Update: Woman Last Seen Sunday Night In Beulah Located
June 19, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to locate a missing endangered adult last seen in Beulah.
ECSO said 37-year old Margaret Hull was last seen at 8:15 p.m. Sunday in the 9800 block of Beulah Road.
She has brown hair, blue eyes and was wearing a yellow shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Most Government Offices Closed Today For Juneteenth
June 19, 2023
Most Escambia County offices and facilities and Century offices will be closed Monday in observance of the federal Juneteenth holiday.
TOWN OF CENTURY
All Town of Century offices will be closed.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
The following Escambia County offices will be closed on June 19, 2023.
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - all departments including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- ECAT administrative offices
Open On Monday/Exceptions
- ECAT will run current weekday service Monday, June 19. UWF trolleys will not run. Regular service will resume Tuesday, June 20.
- The Clerk’s Official Records, Finance, Treasury and Clerk to the Board offices located at 221 Palafox Place will be closed. The Clerk’s Century office located at 7500 N. Century Blvd. will also be closed. All other Clerk’s offices located at the MC Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Juvenile Building and Public Records Center will be open.
- The Perdido Landfill will be open with regular hours Monday, June 19.
Boil Water Notice For Stacey Road Rescinded
June 19, 2023
UPDATE: THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS RESCINDED JUNE 22.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on all of Stacey Road.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
This story will be updated when the advisory has been lifted.
Avoid The Slowdowns: This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 19, 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 (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 shoulder and lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be milling and paving and completing drainage improvements.
- 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 16 to Friday, June 23 as crews mill and resurface the roadway, adjust utility manholes, and perform striping work.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures throughout June. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. 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 Innerarity Point Road and Bauer Road, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22 as crews place friction course on the roadway.
- SR 297 (Pine Forest Road) Coring Operations from South of I-10 to U.S. 90 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 19 through Thursday, June 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) Routine Undergrounded Utility Maintenance at the North G Street Intersection – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, June 20 through Friday, June 23 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole rehabilitation.
- U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) Routine Undergrounded Utility Maintenance at the North B Street Intersection – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside eastbound lane closures Tuesday, June 20 through Friday, June 23 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for manhole rehabilitation.
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 Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 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 18, through Friday, June 23, 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 19 through Friday, June 23 for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction at West Florida Baptist Church in Milton – Motorists will encounter nighttime lane closure Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 30 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Average State Gas Price Declines, Local Price Rises
June 19, 2023
Florida gas prices are declining once again, according to AAA. After reaching a four-week high of $3.47 per gallon on Tuesday, the state average steadily declined a total of six cents by Sunday.
“Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $3.41 per gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Summertime fuel demand is off to a strong start, which will likely contribute to continued volatility in prices at the pump through the next several months.”
In Escambia County, the average Sunday night was $3.24, up from $3.20 last week. In North Escambia, a low of $3.15 was available at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while the warehouse clubs in Pensacola were at $2.99.
Blue Wahoos Fall In Finale With Biscuits
June 19, 2023
The Blue Wahoos stumbled to the end of their two-week homestand.
But they remained standing on the doorstep Sunday of clinching another half-season division win and securing a chance to defend their Southern League championship.
Trailing 7-1 in the eighth inning with only two hits in the game, the Blue Wahoos got a flyover from the Blue Angels, learned of Montgomery’s win, staged a five-run rally, then had the winning run at the plate in the ninth before the Mississippi Braves held on for a 7-6 victory.
A capacity crowd (5,038) – the third straight of the weekend at Blue Wahoos Stadium – went from silent to screaming in the final two innings. M-Braves’ top closer Victor Vodnik struck out the final two batters, Norel González and Griffin Conine, to strand tying runner Nasim Nuñez at first base and seal the win.
After winning the first two games of this series, the Blue Wahoos have lost four straight for the first time this season.
All was not lost, however.
The Blue Wahoos continued receiving help from the Montgomery Biscuits, who held off the Biloxi Shuckers 6-5 to win their series Sunday and set up a simple scenario.
There are six games left in the first half of the Southern League schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one road win against the Tennessee Smokies when that series begins Tuesday to clinch the first half. The other three teams in the division – Biloxi, Montgomery, Mississippi – would each have to go 6-0 in series against North Division teams to avoid elimination.
