Starbucks Coming To Atmore
January 6, 2020
Starbucks is coming to Atmore, with groundbreaking set for this month.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2020 with plans for a fall grand opening just off I-65 near the casino. The Atmore location is projected to draw an additional 300 cars and 750 customers daily from I-65 Exit 57.
“I see this as a great opportunity to introduce travelers to Wind Creek, the Poarch Creek Indians and the town of Atmore. Starbucks will provide a well-respected, international brand to residents of Escambia and surrounding counties,” said Wind Creek Atmore Property Manager Tim Ramer.
The 2,000 square foot stand-alone facility will offer convenient drive through, seated dining and full retail store across the street from the Creek Convenience Store on Poarch Road, adjacent to the Spa at Wind Creek. The destination will occupy a prime location for coffee lovers; the nearest Starbucks along the I-65 corridor are north 113 miles in Prattville and south 47 miles at Springhill Avenue in Mobile.
The project is expected to create 20 or more permanent jobs for local residents in addition to temporary construction jobs.
Pictured: A rendering of the Starbucks planned for Atmore. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Eric Gilmore Named Escambia County’s New Emergency Management Manager
January 6, 2020
Eric Gilmore of Bratt has been named the new Escambia County Emergency Management manager.
“I am absolutely ecstatic to have Eric join Escambia County Emergency Management,” Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley told NorthEscambia.com. “His experience, his knowledge and his family’s reputation and work ethic are all qualities that will make him one of the best managers we have had in this role. I hope everyone will join me in welcoming him to Team Escambia.”
Gilmore has worked for the Florida Department of Health since 2004, serving as a planner, public health preparedness director, and most recently regional emergency response advisor for a 10 county region. He is also the district chief of the McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
HE takes over the EMA director position held by John Dosh who is currently serving as interim public safety director.
Gilmore’s first official day on the job as Escambia County Emergency Management manager is Tuesday.
Eric Gilmore’s father, Elton Gilmore, retired in 2017 after seven years as the Emergency Management Operations Officer in the Escambia County Public Safety Department.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Story updated 1/7/2020 to reflect Gilmore’s official title at Emergency Management will be “manager”.
Arrest Made In Alabama Murder Of Century Native
January 6, 2020
An arrest has been made the murder of a Century man who was shot and killed December 30 in rural Alabama about 20 miles south of Auburn.
Deontra Jones, 20, confessed to the murder of 63-year old Randolph Cannon, according to Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said.
Jones was with a female in a vehicle parked on Shady Grove Lane, a lonely, rural dirt road in Hurtsboro, Alabama when Cannon was out walking his dog.
“This was a random situation,” Taylor said. Cannon, who owns the property on both sides of the road, walked up the pair in the vehicle. “He was questioning them about being there, about trespassing and that type of situation. Mr. Jones got out and started shooting at him. He ran, and he he chased him down the road. He ultimately shot him multiple times, killing him.”
The female has not been charged, Taylor said, because authorities do not believe she had anything to do with the shooting.
Family members tell NorthEscambia.com that Cannon is a native of Century and lived in Bogia for several years. He attended Century HIgh School.
The investigation is continuing.
Pictured to: Robert Cannon. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Escambia County Jail To Open In 2020
January 6, 2020
Escambia County will open a new jail in 2020.
Construction on the new Escambia County jail is expected to be completed this summer at a cost of $132 million, the largest building project to date unertaken by the Escambia County Commission.
It is expected to save $5 million a year currently being spent to transport and house inmates elsewhere.
Whitesell-Green/Caddell construction crews broke ground on the correctional facility in November 2018. The new building is located near the southeast corner of North Pace Boulevard and West Fairfield Drive and will serve as the central booking facility and juvenile housing area.
The facility is expected to provide as many as 90 new jobs. The three-story building will house 784 inmates and include an inmate intake and receiving area, and dining and kitchen service areas.
Pictured: Construction status as of January 2020 on the new Escambia County Jail. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Need A Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration? Get It In Century On Tuesday
January 6, 2020
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century next month for a single day event.
Thee Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will be in Century from Tuesday, January 7 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s 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 and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals during a previous visit to Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s State Road Project Traffic Disruption Spots
January 6, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10/U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following impacts to traffic the week of Sunday, Jan 5.
o Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
o U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 5
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- · S.R. 10/U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- Littleton Street will be closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 as crews perform drainage work. Traffic will be detoured to Milestone Boulevard and Oldenburg Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
- · U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- Crews will only close the far right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound Monday, Jan 6. Drivers will be able to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for approximately three months.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · S.R. 298 (Lillian Highway) Pavement Testing from U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions between U.S. 98 and Fairfield Drive from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9 as crews take core samples from the roadway.
- · S.R. 10A (U.S. 90/Mobile Highway) Pavement Testing from S.R. 10 (U.S. 90A) to west of S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road)- Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions between U.S. 90A to west of Pine Forest Road from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9 as crews take core samples from the roadway.
- · S.R. 742 (Creighton Road) Construction Activities at Helo Medical Park- Drivers may encounter lane restrictions near the Helo Medical Park from 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 to 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11 as crews perform construction activities.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Construction activities continue. Crews are currently pouring the east side approach slab. The roadway is temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Crews have poured the bridge deck. Efforts are now focused on pouring the bridge railing, and constructing the roadway approaching both ends of the new bridge. Traffic will remain shifted on the temporary diversion until construction of the new structure is complete.
