Free Food Distribution Saturday On W Street
December 15, 2023
In response to significant need within the community at Christmas, Jubilee Church is hosting a drive-thru food distribution on Saturday, December 16th beginning at 9 a.m. until noon (or will last until all the food has been handed out). Jubilee is located at 5910 North W. Street in Pensacola.
“Our church knows that this time of year creates additional financial strain on families. With food prices soaring and money being spent on Christmas, we are honored to give back to those in need in our local community,” said Lead Pastor Tim Fox of Jubilee Church.
Families will pick up their food while staying in their cars. The drive-in, pick-up station will be in the parking lot of Jubilee Church. In addition, Jubilee will provide uplifting worship music, and encouraging stories while people wait in their vehicles.
File photo.
Man gets 30 Years In Federal Prison For Escambia Sports Bar Shooting, Robbery
December 15, 2023
An Ocala man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a shooting at Coyote’s Sports Bar in Escambia County.
Quinton L. Pete, 35, was convicted after of three-day trial of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“The investigation and prosecution of violent crime – in this case by an armed repeat offender — is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with such federal crimes of violence.”
The evidence produced at trial revealed that, on March 9, 2022, a few minutes before 4:00 a.m., two employees at Coyote’s Sports Bar on Bayou Blvd. in Pensacola were shot at point blank range by the defendant during an attempted robbery of the business. The victims were not able to identify the shooter at the time because of their wounds, but they provided a general description to law enforcement. Law enforcement obtained surveillance videos from surrounding businesses and noticed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in the area at the time of the crime. The Pensacola Police Department put out a BOLO (be on the lookout), and the defendant was apprehended the next day in Dallas, Texas, driving a matching white Jeep Grand Cherokee that was registered to him. The defendant was in possession of the firearm that was used in the commission of the robbery, as later identified by ballistics comparison. The defendant’s phone location also placed him in the area at the time he committed the crime. The defendant has prior felony convictions for burglary of a dwelling with a firearm, grand theft, and shooting at, within or into a dwelling, and was released from prison only seven months prior to these offenses. He is also pending other firearm related charges in central Florida.
“This is a huge win for public safety in Northwest Florida,” said Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard of ATF’s Tampa Field Division. “The sentencing decision matches the severity of the crimes, and we’re glad to have contributed our expertise in federal firearm laws to the joint investigation.”
Pete’s imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Century Approves ‘Shape’ Plan For New $3 Million Carver Community Center
December 14, 2023
In April 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century to renovate two community centers.
One is the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 West Jefferson Avenue. The former school building was constructed in 1945. Due to advanced termite damage and deterioration, it will be razed and replaced with a new structure.
This week, the town council took a big step by choosing a basic “shape” for the building. The state won’t allow the grant to be used to mirror the existing historic building exactly in order to avoid confusion in the history books.
Architect Ben Townes will now go to work on a final layout for the interior of the building.
The remainder of the grant awarded by DeSantis, about $850,000, was designated for improvements at the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard. Project consultant Robin Phillips said those funds will likely be diverted to the Carver Community Center due to unanticipated and drastic increases in construction costs.
A new Carver Community Center will pay homage to the existing structure.
Pictured top: The preliminary “shape” plan approved by the Century Town Council for a new Carver Community Center. The rejected plans are below. NorthEscambia.com graphics/photos, click to enlarge.
All Star High School Football Game Is Friday Night
December 14, 2023
It’s East vs. West as local high school seniors battle to see who’s the best in the Pensacola Sports’ High School All-Star Series Football Game! This event showcases top players from Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia County High Schools. Student athletes are nominated by their coaches and every player gets a chance to shine in their final high school game. Join us for an unforgettable night of football talent and community spirit.
