Escambia County Entering New Negotiations For Entirety Of The OLF-8 Property

October 6, 2024

There’s a new top contender to purchase the county-owned OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.

The most recent group to express interest in buying the property is a partnership between Jim Wilson & Associates (JWA), a Montgomery, Alabama, based commercial real estate developer, Chad Henderson, CEO and founder of Pensacola-based Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate, and former Pensacola mayor Ashton Hayward, now a real estate developer.

The group has not offered a specific dollar figure yet, but the Escambia County Commission will move forward with negotiations to establish a number and negotiate a purchase contract. They plan a mixed use development with retail and entertainment, office, hotels, medical and light industry.

Collectively, the proposers stated that they believe the interests of the county and public “are best served by having one developer responsible for the planning and overall control of the development.” They said that process allows the use of a master plan with assured compliance.

The group wants to purchase all 330 acres, perhaps folding two existing proposals for smaller parcels on the northern fringes of the property into their plan.

“I realized the great importance and the magnitude of the stewardship that it would take to do this the right way and so myself and my partner, JW Associates, are super excited about exploring developing this property the right way in the best interest of all involved,” Henderson told the commission.

“The OLF-8 project offers a generational opportunity to apply a multitude of lessons, experiences, and resources with great stewardship while creating a significant amount of positive impact on the greater region, Henderson said in an email to the county.

“I think it’s reasonable to see these folks as a potential partner that can put the northern half in place that I know is very important to all of us,” Escambia County Commission Chairman Steven Barry said. Commissioners have discussed the northern half of the property being used for job creation. “Ideally…to allow Wes (Moreno, county administrator) and Alison (Rogers, county attorney) the opportunity to try to negotiate a purchase contract that may come back to the board in the future.”

“All of our districts…contributed to the purchase of this property,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “All citizens; I see this as a universal project for the citizens that all should get an ROI (return on investment) on their investments. For more constituents that I serve, there has to be a mutual benefit.”

May added, “we can talk about affordability and all those things, but if we don’t create a job that allows someone to live on that land, then what have we done?”

“I’m excited for the future of that project now that it looks like we’ve got some interest and a group that I feel can really take it down and do it the right way,” District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “I look forward to watching that develop…It’s going to be a great project, and it’s going to be great for Beulah.”

District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler said that he liked the idea of selling the whole property and not a portion.

“I think the board is moving in the right direction now,” Kohler added.

The county has not moved forward with other offers for the property, mostly due to contract term sticking points.

In May, Beulah Town Center, LLC (BTC) and developer Fred Hemmer increased their purchase offer to $25 million for 290 acres, but did not make an offer for the entire acreage.

“I think that we should at least give Fred (Hemmer) an opportunity to compete,” Kohler said.

“They are welcomed to make a further offer,” Barry responded. “If Fred and Beulah Town Center want to have some more communications with the board, they are welcome to send them our way.”

Locally, Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate was the developer for the East Garden District in downtown Pensacola, the planned mixed use development Ransley Station on Pine Forest Road at I-10, and the medical office building on the new Baptist Hospital Campus on Brent Lane. In the area, JWA developed the 330 acre planned community known as Eastchase and other developments in Montgomery, and a mall in Biloxi.

In January 2019, Escambia County acquired OLF-8 in a land swap with the U.S. Navy for property Escambia County purchased in Santa Rosa County for over $17 million.

Pictured top: The OLF-8 property frontage on Nine Mile Road. NorthEsambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Century High School Blackcats Class of 1974 Hold 50th Reunion

October 6, 2024

The Century High School Blackcats Class of 1974 recently celebrated their 50th class reunion at The Loft at Driskell’s in Byrneville.

Classmates and their guests had a great time reminiscing about events during their high school years together. In addition to reminiscing, dinner and other socializing, the class remembered the 17 classmates who have passed away since high school.

For more photos, click here.

Classmates (pictured top)
Front row sitting: Lela Harris, Pam Hudson Allen, Claudia Smith Williams, Joy Hayes Findley, Sandra Andrews Greenwell, and Paula Sanders Thomas
Second row: Walter “Peanut” Ingram, Rubye Williams Mitchell, Billy McCann, Terry Bryan, Claude Smith, Annette Killiam Hall, Cindy Mills Stuckey, Rhonda Hopkins Killiam, Linda Davis Thompson, Linda Adams Marinin, Gayle Mathis Aldridge, Joe Reid
Back row: Janice Watts Moore, Carmen Robinson Gaines, Minnie Grisset-Cummings, Gary Johnson, Louie Brake, Charles Scott, Larry Stuckey, Bobby Dubose, Tommy Greenwell Jr, and David Findley.

