Ribbon Cutting Held For New FDLE Regional Operations Center
July 12, 2023
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the new Pensacola Regional Operations Center (PROC). The new building is named after former FDLE Commissioner James T. Moore, who served in that role from 1988 to 2003.
“This move, one of the most significant such undertakings FDLE has accomplished in its 55-year history, was accomplished both ahead of schedule and under budget. This was made possible because of the support given to FDLE by Florida’s lawmakers and because the FDLE members who, throughout the years, worked to bring this project to fruition,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said.
“This new FDLE facility gives our members the opportunity to continue to be leaders and innovators in our field, and room to grow to better serve the needs of our local and statewide law enforcement partners and the citizens in our communities,” FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said.
FDLE moved into the new building on Commerce Park Circle in April.
Tate High Graduate Landen George Signs Golf Scholarship With Coastal Alabama
July 12, 2023
Tuesday, Tate High School 2023 graduate Landen George signed a full ride scholarship with Coastal Alabama Community College to further his golf and academic career. He was joined by his family, friends, staff members and future coaches. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle On North Century Boulevard Has Passed Away; Second Remains Hospitalized
July 11, 2023
One of the two Brewton women struck by vehicles last Thursday night in Century has died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Both were walking across a North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) construction zone near Rudolph Street, in front of the Vallarta restaurant, about 8:30 p.m.. It is commonplace for restaurant patrons to park across the four-lane highway at an abandoned building and walk across the road.
Both women were airlifted to a Sacred Heart Hospital as “trauma alerts”.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 36-year old Flat Rock, Alabama, man was traveling southbound when he noticed the pedestrians walking across the road. He attempted to swerve and avoid a collision but struck a 34-year old woman from Brewton. She remains hospitalized.
The second pedestrian, a 53-year old Brewton woman, attempted to care for the first pedestrian. She later passed away from her injuries.
Troopers said the driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe, a 71-year old Brewton man, failed to see the second pedestrian.
The crash closed all lanes of North Century Boulevard.
Both drivers and three passengers — ages 1, 7 and 35 — in the pickup were not injured.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, Flomaton MedStar EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Flomaton Police Department, MedStar Air Care helicopter and ShandsCair helicopter responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wanted Grand Theft Suspect Arrested After Manhunt In Bratt
July 11, 2023
A man wanted on felony warrants was arrested after a search warrant and manhunt in Bratt on Tuesday.
Jimmy Lavon Wiggins was wanted for obstruction of justice and two counts of grand theft, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He also had three active warrants for previous charges of grand theft and violation of probation.
Officers and K-9s were involved in a search for Wiggins in the area of Still and Rigby roads off Highway 4.
Wiggins was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,500.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Development Proposed With Over 2,350 Apartments, 2,000 Home Lots On Nearly 1,500 Acres
July 11, 2023
A St. Petersburg, Florida, investment firm is seeking to construct a large mixed-used development on nearly 1,500 acres in Molino.
The Woodland Park development, once completed, would have 2,356 townhomes and apartments, 2,065 single family lots (50′ x 120′ or 60′ x 130′), nearly 100 acres for commercial development, plus land for a fire station, school and other public uses, according to planning documents. The 1,486 acre development would be located west of Highway 29 and south of Highway 196 in Molino on land already owned by the investment company.
Exit 3 Investments, LLC has multiple applications pending this week before the Escambia County Planning Board as they seek to opt parcels out of the Escambia County Sector Plan and rezone multiple parcels for higher densities.
For the most part, Escambia County Planning staff found that all three rezoning requests are consistent with the comprehensive plan and the county’s land development code.
However, planning staff the proposed amendment to the high density residential (HDR) use is not consistent with the land development code on one side of the property that is next to agricultural zoning. Staff also found that the proposed high density residential zone is not compatible with surrounding uses because that provides for residential neighborhood development with a greater dwelling unit density within urban areas — not adjoining an agriculture zone.