- What: Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series Football
- When: Dec. 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Booker T. Washington High School
- Tickets: $10 general admission and $5 for students - Tickets available here
2023 All-Star Football – West Team
- PHS DeQuan Gaddy OLB/CB
- Northview Wyatt Scruggs DB/WR
- Northview Joe Wright V MLB/RB
- Northview Devin Kelly CB/WR/RB
- Escambia Santwon Burnside Slot/RB
- Escambia Tadarius Wright DB/WR
- Escambia Trevion Killette DB/WR
- Escambia Lillas Legree DL/OL
- Escambia Anthony Hall QB
- Pine Forest Corey Odoms OL
- Escambia Cam Mayo WR/DB
- Escambia Lejon Williams LB
- Escambia Jaylon Harris LB
- Escambia Messiah Everheart DE/DT
- Escambia Ryan McVay DE/DT
- Escambia Josh Jackson WR/DB
- Escambia Jashawn Williams OL
- Washington Kendrick Burrell TE/WR
- Washington Connor Johnson OL
- Washington Aveon Riley DL
- Washington James Brown RB/SLOT
- Catholic Ryland Bragg OL
- Catholic Desjon Robertson DT
- Catholic Turner McLaughlin LB
- Catholic Cortney Clark DE/TE,H
- Catholic Jacob Lacour OL
- West Florida John Nicholas QB
- West Florida Tre Knott Corner/S
- West Florida Logan Weeks Center/G.T
- West Florida Cole Willis K/P
- West Florida Marquez Jones RB/KO
- Tate Edward Obrien TE
- Tate Jackson Clarke K/P
- Tate Andre Colston RB
- Tate Clayton Philly OLB
- Tate Labron Baldwin OG
- Tate Trey Edwards OT
- Tate Jaxson Moore C
- Tate Jayvon Lenius CB
- Tate Nathan Shimek SS
- Northview Jacob Spence TE/OL
- Northview DJ Lions DL
- Washington Luke Sate
2023 All-Star Football – East Roster
- Crestview Maddox Reeves DT/OL
- Crestview Michael Foley C/OL
- Crestview Braden Hood DB/WR
- Crestview Isaiah Brooks OT/OG
- Crestview Ahmad Thomas DB
- FWB Bam Davis LB
- FWB Jeremiah Norman C
- FWB Eric Scott DL/OL
- Baker Dustin Clark OL/C/3T
- Jay Brock Stout RB/CB
- Jay Eli Stephens OL/DL
- Jay Tucker Nowling WR
- Pace Jackson Ward LB
- Pace Chase Taylor LB
- Pace Brayden Gates FS
- Pace Carson Wright SS/WR
- Gulf Breeze Gavin Quenneville S/WR
- Gulf Breeze Luke Denby C/G/T
- Gulf Breeze Shamane Walker DL/DT
- Navarre Hunter Pfiester QB
- Navarre Charlie Cottrell Center
- Navarre Braydon Brown TE/H
- Navarre Nate Hanson WR
- Navarre Jaxson Spalla OL
- Navarre Cameron Pollard OL
- 2023 All-Star Football – East Roster
- Crestview Maddox Reeves DT/OL
- Crestview Michael Foley C/OL
- Crestview Braden Hood DB/WR
- Crestview Isaiah Brooks OT/OG
- Crestview Ahmad Thomas DB
- FWB Bam Davis LB
- FWB Jeremiah Norman C
- FWB Eric Scott DL/OL
- Baker Dustin Clark OL/C/3T
- Jay Brock Stout RB/CB
- Jay Eli Stephens OL/DL
- Jay Tucker Nowling WR
- Pace Jackson Ward LB
- Pace Chase Taylor LB
- Pace Brayden Gates FS
- Pace Carson Wright SS/WR
- Gulf Breeze Gavin Quenneville S/WR
- Gulf Breeze Luke Denby C/G/T
- Gulf Breeze Shamane Walker DL/DT
- Navarre Hunter Pfiester QB
- Navarre Charlie Cottrell Center
- Navarre Braydon Brown TE/H
- Navarre Nate Hanson WR
- Navarre Jaxson Spalla OL
- Navarre Cameron Pollard OL
- Choctaw Jesse Winsletter QB
- Milton Malik Cobb RB
- Milton London Snellgrove DL
- Choctaw Jashawn Armstrong OLB
- Choctaw Jonathan Boyd Safety
- Choctaw Justin Whidbee Safety/P
- Rocky Bayou Gideon Rossell RB/OLB
- Rocky Bayou Cam DeWitt ILB/TE
- Milton Kaden French LB
- Milton Manuel Kimmons DL
- Milton Jamarion Hadnot DL
- Milton Jaydon Leverett WR
- Milton Ethan Diamond QB
- Milton Landon Pulliam K/P
- Milton Carson Wolfe OLB
- Niceville D.J. Robinson RB/LB
- Niceville Landon Campbell C/DL
- Niceville D.J. Shorts RB/LB
Ransom Middle Names Holiday Student Of The Month
December 14, 2023
Seventh grader Vincent Robinson was named the Ransom Middle School Holiday Student of the Month. Phoo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man On Scooter, Struck And Killed By Motorcycle Wednesday Night
December 14, 2023
A 63-year old Escambia County man crossing the roadway with a scooter was struck and killed by a motorcycle Wednesday night.
