Suspect, 19, Indicted For Fatal Drive-By Shooting Of 70-Year-Old
July 15, 2024
A 19-year-old man has been indicted for the fatal drive-by shooting of a 70-year-old woman in Escambia County last month.
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden announced Monday that Jaquaris Ethridge was indicted by Escambia County grand jury on charges of:
— – first degree premeditated murder
— - shooting at or into a building
— - fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed
— – possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 24 years of age
The shooting that ultimately claimed the life of 70-year-old Myra Haynes happened June 24 before a high-speed chase.
The chase ended with a PIT maneuver on the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay. Three suspects — Ethridge, Terrance Gross Jr. and Trevion Moton — jumped off the bridge. Morton died from the jump, and Etheridge was captured. Gross Jr. remains in Webb County Jail in Texas awaiting extradition back to Escambia County on several warrants related to the shooting.
Etheridge remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond awaiting arraignment on Friday.
FDOT Said Traffic Will Shift Today In Century Highway 29 Construction Zone, But Obviously Not
July 15, 2024
The Florida Department of Transportation announced that Highway 29 traffic in Century “will be shifted to newly constructed southbound travel lanes beginning Monday, July 15″. But that’s obviously not going to happen Monday.
When we visited construction zone Saturday, the southbound lanes were not close to completion.
The FDOT projects includes a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line.
The project includes reconstructing a 700-foot curved segment of Highway 29 from north of Henry Street to Cottage Street; the curve has been the site of several truck accidents in recent years.
The full length of the $4.7 million project began in early January 2023 and had an original anticipated completion target date in Spring 2024.
FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Work on the project came to a complete standstill for several weeks in May 2023 after the discovery of an unmapped Town of Century water pipe that needed to be relocated. Century’s engineer said the problem pipe was a 2-inch water main.
We’ve reached out to FDOT to obtain the current status of the project.
Pictured: The southbound travel lanes of Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard) and the current traffic shift as seen on Saturday, July 13. NorthEscambaia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Select Officers for 2025 Show Season
July 15, 2024
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected five new officers to join the team for the 2025 air show season.
The squadron selected two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an Events Coordinator and a Flight Surgeon to replace outgoing team members.
By the start of the 2025 show season, these five officers will join the ranks of the U.S. Navy’s most elite aviation officers, ground support officers, and enlisted maintenance personnel already serving on the team.
“It’s always a challenge selecting new officers for the team because we have so many highly qualified applicants,” said Cdr. Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels.“We are thrilled to introduce the new officers for the 2025 show season and excited to see what each of them bring to our demonstration team in 2025.”
Each year, the Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the team’s home base of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show; selections are made at the conclusion of that week. This year’s Pensacola Beach Air Show took place July 6-8.
The selected 2025 officers include:
F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots:
- Maj. Brandon Wilkins, from Beaufort, South Carolina, is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31. He graduated from The Citadel in 2007.
- Maj. Scott Laux, from Chantilly, Virginia is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012.
Events Coordinator:
- Lcdr. Lilly Montana, from Vienna, Virgina, is currently assigned to VT-86. She graduated from Auburn University in 2010.
C-130J Demonstration Pilot:
- Maj. Joshua Horman, from Smithville, Missouri, is currently assigned to VMGR-252. He graduated from William Jewell College in 2009.
Flight Surgeon:
- Cmdr. Jen Murr, from Jackson Center, Ohio, is currently assigned to VR-56. She graduated from Xavier University in 2002.
New team members will report to the squadron in September for a two-month turnover period. Upon completion of the 2024 show season, which concludes in November with the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at NAS Pensacola, the team will embark on a rigorous five-month training program at NAS Pensacola and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
Scattered Showers Possible This Evening
July 15, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
ECSO: McDavid Woman Claims Crockpot ‘Magically Makes Meth”, Charged With Child Neglect
July 15, 2024
A McDavid woman ha been arrested on battery and child neglect charges.
Courtney Nicole Calder, 34, was charged with felony child neglect and misdemeanor battery.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, Calder pushed a woman to the ground, causing her to fall onto a child, leaving a bump on the back of his head when he fell into a hardwood floor.
The woman that was allegedly pushed told deputies that she was in a hallway to help her grandchild when Calder started screaming at her and then pushed her with two hands, causing her to fall on the child.
Deputies noted in their report that the child had a bump on the back of his head that was evaluated and cleared by Escambia County EMS.
