Scattered Showers Possible To Begin The Week
June 17, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Juneteenth: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Gulf Coast Recreation Classic Is This Week At John R. Jones Ballpark
June 17, 2024
Escambia County Parks and Recreation is hosting the 2024 Gulf Coast Recreation Classic this week at the John R. Jones Ballpark on Nine Mile Road.
The first games are on Monday and will continue through Saturday.
Game times Monday through Friday are 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. Saturday games will begin at 9:30 a.m. Roger Scott Athletic Complex will host the 10U division games June 17-18 at 5:30 and 7:15 p.
There will 67 recreation-based all-star teams participating in the Gulf Coast Recreation Classic from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Teams consist of youth baseball players ages 7-15. The tournament is open to the public at no charge. All spectators are welcome support the recreation all-stars.
Escambia County teams include players from Northwest Escambia Baseball, NEP Baseball, the Molino Recreation Association, and Perdido Baseball.
“We’re excited to host the Gulf Coast Recreation Classic for the third year in a row,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “I’m really proud of our staff for their hard work to make this event happen for our teams. I’d also like to thank our players and their families for their dedication to youth sports. This is a wonderful event for our community, and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Pictured: Northwest Escambia won the 10U 2023 championship the Gulf Coast Recreation Classic All-Star Tournament. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Advisories
June 17, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle is closed at the bridge over Eight Mile Creek through mid-2025 as crews replace the Eight Mile Creek bridge. Signage is in place to direct drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews place barrier wall and perform utility work:
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- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange Sunday, June 16 through Thursday, June 20 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform construction activities:
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- Lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Lane closures on Nine Mile Road between the I-10 ramps, Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through June as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- S.R. 750 (Airport Boulevard) Routine Bridge Maintenance over Carpenters Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of Davis Highway Monday, June 17 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, June 18 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over CSX Railroad – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures west of Interstate 110 Wednesday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- I-10 Eastbound Routine Bridge Maintenance over I-10 Westbound Ramp – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of U.S. 29 Wednesday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- Interstate 110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over I-10 Overpass – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Thursday, June 20 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21 as crews perform shoulder grading and sodding operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, June 16 through Thursday, June 20 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, June 16, through Friday, June 21 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Wilson Branch Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures east of U.S. 29 Sunday, June 16 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Continue Decline
June 17, 2024
Florida gas prices have declined the past three consecutive weeks, falling to the lowest level since mid-February.
On Sunday, the state average was $3.25 per gallon. That’s five cents less than a week ago, 25 cents less than last month, and 19 cents less than this time last year.
The average in Escambia County was $3.06. In Pensacola, a low of $2.85 was found Sunday at a convenience store on East Nine Mile Road. A low price of $2.88 in North Escambia was available at a station of Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Summertime road trips have become less expensive thanks to falling crude oil and gasoline futures prices,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, oil prices did regain some strength last week, which could cause the plunge at the pump to stall.”
The U.S. price for crude oil rose nearly $3 per barrel (4%) last week. Oil analysts attribute the gains to expectations that voluntary production cuts, agreed to by OPEC and its allies, would contribute to tightness in the oil market during the summer driving season. Additionally, gas prices received some upward pressure on strong implied demand numbers, in a weekly report released by the Energy Information Administration.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Outlast Barons For Doubleheader Sweep, Series Win
June 17, 2024
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (35-27) swept a doubleheader from the Birmingham Barons (39-24) on Sunday and kept pace in the South Division with one week remaining in the Southern League’s first half.
In Game One, the Wahoos jumped out to a first-inning lead against Birmingham starter Noah Schultz (L, 0-1). Center fielder Jakob Marsee was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning before a single from catcher Paul McIntosh placed two runners in scoring position. With two outs in the inning, right fielder Jacob Berry singled to left to score both runners and give the Wahoos a 2-0 lead.
Blue Wahoos lefthander Luis Palacios (W, 4-4) made the early pair of runs stand up with another sparkling performance. Palacios tossed his second quality start of the week against the Barons with a 6.0-inning, one-run outing. Birmingham did not log a hit until left fielder Terrell Tatum singled with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Barons eventually scored their lone run of the game in the sixth, but Pensacola righthander Austin Roberts (S, 10) locked down the seventh inning to preserve a 2-1 Blue Wahoos win.
