A Christmas Miracle: The Miracle League’s Annual Christmas Party
December 5, 2022
Santa visited with Miracle League players at their Christmas party at Tate High School Friday night.
Tate High student organizations and volunteers came together to put on the party, including the Beta club.
“This is a shout-out to Beta Club at Tate for hosting their annual Christmas for our players at MLP. For years they have made this event so special for our athletes as well as hosting a Trunk or Treat and serving as buddies for us throughout the years,” Shirley Godwin of the Miracle League said.
The Miracle League players were able to visit Santa, enjoy dinner, watch a special performance and more.
For more photos, click to tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Advisories
December 5, 2022
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 front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations. The work will allow crews to perform paving operations, as well as sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) 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) from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), 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 may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway Sunday, Dec 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures and lane shifts at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection beginning Monday, Dec. 5 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews install drainage pipe. In addition, daytime shoulder closures will continue through Saturday, Dec. 10.
- West Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Turn Lane Construction at the new Cefco – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Memphis Avenue Tuesday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 16 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Routine Maintenance near Sharon Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside southbound lane closures Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drainage operations.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Turn Lane Construction at the new Publix – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Rosewood Avenue Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) City of Milton Christmas Parade – Drivers will encounter road closures from Cedar Street to Park Avenue Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Milton Christmas Parade.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- 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 March 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, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Salzman, Andrade Named To Florida House Leadership Positions
December 5, 2022
Two members of the Escambia County legislative delegation have been named to leadership positions by Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.
Rep. Michelle Salzman was named vice chair of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and whip of the Health & Human Services Committee.
Rep. Alex Andrade was appointed chairman of the House Infrastructure & Tourism Subcommittee.
“I am excited to announce and congratulate our new Chairs, Vice Chairs, Committee Whips and Majority Conference leadership,” said Renner. “Our historic majority has produced a talented and deep bench of lawmakers who are ready to serve and take action. Together, we will deliver on our promise to secure Florida’s future and leave our state better off than we found it.”
Florida Gas Prices Down, Lowest Since End Of Gas Tax Holiday
December 5, 2022
Florida gas prices dropped 11 cents per gallon last week for a total of 30 cents over the past three weeks.
On Sunday, the state average was $3.28 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since the state’s gas tax holiday was in effect on October 31.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.97. A low of $2.97 could be found Sunday night in North Escambia on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $2.71 on Nine Mile Road.
“Florida gas prices have plunged 30 cents in the past three weeks, due to low oil prices and strong gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The downward momentum should continue this week. Unless fundamentals change, the state average could drift below $3.20 per gallon by next weekend.”
Hwy. 29 Crash Involves Car, Trailer Loaded With Hay; Truck Reportedly Fled Scene
December 4, 2022
One person was reportedly injured in a crash Saturday afternoon in Cantonment.
The wreck involved a passenger vehicle and a pull-behind trailer hauling round bales of hay. The truck pulling the trailer reportedly fled the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Varsity Cheerleaders Get Clean Sweep In Tampa; JV Gets National Invite
December 4, 2022
It was a clean sweep for the Tate Aggies varsity cheerleaders in Tampa.
The varsity squad took first place at the UCA Regionals, first place in the traditional routine out of 18 teams and first place in game day out of four teams.
Their performance earned the varsity two bids to Nationals — one in the game day division and one in traditional.
The Tate JV cheerleaders also competed and received a bid to Nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Area Students Sweep County Spelling Bee
December 4, 2022
Can you spell “egocentricity”?
Three North Escambia area students took the top spots in the 47th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee.
The winners (listed with their prize and teacher) were:
1st Place — Evan Henderson – Ransom Middle School, $300, Teacher: Lori Johnson
2nd Place — Ian Ramos – Beulah Middle School, $200, Teacher: Brandee Burke
3rd Place — Brennan Keenan - Bratt Elementary School, $150, Teacher: Mandi Carter
The word that distinguished first and second places in the final round was “egocentricity”. The word “mortgage” was the last word of the bee to secure Henderson’s position in first place.