Guests (pictured below)
Front row: Cheryl Smith, Shelia Bryan, Debbie McCann, Rosa Madison, Julie Findley, Danny Findley, Ronnie Freeman, Sandra Dubose, and Rochelle Ingram
Back row: Karen Brake, Katie Scott, Calvin Mitchell, Clara Smith Gulsby, Polly Johnson, Myra Reid, Michael Allen, Randy Marinin, and Ladon Hall

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Pine Meadow Elementary Holds Fall Carnival

October 6, 2024

Pine Meadow Elementary School held their Fall Carnival Saturday at the Hadji Shrine Temple.

For more photos, click here.

The event featured inflatables, carnival games, face painting, fun treats, pumpkin patch with over 100 pumpkins, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse and more.

There were also multiple food trucks at the event.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News

Escambia County EMS Offering $10,000 Sign-On Bonus For New Paramedics

October 6, 2024

Escambia County EMS is offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for new full-time paramedics, with a goal of attracting qualified individuals with a passion for public safety to join the EMS team.

Several full-time paramedic positions are currently open, offering numerous benefits including competitive wages, shift differentials, deferred compensation, state retirement, and more. In addition to brand-new ambulances, Escambia County EMS uses state-of-the-art equipment including LifePak 15s, stretchers, Lucas devices and Stryker Power-Load systems.

To apply, click here.

The $10,000 sign-on bonus is available for newly hired full-time paramedics, to be paid out in three installments in accordance with the terms of their contract. The bonus will be paid during the first pay period of December each year for three years, paid as two $4,000 installments and one $2,000 installment.

“We are very excited to offer this $10,000 bonus to encourage qualified individuals to seek a rewarding career in public service with Escambia County EMS,” Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said. “Like many EMS agencies throughout the nation, we are constantly looking at innovative ways to enhance recruitment and increase our staffing levels. Our goal is to attract high-quality paramedics to join our hardworking, dedicated team and help us continue to provide the best possible level of care to Escambia County residents.”

Minimum qualifications for Escambia County paramedics include, but are not limited to:

High school diploma or the successful completion of the GED test
Completion of emergency medical coursework at the paramedic level, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements
Licenses and certifications including: Valid Florida Paramedic Certification, AHA CPR Certification, AHA ACLS Certification, valid driver’s license from state of residence
Additional qualifications are available in the job description.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Here Are The Slow Down Spots For This Week Due To Road Construction

October 6, 2024

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 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing, from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) westbound outside lane closures, from North Tarragona Street to North Palafox Street, Monday, Oct. 7 through Thursday, Oct. 10, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., while crews perform concrete work.
Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.

Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Oct. 6:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Oct. 6 through Thursday, Oct. 10, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction– Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Sunday, Oct. 6 through Thursday, Oct. 10, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary traffic shift.

U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Traffic on U.S. 29 is shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 29 lane closure to repair a manhole located between Rudolph Street and Green Street will begin on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. and will last approximately four hours. During the lane closure, north and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers to direct drivers safely through the work zone.

North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) S.R. 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent outside lane closures and traffic signal disruptions on North Palafox Street at Fairfield Avenue and West Leonard Street/Cross Street, Sunday, Oct. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing traffic signalization work. Law enforcement will be on site to safety direct drivers through the work zone.
S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Coring Operations from County Road (C.R.) 95A to the Alabama State Line – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Oct. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for coring operations.
North Davis Highway Routine Maintenance at Shoal Creek Drive – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Oct. 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.

Santa Rosa County:

S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on S.R. 89, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 11 as crews place thermoplastic striping.
U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Oct. 6 through Thursday, Oct. 10, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
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 Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 11, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Defense Dominates In UWF Shutout Win Over Mississippi

October 6, 2024

Good things happen when you force the opponent into more punts than total yards of offense. That’s exactly what the University of West Florida defense did on Saturday evening to help lead the Argos to a 31-0 win over Mississippi College.

The UWF defense had a dominating performance that allowed just seven total yards to the Choctaws which included 11 punts in the game. In 46 total offensive plays, Mississippi converted two first downs, had negative 27 yards rushing and 34 total yards passing.

“They (the defense) got challenged a lot,” said head coach Kaleb Nobles. “The whole team got challenged by me at things we have to get better at. I’m very proud of our defense and how they showed up and played well tonight. As a head coach that makes you feel really good.”

After a slow start for the Argos offense that saw three missed field goals following drives that stalled inside the redzone, it was the defense that made a big play to spark the team. Redshirt junior, Kyriee Lewis intercepted a short pass by Choctaw quarterback Jackson Allen and took it 52-yards for the pick-six to get UWF on the board with 3:42 remaining in the first half.