The Biscuits, now in second place, trail by five games. But the Blue Wahoos hold the tie breaker in this case. The Blue Wahoos lead Biloxi by six games – the Shuckers hold the tiebreaker – so it would take six losses and six Biloxi wins against the Chattanooga Lookouts to change the South Division standings.
Same with the M-Braves, who face Rocket City and trail by 5.5 games.
The North Division standings are much closer. The Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds affiliate, lead the Smokies by a half-game after Sunday’s results.
The M-Braves continued their winning formula Sunday against the Blue Wahoos. They jumped to a big lead on big blasts and put the Blue Wahoos in a deep mid-inning hole.
Four different M-Braves hitters smashed home runs against three different pitchers. That equated into 18 homers struck in the six games this week against Blue Wahoos pitchers.
Meanwhile, M-Braves starter Tanner Gordon, who was hit hard Tuesday, carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before J.D. Orr’s single.
In the seventh, Cody Morissette drove in the first run after González walked and advanced on a wild pitch.
Trailing 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Blue Wahoos produced five runs on one hit. Three M-Braves pitchers combined to give up six walks and a hit batter, leading into the rally. The Blue Wahoos finished with just three hits in the game.
But it took Vodnik fanning González, then getting Conine on a 100-mph fastball, to end the game and thwart the Blue Wahoos’ improbable comeback.
Blue Wahoos starter Jake Walters, making only his second start this season, struggled in four innings, allowing a pair of home runs to absorb the loss.
The Blue Wahoos will now begin another two-week road trip to conclude June, beginning on Tuesday against the Tennessee Smokies, who are battling for first-place against the Lookouts for the Southern League North Division first half title.
The Blue Wahoos will use Monday as a travel day for their longest road trip, an eight-hour bus ride to Kodak, Tennessee, located near Knoxville. They will finish the first half schedule with a six-game series against the Tennessee Smokies beginning Tuesday. The Smokies are the Chicago Cubs’ Double-A affiliate.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Did Your Power Go Out? Let’s Talk About Your Fridge And Food Safety
June 18, 2023
Many North Escambia area residents lost power for many hours this past week, some for more than 24 hours, as the result of storms.
And that brings food safety to mind.
The bottom line? When in doubt, throw it out.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension Service says the clock starts ticking when the power goes out.
According to UF/IFAS:
Once the inside of your fridge goes above 40 degrees, the “danger zone,” you typically you have about four hours before food starts to spoil. Freezers take longer to reach the “danger zone”. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for 4 hours. A full freezer that is unopened will keep food frozen for 48 hours, about 24 hours for a freezer that is half full.
Perishable foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40° F for over 2 hours should be thrown out. Never taste food to determine its safety. If unsure of the length of time that your perishable food has been exposed to temperatures above 40° F use a food thermometer. If the internal temperature reads 40° F or above, discard the food item.
If the temperature of the refrigerator rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, you will need to discard the perishable foods listed below:
- meat, poultry, seafood
- cold cuts, hot dogs
- casseroles
- custards, pudding
- cream, sour cream
- soft cheeses, shredded cheeses, low-fat cheeses
- yogurt, milk
- eggs
- creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce
- cookie dough, refrigerator biscuits or rolls
- cooked pasta, rice, pasta salads
- pizza
- cut fresh fruits
- greens, cooked vegetables, opened vegetable juice
- baked or mashed potatoes, potato salad
Any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture also should be discarded. Never taste foods to determine their safety!
Foods that are safe, even if held at 40°F (4°C) or above for more than two hours, are:
- hard and processed cheeses that are properly wrapped
- grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses
- margarine that is properly wrapped
- canned or uncut fresh fruit and fruit juices (but discard if they look, feel, smell, or taste unusual)
- fresh vegetables, canned vegetables
- herbs, spices
- breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, bagels, pancakes, waffles
- peanut butter, jelly, relish, mustard, ketchup, olives
- taco, barbecue, and soy sauces
Opened jars of mayonnaise, tartar sauce, or horseradish (unless held at 50°F for more than eight hours)–then throw them away
Frozen foods that have partially or completely thawed can be refrozen if they contain ice crystals. If they have completely thawed but are still at a temperature of 40°F or below, they also can be refrozen. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Although partial thawing and refreezing of these foods will be safe, the quality of some foods, especially vegetables and fruits, may be reduced. Hard cheeses, breads, and fruits and vegetables and their juices–if they look and smell normal–can be refrozen even if they have been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
One way to ensure the safety of thawed meat products that have been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or less is to cook them immediately. Either serve the food immediately or refreeze the cooked item. Be sure to cook to the proper temperatures, checking internal temperatures with a thermometer. Refrigerate and use within two days or freeze the leftovers immediately.