It happened shortly after 8 p.m. near the intersection of Beverly Parkway and Concordia Boulevard. The Florida Highway Patrol said a motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on the eastbound lane of Beverly Parkwa as the man walking his scooter north. The motorcyclist struck the man with the scooter. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. The 29-year old motorcyclist was transported to Baptist Hospital with critical injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
Escambia Notice Of Elections Arriving In Postal Mailboxes
December 14, 2023
Escambia County voters should are receiving the 2024 Notice of Elections in their postal mailboxes this week.
The notices were mailed to all active voters and include information on the three statewide elections being held next year, the three different ways to vote, and how to update a voter signature.
Gov. Ivey Discusses Alabama’s Expanding Broadband Infrastructure During Atmore Event
December 14, 2023
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday completed the third stop on her broadband tour at Atmore Community Hospital in Escambia County. She discussed the importance of high-speed internet in allowing Alabamians to access telehealth services, while highlighting the progress being made in broadband projects in both Escambia and Baldwin counties, as well as across the state.
“Broadband availability is not just for our convenience – it is a lifeline, particularly evident in telehealth services. For thousands of Alabamians in rural areas, telehealth bridges the gap to medical facilities, and without broadband, this vital resource remains out of reach for many,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud to say Alabama remains committed to expanding our digital infrastructure, aiming to connect households, businesses and institutions. Our broadband journey continues until every Alabamian has the ability to access high-speed internet.”
At Wednesday’s event, Governor Ivey was joined by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) and Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton).
The speakers addressed the more than $17 million in grant and matching funds committed for broadband projects which will give more than 3,600 currently unserved addresses the ability to be connected in Escambia and Baldwin counties. This will result in over 140 miles of new fiber. Additionally, the overall success of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) was discussed.
ABAF, which is funded by the Alabama Legislature, supports targeted projects in communities in need of high-speed internet access. These funds, awarded by Governor Ivey and managed by ADECA, give internet service providers the ability to execute projects that connect individual households, businesses, community anchor institutions such as libraries and schools, and others to broadband infrastructure.
“When you look at the digital world we live in today, access to broadband infrastructure is just as important, in many ways, as having access to electricity or running water,” said Sen. Albritton. “But for many Alabamians, especially those living in tougher to access, rural areas of our state, getting connected to high-speed internet is difficult and expensive. That’s why the programs we have funded through the legislature are so important, they give internet service providers the support needed to connect these hard-to-reach areas so that no Alabamians are left out. I have been proud to support broadband expansion in my leadership role in the Alabama Senate, and I will continue my work on this issue until all Alabamians have access to the 21st century technologies needed for everyday life.”
Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards supporting more than 100 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.
“Our continued progress in expanding high-speed internet access would not be possible without a unified team working hard every day to accomplish our state’s broadband goals,” said Director Boswell. “This team includes Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, and others too many to name working together to make sure Alabama residents and Alabama communities have the tools needed to thrive.”
Former Baker Fire Chief Convicted Of Escambia Murder; Sentenced To Life In Prison
December 13, 2023
The former Baker Fire District chief was found guilty Wednesday of murdering a 63-year old business owner in Escambia County in June 2022.
Brian Keith Easterling, 53, was convicted of the first degree murder of Michael Evers, 63. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Pensacola Police received a call to check on the welfare of Evers at his home because he had not been seen in several days. Officers entered the home and found blood on the floor, but Evers was not inside. They responded to his shop in the 3900 block of Creighton Road.
Inside the shop, an officer tripped over an item under a car cover, exposing the victim’s right elbow. Officers said Evers was face down on the floor, obviously deceased with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His 2011 Chevrolet 2500 was not at either location.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, surveillance video from 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 showed a man later identified as Easterling arrive at the shop with Evers. The victim entered the building and Easterling is seen standing outside the door looking around nervously.
“Easterling actually turns a complete circle looking all around, before entering the building. Within minutes of entering the building, Easterling walks up behind (the victim),” the report states. The victim “then falls immediately to the ground. Easterling can be seen on video getting a car cover and covering (the victim).”
Evers owed Easterling money, according to the ECSO.
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Atmore PD Charges Tire Shop Employee With Stealing Over $15K From His Employer
December 13, 2023
A former Atmore tire shop employee has been charged with stealing thousands from his employer.
Christopher Michael Rowland, 39, was charged with theft of property first degree by the Atmore Police Department.
A Southern Tire Mart Corporate security investigator alleged Rowland was responsible for missing deposits totaling over $15,000. The discrepancies were found during a business account audit.
Rowland was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton where he remained Tuesday night.