“The land uses or development conditions within the area surrounding the properties are changing as development appears to be moving to the north and west. The development within the area has remained residential large lots with activities that support agricultural uses. Potential uses allowed in HDR would not be compatible with the existing surrounding development patterns,” county staff wrote in their report on the rezoning request on the most northern part of the parcel near Highway 196.
The Escambia County Planning Board will consider the Exit 3 applications for Woodland Park during a public meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Escambia County Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola.
WOODLAND PARK
Transportation
The applicant states they have an existing agreement with Escambia County for the construction of a roadway to be named Woodland Parkway from an extension of the existing Mathison Road to intersection with a western extension of Quintette Road, which would be funded by the county.
Water and Sewer
The development would be served entirely by Molino Utilities with a backup connection to Cottage Hill Water Works. An on-site water storage facility would be constructed “at some point” to increase pressure for fire protection. Sewer would be provided by ECUA.
Schools
Exit 3 would donate 40 acres to the Escambia County School District for a new K-8 school.
Other Infrastructure
The developer would donate 20 acres to Escambia County for community services such as a fire station, library, storm water facilities, and other public uses as the county sees fit.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
International Paper Assembles More Than 500 Feminine Care Kits For Community
July 11, 2023
Employee volunteers at International Paper Pensacola gathered recently to assemble more than 500 feminine care kits to end “period poverty”.
This is the second year International Paper has packed feminine hygiene kits for the community. The kits include feminine products and a personalized note in a discrete bag. The kits were distributed to the Health and Hope Clinic, Pace Center for Girls and United Way of West Florida.
“We are proud to support the organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the young women in our community,” said Nicole Crawley, area process manager, Pensacola Mill. “Period poverty is a serious issue that not many people realize exists, and we must work together to care for and uplift members in our community.”
Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health management supplies and education, and it can have serious consequences. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame.
Firefighters Rescue Kitten From Walmart Parking Lot Storm Drain
July 11, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue recently rescued a kitten from a storm drain at a Walmart Neighborhood Market off Pine Forest Road.
Firefighters from Ensley’s Engine 6 responded to a call and confirmed that the kitten was stuck in the storm drain. They were able to quickly remove the cover and locate the kitten.
The kitten was turned over to the care of the original caller.
$7.5 Million Construction Project Continues On Mobile Highway From Nine Mile To Pine Forest
July 11, 2023
A $7.5 million resurfacing project is underway on Mobile Highway between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road.
The project, which began in September 2022, also includes:
- Installation of a new traffic signal at Klondike Road, and signal improvements at Blue Angel Parkway.
- Renewing guardrail, signing, and pavement markings.
- Improving various drainage structures.
- Widening for turn lane additions, to include five-foot “keyhole” bicycle lanes, at the Woodside Road, Klondike Road, and Millview Road intersections.
The project is currently estimated to be completed in early 2024.
Pictured: Equipment is staged to begin drilling for the foundation of the new traffic signal mast at Klondike Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Commission Cancels COW Meeting Again
July 11, 2023
The Escambia County Commission has canceled Thursday’s planned Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting.
The COW is a workshop type meeting held for commission discussion, but no votes are taken.
The meeting has been canceled for each of the last several months.
High School Basketball Coach Charged With Aggravated Assault, Battery
July 10, 2023
A high school basketball coach and teacher has been charged with assault and battery related charges following an incident Sunday afternoon.
Michael Taylor, 48, was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – dating violence, felony domestic battery by strangulation, misdemeanor cyberstalking, and misdemeanor battery.
Taylor was the head basketball coach at Northview High School for the 2019-2020 season where he had a record of 0-22. He was later hired by West Florida High School as a basketball coach and a teacher, according to the school website and social media.
Taylor allegedly held a firearm to the victim’s head, then strangled them until they passed out, according to an arrest report. He also allegedly cyberstalked the victim on July 9, and physically struck the victim several times between the dates of July 2 and July 7, the report continues.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor had a “continuing and significant relationship of romantic nature for approximately two years” with the unnamed victim.
Taylor remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday afternoon where he was being held without bond.
According to the Escambia County Public Schools, Taylor is now suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, as required by Florida statute.