Reward Offered For Peterbilt Truck Headlight Thief
December 12, 2016
A North Escambia business owner is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a headlight thief.
Someone has been removing headlight assemblies from Peterbilt trucks belonging to C & C Hauling of Molino. The thefts have been occurring in Century at the Old Flomaton Road sand and gravel business that’s located behind the Century Church of Christ on East Highway 4.
The headlight assemblies are costing the company thousands of dollars to replace. That’s why company owner Billy Campbell is offering a $500 reward for the information. Anyone that knows about the thefts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Sunday Night Single Vehicle Crash
December 12, 2016
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash Sunday night near Cantonment. The accident was reported about 5:10 p.m. on Muscogee Road near the boat ramp. One person was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Burden Of Proof Change Sought In Self Defense Cases
December 12, 2016
A controversial proposal to shift the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases has been refiled in the Florida Senate. Fleming Island Republican Rob Bradley filed the measure (SB 128) for the 2017 legislative session, which starts in March.
The bill would shift the burden of proof to prosecutors during evidentiary hearings in self-defense cases. The bill stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that said defendants have the burden of proof to show they should be shielded from prosecution under the “stand your ground” law. In “stand your ground” cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants should be immune from prosecution.
“The government has the burden of proof in a criminal case from the beginning of a case until the end,” Bradley said in a prepared statement. “This fundamental premise is guaranteed in our Constitution and understood intuitively by all Floridians.”
The same proposal passed the Senate during the 2016 session but failed to get to the House floor. Bradley’s bill joins other gun-related measures filed for the 2017 session. Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, this week filed a bill (HB 6005) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns while on college and university campuses.
A separate measure (HB 6001) by Rep. Jake Raburn, R-Lithia, would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to bring guns into the passenger terminals of airports.
by The News Service of Florida
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
December 12, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities this week:
Escambia County:
· Cervantes Street and Bayou Boulevard ( U.S. 90 and State Road 296) 5 K Race- Cervantes Street and Bayou Boulevard will be restricted between Strong Street and Scenic Highway from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 for a 5K Race.
· U.S. 98 East (Garden Street) City of Pensacola Parade between “A” Street and Tarragona Street- U.S. 98 East (Garden Street) will be closed to traffic between “A” Street and Tarragona Street in Pensacola from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 for parade festivities. Traffic will be detoured. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
· Interstate 110 (I-110) Routine Maintenance from Maxwell Street to Interstate 10- Intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 15 as crews repair overhead lighting.
· U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance from New Warrington Road to South Pinewood Lane- Intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from Monday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 14 as crews seal cracks in the pavement. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
· Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State Line to the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge- Intermittent daytime lane closures at the south end of the ICWW Bridge to replace the guardrail system and bridge end anchors will continue through Friday, Dec. 23. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control.
· U.S. 29 (State Road (S.R.) 95) Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to 9 Mile Road- Alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. continue through the week of Sunday, Dec. 11 near the U.S. 29/9 Mile Road overpass as crews continue to work on barrier wall installation and preparation for the bridge construction. Also during this time, alternating closures are expected for north and southbound lanes on U.S. 29 just north of the I-10 Interchange as crews perform milling operations.
· 9 Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest to U.S. 29- Traffic shifts are scheduled for the week of December 12 as crews begin drainage improvements at the intersection of 9 Mile Road and Untreiner Avenue.
o 9 Mile Road eastbound near the intersection of Untreiner Avenue will be shifted onto the new asphalt that replaced the raised median. The temporary traffic shift will remain in place during the initial phase of construction.
o Untreiner Avenue between 9 Mile Road and Powell Street will be shifted to the east to allow crews to perform drainage operations on the west side of the roadway.
· Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway to North Pace Boulevard- Intermittent and alternating lane closures continue between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
· East Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) Utility Work at 16th Street in Pensacola- Eastbound outside, right lane will be closed at 16th Street from 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 as crews perform underground utility work and roadway repairs.
