High Speed Fiber Internet Buildout Continues In North Escambia
July 17, 2023
Work is continuing on a high speed fiber internet network in North Escambia.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) and partner Conexon Connect will bring internet speeds reaching 2 Gig up and down for $50 to $100 a month in EREC’s service footprint.
In late May, work started to pull the fiber cable out across the area from EREC’s Bratt Substation. Fiber cabinets have been installed at the Bratt and Oak Grove substations; they are large, free-standing, climate controlled cabinets that contain the necessary equipment to provide the internet service across the fiber network.
Batteries in the cabinets can keep the network powered for up to eight hours in the event of a power failure, and a generator can be used in a more extended outage. The remainder of the network in North Escambia is passive — no other power or equipment needed along the fiber to provide service.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: The installation of a fiber cabinet at the EREC Bratt Substation on Bratt Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Food And Backpack Distribution Set For Saturday In Gonzalez
July 17, 2023
A food and school backpack distribution will be held Saturday, July 22 in Gonzalez.
The event begins at 8 a.m, with line up no earlier than 7:30 a.m., at the Gonzalez Methodist Church at 2026 Pauline Street. The event will continue while supplies last (a minimum of 300 families).
Rep. Michelle Salzman, the Gonzalez Methodist Church and other community partners are sponsoring the event, which is open to all in need with no eligibility requirements.
“We understand that going back to school is a struggle for many families, so during our Fall Food Distribution, we are also giving away backpacks, courtesy of Ascend Cares, State Farm Tyler Kercher, Kevin Stephens, and Jubilee Church. Along with our food distribution, we want our families to get a good start for the new school year,” Salzman said.
Pictured: A similar distribution was held last July at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Seeks Volunteers For Merit System Protection Board
July 17, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for appointment to the Escambia County Merit System Protection Board. Residents who wish to apply are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by the close of business on July 21, 2023.
Two vacancies are available for the MSPB: one vacancy will be filled immediately following appointment by the Escambia County Commission, while the second vacancy will be filled effective October 1, 2023
Resumes should be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to:
Jose Gochez, Program Coordinator
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 1591
Pensacola, FL 32502
All submittals are subject to public records requests.
Gas Prices Drop A Few Cents On Average In Florida
July 17, 2023
Gas prices decreased a few cents on average last week in Florida.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Florida was $3.41, down from $3.46 last week, according to AAA. In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $3.20.
In North Escambia, a low of $2.98 was available at one station on Muscogee Road in Cantonment. In Pensacola several stations were below $3, including a low of $2.97 on Pine Forest Road.
Sunday’s state average remained below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon.
Barons Beat Blue Wahoos In Lopsided 15-2 Finale
July 17, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their road trip finale to the Birmingham Barons on Sunday afternoon, falling 15-2 in their most lopsided loss of the season.
The Barons put up 15 runs on 18 hits, and benefitted from nine walks and three Pensacola errors, to take the rubber match of the three-game series.
Ben Norman delivered most of the early offense, hitting a three-run homer in the second, a two-run double in the third and a two-run single in the fourth. The Barons outfielder finished 3-for-4 with 7 RBI on the afternoon.
Pensacola starter M.D. Johnson (L, 1-3) allowed 10 runs, 9 earned, over 3.0 innings. The righty began the fourth inning, but departed without recording an out as the Barons stacked up seven runs in the frame to put the game out of reach.
Birmingham starter Matt Thompson (W, 4-9) allowed two runs on three hits over 5.0 innings. A Nasim Nuñez RBI double in the third inning and Cody Morissette RBI groundout in the sixth accounted for the only Blue Wahoos runs of the game.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game home series against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Tuesday.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Fleeing From Deputies
July 16, 2023
A Cantonment woman is in the Escambia County Jail without bond after allegedly fleeing from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Emily Dawn King, 25, was charged with felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer and violation of probation.
A deputy attempted a traffic stop on a Dodge Charger in the area of Broad Street and Pensacola Boulevard for an apparent window tint violation. After the deputy activated the emergency lights his on vehicle, the Charger continue northbound at speeds reaching 60 mph, according to an arrest report. The deputy terminated and last saw the car near Nine Mile Road and Highway 29.
A short time later, another deputy observed the Dodge Charger and attempted a traffic stop near Highway 29 and West Roberts Road. The vehicle abruptly merged across the traffic lanes and ultimately turned on Pompano Road.
Deputies later located King and the vehicle on Ryales Road in Cantonment.
King told deputies that she was the passenger in the car, and her ex-boyfriend was the driver, the report states. She then made additional statements to law enforcement that were redacted from the arrest report.
Four people at the Ryales Road residence told deputies that they did not know why King was there, and she had arrived alone just before law enforcement, according to the ECSO.
Records indicated that King was on probation in a 2017 narcotics case.
The Dodge Charger was seized.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Fillingim Landing Alcohol; Fishing And Violations
July 16, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Hahr was patrolling the Fillingim Landing recreation area within Perdido River Wildlife Management Area where many swimmers were present. The sandbars were heavily littered with beer cans and other trash. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parts of the Perdido River WMA. In a few hours, the officer issued 14 citations for possession of alcoholic beverages and underaged alcohol possession.