Pictured: (L-R) English Language Arts Specialist Dr. Nicole Everette; Evan Henderson, first place, Ransom Middle School; Ian Ramos, second place, Beulah Middle School; Brennan Keenan, third place Bratt Elementary; Director of Sandy Sansing Human Resources Jacquie Gray; Superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools Dr. Tim Smith. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Hundreds Turn Out For Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 4, 2022
Crowds lined the streets for the annual Flomaton Christmas Parade Saturday morning.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
(Our apologies to the Flomaton High band and cheerleaders, Flomaton fire and police and others that led the parade…our camera was just a little bit late in arriving due to traffic.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Suspect Sprints From Atmore Traffic Stop, Tosses Drugs Onto Roof, Police Said
December 4, 2022
The Atmore Police Department made a drug arrest after the suspect sprinted from a traffic stop and tossed illicit items onto the roof of a business.
Atmore Police attempted a traffic stop about 10:15 p.m. on December 1 due to a traffic violation.
The vehicle turned into the Walmart parking lot on North Main Street. As the vehicle slowly came to a stop, the front seat passenger, later identified as 31-year old Emmanuel Mandella Johnson, jumped from the vehicle and began running.
A second officer chased Johnson on foot as he ran across Highway 21. As the officer was pursuing Johnson on foot, he observed him throw a book bag and an object from his mouth onto the roof of a building, police said. The officer was able to take Johnson into custody just after he threw the items onto the roof.
The Atmore Fire Department responded to the scene with a ladder to assist officers to retrieve the items from the roof.
Police said they recovered a small plastic baggie that contained 3.3 grams of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
While searching the book bag the officers reported finding about 30 grams of spice in a clear plastic baggie, along with 14 Grams of marijuana that was separated into several smaller clear plastic baggies.
Johnson was charged with possession of marijuana first degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of Possession of a controlled substance for the meth and spice, and attempting to elude.
Johnson was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
UWF Advances To National Semifinals With 45-14 Win Over Wingate
December 4, 2022
In another mind-boggling way, UWF’s football team produced its latest gem and newest rarefied place.
The Argos wowed with four defensive touchdowns, a feat which may be unmatched in recent college postseason history, en route to rolling past Wingate, 45-14, Saturday to win the Super Region 2 championship at Pen Air Field. The blowout win, matching the Argos’ biggest point differential in postseason, sends them into the NCAA Division II national semifinals for the third time in UWF’s six-year, program history.
Three of those defensive scores came in succession to start the second half. It meant by the time UWF’s offense actually took a snap in the third quarter, less than a minute remained and it was 45-7.
“What an amazing game,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick, who then added, jokingly. “Just really disappointed in our offense that only had the ball for 56 seconds in the third quarter. I have never seen a third quarter like we had.
“It might be one of the best, if not the best defensive effort I have ever seen in my life. Fired up about that.”
Adding to the emotional joy, the sixth-ranked Argos (12-1) will play next Saturday at fifth-ranked Ferris State (12-1), located in Big Rapids, Michigan, next Saturday at 11 a.m. (CST) for a chance to reach the Division II national championship game for a third time and extend a record as the fastest startup college football program to attain this kind of success.
UWF won at Ferris State 28-14 on December 14, 2019, in that year’s semifinals to advance to the national title game the Argos won against Minnesota State in McKinney, Texas.
Already, UWF’s third region championship is fifth-best, all-time, among South Region teams in D-2 history.
“It really has been different groups each time,” said Shinnick, who was hired in 2014, two years before UWF’s inaugural first game. “(2017) was a special time with it being the first. We won (national title) in ‘19 and this is a brand new start of another group.
“The University of West Florida is an amazing place. We’ve known that since the beginning. And we just continue to find the right pieces to make this program what it is.”
Seven different UWF players scored touchdowns. Only two were offensive guys. Three were pick-6, interception returns from Anthony Johnson Jr, Keon Voison and Kode Lowe, who combined to tie the NCAA Division II playoff record for interception scores in a game.
“It was something special. I have never seen something like that,” said UWF star linebacker Will Breland, who recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, had an interception and a quarterback pressure that led to one of those pick-6 scores.