“I then spoke with Courtney Calder who started talking about a crock pot on her property that magically makes meth and somehow introduces it into her house and how her (relative) is trying to steal her children from her,” the responding deputy wrote in his report. Calder was not accused of any drug-related crimes during the incident.
Calder was arrested on scene, and the Department of Children and Families abuse hotline was notified, the report states.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $4,000.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services This Week In Walnut Hill, Century
July 15, 2024
Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Walnut Hill and Century this week.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:
Walnut Hill Community Center on Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, July 18 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
The Walnut Hill Community Center, also known as the “Ruritan Building”, is at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the fire department.
Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center on June 11. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady Over Last Week
July 15, 2024
Florida gas prices held steady on average over the last week.
Florida’s average was $3.51, unchanged from a week ago and up nearly a quarter over the last month.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.23, up a penny from one week ago. In Pensacola, a low of $3.02 was available Sunday night at a station on East Nine Mile Road, and North Escambia was as low as $3.05 at a station on South Highway 29.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Register Now For Northview Chiefs Football Camp
July 15, 2024
Northview Football will host a Youth Football Camp July 18-19 from 5-7 p.m. each evening.
Camp attendees will play and learn from Northview coaching staff and players.
Pre-registration is $50 or register day of the camp for $60. A t-shirt is included for all campers.
Activities Include:
- Position Drills – Learn proper technique for each camper’s position.
- Agility Drills – Learn different footwork, speed, and ball catching drills.
- Offensive/Defensive Groups – Learn how to run different formations and plays.
- Tackling – Learn blocking and safe tackling techniques.
- Chief Ball – Fun team competition at the end of camp.
Pre-register using Venmo to the NHS Quarterback Club @NarthviewHS-Chiefs
Cash or check payable to Northview High School accepted on the day of the camp.
Wahoos Drop Back-and-Forth Road Finale
July 15, 2024
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (49-37) fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas (43-43) in a tightly contested road series finale on Sunday afternoon.
Riding the momentum of six consecutive wins, the Wahoos took an immediate first-inning lead. A two-out fielding error by Rocket City left fielder Orlando Martinez opened the door for Pensacola designated hitter Zach Zubia, who belted his second home run of the series to put the Wahoos ahead 2-0.
Pensacola struggled for additional offense against Rocket City starter Chase Chaney, who settled into a rhythm throughout a four-inning outing. Meanwhile, the Trash Pandas chipped away against Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez (6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K). In the bottom of the third, a pair of Trash Panda singles and a passed ball set up second baseman Arol Vera, who hit a sacrifice fly to score center fielder Nelson Rada and cut the Wahoos’ lead to 2-1.
In the Rocket City fourth, two walks and a single loaded the bases for catcher Myles Emmerson, who swatted his second of four hits on the day to score two runs and give the Trash Pandas a 3-2 lead. Neither team would score again until the seventh when Pensacola third baseman Dalvy Rosario hit his first home run of the year off Rocket City righthander Brett Kerry (W, 1-0) to tie the game 3-3.
In the top of the ninth, Pensacola had an opportunity to take a late lead but stranded two runners aboard. In the bottom of the ninth, righthander Raffi Vizcaíno (L, 4-3) ran into early trouble. Rocket City third baseman Eric Wagaman led off the inning with a check-swing single into right, then advanced to second on a fielding error by Wahoos right fielder Jacob Berry. Right fielder Tucker Flint then reached base on a third-strike wild pitch. With runners at the corners and nobody out, Vizcaíno struck out the next two batters before allowing a walk-off single to Nelson Rada.
The 4-3 defeat snaps the Wahoos’ six-game winning streak and an 11-game winning streak at Toyota Field. Despite the loss, Pensacola ends the week with a 5-1 road series victory.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Friday, July 19 to face the Mississippi Braves. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Patricia Arnette Dees
July 15, 2024
Patricia Arnette Dees, a resident of Molino, Florida passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the age of 75. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on October 12, 1948, to the late Leslie Arnette and Alma Frances Hayes Arnette.
Patricia loved to dig in the yard and take care of her flowers. She would tell all her friends that she was a gopher at heart.
She and Milford were blessed, in their later years, to have spent 11-plus years together.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, JoAnn Peacock.
Even though she had health problems, Patricia was a loving wife and will be loved and missed very much.
I love you, sweetheart, Milford.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 11:00 prior to services.