Additional Trolley Service Added For Beach Air Show
July 11, 2024
The Santa Rosa Island Authority is extending public transportation hours along the island on Friday, July 12, and is adding extra buses to the schedule on Saturday, July 13, for the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
Friday, July 12
The SRIA’s three, free open-air trolleys will begin transporting customers starting at 7:30 a.m. and extend their service to Park East, located a mile east of Portofino Resort, until 6 p.m. Following that, the regular route will resume until midnight.
Saturday, July 13
Starting at 6:30 a.m., the SRIA will have four buses in addition to the three open-air trolleys running and will extend their service area to Park East until 6 p.m. Following that, the three open-air trolleys will resume normal operations until midnight.
On Friday and Saturday, buses and trolleys will service passengers from Park East and Park West to the show center at Casino Beach throughout the day. Passengers will only be picked up and dropped off at designated trolley stops.
Post air show, trolleys servicing Portofino Resort/Park East will be staged on Via de Luna in front of Sideline’s Sports Bar and the Hampton Inn (facing east). Trolleys servicing Park West will be staged on Fort Pickens Road in front of the Surf & Sand Hotel and The Sandshaker (facing west).
Due to extreme traffic and congestion buildup on Friday and Saturday, trolley service to the access road stops (Grand Marlin, Radical Rides/Laguna’s, Quietwater Beach and the Boardwalk) will be temporarily suspended until 6 p.m. Following that, the regular route will resume until midnight.
Passengers who wish to get back to their vehicles as soon as the air show ends need to be on the first fleet of buses leaving Casino Beach post show. Due to the gridlock that occurs immediately following the air show, riders should expect to wait 90 minutes or more for the trolleys or buses to return to Casino Beach, if they are not on the first trip out.
The SRIA also wants to remind the public to please use the designated pedestrian crosswalks only across the island.
The official 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show will begin just before noon on Saturday. The free trolley and bus service is provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) handles the expert driving.
Lindgren Lights-Out In 6-3 Blue Wahoos Win
July 11, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
Madison, Ala. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their third in a row on Wednesday night, beating the Rocket City Trash Pandas 6-3 behind a strong start from Jeff Lindgren.
Lindgren (W, 1-0) turned in a quality start, allowing only one run on two hits over 6.0 innings to earn his first Double-A win since 2022.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early against Rocket City starter John O’Reilly (L, 0-1), taking a 1-0 lead on a Paul McIntosh RBI single in the first inning. Sean Roby led off the second with a solo homer, and Joe Mack added a two-run single later in the frame to put Pensacola up 4-0.
Cody Morissette stretched the lead to 5-0 with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, and Dalvy Rosario tacked on an RBI single two batters later for a 6-0 lead.
Tucker Flint got the Trash Pandas on the board with a solo homer in the sixth, but it would be the only damage done against Lindgren. Rocket City put up a fight in the final two innings against the Pensacola bullpen, turning a Gustavo Campero triple and Orlando Martinez sacrifice fly into a run in the eighth, but Austin Roberts recorded the final four outs for Pensacola to seal a 6-3 win.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Thursday. First pitch from Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
FloridaWest CEO Hilson Resigning
July 11, 2024
CEO of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, Brian Hilson is resigning.
He will be moving to the Birmingham area because of a pressing need to be with aging family members and to provide support to his wife, Windy, who is their caretaker.
David Bear, President of the FloridaWest Board of Directors, said the board has a process in place to oversee the organization.
“Although we’re saddened by Brian’s departure, the FloridaWest board has a process for such transitions and the executive committee will take the lead on an interim basis while we recruit a new CEO,” said Bear. “Brian has committed to help us in this transition.”
FloridaWest is working on several economic development projects at locations throughout Escambia County.
“The FloridaWest board of directors is fully committed and engaged for the success of our projects in Pensacola and Escambia County and will keep the momentum behind FloridaWest’s economic development projects and current fundraising campaign, Built to Grow,” said Bear. “Funding Solutions will continue to collaborate with FloridaWest leadership to bring success to their fundraising campaign.
Hilson said the decision to leave the organization was difficult, but necessary.
“This has been very difficult for me — I’ve come to love the Pensacola area and its people — but my family comes first, and right now my family needs me,” said Hilson. “Our FloridaWest team is working closely with our economic development partners on industrial and technology projects at locations throughout Escambia County, many of which are close to fruition. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be here to continue our work, I know that the organization will have great leadership and an exciting future.”
