Celebration of Life Held At Pensacola Beach For 18-Year Old Kara Santorelli
March 26, 2023
A Celebration of Life took place early Saturday morning at Pensacola Beach for 18-year old Northview High School senior Kara Santorelli.
The sunrise was shrouded in fog as family, friends and classmates gathered to remember the life of the teen killed in head-on collision early the morning of March 17 on Highway 29 just south of Quintette Road.
She was an avid runner, running her first half marathon at age eight. During Saturday’s celebration, her numerous running medals were on display.
Flowers and flower petals were placed in the water’s edge by those in attendance as a final goodbye.
“We hold tight to beautiful memories that she had left with us. Her beautiful smile and kind spirit will continue to be in the hearts of her friends and classmates,” NHS said in a statement. “We also extend our condolences to her family, praying that they find comfort and strength in the midst of their grief.”
Kara worked at Jimmy’s Grill in Molino, which closed early Friday night and was closed through lunch on Saturday. A wreath (pictured above) hung on the front door of the popular restaurant in honor of Kara.
NorthEscambia.com photo and submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
March 26, 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:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 26 through Saturday, April 1 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing paving operations and concrete curb repairs.
- 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 through April. 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.
- 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 until 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.
- · Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, March 26 through Thursday, March 30 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- 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 nighttime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing drainage and shoulder widening work.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Navy Boulevard southbound, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, March 24 through Friday, March 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be working on curb, gutters, and sidewalks.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Crews will be performing concrete work near the right turn lane from Sorrento Road to Bauer Road southbound nightly between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Flagging operations will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- U.S 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Sanford Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures Tuesday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- S.R. 95 (North Palafox Street) Routine Utility Maintenance from East Gonzalez Street to West Moreno Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Tuesday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, March 26 through Saturday, April 1 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will be performing paving operations and concrete curb repairs.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through April 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- 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, March 26, through Friday, March 31, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Beginning the week of Monday, March 27, westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Green Briar Parkway to west of Autumn Breeze Circle as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities on the outside lane.
- S.R. 87 Routine Utility Maintenance South of the East River Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- U.S. 98 Routine Maintenance West of S.R. 87 – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 27 through Thursday, March 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.
Florida Cotton Growers Association To Host Meeting Wednesday In Jay
March 26, 2023
The Florida Cotton Growers Association is hosting a series of meetings for cotton producers to learn more about policy, research, education and promotion of Florida cotton.
A meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 29 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Jay Community Center, 5259 Booker Lane in Jay.
Florida Cotton Growers Association is organized for promotional, educational, scientific and agricultural purposes:
- To promote and protect the interests of the Florida cotton industry.
- To unite all persons engaged or interested in the production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of cotton.
- To encourage the interest of federal, state, and local governments, experiment stations, and industry throughout the state to further promote educational and scientific projects which will aid the entire cotton industry in the state.
- To encourage proper cultural and cultivation practices and soil conservation in the production of cotton.
For more information, contact Madeline Wright at (850) 557-3871.
Northview Falls Short In W.S. Neal JV Tournament
March 26, 2023
The Northview Chiefs took part in a JV tournament Saturday at W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton.
For more photos, click or tap here.
W.S. Neal 6, Northview 3 (JV)
Northview took an early three point lead in the first inning against W.S. Neal but could not hold on.
Brooks started for Northview, going two innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out four.
Andalusia def. Northview
Andalusia High JV also defeated the Northview Chiefs on Saturday.
Photos by Ashley Rhodes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update: Boil Water Notice Lifted For Stacey Road
March 26, 2023
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFTED THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 29 AFTER TESTS SHOWED THE WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK.
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFTED THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 29 AFTER TESTS SHOWED THE WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK.
A precautionary boil water notice has Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Stacey Road from Quintette Road to Highway 95A.
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.
One Arrested For Arson After Fire At Nine Mile Self Storage Facility
March 25, 2023
An Escambia County man has been charged in connection with arson in connection with a fire at a Nine Mile Road self-storage facility.
Jacob Wayne Johnston, 44, was charged with second degree arson, burglary causing damage over $1,000, and criminal mischief with property damage over $1,000. He was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
The fire happened Thursday morning at Prime Storage in the 1100 block of West Nine Mile Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from the facility. The contents of two storage units were a total loss, and eight additional units suffered smoke-related damages.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives estimated damage at $50,000.
According to an arrest report, Johnston called dispatchers on Friday and said he wanted to speak with a deputy about the fire.
A deputy discovered Johnston was under investigation as an arson suspect, and that Johnston had made reference to “suicide by cop”. Investigators also found text messages from Johnston discussing the arson, according to an arrest report.
Johnston was caught on camera allegedly prying open a lock before taking several times, placing them in his truck and driving away about 15 minutes before the fire, the report states.
There were no injuries.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Gets Big Walk-Off Win Over Arnold At Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 25, 2023
A big walk-off single from Ethan McAnally on a 1-2 count gave the Tate Aggies a 4-3 win over Arnold on the big stage at Wahoos Stadium Friday night.
McAnally and Frank Randall led Tate at the plate with two hits each. Brayden Touchstone, Drew Reaves, Kaleb Posta and Caden Kelly each tallied a hit for Tate.
Reaves went six and two-thirds innings for the Aggies, allowing eight hits and three runs while striking out five. Colton Swiers pitched one-third of an inning, giving up one hit and striking out one.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Northview Beats Jay 5-1 At Wahoos Stadium (With Gallery)
March 25, 2023
For the second straight night, the Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals. Northview earned a 5-1 win at Wahoos Stadium Friday night.
Cason Burkett went three innings, allowing four hits and no runs while striking out four. Kaden Odom was on the hill for four innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two.
Jamarkus Jefferson and Burkett had one hit each for Northview.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Justin Smarr went three and third innings for Tate, allowing five runs on two hits and striking out six. Ayden Sowers led the Royals at the plate at 2-3.
Northview was coming off a 9-2 win over Jay Thursday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Iconic WWII Aircraft Open For Tours, Rides At The Pensacola Airport
March 25, 2023
The distinctive rumble of radial engines from one of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”, will be heard in the skies over Pensacola Sunday as she is visiting Pensacola International Airport as part of the AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force. The bomber is joined by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, a T-34 Mentor and a RC-45J Expeditor.
The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the ramp will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the B-24 cockpit when the aircraft is not flying.
The aircraft are staged at the Pensacola Aviation Center FBO ramp located at Pensacola International Airport, 4145 Jerry L. Maygarden Road.
The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Access to the ramp where the warbirds are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under. Supporting aircraft will be offering rides all four days. The B-24 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-24 will be available Sunday when the aircraft is done flying.
To book a ride, visit at AirPowerTour.org. (Ride prices range from $359 to $675 per person depending on aircraft and the length of flight and include ramp access.)
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Northview Shuts Out Flomaton 10-0
March 25, 2023
Emma Gilmore pitched the Northview Chiefs to a 10-0 shutout of Flomaton in four innings Friday night.
Gilmore went all four innings, recording just one hit, no runs and no errors while striking out eight.
The Chiefs took and earl 3-0 lead when Brooks tripled on a 3-1 count.
Mary-Clayton Dawson, Makayla Golson and Aubrey Stuckey each went 2-2 at the plate. Gilmore, Chloe Ragsdale, Rylee Brooks and Kendall Alvare each tallied one hit for the Chiefs.
Jacie Himes had Flomaton’s only hit for the night. McKenna Pettis took the loss for the Canes on the mound, allowing 10 hits, 10 runs, committing nine errors and striking out one.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.