FPL’s Third North Escambia Solar Farm Is Under Construction In Molino
June 25, 2023
Florida Power & Light’s third solar farm in North Escambia is under construction in Molino.
The Sparkleberry Solar Energy Center is coming to 553 acres at the south end of Pilgrim Trail off Highway 97. According to FPL, over 200,000 solar panels will generate nearly 75 megawatts — enough energy to power 15,000 homes.
The Molino Sparkleberry solar farm is roughly the same size as two others in North Escambia.
The 300,000 solar panels at the Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center on Bogia Road near McDavid have been in operation since early 2022, producing up to about 75 megawatts.
The First City Solar Energy Center, the second FPL solar site to be built in North Escambia, off Holland, Cox and Roach roads in McDavid went online February 2, 2023, also with an output of 75 megawatts.
“This is an exciting time for our customers in Northwest Florida. Solar energy centers provide our customers with low-cost, reliable electricity,” said FPL Northwest Vice President and General Manager J.T. Young. “We’re investing in this innovative technology on behalf of our customers to reduce fuel costs and further Florida’s energy independence by harnessing Florida’s abundant sunshine.”
Pictured: The entrance to the Sparkleberry Solar Energy Center as seen Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
Dustin Vaughn Is New Cantonment Rotary Club President
June 25, 2023
The Rotary Club of Cantonment recently installed Dustin Vaughn as its new president for the next year.
A product of Ransom Middle and Tate High schools, Vaughn will lead a club that has seen nine new members in the previous leadership of Tony Lee. He is currently employed at Harvesters Federal credit Union and is married with three children.
Now in its 75th year, the Rotary Club of Cantonment continues to support many projects for the area, primarily north of Nine Mile Road. The club also funds various scholarships and other philanthropic projects throughout the area.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Fillingim Landing Underage Party; Fishing And Violations
June 25, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Allgood and Hahr were working in the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area when they observed five 13- to 18-year-olds carrying a cooler of beer onto the sandbar at Fillingim Landing. Before the officers made contact, they observed them smoking cannabis and drinking beer. The youths stated they had bought a half ounce of cannabis, THC vape cartridges, and the case of beer in preparation for their night out. The two adults were issued notices to appear for the violations and the three juveniles were referred to Department of Juvenile Justice.
Officers Allgood and Hahr were patrolling near Pensacola Bay when they observed a charter boat fishing in the military exclusion area. They conducted a vessel stop and explained to the captain he could not fish in the restricted area. A fishery inspection revealed a red snapper located in the fish box. Officers issued the captain a resource citation for possession of a red snapper during the closed season.
Officer Allgood was patrolling in the Pensacola Bay area and observed an individual fishing from a vessel near the Ft. Pickens fishing pier. He conducted a resource inspection and asked to see their fishing license. The captain on the boat provided an individual commercial fishing license and said they were fishing commercially. The other two subjects were fishing without a commercial fishing license. The officer inspected their fish and found undersized pompano and Spanish mackerel. Notice to appear citations were issued for the violations.
Lieutenant Lambert conducted a resource inspection on a fishing vessel as it returned to the Navy Point Boat Ramp. When he was about to open a cooler to inspect the catch, the captain of the boat revealed they had undersized spotted sea trout. The inspection revealed 10 trout with four of them being undersized. Citations were issued for undersized sea trout and possession of over the daily bag limit.
Officers Allgood and Hahr were on patrol in Perdido River Wildlife Management Area and observed an individual driving into the area. The subject was later observed drinking vodka and was charged with driving with a revoked license and possession of alcoholic beverages in Perdido River WMA.
While on patrol in the Perdido River, Officer McHenry noticed an individual fishing with free-floating noodles. The subject was also using bream for bait. Both these methods are illegal in Florida. Citations were issued for the violations.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
While on patrol, Officer Mullins observed a vessel operating on plane in an idle speed zone in Blackwater River. When contacting the vessel and its four occupants, one of the subjects exposed his backside to the officer and nearby members of the public. Officers Wilkenson and Roberson assisted with the subjects, who tried to leave the area. An inspection revealed the possession of alcohol, and each subject was under the age of 21. The operator was issued the appropriate citations/warnings for boating violations. Each subject was issued a notice to appear for possession of alcohol under 21 years of age. Officers stressed the importance of boating laws, safety, and possession/ consumption of alcohol while recreating on the water.