“Two or three of those defensive scores, I was on the sideline, waiting to get in and right back out there, when we had guys scoring.”
All of this flurry of astonishment occurred after Wingate scored the game’s first touchdown with under five minutes left in the first quarter. UWF only led 10-7 with less than three minutes left before halftime.
And then, dynamite ignited.
As linebacker Lowe applied pressure, Wingate grad-senior quarterback Shaw Crocker rushed a throw that Johnson Jr. swiped out of the air and returned 36 yards for a score to make it 17-7 with 2:33 left.
“I felt that was a big play in the game,” Johnson Jr. said. “We really needed that. We trust our offense always, but sometimes we (defense) have to make plays, too.”
On the ensuing possession from the Wingate 40, Breland intercepted a Crocker pass and returned it 22 yards with 53 seconds left in the first half. Eight plays, two timeouts later, UWF quarterback Peewee Jarrett took a snap with 4.9 seconds left from the 5 and threw a perfect dart to Jakobe Quillen for a touchdown as time expired.
“I was like, okay we owe the defense here and we owe them a couple touchdowns,” said Jarrett, who passed for just 149 yards in the game with limited possessions.
Said Shinnick: “Pewee is on the sidelines (during timeout) telling me, “Coach I will get (pass) off in time. I will get it before 4.9 seconds. And he didn’t… but he threw a touchdown.”
In all, UWF forced six turnovers. The defense outscored the Argos offense 28-17.
“We never really got to do what we planned,” said Wingate coach Joe Reich, whose team was playing in the Super Region 2 championship/national quarterfinals for the first time in team history. “We turned the ball over and It’s like you never get a chance to get started.”
Wingate (11-3) ranked No. 22 entering the game, was UWF’s first-round playoff opponent in 2017 and 2019, both years the Argos went to the national title game.
This Wingate team, however, boasted a defense that had allowed opponents just 10.2 points per-game and was ranked second nationally in scoring defense, third nationally in total defense.
“We’re thinking okay (after scoring first), this is what we expect,” Reich said. “But I had a concern coming into the game, we play really hard and I was concerned about penalties, because we played this song before on occasion.
“And then you add the turnovers into it and it’s a recipe for disaster. And that’s what happened.”
Wingate committed six first-half penalties, four of which were personal fouls, as both teams engaged in post-play jawing and shoving at times.
And when Wingate got the ball to start the third quarter, the Bulldogs committed the first of three turnovers on consecutive possessions to put the game out of reach.
On the seventh play of the second half, Will Breland made a big hit on Crocker to dislodge the ball. Johnson scooped up the fumble and went 37 yards for a touchdown. Wingate ran five plays the next time it got the ball. On the sixth play, Voison made his big interception and went 64 yards for a score.
“We were going good, and I really felt like it was going to be a back-and-forth game and we never got back on track,” Reich said. “Turnovers just crushed us. And we lost some discipline. That’s on me. I take responsibility for that. We got to do better than that.
“Pete Shinnick, we’ve been competing against each other for a long time, and he’s one the best coaches in any division right now. His teams are just phenomenal. So well coached. I give them the credit.”
Lowe’s interception and 31-yard score came with 6:59 left, which meant UWF’s offense with Jarrett taking a snap did not occur until 3:03 left in the third quarter.
“This is the first time I have ever made the playoffs with any team, so to be able to be a factor and help our team win games is great,” said Jarrett.
GAME NOTABLES
— While it was a tough day for UWF placekicker Griffin Cerra, who missed two field goals (he made a 32-yarder to give UWF the lead for good in the second quarter) and had an extra point go awry on a bad snap, he had a heart-warming week.
On Monday, Cerra missed practice and traveled to Seattle, Washington to donate special plasma needed to save a life through the Be The Match. The 4-hour procedure was successful, and Cerra returned the following day.
“He’s had an amazing week,” Shinnick said. “He’s probably done more in a week than any of us will ever do in a week in our lifetime.”
— Since 1990, a school from the Gulf South Conference has advanced to the Division II national semifinals 25 of the last 31 seasons.
— The Argos have now forced 42 turnovers in 14 playoff games.
Photo: Morgan Givens/UWF