After a low-scoring victory, the Wahoos’ pitching showed out again in Game Two. Pensacola used five different pitchers to get through seven innings, including left-handed starter Cade Gibson, who tossed three shutout innings in his Double-A debut. On the other side, Birmingham starter Ky Bush proved overpowering across seven shutout innings. At the end of seven, Pensacola and Birmingham headed to extra innings tied 0-0.
In the eighth, Pensacola finally broke through for its first run of the game. Right fielder Jacob Berry began the inning at second as the ‘ghost runner’, but promptly stole third base with nobody out. Third baseman Sean Roby then drove home Berry with a sacrifice fly to right field off Birmingham righthander Eric Adler (L, 0-1).
The Blue Wahoos did not score again, but righthander Raffi Vizcaíno (S, 6) handled a turbulent bottom of the eighth. After a strikeout to begin the frame, Birmingham second baseman Jacob Gonzalez hit a deep drive to left-center field. Pensacola left fielder Tanner Allen ran down the ball to make an impressive catch, then watched as the Blue Wahoos infield doubled up Birmingham third baseman Cristopher De Guzman, who was ruled to have tagged from second base too early on the flyout. The unusual 7-6-4 double play closed out the series and a 1-0 Pensacola victory. Lefthander Patrick Murphy (W, 1-2) received the win after pitching a scoreless seventh inning.
With the win, the Wahoos secured their ninth win in 12 games versus Birmingham on the season and return to Pensacola just 0.5 games behind the first-place Montgomery Biscuits in the first half South Division race.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, June 18 to face the Chattanooga Lookouts. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Man Gets 50 Months On Drug Charge After Machete Standoff With Deputies In Bratt
June 17, 2024
A man armed with a machete arrested after a January standoff with deputies in Bratt was sentenced to state prison.
Nathan Arron Mack pleaded no contest to possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing. He was found guilty on all counts by Judge Linda Nobles.
Macks was sentenced to 50 months in state prison on the possession charge and time served on the other counts.
On January 27 the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5700 block of Dortch Road, just off West Highway 4, after the residents reported that a man that does live there had barricaded himself inside the home with a machete and was refusing to leave.
According to the callers, “the suspect claimed he would die before going to prison,” Sgt. Melony Peterson said.
Responding deputies made entry after a short time to find 32-year old Nathan Arron Mack hiding under a bed. He was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation later determined that Mack was originally welcomed into the home by the residents but later refused to leave.
There were no injuries reported in the incident.
Alabama’s New Hands-Free Driving Law: What You Need To Know
June 17, 2024
Enforcement started over the weekend on a new hands-free law in Alabama
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the first conviction fine of $50 and 1 point on license. The second conviction fine of $100 and two points on license, and the third conviction within a 24 month period is $150 and three points on license.
ALEA said physically holding a wireless telecommunication device is a violation of the law when a driver is observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving, or otherwise operating the vehicle.
The law defines a cellular telephone, a portable telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand- alone computer, a global positioning system receiver, or substantially similar portable wireless device that is used to initiate or receive communication, information, or data.
The law went into effect in June 2023, but only warnings were issued for the first 12 months.
Drivers can only use a single button or swipe of a finger to answer a call. The new hands-free law is a secondary offense, meaning drivers must first be seen committing another traffic violation to be pulled over and receive a citation.
The Alabama Department of Transportation offers the following tips:
- Use Hands-Free Technology – Use Bluetooth devices or dashboard mounts to keep your phone accessible but out of your hands.
- Plan Ahead – Set GPS navigation and music playlists before starting your car to minimize distractions while you are driving.
- Silence Notifications – Turn off notifications, use a “do not disturb” setting or put your phone in airplane mode so you aren’t tempted to look at your phone while behind the wheel.
- Pull Over if Necessary – If you must use your phone, drive to a location safely off the road, like a parking lot, before putting your phone in your hand.
- Put Your Phone Away – The simplest way to comply with Alabama’s hands-free law is to ignore your phone.Place your phone in the glove compartment, in your purse or in the backseat. If your phone is out of sight, the road is first thing on your mind and in your sight.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Boating Accident And Unpermitted Paddlecraft Operation
June 17, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hahr and Lieutenant Lambert responded to a boating accident in which one vessel struck a much larger one as it pulled away. The operator of the smaller vessel was asked to stop and provide information but continued away from the scene. After several hours, the officers located the owner of the boat. The owner was charged with a navigation rule violation and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage
Officer Hahr and Lieutenant Lambert responded to a request from Naval Air Station Pensacola Police regarding a boat that had entered the security zone in Bayou Grande. One of their officers spoke to the operator of the boat and told him to leave, but the subject argued with him. Officer Hahr charged the boat operator with entering a military security zone.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Bower and Brown conducted a livery inspection of a rental company operating out of a trailer used to rent paddlecraft. There was no paddlecraft safety information or required signage displayed at the livery for renters or members of the public. When the officers conducted the inspection, it was also determined the company did not have a valid FWC issued livery permit. The manager was issued a notice to appear for the violations.
