No Identity, Cause Of Death Released Yet After Human Remains Discovery In Bratt
February 13, 2023
A week after investigators returned to Bratt looking for more human remains in a wooded area, there’s still no word on an identity or cause of death.
Highly decomposed remains were first discovered by a hunter on Christmas Eve, and investigators were back in the woods on C.W. Caraway Road last Monday, February 6, with cadaver dogs. NorthEscambia.com was there as crime scene technicians, investigators, and volunteers with the cadaver dogs returned from a heavily wooded area, some carrying evidence bags.
Dan Schebler, director of operations for the District One Medical Examiner’s Office, said more evidence was located. The additional remains located last week were believed to be from the same individual as the December discovery.
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The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the remains are part of an ongoing death investigation, and the remains may be those of an individual in an open missing person case. The Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final identification and determination if any foul play was involved.
C.W. Caraway Road is a private dirt lane that travels north off West Highway 4, about 1.5 miles east of Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Boys Basketball Moves Into 6A State Series
February 13, 2023
The Tate Aggies have earned a bid in the FHSAA Class 6A state championship series.
In Class 6A Region 1 quarterfinals, the No. 6 Tate Aggies (18-5) will travel about 360 miles to Orange Park to face the No. 3 Oakleaf Knights (23-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Also, No. 4 Gulf Breeze (22-3) will host No. 5 Nease (18-18) at 7 p.m. Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Gas Prices Drop About A Dime On Average
February 13, 2023
Florida gas prices declined for the second consecutive week, declining a total of 19 cents per gallon. During the past week, the state average dropped 10 cents.
Drivers are now paying an average price of $3.40 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price in a little more than three weeks (January 19th).
In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $3.25. The North Escambia low Sunday night was $3.16 at a Muscogee Road station, while Pensacola prices were as low as $3.01 at the warehouse clubs and a staton on Nine Mile Road.
The downward trend at the pump may not last much longer,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Crude oil and gasoline futures prices jumped 9% last week, almost completely erasing the losses that led to the 2-week drop at the pump. This could cause falling pump prices to plateau, or possibly inch higher in the coming weeks.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Homebuilder D.R. Horton Offers $33 Million Cash For County’s OLF-8 Property On Nine Mile Road
February 12, 2023
A homebuilder has made a $33 million cash offer for the entire OLF-8 property owned by Escambia County.
Saturday, Escambia County commissioners received the offer for 540 acres on Nine Mile Road from D.R. Horton, including a promise $1 million to be held in escrow during an inspection period.
In January 2019, Escambia County acquired the 636 acre OLF-8 helicopter field in a land swap with the U.S. Navy for property in Santa Rosa County at a total cost of about $18 million. A portion of the property was previously sold to Navy Federal to expand their campus.
“It’s a big deal for this area, and we will be nearly $20 million to the good,” Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh told NorthEscambia.com on Saturday.
A design plan is in place for the property with a combination of commerce, residential and amenities. It allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixed-use center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden.
D.R. Horton said the company “intends to incorporate multiple commercial and residential uses into its future master plan. (D.R. Horton) intends to approach a third-party developer with regard to the development of the commercial parcels.”
“I say we consider it,” Bergosh said. “I want to hear from my counterparts at a meeting. With $6.5 million per district, you could do a lot of good stuff.”
The February 10 offer letter requests a response within 10 days.
Pictured: Images from the OLF-8 Master Plan accepted by the Escambia County Commission in June 2021.
Century Youth Learn About Robotics
February 12, 2023
Youth in Century were introduced to robotics during a program recently at the Wesley Chapel CME Church.
Last fall, we told you about how the Century Blackcats youth football program is looking to change their playbook from football to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education during the off season.
From Ozobots that can be programmed with colored lines to computer-coded Sphero Balls, the youth had a chance to try their hands at robotics.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Organizers hope to have STEM programs in place for the youth this summer.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Inmate Serving Life Accused Of Assaulting Century Correctional Institution Officer
February 12, 2023
Inmate Ibraheem Jackson assaulted an officer at Century Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said.
Jackson is serving a life sentence out of Broward County for a 2015 armed burglary, in addition to a long list of convictions for grand theft, burglary and related charges.
He was transferred after the assault to the Santa Rosa Annex.
Lane Closures Planned This Week For Bridges On Highway 29 And Highway 97
February 12, 2023
Motorists can expect potential delays for routine bridge maintenance this week on Highway 29 and Highway 97.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation the work will take place as follows:
Highway 29 over Canoe Creek — Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures on Highway 29 over Canoe Creek between Roach Road and Whirlpool Road on Sunday, February 12 and Monday, February 13 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Highway 29 over Mitchell Creek — Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures on Highway 29 over Mitchell Creek, just north of Highway 164 and the McDavid Fire Station on Thursday, February 16 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Highway 97 over Little Pine Barren Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures on Highway 97 over Little Pine Barren Crear, near Wiggins Lake Road, on Thursday, February 16 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m
The work is weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Bratt Elementary Students Enjoying Gaga Ball In New Pit
February 12, 2023
Bratt Elementary School students are falling in love with gaga ball.
The Bratt Elementary School PTA recently purchased a gaga ball pit for the students.
Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Nutrition Educator Chinesa Sunday Recognized For 40 Years Of Service
February 11, 2023
Escambia County Extension EFNEP Educator Chinesa Sunday was recognized in Gainesville this week for her dedication, service, and outstanding work for 40 years at the University of Florida.
EFNEP, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, is the nation’s first nutrition education program for low-income populations and remains at the forefront of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutrition insecurity of low-income families and youth today. EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science, and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.
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Gulf Breeze Tops Tate 77-64 For District Crown
February 11, 2023
The Gulf Breeze Dolphins claimed the 6A District 1 basketball championship Friday night with a 77-64 win over the Tate Aggies.
Lucas Williams had a game-high 21 points for the Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