The Argos were able to get the ball back in good field position with a minute left in the half and move into field goal range. Tyler Patterson connected on a 36-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give UWF a 10-0 lead.

“I would love to start faster,” said Nobles speaking about the offense. “There are some things we have to clean up. Some are plays people are making against us, but a lot are self-inflicted wounds. My biggest concern is to keep getting better.”

The UWF offense had trips to the MC’s six-, seven-, and nine-yard lines that ended up empty in the first half.

In the second half, Virgil Lemons made a splash in the return game like he has done multiple times this season. The senior returned a punt 58-yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter to give UWF a 17-0 lead. The senior had another punt return in the third quarter that he returned for a touchdown but was called back for an illegal block. Lemons also had one of the team’s three interceptions on the day.

TJ Lane and Jay Sharp closed out the scoring for the Argos with the two running backs each finding the endzone in the fourth quarter. UWF combined for 266 rushing yards between six different rushers. Sharp led the team with 133 yards. Lane finished with 45 yards. Keeshaun Glanton picked up reps in the fourth quarter and ran for 63 yards on six carries.

“It’s sweet, it’s fun, it’s good to get back into the win column and play football like I know we can,” Nobles said.

UWF (2-2, 1-1 GSC) will be back in action next Saturday at home against Delta State for homecoming weekend. The 4-1 Statesmen at ranked No. 20 in the country and are coming off a 54-9 win over Chowan. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. at Pen Air Field.

Photo Jon Rose/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports

Mary Catherine Hughes Named Northview High Homecoming Queen (With Photo Gallery)

October 5, 2024

Mary Catherine Hughes was crowned Northview High School’s 2024 homecoming queen Friday night.

First runner-up was Maddie Mae Driskell, and Lacey Sapp was named second runner-up. Aakira Davis was named junior maid, MaKayla Plato was named sophomore maid, and Meeyah Lassiter was named freshman maid.

For a photo gallery, click or tap here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News

DeSantis Appoints Ashlee Hofberger To Escambia County Commission

October 5, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Ashlee Hofberger to the District 4 seat on the Escambia County Commission.

The District 4 seat has been vacant since Robert Bender was appointed Supervisor of Elections in January.

In August, Hofberger won the Republican primary for the seat. She will still face Democratic candidate Ron Helms in November. Helms is a Navy veteran and owner of a Pensacola business.

“I am so excited, beyond grateful to everyone that volunteered, and contributed, and everyone that got out and voted today.” Hofberger said after the win in August. “Thank you.”

“I believe our government’s top priority is to keep us safe,” she added. “And when you pick up the phone to call 911, the person who responds should have the tools and the skills to fix whatever emergency you are in. And I want to make sure that our firefighters and our EMTs and our law enforcement have the resources so they can do that.”

Hofberger is owner of The Wash Room laundromat and Bogeys Golf Suites. In 2012, she opened the emergency restoration firm Complete DKI and later sold it to the national company First Onsite in 2021. She is the recipient of the 2019 National Association for Industrial and Office Properties Member of the Year. A volunteer of the PACE Center for Girls, Hofberger earned her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of West Florida.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

FDLE: Doctor, 11 Others Charged In Pill Mill Scheme

October 5, 2024

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Dr. Elaine Sharp for murder, manslaughter and racketeering following a multiyear investigation involving an illegal drug ring accused of dealing narcotics and opioids throughout the Northwest Florida area. Ten others in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have also been arrested in the case.

FDLE started its investigation in February 2021 after agents received complaints from several local pharmacists regarding the large amounts of oxycodone being prescribed. Agents say Dr. Sharp ran a pill mill out of her physician’s office in Gulf Breeze. Several patients overdosed after taking drugs prescribed by her.

FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said, “Shutting down this pill mill unquestionably made our community safer. We know this drug ring, led by Dr. Elaine Sharp, was a major contributor of illegal drugs flowing into our neighborhoods and even attracting drug dealers from throughout the Southeast looking for an easy way to obtain these drugs.”

Agents also arrested several suspects charged with selling drugs prescribed by Sharp. Most suspects were prescribed 120 oxycodone pills a month with no legitimate medical need.

Agents made arrests yesterday. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.

Arrests

Dr. Elaine Sharp, 72, Pensacola Beach

Charges: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawfully prescribing for monetary gain, unlawfully prescribing not medically necessary, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone 100 grams or more, conspiracy-trafficking hydromorphone 28 grams or more, conspiracy-trafficking hydrocodone 100 grams or more, money laundering

Tammy Zell, 58, Gulf Breeze

Charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy-trafficking oxycodone 100 grams or more, conspiracy to obtain controlled substance not medically necessary, doctor shopping

Cheryl Tassin, 63, Milton