Officer Land was on patrol near Milton Marina when he observed an individual on a personal watercraft operating on plane within the idle speed zone in Quinn Bayou. Officer Land gave the subject loud verbal commands to approach the shoreline. When Officer Land began speaking to the subject, he noticed the individual was sunburnt and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. When the subject spoke, Officer Land detected the smell of alcohol. Officer Land asked the subject if he had been drinking, and the individual stated he had been. Officer Land asked the individual to perform a seated standardized field sobriety tasks. At the conclusion of the tasks the individual was placed under arrest for operating a vessel with normal faculties impaired. The Individual was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
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.
New Cafeteria At Beulah Elementary Is Complete
June 25, 2023
The new cafeteria bat Beulah Elementary School.
The new $4.5 million cafeteria was part of $9.5 million in upgrades at the school, which were to include conversion of the old cafeteria into classroom, P.E. facilities and $1.5 million earmarked for construction sitework including stormwater retention, sidewalks and other improvements.
The cafeteria and upgrades at Beulah Elementary School were funded with half cent sales tax funds.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Zones
June 25, 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 truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed through the end of summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- 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 on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next 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 daytime shoulder and lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will continue drainage improvements, final grading and sodding work.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Navy Boulevard, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, June 23 through Thursday, June 29 as crews work on the sidewalks.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard), between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street, will be shifted to the outside (right) travel lanes beginning Tuesday, June 27. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction. The shift will be in place for approximately 30-45 days 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, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25 through Thursday, June 29 as crews place friction course on the roadway.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and intermittent turn lane closures Sunday, June 25 through Thursday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place thermoplastic pavement markings on the roadway and perform final work list items.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Coring Operations from South of I-10 to U.S. 90 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, June 25 through Thursday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (Cervantes Street) Routine Utility Maintenance between Palafox Street and Baylen Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Thursday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for power pole replacement.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Routine Bridge Maintenance over CSX Railroad Overpass – Motorists will encounter lane closure Sunday, June 25 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 8A Southbound Overpass – Motorists will encounter lane closure at Cervantes Street ramp Exit 2 Monday, June 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 752 (East Texar Drive) Overpass – Motorists will encounter lane closure south of S.R. 295 Tuesday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine maintenance.
- At Cervantes Ramp Exit 2
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 296 (Brent Lane) Overpass – Motorists will encounter lane closure south of I-10 Wednesday, June 28 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers will encounter nighttime lane closures on U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28 through 5:30 a.m. Thursday, June 29 as crews perform asphalt work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- 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 Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29 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, June 25, through Thursday, June 29, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- The closure at the east entrance of Fordham Parkway will remain closed. This temporary closure will allow crews to install new drainage structures. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Fordham Parkway via College Parkway. Detour signs will be in place. Businesses may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- 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, June 26 through Thursday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction at West Florida Baptist Church in Milton – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closure Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Turn Lane Closure at Distribution Drive – Motorists will encounter turn lane closure Monday, June 26 through Friday, July 14 for construction activities.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Garcon Point Road – Motorists will encounter lane closure west of S.R. 87 Sunday, June 25 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for routine maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Mary Street in Milton – Motorists will encounter lane closure Tuesday, June 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine utility maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Blue Wahoos Split Doubleheader With Historic Win
June 25, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped the first game of their Saturday doubleheader 6-4 to the Tennessee Smokies, but rallied late to take the nightcap 6-5 and secure the best half-season record in franchise history.
At 41-27 with one game to play in the half, the Blue Wahoos officially surpassed the 2016 club that went 41-29 in the first half en route to a division title.
In game one, the Smokies used the long ball to take an early lead against Luis Palacios (L, 4-3). Haydn McGeary hit a two-run homer in the first, and Nelson Maldonado and Jordan Nwogu went back-to-back in the second, to put Tennessee ahead for good.
RBI singles from Victor Mesa Jr. and Griffin Conine brought the Blue Wahoos to within a run at 4-3, but Zac Leigh worked 2.0 effective innings of relief for the Smokies and Owen Caissie added two insurance runs with a double in the fifth to extend the Tennessee lead to 6-3.
In the seventh and final inning, Conine led off with a double and Troy Johnston followed with an RBI single before Danis Correa (S, 3) closed out the win.
