Man Charged With Murder After Fatal Sunday Night Shooting In Beulah
September 23, 2024
One person was shot and killed Sunday night near Beulah, and a suspect has been arrested.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fire on Rebel Acres Lane about 9:15 p.m. Deputies arrived to find an unidentified 40-year-old man dead in the yard with a gunshot wound.
The suspect, 33-year-old Dennis Saul Herrera Canale was booked into the Escambia County Jail at 4:49 a.m. Monday on a charge of second degree murder. He is being held without bond.
The sheriff’s office said Herrera Canale and the victim has been roommates at some point and the shooting happened after they got into a disagreement.
The investigation is continuing.
Waste Company Proposes Vegetative Debris Incinerator In Cantonment
September 23, 2024
UPDATE: The public hearing that was set for Tuesday will be postponed but the proposal remains. Details at the bottom of the story.
An Escambia County company is proposing to use an incinerator to burn vegetative debris at their facility near Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Creek Waste and Recycling is seeking a conditional use approval to use an incinerator to burn land clearing vegetative debris at its existing operating location at 2560 South Highway 95A near East Roberts Road. According to the company, the operation will consist of burning land clearing debris in an above-ground firebox. The resulting ash will be mixed (recycled) with topsoil and be transported off site.
The company plans to use a VRI — volume reduction incinerator — with its own fuel tank on their existing developed site. Creek Waste says it will not require potable water, sewer service or electrical service. The triangular property is bordered by Highway 95A, East Roberts Road and the CSX railroad. There are no directly adjoining parcels.
The proposed incinerator is smokeless, according to the company, and will cover 492 square feet and will only be used during regular operating hours. with minimal odor or other nuisances (sample photo provided by the company below).
The site currently is used by dump trucks and construction equipment as part of the normal daily operation of Creek Waste.
The Escambia County Commission was set to hold a public hearing on the conditional use determination Tuesday, but it will be postponed due to a public notice error. A new date has not been set.
Sunny Monday And Tuesday, Increasing Rain Chance Midweek
September 23, 2024
For latest on the tropics, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 82.
FHP Pursuit Ends With Six-Vehicle Crash, Two Arrests
September 23, 2024
Two suspects were arrested on multiple charges after a Florida Highway Patrol pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into five other vehicles Saturday afternoon.
The crash occurred on North 12th Avenue south of East Jordan Street about 2:15 p.m. in Escambia County.
FHP said a Blue Nissan Altima was fleeing from a traffic stop when it collided with five other vehicles and other property. There were no serious injuries in the crash.
The driver, 25-year-old Antione Lamar Smith (pictured bottom right) was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams and trafficking in fentanyl. The passenger, 21-year-old Tariq Jameel Watson (pictured bottom left) was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams and trafficking in fentanyl.
Smith remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond. Watson was jailed with bond set at $57,500.
This was one of two FHP pursuits that ended in a traffic crash over the weekend in Escambia County. Click here for details on the other incident.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
September 23, 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:
- State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway) Pensacola Seafood Festival from Tarragona Street to 9th Avenue – Motorists will encounter a road closure starting 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 through 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 for the Pensacola Seafood Festival.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour 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) Construction Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Sept. 22:
- The I-10 eastbound on-ramp detour at the U.S. 29 interchange has been rescheduled to open the week of Sept. 22 and will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- Sunday, Sept. 22 through Thursday, Sept. 26, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction– Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Tuesday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 26, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary detour.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 is shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Brent Lane and West Scott Street, Sunday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Cervantes Street) Coring Operations at North 12th Avenue – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Sept. 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 Routine Maintenance from North Baylen Street to North Spring Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole rehabilitation.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to County Road (C.R.) 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27 as crews install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Sept. 22 through Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
- 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, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 27, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services Tuesday In Walnut Hill
September 23, 2024
Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in in Walnut Hill on Tuesday.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the Walnut Hill Community Center on September 24 from 10 a.m. until 2:00 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.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady as Oil Prices Rise
September 23, 2024
Florida gas prices averaged $3.13 per gallon on Sunday, according to AAA. The state average increased 6 cents at the beginning of the week, then sank back down to $3.13 by the weekend.
“Crude oil and gasoline futures rose last week, cooling off the downward trend of prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The price gains are being attributed to optimism that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut would boost the global economy and energy demand.”
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.84. The low price in North Escambia was $2.69 at several gas stations in Cantonment, while $2.67 could be found on Burgess Road in Pensacola along with $2.69 at multiple locations.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FHP Chase Ends With Crash And Arrest
September 23, 2024
A Florida Highway Patrol chase Sunday in Escambia County ended with a crash and an arrest.
Dante Jamon Walker, 24, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana over 20 grams and no driver’s license.
An FHP trooper was conducting traffic enforcement on Fairfield Drive in the area of Stanford Road when he observed a black Jeep Wagoneer operating in reckless manner. The trooper activated his emergency equipment in order to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle.
FHP said Walker rapidly accelerated and fled from the trooper. The pursuit continued for a short distance until Walker crashed into an oak tree estimated to be 100 years old on Cherokee Trail. He was taken into custody uninjured without further incident.
A passenger fled on foot and had not been located as of Sunday night.
This was one of two FHP pursuits that ended in a traffic crash over the weekend in Escambia County. Click here for details on the other incident.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mary ‘Chris’ Whitworth
September 23, 2024
Mary “Chris” Whitworth, 69, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on January 18, 1955, to Gilbert E. Lloyd and Ray Pennington Lloyd.
Chris has a career in police dispatch working for Monahans, Texas, Milton, Florida, and the University of West Florida Police Departments. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her passion was for Sci-Fi, Celtic Thunder singing group, cruises, traveling, and everything Disney. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.
She is preceded in death by her father, Gilbert E. Lloyd; mother, Ray Pennington Montgomery; and brothers, John Devokatis and Gilbert Lloyd, Jr.
Chris is survived by her husband of 49 years, Steven Whitworth; children, Shannon Whitworth Boatwright, Melissa Whitworth (Zach) Anderson, and William (Kyla) Whitworth; grandchildren, Zackery Whitworth, Beth Boatwright, Joshua Boatwright, Cody Boatwright, Molly Boatwright, Barclay Anderson, Elijah Anderson, Jordan Anderson, Dylan Whitworth, William Ryan (Gillian) Whitworth, Aubrey Whitworth, Adalynn Whitworth, Zane Whitworth, and Zaylee Whitworth.
The family would like to thank Baptist Hospital for their compassionate care.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Carolyn Rose Merrill Attaway
September 23, 2024
Carolyn Rose Merrill Attaway, 78, of Beulah, passed away on September 22, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Beulah, FL.
She was born on May 9, 1946.
She is preceded in death by her father, Robert J. Rose, and mother, Ruth Hurst Rose.
Carolyn is survived by her son, Christopher Merrill, and daughter, Vanessa (Shane) Freeman; grandson, Robert Kersey; granddaughter, Allysen Kersey; husband of 6 years, Bobby Attaway; Bobby’s children, Arnold Attaway, Charlene Attaway, Keri (Mark) Posey, and Jesse (Vicki) Attaway; and a very special cousin, Doris Smith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Beulah.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northwest Florida Council on Aging.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.