Troopers Release Details In July 4 Wreck That Killed Man In Escambia, Alabama
July 6, 2024
The victim of a fatal crash July 4 in Escambia County, Alabama, has been identified as a Missouri man.
Alabama State Troopers released details Friday night about the Thursday crash.
The multi-vehicle crash occurred about 4:15 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 31 and Old Highway 31, near the new Pollard Dollar General and claimed the life of a Higginsville, Missouri, man.
Troopers aid the crash occurred when the 2017 Jeep Liberty driven by 60-year-old Shirley A. Moore, 60 of Higginsville struck the 2020 Ram 1500 driven by 39-year-old Demetruis L. Preyer of Pensacola. After the initial collision, the Jeep was struck by the 2020 Hyundai Sonata driven by 55-year-old Carolyn A. Albert of Atmore. A passenger in the Jeep, 69-year-old William H. Moore of Higginsville, Missouri, was seriously injured.
Moore was transported to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton where he later died.
Albert and Shirley Moore were flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Troopers said Shirley Moore was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Preyer was transported by ambulance D.W. McMillan in Brewton.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Manna Donut Strike Nets Over 42K Meals For Those In Need
July 6, 2024
The numbers are in, and it was a record-breaking 2024 Donut Strike for Mann with over 42,000 healthy meals raised.
Local law enforcement and fire departments teamed up again to fight hunger. During the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna eight agencies across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties collected food and funds, raising the equivalent of 42,217 healthy meals for hungry neighbors in need served by Manna Food Bank. This year’s event brings first responders’ total contributions since 2017 to more than 202,200 healthy meals for children and families in need.
“Local law enforcement and firefighters are not only our everyday heroes; they’re our hunger heroes too,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “Families are struggling to make ends meet this summer. Our first responders have generously answered the call to impact change for their neighbors in need.”
Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
First responders went on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies from June 26 through June 28 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Mann before indulging the sweet circular treats again on July 2.
Pictured: The Donut Strike for Manna last at the Cantonment Winn Dixie, Ensley Walmart and Beulah Publix. NorthEScambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and submitted, click to enlarge.
Showers, Thunderstorms Likely Saturday
July 6, 2024
A heat advisory is in effect for Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 1am. Low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
ECSO: Drug Dealers Shoots, Kills Man Trying To Rob Him; Two Charged
July 6, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said a man was shot and killed when he tried to rob a drug dealer, and drug dealer is not being charged with the shooting.
ECSO said it happened in the 100 block of Swallowtail Lane.
Demetrius Caesar, 24, and Meliyah Gordon, 22, are now both charged with murder – a death occurring during the commission of a felony, along with tampering with evidence.
ECSO said 26-year-old De’Andre English, Caesar and Gordon went to meet Isaac Mitchell, 20, to buy marijuana from him. When they arrived, Mitchell got into their vehicle.
“During the sale, De’Andre English pulled a gun on Mitchell in the attempt to rob him. This led to a fight over the gun. During that fight, English was shot and killed. Caesar and Gordon fled the scene,” ECSO said Friday. Investigators were able to identify Gordon and Caesar, and they were charged with the murder.
“At this time, we have not charged Isaac Mitchell, as he appears to have acted in self-defense while being robbed. Charges related to sale of drugs are pending,” the Sheriff’s Office added.
At the time of the incident, Caesar was on probation for a previous felony murder that occurred on June 27, 2018, in Oakwood Terrace, ECSO said
Bridge Jumping Suspects Facing Murder Charges After Drive-by Shooting Victim Dies
July 6, 2024
Two suspects that jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay following a June 24 drive-by shooting will now face murder charges after the 70-year-old victim died.
Family members identified the victim Wednesday to our news partners at WEAR 3 as lifelong Pensacola resident Myra Hayes.
“Myra was a very gentle, sweet person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She loved everyone’s kids, she loved sitting outside and relaxing. She never met a stranger. She wouldn’t harm not even a fly. We are truly going to miss her. She was our precious gem and she didn’t deserve death. Keep our family in prayer,” the family said in a statement to WEAR.