In game two, Tennessee once again jumped out early with a first-inning home run from Caissie. José Devers evened the score with a Pensacola homer, and Conine brought in Nasim Nuñez with an RBI single in the third to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 2-1.
The Smokies evened the score against Jonathan Bermudez (W, 1-2) with a fourth-inning Cole Roederer RBI single, and Luis Vazquez blasted a 478-foot homer in the fifth to put Tennessee up 4-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Blue Wahoos drew three walks against Scott Kobos (L, 0-1) to tie the game 4-4 before Norel González capped the rally with a two-run single.
In the bottom of the seventh, Cristian Charle (S, 1) allowed a double and a Caissie RBI single before issuing a walk and three stolen bases to put the tying run at third and winning run at second. A strikeout of Roederer ended the game, securing a doubleheader split and eliminating the Smokies from the first half North Division race.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Smokies on Sunday afternoon.
written by Erik Bremer
Cantonment Man Charge With Battery, False Imprisonment Of Girlfriend
June 24, 2023
A Cantonment man has been charged after an alleged confrontation with his girlfriend.
Roderick Ezell Purifoy, 33, was charged with felony kidnapping false imprisonment domestic violence and misdemeanor battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Saturday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Purifoy’s girlfriend said they got into an argument that became a physical confrontation as they were taking her child somewhere, according to an arrest report. She accused him of grabbing her arm causing scratches and throwing her to the ground.
Purifoy claimed she opened the passenger door of a vehicle while they were driving and attempted to exit the vehicle. He said he grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving the moving vehicle, the report continues.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, there have been several other domestic violence incidents in the past between the two.
Escambia Sheriff’s Newest Vehicle Is a 1957 Chevy Bel Air
June 24, 2023
The newest vehicle in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office fleet is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
The non-profit Escambia County Sheriff Foundation purchased and modified the classic car to gift to the ECSO ato further promote community engagement and pay tribute to the men and women who have served at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office throughout its history.
“This has quickly become a favorite in our fleet,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “This gift allows us to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of those who have proudly served at the Sheriff’s Office throughout our 200-year history, while providing us with another opportunity for community engagement.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Escambia County Sheriff Foundation exists to promote the community engagement efforts of the Sheriff’s Office while directly supporting its employees. It is the Foundation’s hope that this privately funded gift will help enhance the engagement efforts of the sheriff’s office while evoking a sense of pride from current employees as well as those who have come before.
The Chevy Bel Air was presented during an event at the Summer Vista Assisted Living Community.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Teen Seriously Injured In Early Morning Cantonment Wreck
June 24, 2023
At least one person was seriously injured in a wreck early Saturday morning in Cantonment.
A teen male was reportedly ejected from a pickup. He was transported to a Pensacola hospital as a “trauma alert” following the 12:20 a.m. crash on Highway 29 near Tree Street.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional information.
Escambia Man Who Murdered His Girlfriend Could Be Paroled In 2059
June 24, 2023
An Escambia County murderer is looking at a possible parole date in 2059.
This week, the Florida Commission on Offender Review continued to set Sean Patrick Esty’s presumptive parole date for January 7, 2059. Esty is serving life for murdering his girlfriend in 1991 when he was 18-year old.
The murder occurred prior to the legislative changes that now require inmates to serve the entirety of a life sentence, Esty is parole eligible after 25 years, but the date set by the commission is the earliest that Esty could be paroled. He would be 86 at that time.
Esty brutally stabbed 15-year-old Lauren Ramsey with a butcher knife before retrieving a baseball bat with metal studs and beating her until she lost consciousness. He then took a machete and sliced her head and face. Esty planned the murder after Ramsey learned she was pregnant with Esty’s child.
He bought the butcher knife at Albertson’s the night of the murder and changed into a trench coat and combat boots before killing Ramsey. Her body was found in a secluded area at Gulf Islands National Seashore on December 24, 1991, two days after she disappeared.
Ramsey’s family spoke at the hearing and urged commissioners to keep Esty in prison for the remainder of his life. Assistant State Attorney John Molchan pointed out the aggravating factors and urged the commission to keep Esty from ever being released into society. Lauren’s mother, Jan Ramsey, spoke emotionally but eloquently to the commission about the significant impact the murder of her child had upon her and her family.
The State Attorney’s Office for the First Circuit said they will continue to oppose any parole for Esty.