· I-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Drivers will encounter lane closures on I-10 westbound near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 to noon Sunday, Dec. 11 as crews perform pipe repairs.
o I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound Intermittent and alternating lane closures 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 to 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12 as crews perform paving operations.
o The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 as crews perform bridge work. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
Santa Rosa County:
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 15 as crews perform paving operations. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure
· U.S. 90 Soil Sample Removal from Bell Lane to Avalon Boulevard- Intermittent east and westbound turn lane restrictions between Bell Lane and Avalon Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 15 as crews core samples of the roadway from the medians.
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard-– Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures near Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) from 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 to 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16. as crews install reflective pavement markers
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids (With Photo Gallery)
December 11, 2016
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that dozens of needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 16th annual Toyz For Kidz Ride organized by the LA Bikers.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Over 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, Arrington Auto Parts in Flomaton and the Atmore City Hall. Tjhe bikers also made large donation to the Atmore Fire Department’s toy drive.
Pictured: Children received Christmas gifts from Santa Claus Saturday morning thanks to the LA Bikers Toyz For Kidz Ride. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Run Over By Parade Float
December 11, 2016
A Pensacola woman is hospitalized in stable condition after she was run over by a float during the Pensacola Christmas Parade Saturday night.
The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. near the intersection of Spring and Garden streets.
Officer Tony Garza said Miriam Mims, 59, of Pensacola was at the beginning of the parade route where floats enter Garden Street. She was not behind a barricaded area at the time.
Garza said Mims stepped into the street and bent over to pick up something that had been thrown from a float. As she leaned over, she is believed to have been bumped from behind and fell into the path of a float that was northbound on Spring Street. The float was moving about one to two miles per hour, Garza said.
David Chapman of Spanish Fort, AL, a safety person who was walking with the float, saw Mims fall into the path of the tires. Chapman and Jimmy Fields, who was with Mims, pulled her upper body and head from the path of the float tires. The tires ran over the left side of her torso, Garza said.
The parade was delayed for about 30 minutes during the incident. The incident remains under investigation, Garza said.
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 11, 2016
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured over two dozen lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the Atmore Christmas Parade Saturday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue Offers Free Smoke Detector Installation
December 11, 2016
Escambia Fire Rescue is offering to install a new smoke detector with a 10-year battery at no charge for local residents.
The Escambia County Commission has purchased over 1,100 smoke detectors since January in hopes of helping the community reach the goal of every home in the county having a working smoke detector.
Escambia Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Grace stressed the importance of having a properly installed and maintained smoke detector year round, but especially with colder weather by saying, “As residents rely more heavily on heating devices in the colder weather, they will have additional fire risks in their homes. Statistics show that a working smoke detector in your home can make the difference in escaping a fire without injuries and with your life.”
Saturday, Escambia County Fire Rescue installed over 100 smoke detectors in 71 homes in the Lakewood area in the southern part of the county, the largest single day installation to date in the county.
For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376).
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Knights Of Columbus Receive International Award
December 11, 2016
Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria Council 7402 of Cantonment, St Jude’s Parish has again earned the distinction of Star Council, one of the organization’s top awards, for the 2015-2016 fraternal year.
The award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership recruitment and retention, promotion of the fraternal insurance program, and sponsorship of service oriented activities. The award was presented to the membership by District Deputy John Recke at a special ceremony held recently.
In announcing the local winner of the Star Council Award, Carl A. Anderson, chief executive officer of the organization said, “Your dedication to the Order is seen in the high standard of excellence you have achieved. At the same time, I encourage you to carry forward this enthusiasm to meet the challenges that will face the Knights of Columbus in the years ahead. May this award be a reminder and an inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of Columbianism for the good of the Church, your community,and the Order”.
“Receiving the Star Council Award for three years in a row is quite an honor for us. We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment,” proclaimed Grand Knight Brian Hagensick, head of the local council. The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic lay organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Church, their communities, families and young people.
Byrneville Elementary Holds Christmas Carnival (With Gallery)
December 11, 2016
Hundreds attended the annual Byrneville Elementary School Christmas Carnival Saturday at the Byrneville Community Center.
The event included plenty of carnival games for the kids, food, entertainment and the ever popular basket auction.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
