Escambia Motorcyclist Killed in Santa Rosa County Crash
October 22, 2024
A 48-year-old Escambia County motorcyclist was killed in a two vehicle crash Monday evening in Santa Rosa County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 16-year-old male driver from Pace was traveling east in a Chevrolet Malibu on Berryhill Road approaching Gardenview Road when he made a left turn into path of Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by the Pensacola man.
The motorcyclist. who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 6:26 p.m. crash. The teen driver was not injured.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Obreonne Parker Named Northview High School Teacher of The Year
October 22, 2024
Obreonne Parker was recently named the Northview High School Teacher of the Year.
Parker has been at Northview for 21 years. She now teaches ESE and is the OJT coordinator for ESE students. She has also served as the athletic director for Northview High School since 2017.
Parker is loved by her students and colleagues. Her hard work and care are evident in the positive environment that she creates for her students. When asked to reflect on her teaching career, she said, “Stay positive, love the kids, and continue to work hard because it pays off.”
She will now be in the running for the Escambia County Teacher of the Year, to be announced later this school year.
NRCS Florida Accepts EQIP, CSP Applications through November 1
October 22, 2024
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply no later than November 1, 2024, to be considered for funding in the FY2025 current cycle. If applications are received after the signup period for FY2025, applications will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.
Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen-and-rank applications for those with the highest
conservation benefits across Florida’s landscapes, including cropland, grazing lands, and private non-industrial forestlands. Contract obligations for the highest ranked applications is scheduled for end of June 2025.
EQIP can help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. It provides financial and technical assistance to address natural resource concerns. Benefits include conserving water; enhancing wildlife habitat; improving air, soil and water quality; mitigating impacts from climate change; and preventing soil erosion. The CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the country. Thousands of
people voluntarily enroll in the program, because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation. Landowners can earn CSP payments for conservation performance.
Applications in Escambia County are accepted at the Molino Service Center at 151 Highway 97. Contact Josh Mcelhaney at josh.mcelhaney@usda.gov or visit the Get Started With NRCS website.
FDLE Arrests Two Escambia Men On Multiple Child Sex Crime Charges
October 22, 2024
Two Escambia County men were arrested on child sex crime charges by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Mason Nicholas Radford, 21, was charged with
- three counts of using a computer to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a minor
- two counts of transmitting obscene material to a minor
- three counts of promoting the sexual performance of a child, and
- three counts of use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
Ryan Stephen Traynor, 52, was charged with one count each of using a computer to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a minor and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
FDLE said Pensacola Cyber Squad agents were contacted by the suspects during two separate undercover operations during which agents played the roles of 14-year-old girls. Both suspects sent sexual solicitation messages to the “girls” after being told that they were communicating with a juvenile.
Both men were booked into the Escambia County Jail. Radford remained jailed with bond set at $475.0000. Traynor was released on a $50,000 bond.
Woman Charged With Telling Child Through Gaming Platform To Murder Infant
October 21, 2024
A 36-year-old Escambia County woman has been charged with allegedly instructing a child to murder an infant through a on online gaming platform.
Tara Alexis Sykes was charged with attempted murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sykes had instructed a 10-year-old to purposefully drop a 2-month-old on a solid tile floor in an attempt to end the infant’s life.
On October 17th, ECSO investigators were contacted by the Gulf Coast Kids House in reference to a 2-month-old infant who had suffered serious injuries after being dropped on the kitchen floor by a 10-year-old. During the investigation, it was learned that the 10-year-old was communicating with Tara Sykes through the gaming platform Roblox.
The ECSO said that in the communication thread, Sykes instructed the 10-year-old on various methods to kill the infant. Sykes instructed the 10-year-old to drown the infant in the bathtub, burn the infant with scalding water, and drop the infant on the floor to kill the infant. Additionally, investigators said Sykes had instructed the 10-year-old on how to kill the adults the 10-year-old was temporarily living with by cutting their throats with a knife while they slept and burning their house by dousing bed sheets with aerosol spray and setting them on fire. The 10-year-old doused the sheets but was unable to carry out the other instructions.
Deputies said the “investigation will continue, and additional charges are possible as investigators continue to unwind this tragedy.”
