One Shot And Killed In Ensley, ECSO Seeks Man For Questioning
April 15, 2019
One person is dead following a shooting early Monday morning in Ensley.
The victim has been identified as 28-year old Kyle Isaiah Baldwin. The shooting took place on East Ensley Street and Vickie Street around 2 a.m.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Office is looking for 25-year old Bobby Johndal Hawkins (pictured) for questioning only in connection with the homicide. He is also wanted on a violation of probation warrant.
A deputy was leaving the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office precinct on Hood Drive, next to Walmart, early Monday morning when they heard multiple gunshots. The deputy soon noticed a vehicle being driven erratically, and the driver pulled the vehicle over a short distance away near Hannah Street and Highway 29. A passenger in the vehicle was dead from gunshot wounds.
The driver was questioned and released.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hawkins is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Wahoos Top Shrimp
April 15, 2019
- On a picture-perfect sunny Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their first comeback win of the season, beating the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 4-3 thanks to a late two-run double by Jimmy Kerrigan and strong relief outings from Sean Poppen (W, 1-0) and Ryan Mason (S, 2).
Jacksonville took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-run home run by John Silviano, just the second time this season the Blue Wahoos have allowed their opponent to score first.
Tanner English responded immediately in the home half of the first inning, leading off and hitting the first pitch thrown to him over the fence in left to cut Jacksonville’s lead in half.
After allowing two in the first, Blue Wahoos starter Andro Cutura settled in and put zeroes on the board the next three innings. Jacksonville added an additional run in the fifth, stringing together three straight singles with two outs to increase their lead to 3-1.
Jumbo Shrimp starting pitcher Cody Poteet was excellent early, allowing just the first pitch homer. But, the Wahoos caught up to him in the sixth inning.
Four straight Blue Wahoos batters singled to lead off the sixth inning with Jordan Gore, Luis Arraez, Brian Schales, and Mitchell Kranson each consecutively knocking base hits. With the bases loaded and no outs, Jimmy Kerrigan dropped a double down the right field line, scoring two and giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead.
Cuture finished with a line of 5.0 innings pitched, eight hits and three runs allowed, no walks, and two strikeouts. Poppen entered in the sixth, throwing two one-hit innings of scoreless relief and striking out four to earn his first victory of the season. Mason didn’t allow a hit in 2.0 scoreless, striking out three on his way to his second save.
Today’s win improves the Blue Wahoos record to a Southern League best 7-3 while Jacksonville falls to 4-6. Pensacola heads on the road to Biloxi tomorrow for a five-game series against the Shuckers.
What Is Your Church Doing For Easter? Share With Our Readers
April 14, 2019
What is your church doing for Easter?
NorthEscambia.com will provide free promotion for churches in North Escambia or North Santa Rosa counties in Florida, or Atmore or Flomaton in Alabama. If your church is having a special Good Friday and/or Easter service, or any other special service or event, let us know!
We will share your information with thousands of readers across the area. We will list the services on our Events page free of charge, and we’ll be publishing a special story by Good Friday. Please try to keep your announcement for our events page to 100 words or less.
Send your announcement to news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact page. We will also be happy to publish photos after your event; email them to news@northescambia.com.
Pictured top and below: A morning “Sonrise Service” at Pensacola’s Maritime Stadium. Pictured inset: A sign at Poplar Dell Baptist Church sums up the Easter story in simple terms. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Update: Firefighters Battle ‘Mountain’ Of Fire For Two Nights
April 14, 2019
UPDATE: Firefighters battled a “mountain” of fire fueled by high winds for hours Saturday and Sunday nights in Davisville.
Huge mounds of a cotton trash — a byproduct of the cotton ginning process — were burning from within at the West Florida Gin just west of Highway 97.
West Florida Gin Manager Robert Earl Godwin said the fire has been burning deep inside the mounds for about two months, but extinguishing them had proved difficult.