The attempted murder charges for 19-year-olds Jaquaris Ethridge and Terrance Gross Jr. were upgraded to first-degree premeditated murder.
Following the drive-by shooting on Erress Boulevard, the three suspects led authorities on a chase that ended with a PIT maneuver on the Highway 90 bridge just past Scenic Highway. The three suspects — Ethridge, Gross Jr. and 22-year-old Trevion Moton — exited the car and jumped off the bridge.
Morton died after jumping and missing the water. Etheridge was arrested that night, and Gross, Jr. was arrested in Texas, near the US-Mexico border.
Etheridge is in the Escambia County Jail without bond, while Gross. Jr. awaits extradition back from Texas.
Beryl Takes Aim At Texas, Bringing Rip Currents, Coastal Flooding To NW Florida
July 6, 2024
Hurricane Beryl will pose a threat to southern Texas , according to the National Hurricane Center.
Beryl is not forecast to be a direct threat to the inland North Escambia area. Along the northern Gulf Coast, Beryl will bring dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and into the weekend.
There is a Coastal Flood Advisory and High Rip Current Risk in effect for Northwest Florida Minor coastal flooding through Sunday night.
The latest information on Beryl is in the graphics from the National Hurricane Center on this page.
AAA: Florida Fourth Of July Holiday Ending With Anticipated Record Travel
July 6, 2024
AAA projections whos Independence Day travelers will set new records both nationwide and in Florida as the holiday wraps up this weekend. More than 70.9 million people around the U.S. are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home. Nearly 4.5 million of those will be Floridians.
“The summer travel season is off to a hot start and we expect to set new travel records on the road and in the sky during the week of Independence Day,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year. That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks.”
AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more during a nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7.
Road Travel
AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4th week.
Meanwhile, road travel in Florida will set a record for the second consecutive year. More than 3.9 million Floridians are expected to take a road trip. That’s 183,000 more than last year.
“Road travelers should prepare for congestion in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly near larger metro areas, theme parks and popular attractions,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With so many people on the road it’s important to be patient, minimize distractions while driving, and move over for people on the roadside.”
Sunday is expected to be the busiest road travel day.
Air Travel
The number of domestic air travelers is also expected to set a record. Nationally, AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019.
AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.
Other Modes of Transportation
More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million.
“Cruising continues experiencing remarkable growth,” Haas said. “This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – working with a Travel Advisor is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best value for your vacation. Travel Advisors are also able to help you choose a travel insurance policy that protects you and your investment for the impact of unexpected events before and during your trip.”
Blue Wahoos, Biscuits Rained Out In Montgomery
July 6, 2024
Friday’s game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at the Montgomery Biscuits has been postponed to due rain at Riverwalk Stadium.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, July 6, with two seven-inning games beginning at 4:00.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Dies Following Ensley Crash
July 5, 2024
An Escambia County man was killed in a single vehicle crash Thursday night in Ensley.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 57-year-old man was traveling east on Hanna Circle near Grimsley Street when his minivan left the roadway and struck a utility pole and a tree about 10:45 p.m..
He was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital where he passed away from his injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated.
File photo.
Century Man Charged Battery, Assault On His Kids After Funeral
July 5, 2024
A Century man has been arrested for an armed disturbance following a funeral.
Darryl Lamar Brown, 56, was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Brown allegedly slapped his adult child in the face with a hunting knife and threatened to stab him at a funeral repast.
A female told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she arrested at the funeral repast for her grandfather and Brown asked if she was not going to speak to him as she greeted the others present, according to an arrest report. She told deputies that he slapped her on the face with an open hand before she got up from the table and started yelling at him. Her brother wrapped his arms around Brown and tried to calm him down, but Brown slapped him in the face with the knife before pushing it into his stomach, the report continues.
The ECSO said Brown then told everyone to get off the property before he cut all of them. The siblings left the property and waited down the road for law enforcement, deputies said. Neither suffered visible injuries and declined EMS.
Brown remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $5,000.