Santa Rosa County:
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- There will be construction activities from Lewis Funeral Home to Downtown Motors. Motorists can expect shoulder closures.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities are underway along the following seven locations along the corridor: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive. Crews anticipate beginning drainage work near the Days Inn the week of Monday, Jan. 6. Motorists may encounter lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Jan. 5.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to C.R. 87A (Market Road) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound, inside lane closures as crews begin expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Northbound left turn lane and median modifications work has begun. Operations will take place in the median area of the roadway. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Two Public Input Meetings This Week On Escambia School Superintendent Search
January 6, 2020
The Escambia County School District has two public forums this week for the public to share their input as the school district moves closer to advertising the school superintendent job.
The community forums will be facilitated by the Florida School Boards Association Search Team. All input gathered during the events will be collected and provided to the Escambia County School Board members and will be made available online. School board members will not attend the input sessions.
Upcoming meetings are:
- Jan. 7, 2020 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola.
- Jan. 9, 2020 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Tate High School, 1771 Tate Road, Cantonment.
Meetings were previously held at the J.E. Hall Center, Blue Angels Elementary School and Pensacola High School.
In 2018, voters approved an appointed, rather than elected, superintendent in Escambia County. The search is being guided by the Florida School Boards Association leading up the selection of a superintendent with a November 24, 2020, start date. The job is set to be advertised beginning April 1, 2020.
Escambia County Public Meeting Schedule
January 6, 2020
Here are this week’s Escambia County public meetings:
Tuesday, January 7
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chamberse
BCC Public Forum – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Wednesday, January 8
Contractor Competency Board Exam Committee - 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Contractor Competency Board Public Meeting – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority – 5 p.m., 1 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, January 9
Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Education Committee – 3 p.m., 6263 Dogwood Drive, Milton
Gas Prices Rise Due To Middle East Conflict
January 6, 2020
Drivers could see gas prices rise as tensions grow in the Middle East, according to AAA. The situation has already led to higher crude oil prices, which typically raises the cost of producing gasoline.
Florida gas prices climbed an average of seven cents per gallon in the past three days. That increase was set into motion before the US air strikes last week, by crude price hikes that occurred in December.
Florida drivers are currently paying the highest prices for gasoline since early December. The state average of $2.53 is 30 cents per gallon more than this time last year. The reason for this disparity can be found in the price of oil, which is currently $20 per barrel more than it was in January 2019. As a result, gas prices are off to their most expensive start to a new year since 2014.
Escambia County drivers were paying an average of $2.56 per gallon Sunday night, up eight cents from a week ago and 45 cents higher than January 2019. The lowest price Sunday night in North Escambia was a $2.56 at one station in Cantonment.
Once news broke that the US carried out attacks on Iran, crude prices surged nearly $2 per barrel on Friday. An increase of that magnitude can directly trigger a 5 cent hike at the pump, AAA said. The US benchmark for crude (WTI) eventually settled at $63.05 per barrel – the highest daily settlement since May 2019.
“What happens in the Middle East can have a direct impact on Americans’ daily lives, by influencing what they pay at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Many people don’t realize that half of what they pay for every gallon of gasoline is determined by the price of oil. Even though the US is producing oil at a record pace, that oil is bought an sold on the stock market, which is heavily influenced by global supply and demand. Crude prices rise when there’s a threat of war, because of concerns over how the conflict could hamper supply and demand.
“It’s still far too early to know how much of an impact this conflict will have overall on prices at the pump,” Jenkins continued. “We’ll likely have a better idea early this week. Some analysts are anticipating a ‘Manic Monday’ on the stock market, with many financial and physical traders returning from vacation. Either way, volatility should be expected with both oil and gasoline through January, at the very least. If geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, crude prices may rise and drag gasoline along for the ride.”
Cantonment Man Arrested With Heroin And Bogus $100 Bills With Chinese Writing, ECSO Says
January 5, 2020
A Cantonment man allegedly tried to pay for a hotel room with fake $100 bills with Chinese writing on the back and offered information about “big time heroin dealers” after he was caught.
Christopher George Gerth, 33, was charged with defrauding an innkeeper, passing counterfeit currency, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Garden Inn and Suites on Pine Forest Road at I-10 where clerk manager said Gerth attempted to pay for his room with two bogus $100 bills. When the clerk questioned the authenticity of the cash, Gerth snatched it away and walked back to his room, according to an arrest report.
The ECSO said when deputies confronted Gerth at his room, he admitted the counterfeit bills were in his pants pocket, and he was placed under arrest. He also admitted to having a needle with heroin in his back pocket.
“I am a heroin user and there is heroin in the needle,” Gerth said, according to the ECSO report. The liquid in the syringe field tested positive for heroin.
Both of the counterfeit hundreds had the same serial number and had Chinese writing on the back, the ECSO said.
The arrest report notes Gerth stated he wanted to talk to the ECSO Narcotics Unit in reference to “big time heroin dealers that are known to be dealing large amounts of heroin.”
Gerth remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $12,000.