Winds of up to 30 mph with higher gusts Saturday night caused fires to grow through the mounds, some of which reach 20 feet high over an area over about 250 feet long. At times, one mound was spewing sparks from the top, giving it the appearance of a volcano (pictured below).
Firefighters from the Walnut Hill, McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Atmore Fire Department worked for about two and a half hours Saturday night to extinguish the fires.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the West Florida Gin again Saturday night after the fire reflashed and worked for about three hours.
There were no buildings threatened and no injuries.
Pictured top: Fire burns inside a “mountain” of cotton trash Saturday night at the West Florida Gin. Pictured below: Another mound looks like a volcano as it spews sparks. Pictured bottom: Firefighters battle the fires. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Kite Places Third In 1A State Weightlifting Meet
April 14, 2019
Northview High School’s Tent Kite finished third in the 129-pound weight class Saturday at the FHSAA 1A State Weightlifting Championship in Panama City.
Kite had best bench press of 240 lbs. and a best clean/jerk of 195 lbs. for a total 435, just five behind the second place finisher from River Ridge High School.
He placed second in the state meet last year.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Pre-K Students Cruise Down To The Drive-In Theater
April 14, 2019
Bratt Elementary School Pre-K students cruised down the hall in their custom cars last week to the “Bratt Drive-in Theater” to enjoy some movie fun. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
This Week’s Road Construction Alerts
April 14, 2019
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 U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Saturday, April 20.
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Sunday, April 21:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection- Operations may require intermittent lane closures near the intersection the week of Sunday, April 14. There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- I-10 Routine Sign Maintenance between Mile Markers 5-17 (U.S. 90A- U.S. 90/ Scenic Highway)- East and westbound traffic will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15 as crews repair overhead and sign lighting.
- State Road (S.R.) 190 (Pine Forest Road) Routine Maintenance south of Nine Mile Road - The north and southbound inside lane on Pine Forest Road south of Nine Mile Road will be closed from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 as crews install delineators.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) - Northbound traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions over Davis Highway from 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Maintenance over Eleven Mile Creek- Eastbound traffic will be restricted to one lane over Eleven Mile Creek from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 as crews replace joint, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- County Road (C.R.) 95A Bridge Maintenance over I-10- Northbound traffic will encounter lane restrictions over I-10 from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 to 4 a.m. Thursday, April 18 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- 9th Avenue Routine Maintenance at Texar Drive- The outside north and southbound lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 18 as crews perform routine maintenance.
- C.R. 99 Bridge Maintenance over I-10- Northbound traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18 to 4 a.m. Friday, April 19 as crews replace joints, repair the deck surface, and clean the bridge.
- U.S. 90A (Nine Mile Road) Widening from S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) to U.S. 29- Southbound Fowler Avenue at Nine Mile Road will be closed from 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 through 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 as crews place drainage pipes across the roadway. Traffic will be detoured as follows:
- Nine Mile Road east and westbound: Untreiner Avenue, Detroit Boulevard, Fowler Avenue.
- Northbound Fowler Avenue: Detroit Boulevard, Cove Avenue or Untreiner Avenue
- During the temporary closure, the left turn from westbound Nine Mile Road onto Untreiner Avenue will be reopened
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch- Construction activities will begin on County Road 168 over Unnamed Branch, northwest of Century, Wednesday, April 17. The new bridge will consist of two twelve-foot travel lanes with six-foot shoulders and a concrete barrier wall. The project also includes resurfacing the approaches to the bridge, new guardrail, drainage improvements, new pavement markings, and enhanced signage.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement over Pritchett Mill Creek- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews continue to construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek - Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road. The project is anticipated to be complete summer 2019.
- Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek - Construction activities continue. The roadway will be temporarily closed during construction. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Pavement Markings Replacement- Traffic will encounter minor delays at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday until Thursday, April 25 as crews remove and replace pavement markings in the roadway. Law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic:
- U.S. 90 to Nicholas Lake Road
- U.S. 98 to Vonnie Tolbert Road
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement Bridge- Bridge construction will require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Sunday, April 21:
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to just east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – The following construction related traffic impacts are planned for Interstate 10 and Avalon Boulevard the week of Sunday, April 14:
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- Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard, near the I-10 interchange, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday evenings as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of S.R. 281, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 14 through Friday, April 19 as crews work to widen the roadway.
- · U.S. 98 Utility Operations from Pala Alto Avenue in Santa Rosa County east to Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County- Drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane restrictions between Pala Alto Avenue in Santa Rosa County and Woodland Avenue in Okaloosa County from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Thursday, April 18 as Pike Electric performs routine maintenance on power lines.
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.
Grand Opening Held For New Pensacola Ferry Landing
April 14, 2019
A ribbon cutting was held Saturday morning for the Pensacola Ferry Landing.
Located at the head of Commendencia Slip between the Port of Pensacola and Plaza de Luna/Palafox Pier, the new $3.5 million dock and terminal building will serve as the homeport location for two vessels; the “Turtle Runner” and “Pelican Perch” are the National Park Service’s 150-passenger, catamaran-style boats.
The grand opening of the new landing comes in anticipation of Pensacola Bay Cruises beginning service for the recreational season as early as April 19. HMS Ferries, Inc. is under contract with the National Park Service to operate the boats. Once in service, the boats will transport passengers between Quietwater Beach, Fort Pickens and downtown Pensacola.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Seeks Spanish Language Ballots For The 2020 Elections
April 14, 2019
Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of State (DOS) last week to begin the process to address the availability of Spanish-language ballots and Spanish-language voter assistance for the 2020 elections and all future elections.
Last year, a federal judge ordered 32 counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa, to provide Spanish-language sample ballots. Now groups are seeking a preliminary injunction to require elections materials and ballots in Spanish in those counties after August 1.
“It is critically important that Spanish-speaking Floridians are able to exercise their right to vote without any language barriers,” said DeSantis. “Florida has a significant Spanish-speaking population and our state is home to many Puerto Ricans who moved here after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. These fellow citizens should be able to fully participate in our democracy, which is why I am directing the Department of State to address voting accessibility issues for Florida’s Spanish-speaking community statewide.”
Voter-related materials are already provided in Spanish at the state-level. Currently, 46 counties are subject to varying requirements to accommodate voters who speak other languages, including 13 counties required under federal law to provide bilingual ballots and election materials.
“As Florida’s Chief Elections Officer, one of my top priorities is ensuring that all Floridians have a fair and equal opportunity to vote in our elections,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “I applaud Governor DeSantis for his leadership on addressing the availability of Spanish-language ballots, and I look forward to working with Supervisors of Elections and other stakeholders as we move through the rule-making process.”
Northview, Jay Track Athletes Advance To Regionals
April 14, 2019
Regional track results:
Northview High School
The boy’s track team placed second overall, while the girl’s team place third.
The following Northview track athletes will advance to regionals in Jacksonville:
Chris Nordman in triple jump
Ray Bush in long jump
Karlee Criswell in high jump
Sarius Davis in the 400m
Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Keyshawn Breedlove, Dainel Merrit, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer in the 100m
Nene Findley, Daniel Merrit, and Keyshawn Breedlove in the 200m
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×100m Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Korelis Morales, Sarius Davis, Daniel Merritt, Keyshawn Breedlove, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×400m Nene Findley, Karlee Criswell, Sarius Davis, Taylor Lashley, Keaton Brown, Colby Morris, Daniel Meritt, Jarius Moorer
Jay High School
Jillian Thornton placed first in the girl’s high jump.
The following Jay girls track athletes will advance to regionals:
Jillian Thornton: 400m and High Jump
Hannah Whitlock: 1600m
Alyssa Chavis: 100m Hurdles and 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Lexi Copeland: 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Landry Cato: Pole Vault