Hilson has been at FloridaWest since August 2023.
Highway 97 Crash Causes Molino Area Power Outage
July 10, 2024
A single vehicle crash on Highway 97 left a portion of Molino without power Wednesday morning.
The crash happened on Highway 97 just north of Gibson Road. The driver of a pickup truck lost control, left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The collision snapped the pole and caused power lines to fall across the overturned truck.
The driver was not seriously injured.
Florida Power & Light reported at least 400 Molino area customers lost power following the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released additional details from their investigation.
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update: Body Recovered After Man Jumps From I-10 Blackwater River Bridge
July 10, 2024
UPDATE FROM FHP: The body of a male subject has just been located and recovered. This is still early stages of the investigation.
Traffic was delayed Wednesday afternoon on I-10 over the Blackwater River bridge near Bagdad in Santa Rosa County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a trooper rolled up on a vehicle stopped with flashers on at the I-10 westbound bridge about 2:15 p.m. Troopers said it appeared the driver intentionally struck the bridge before jumping off the bridge into the water.
Multiple witnesses told FHP that a black male about 30-years-old got out of the vehicle and jumped off the bridge. Multiple agencies responded and began searching for the man.
The search had turned into a recovery operation as of 3:15 p.m. Traffic was backed up both east and westbound on I-10 in the area.
Additional information was not released.
Pictured: A traffic camera image shows the I-10 bridge over the Blackwater River Wednesday afternoon.
Barrineau Estates Proposed With 305 Lots On Highway 95A
July 10, 2024
A new 305 lot single family residential development has been proposed near Molino.
If approved, Barrineau Estates would be located on 305 acres on Highway 95A between Chipper and Straughn roads, with a proposed density of about one lot per acre.
Each of the lots would have a private septic system, with water provided by Molino Utilities.
According to applicant Hammond Engineering, the project would be constructed in a single phase.
The application for Barrineau Estates has been submitted to the Escambia County Development Review Committee and has not yet been set for a final vote. Following a pre-application meeting, county staff asked for additional information.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Red, White And Blues: Here’s The Pensacola Beach Air Show Schedule
July 10, 2024
Pensacola’s hometown heroes will be front and center at the 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), July 10-13. The elite U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline all events culminating on Saturday, July 13 with the official Air Show.
In addition to the Blue Angels, there will be a host of world-class aerobatic performers, as well as interactive exhibits, military recruitment stations and all types of vendors on the ground.
“Every year we look forward to hosting this world-class air show along our world-class beach to really showcase our hometown heroes, the Blue Angels,” said Robbie Schrock, Director of Administration for the SRIA. “It’s an awe-inspiring tradition that tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the spectacle every summer.”
The SRIA is requiring the public to suspend all flights of unmanned aircraft, or drones, during the air waiver hours of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. In addition, glass is always prohibited on the beach, and leashed dogs are only allowed at the two designated dog beaches on either side of the island.
Kicking off the air show week is “Breakfast with the Blues,” on Wednesday, July 10 around 7:30 a.m. when the Blue Angels arrive and circle overhead to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach.
On Thursday, July 11, at 2 p.m., the Blue Angels hold a practice show over Pensacola Beach.
Friday, July 12, is the Pensacola Beach Air Show dress rehearsal where flight demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performances begin at noon, with the Blue Angels overhead at 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 13, marks the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, and follows exactly Friday’s dress rehearsal schedule.
Prior to the official waivered air space closure signaling the start of the air show on Friday and Saturday, expect to see the following aircraft overhead, announced by radio personality Rob Williams:
- Pilot Julian MacQueen flying his vintage 1943 Grumman Widgeon seaplane overhead.
- Pilot Sheldon Heatherington will be flying his Zenith 75 STOL aircraft named Redbird.
- Navy pilot Tanner Matheny will be flying over in his 1946 North American Navion airplane named Olivia.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration from the back of a HH-60J Blackhawk helicopter.
- Local wing of the Commemorative Air Force flying WWII and Korean War-era trainer and liaison aircraft.
- Then, at 11:45 a.m., spectators will be cleared from the Gulf waters and the official air space waiver begins.
The show begins precisely at noon with presentation of the colors by the Red Bull Team parachutists jumping from Aaron Fitzgerald’s helicopter over show center, followed by a brief teaser of what’s to come from the Red Bull Air Force team and Kevin Coleman later in the show. The Red Bull Air Force team is assembled from the most accomplished aviation experts on the planet who continually push the limits of human flight.