Officers Brown and Bower were on patrol when they observed a vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico with fishing equipment. The officers conducted a vessel stop and located two undersized greater amberjack. Two of the occupants on the vessel admitted to spearing the undersized amberjack and keeping them. They were cited appropriately
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Agnes Christine Odom
June 17, 2024
Mrs. Agnes Christine Odom, age 79, passed away, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at her home in Flomaton, Alabama; with her loving family at her bedside. She was a member of Sardis Baptist Church.
Mrs. Odom enjoyed crocheting and knitting, along with being an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Watching Olive Baptist Church on TV was something she greatly enjoyed doing. She was an amazing wife, mom and grandmother. She loved traveling to the Smoky Mountain with her husband, and spending time with her family and friends. She was an excellent cook and owner of A&R Fireworks in Daphne, Alabama.
She is preceded by her parents, Joseph Wesley (Laura Viola Childress) Johnson, one sister, Lois Kennedy, great-grandson, Austin Munro, and great-granddaughter, Blanca Alana Burgess.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Roy Odom, of Flomaton, AL; two sons, Greg (Suzy) Odom, of Flomaton, AL; Keith (Charlene) Odom, of Flomaton, AL; one brother, Sammy (Linda) Johnson, of Flomaton, AL; four sisters, Jean Donnelly, of Robertsdale, AL; Ruby Ward, of Hendersonville, TN; Eulene Enfinger, of Flomaton, AL; Diane (Danny) Killam, Flomaton, AL; sixteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great – great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Doug Odom and Rev. Glenn Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Sardis Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Chase Odom, Chris Munro, Vince Johnson, Wade Hammond, William Odom, and Jeremy Pridgen.
Honorary pallbearers will be Lance Bethea, Crews Odom, Nathan Daniel and Wendall Adams.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Work Continues On Sci-Fi Show Filmed Last Year In Molino, Including Jimmy’s Grill
June 16, 2024
Just over a year ago we reported on a new sci-fi thriller filmed in Molino and Pensacola that may be coming to a big screen, or a streaming platform, soon.
“Serus” was filmed at Panhandle Alarm & Telephone on Industrial Boulevard, Jimmy’s Grill in Molino and a machine shop on Fairground Road in Molino.
“Following consultation from a Hollywood executive, we’ve fully developed the full first season and have a roadmap for seasons two and three. So, a full three season arc is complete. Also, based on that consultation, we’ve expanded the pilot for a full hour TV slot, and we have scheduled upcoming pitches to film studios,” coproducer Alton James told NorthEscambia.com recently.
For more photos, click or tap here.
In Serus, “two retirement-ready clandestine agents are ordered to find the entity responsible for an ambush on their colleagues. Their colleagues attempted to secure tech that enables stealing all global natural resources, so the agents must lead an operation back to the ambush site.”
The first season, or the trilogy, of a film series, follows black ops assets tasked with discovering who is responsible for the loss of a squadron. After the enemy tracks a survivor back to their base, they learn that the enemies are not part of any government or enemy group. But seismic technologies hang in the balance, and humanity’s global survival is at stake.
The first season, or the trilogy, of a film series, follows black ops assets tasked with discovering who is responsible for the loss of a squadron. After the enemy tracks a survivor back to their base, they learn that the enemies are not part of any government or enemy group. But seismic technologies hang in the balance, and humanity’s global survival is at stake.
Serus is written, created, and coproduced by Pensacola native Brad Blanchard and James, owner of a metro Detroit production company.
The idea for Serus arose from a conversation between Blanchard and James, both passionate about the prepper world and storytelling. Together, they saw the opportunity to produce a meaningful story of human unity.
“We just work well together,” James said while filming scenes inside Jimmy’s Grill with Blanchard. The movie is being filmed in 3D and Dolby Atmos sound using two iPhones.
“Once it’s done, we will shop it around, and we will be back for local screenings,” James said.
Pictured: Scenes for “Serus” are filmed at Jimmy’s Grill in Molino in 2023. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