Officer Corbin was on patrol when he observed a vehicle braking hard to avoid rear ending another vehicle. The vehicle then began driving down the middle of two lanes of traffic before failing to stay on the roadway during two turns. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver showed signs of impairment and had a strong odor of alcohol. The driver refused to perform the standardized field sobriety tasks and was arrested for driving under the influence.
Officers Bower, Corbin, and Hahr were on patrol when they observed a derelict vessel on the shoreline of Ft. Pickens. The keel is buried in the sand and the only propulsion is the sail. The vessel owner was located and advised of the situaiton. The vessel owner was unsure when he could remove the vessel. He was charged with storing a derelict vessel on state waters.
Officer Hahr was on patrol in the Pensacola Pass when he observed a charter vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico. He stopped the vessel to check their catch, and the captain stated they had caught a blacktip shark. When inspecting the shark, Officer Hahr identified it as a spinner shark, a similar species, and provided information about the difference between blacktip and spinner sharks. The spinner shark was approximately 10” under the legal size and the captain was issued a citation for possession of the undersized shark.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Burkhead and Roberson were patrolling Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they noticed a truck parked with a male and a female on a closed road inside of the management area. When the officers went to address the violation, they found the registered owner of the vehicle to be currently on probation for numerous drug offenses. Officer Burkhead noticed that the female appeared under the influence of some unknown drug. The officers gained consent to search the vehicle and located a large bag of a white crystal substance as well as a glass smoking device under the seat. The male immediately admitted the substance was his. Upon further investigation, they found that the substance tested positive for methamphetamine and the amount to be over 14 grams in weight. The subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, trafficking of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation. The subject was transported and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Officers Burkhead and Pettey were conducting an investigation involving deer depredation permits. While interviewing with the subject, they noticed he never closed out a current deer depredation permit he was using the night before. The subject was charged with failing to produce and keep a copy of the permit in his possession as well as other deer depredation permit violations.
Officers Burkhead and Wilkenson received a report regarding a vessel that had recently become derelict in Indian Bayou. The officers located the vessel and found it to be in a submerged and wrecked condition. The officers learned the vessel had been sold recently. When the officers located the person who was in last control of the vessel, they conducted an interview and found the subject had capsized the vessel and left it in the water in a wrecked condition. Officer Wilkinson charged the subject with leaving a derelict vessel on state waters.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
National Wildlife Federation Certifies Wildlife Habitat At Cantonment Church
July 16, 2023
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently certified wildlife habitat at a Cantonment church.
NWF said St. Monica’s Episcopal Church has created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife movement.
NWF said the effort creates gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.
For more photos, click or tap here.
“St. Monica’s congregation has dreamed of creating a wildlife habitat since moving from Watson Avenue to the Highway 95A location in 1999. The property with its vast acreage and pond was ideal for such a project. After the unexpected death in February of our pastor, Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II, a former marine biologist, we thought it a fitting tribute to complete the application process. He loved the great outdoors and could often be found surveying the property in cleric’s collar and cargo shorts identifying the edible and other native plants that grow here,” the church said.
The pond provides a constant source of drinking water for birds, while other species including some amphibians, insects and other wildlife live in the water. Pecan trees, berries, foliage and twigs provide food. Dense shrubs, brush piles, and ground cover offer shelter. Some of those same elements including the pecan and various other trees provide wildlife a safe place to raise young. Soil and water conservation, the control of exotic species and organic practices are the final certification components that needed to be in place.
“Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities,” said NWF Naturalist David Mizejewski. “Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban area or a rural plot of land, you can make a difference for local wildlife. Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is fun, easy and makes a real difference for neighborhood wildlife. It’s the perfect grassroots way to think globally and act locally and help birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife,” he added.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Attempted Homicide For Attacking His Father With A Hatchet
July 16, 2023
An Escambia County man is charged with attacking his father with a hatchet early Saturday morning.
James William Carpenter, 23, was charged with attempted homicide and criminal mischief following the incident on Quail Hollow Boulevard north East Nine Mile Road.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Carpenter became involved in an argument with his father before attacking him with the hatchet. The father was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with lacerations to his arm. An update on his condition was not available.
Carpenter was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots
July 16, 2023
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The I-10 Welcome Center located on I-10 eastbound, (mile marker four) will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, July 16 Thursday, July 20. In addition, the outside lane of I-10 eastbound near the Welcome Center and the on- and off-ramps to the Welcome Center will be closed. Drivers may use the I-10 eastbound rest area at mile marker 29 during these times. The Welcome Center, along with the front and middle parking lots, will remain open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., but the truck parking area will remain closed until work concludes at the Welcome Center this summer.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete later this summer.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Lillian Highway, between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, July 16 through Thursday, July 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving and widening work.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Theo Baars Bridge and Bauer Road, Sunday, July 16 through Thursday, July 20 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place friction course on the roadway.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed until fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- U.S. 90 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at North G Street Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at North Reus Street Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at West Garden Street Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Turn Lane Construction South of Nine Mile Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 and Sunday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving operation..
- Beulah Road Turn Lane Construction at U.S. 90 Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 through Sunday, July 28 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation.
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Turn Lane Construction North of West Roberts – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, July 17 through Monday, July 31 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operation.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- 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 Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, July 16, through Friday, July 21, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, July 17 and Thursday, July 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance on Blackwater Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent westbound lane closures near Exit 28, Sunday, July 16 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.