The Veterans Flight team takes the stage at 12:13 p.m. in their bright yellow, vintage World War II-era biplanes and possibly other WWII vintage aircraft. Organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, around a dozen Stearman pilots from all over the Southeast are flying in the show to pay tribute to all WWII and Korean War vets.
Next up at 12:28 p.m. is a newcomer to the air show, the incredible wingwalker Carol Pilon and the Third Strike Wingwalking team. Pilon is the first, and only, woman to walk on a jet-propelled aircraft. Expect to see Pilon traveling atop a bright red, vintage Stearman biplane with lots of billowing smoke.
At 12:39 p.m., keep your eyes peeled as Redline Aerobatic Team pilots Ken Rieder, Adam Baker, and making his inaugural debut at this air show, Austin Rieder, Ken’s son, perform some exceptional formation aerobatics.
Then, at 12:54 p.m., hang onto your hat as pilot Skip Stewart wows the crowds next with his high-skill passes and jaw-dropping maneuvers from his famous red, white and black-checkered bi-plane, Prometheus. Don’t miss his signature inverted ribbon-cutting pass over the Pensacola Beach Pier.
Next up, at 1:06 p.m., Patty Wagstaff, the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic champion and a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, will wow the crowds over Pensacola Beach in her Extra 330 aircraft. Her breathtaking performances give airshow spectators a front-row seat view of the precision and complexity of hard-core aerobatics.
The Red Bull Air Force Team with Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitgerald are back with a full act at 1:21 p.m., creating a visual spectacle like no other. The trio will perform a joint aerial demonstration that will last 25 minutes.
As always, closing out the show at 2 p.m. will be your U.S. Navy Flight Demonstrations Squadron, the Blue Angels. Look to the Gulf horizon as the famous C-130J aircraft, affectionately known as Fat Albert, followed by six signature blue and gold F-18 Super Hornets, make their way over Pensacola Beach.
For the next 45 minutes, spectators will get a glimpse of the Blues’ aeronautic maneuvers like the Diamond Dirty Loop, the Double Farvel, the Vertical Pitch, the Fleur-de-Lis, the Opposing Knife-Edge pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass. These are just a few of the mind-blowing displays of choreographed precision flying the Navy’s flight demonstration team has perfected over the past 78 years.
Pilot and Announcer Rob Reider will be the voice of the Pensacola Beach Air Show this year and Paul Entrekin, a retired Marine Corps aviator and former full-time air show pilot performer, will mark his 31st year as the Air Boss over the show.
Scammers Targeting Owners Of Lost Pets, Claiming To Be Escambia Shelter
July 10, 2024
There is a new scam targeting people that have lost a pet in Escambia County.
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare says they have received reports of fraudulent text and social media messages from persons claiming to represent Animal Welfare staff. These messages are being targeted to citizens with lost pets, claiming their pet has been brought to the shelter and asking for a Google verification code to retrieve the pet. The department says the messages are not legitimate and are not associated with Escambia County and the Department of Animal Welfare.
If animal control officers locate a missing pet in Escambia County, the owner will be notified by phone, email or a letter. Staff will ask the owner to visit the shelter in person to verify ownership. Animal Welfare staff will never ask for funds to be sent digitally to redeem a pet or access to a personal item. Redemption fees will be calculated at the time of redemption and paid in person.
If your pet is missing,heck 24petconnect.com under your zip code and the “Escambia County Florida Animal Services” location. Visit the shelter in person to identify your missing pet. The shelter is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive and open Monday toFriday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until4 p.m.
Molino Woman Charged With Cutting Roommate With A Knife
July 10, 2024
A Molino woman has been charged after allegedly cutting her roommate with a knife.
Inez Yaminah Lyons, 40, was charged with felony aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, Lyons cut the right forearm and left wrist of her roommate.
The victim told deputies that Lyons came home and confronted him about owing her money, leading to an argument. She jumped up and unsheathed a knife from her back pocket and jabbed him in the right shoulder, and he suffered cuts to his wrist and arm while trying to grab the knife, according to deputies.
Lyons “was making statements that she was going to kill him and end his life while cutting him,” the report states. He ran next door and called deputies.
Lyons remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $15,000.
Partly Cloudy, Low 70s Tonight
July 10, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.