outside of the area will not be collected.
The cleanup area is located east of Highway 29 from North Barth Road to the north and Molino Road to the south (click the map above to enlarge).
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
Reminder: Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Giveaway This Afternoon
May 16, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, May 16 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Chance Of Rain Tonight; Showers And Storms Likely Thursday
May 16, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
onight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 83. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.