Flomaton Police Serve Search Warrant, Arrest Local Man For Burglary
June 18, 2023
A Flomaton man was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a local business.
The Flomaton Police Department executed a search warrant at Old Sardine Road. Police said they found 43-year old Adam Jameson Buckley in possession of “several thousands of dollars worth of items” that were taken during the burglary of S & S Construction on Pecan Leaf Lane in Flomaton with the last few weeks.
Buckley was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on charges of theft of property first degree and burglary second degree. Both charges are felonies.
He remained in jail without bond.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Tuesday In Cantonment
June 18, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, June 20 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Boating, Fishing And Iguana Violations
June 18, 2023
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement recently reported the following activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Specialist Allgood was conducting safety and resource inspections at Wilson Robertson boat ramp. He observed a vessel returning to the dock around sunset. The officer noticed the vessel had a Florida decal but displayed out of state registration numbers. Officer Allgood conducted an inspection on the vessel and recognized the owner/operator of the vessel from two previous boating under the influence investigations last summer. The officer checked to see if the operator paid his $500 civil penalty for refusing to provide a breath sample. It was determined the operator had not paid the penalty; therefore could not legally operate a vessel on state waters. Officer Allgood issued the subject a notice to appear for operating a vessel on state waters without paying a previous refusal citation.
Senior Officer Hahr completed an investigation into a trespass complaint on property owned by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. A caretaker observed a man enter the property and drive through with a loaded rifle. The witness called Officer Allgood who was familiar with the subject. He contacted Officers Hahr and Senst who interviewed the suspect and witness. A .30-30 rifle was seized and a warrant was obtained charging the subject with armed trespass.
Officer Allgood was on patrol at a boat ramp and observed a vessel displaying dive gear. He conducted a resource inspection and discovered an undersized gray triggerfish. One of the individuals on the boat took responsibility for the undersized fish. Officer Allgood issued a resource citation for possessing an undersized gray triggerfish.
While on patrol at a boat ramp, Officer Allgood observed a vessel with fishing rods and conducted a resource inspection. During the inspection, he located an undersized scamp. Officer Allgood issued the appropriate citation for the illegal fish.
Officer Allgood was conducting resource inspections at the Pensacola Pass when he observed a vessel returning from fishing. He conducted a resource inspection on the vessel and determined several fish were undersized. He issued citations for undersized gray triggerfish and undersized Spanish mackerel.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Roberson was dispatched to a call regarding Santa Rosa County deputies traffic stop on the interstate. They needed help regarding iguanas in the back of an individual’s truck and wanted to know if a permit was needed for possession of the iguanas. Officer Roberson responded and spoke with Investigator Williams while on the way. Investigator Williams stated they needed a permit for green iguanas. Officer Roberson arrived on scene and determined the subjects were in possession of green iguanas. Officer Roberson interviewed the individual who was in possession, and it was determined there were no permits for the iguanas and there was a violation regarding their safe storage and transportation. Officer Roberson booked the individual into jail for no proper permits and violation of transporting/storing the iguanas properly.
Officer Bower received a complaint about an illegal species of fish being advertised for sale on social media. An inspection revealed invasive lionfish were being transported from California into Florida and sold to the public. It is illegal to possess and sell an invasive species imported from another state. Live coral was also found on the premises without proper documentation. The store owner was issued a notice to appear citation for importation and sale of lionfish.
Officer Bower was conducting resource inspections in the Santa Rosa Sound and observed two subjects fishing from the shore. Both subjects had valid fishing licenses. Officer Bower observed a line in the water tied to a rock, and asked the subjects if they had any luck catching any fish. The subjects explained they were catching spotted sea trout and showed the officer the fish. The trout were under the legal-size limit. One of the subjects admitted to harvesting the undersized spotted sea trout and was issued a notice to appear citation.
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.