“I have been in Law Enforcement for over 40 years and have never seen anything quite like this. I am truly disturbed by the circumstances and the thought that anyone could think like this, let alone instruct these acts to be carried out. There is something really wrong with her,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simons said.
Late On The Rent: Escambia County To Dispose Of RV Left Behind At Lake Stone
October 21, 2024
Escambia County will dispose of a dilapidated recreational that was abandoned at Lake Stone near Century after the owner did not pay rent.
Back in September, Escambia County Parks and Recreation asked Code Enforcement to assist with the removal of an abandoned camper that had been stored at the Lake Stone Campground since August 2024. Officials said the owner of the camper was two months behind on rent, and the owner, as identified by the vehicle registration, was mailed two notices.
Last week, the Escambia County Commission voted to remove and dispose of the RV. Staff noted that the rental agreement for the Lake Stone Campground states that any abandoned camper will be removed after 31 days.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: A Night Of Creepy Crawlies At Roy Hyatt Environmental Center
October 21, 2024
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center held its annual “A Night of Creepy Crawlies” Friday night from 5:30 until 8:00. Located at 1300 Tobias Road in Cantonment, Florida,
The family-friendly event at the offered visitors a chance to explore the world of insects and reptiles up close.
Attendees could meet creepy crawlers with the Sunset Wildlife Connection, observe birds of prey with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, and get hands-on with the center’s resident reptiles. The event also featured educational opportunities, such as examining microscopic critters and discovering aquatic creatures in the “Beach House.”
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is an Escambia County Public Schools facility on Tobias Road in Cantonment
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Donations Fund Lipscomb Elementary Book Vending Machine
October 21, 2024
Lipscomb Elementary School has a new book vending machine thanks to community contributions.
Designed to foster a love for reading in the school, contributions funded the purchase of the machine and stocking it with books.
“This will encourage younger kids to read because it is rewarding good behavior with the tokens,” one student told the contributors. “They will read more.”
Lipscomb said the project was funded by the Lipscomb PTA, Escambia County Commissioners, Steven Barry, and Ascend Cares.
A lucky student from Mrs. Whitfield’s class was randomly chosen to be the first student to get a book from the new vending machine.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
October 21, 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.) 296 (Michigan Avenue) Construction from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 20, drivers may encounter outside lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers will encounter a 24-hour single-lane eastbound closure on Mobile Highway near the intersection of 8 Mile Creek Road, the week of Monday, Oct. 21, for utility work and guardrail installation. During the closure, traffic will be reduced to one lane with traffic flaggers directing drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) westbound outside lane closures, from North Tarragona Street to North Palafox Street, Monday, Oct. 21 through Thursday, Oct. 24, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., while crews perform concrete work.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Cervantes Street and Brent Lane, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations
- 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, Oct. 20:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Oct. 20 through Thursday, Oct. 24, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- North Palafox Street, near Hope Drive, will be reduced to one lane beginning Monday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. and lasting until approximately 5 p.m., as crews perform a watermain crossing. Flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers will encounter a lane shift 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 late 2024. The speed limit is reduced to 25 mph, and signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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, Oct. 20 through Thursday, Oct. 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and 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, Oct. 20, through Friday, Oct. 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Inspection over Yellow River – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: FLorida Gas Supplies And Prices Stabilize
October 21, 2024
Florida gasoline supplies have stabilized and pump prices are holding steady. The state average price on Sunday was $3.09 per gallon. That’s one cent less than a week ago, 5 cents less than last month, and 16 cents less than this time last year, according to AAA.
“Conditions are much improved compared to this time last week, when retailers struggled to keep their gas pumps stocked, due to the spike in demand from Hurricane Milton,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Just one week later, gasoline supplies are much more stable around the state and Floridians do not have to look far to find fuel.”
The average in Escambia County was $2.88 per gallon. In North Escambia, a low of $2.71 was available Sunday at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $2.67 at several stations.
Crude oil and gasoline futures prices dropped late last week. The U.S. price for a barrel of crude was $69.22 on Friday – down more than $6 (8%) from the week before, and the lowest daily settlement since late September. This should help keep a ceiling on prices at the pump in the near future.
Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view state and local average gas prices