Correctional Officer Injured In Inmate Attack At Escambia County Jail
December 14, 2021
An Escambia County Jail correctional officer was hospitalized after he was attacked by an inmate Sunday night.
Lee Mon Tamurry Brandon, 24, was charged with battery in connection with the incident.
The officer asked for Brandon’s name in order to discipline him for inappropriate behavior. The officer threatened to pepper spray him due to non-compliance, and Brandon started punching the officer, according to an arrest report.
The officer was hit multiple times in the head and face, and surveillance video shows the inmate throwing the officer across a shower area, the report states.
The corrections officer has since been released from the hospital.
Brandon was also already jailed on felony charges of criminal mischief, burglary and petit theft.
One Suspect Arrested, One Wanted Following Weekend Barrineau Park Burglary
December 14, 2021
An Alabama man was taken into custody following a burglary Saturday in Barrineau Park, and a second arrest is anticipated.
About 11:15 a.m. the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress report in the area of Highway 196 and Barrineau Park School Road.
Two suspects burglarized a shed and fled in a vehicle, according to the ECSO. The victims were able to provide a vehicle description, leading to the apprehension of 63-year old Jerome Virgil Conway of Elberta, Alabama, on Highway 97.
Conway was charged with felony unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure and petit theft.
The second suspect fled on foot, leading to a manhunt in the area, but he was not located.
ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard said the second suspect has been identified, and a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
December 14, 2021
Tate High School recently announced their October Students of the Month. They are Juneau and Ge Gao. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Health Holding Vaccination Clinic On Saturday
December 14, 2021
On Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Health Northwest Florida, in partnership with Escambia County, will hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic inside Brownsville Community Center for individuals ages 12 and older. The Brownsville Community Center is located at 3200 West DeSoto Street.
The clinic is open to:
- Individuals 18 and older who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series, including the required wait time, and desire to receive a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster shot. These individuals should consult with their healthcare provider regarding the timing of the booster dose.
- Individuals age 12-17 who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
- Individuals 18 and older who wish to receive a first or second (primary series) dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (one-dose) vaccine.
Persons wishing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this event must call the Community Health Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358 to schedule an appointment.
Other important information:
- Participants desiring the COVID-19 booster should bring their COVID-19 vaccination card to their appointment.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- All adult participants will be required to show photo ID at time of appointment.
- Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have had symptoms of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the past 14 days should not receive the vaccine and should not enter clinic facility.
- Individuals who have had the monoclonal antibody infusion treatment should wait at least 90 days before receiving any COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional information on Community Health Northwest Florida COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available through the Community Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (850) 439-3358.
Convicted Cantonment Felon Facing Drug, Weapon Charges
December 13, 2021
A convicted felon from Cantonment is facing drug and weapon charges after it was reported that she walking down an Escambia County street waving a gun in the air.
Laurie Ann Dixon, 32, was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance (heroin).
A caller reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that a female was walking down Briese Lane waving a firearm in the air and acting aggressive toward a man. Deputies arrived to find Dixon standing at a bus stop.
A 9 mm handgun was located in her jacket pocket, and a bag with a substance that tested positive for heroin was located in her backpack, according to and arrest report.
The report states Dixon said she thought the handgun was a BB gun.
Records indicate Dixon has previous felony convictions for fraud and possession of a controlled substance. She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $17,500.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Still Available For Escambia County Residents
December 13, 2021
Escambia County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19 can still apply for help from the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
The application portal is now open and available clicking or tapping here. Call (850) 403-6044 to make an appointment for in-person assistance, or see a list of libraries below.
Emergency rental assistance may be provided to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Have total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have not received any other rental assistance for the requested months
Both the renter and the landlord must submit an application through the portal. Reimbursement will be paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. View eligibility requirements and see if you qualify here.
The program can cover up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County. Additional details for rental assistance for landlords and renters can be found at MyEscambia.com/erap.
Escambia County has received the following allocations:
- $9,611,771 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- $7,605,344 from the American Rescue Plan
Escambia County ERAP Policies and Procedures are in alignment with the U.S Treasury Department’s guidelines (full policies and procedures).
Email ERAP@myescambia.zendesk.com or call (850) 403-6044 with any questions.
Citizens may use the computers at the following public libraries to complete their application:
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
Big 30,000 Pound Food Giveaway Planned For Saturday In Cantonment
December 13, 2021
A 30,000 pound food giveaway will be held this Saturday, December 18 in Cantonment.
The event will take place from 8-10 a.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. Vehicles can line up no earlier than 7:30 a.m., and there will be a designated area for walk-up. There are no eligibility requirements; the event is open to all in need.
The giveaway is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and community partners including Farm Share, Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Cantonment Improvement Committee, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Trailer Parts Plus.
Organizers say they plan to hold the large food distribution once per quarter.
Tate High Cheerleaders Win Several Top Awards At Chipley Competition
December 13, 2021
The Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders earned several awards during a weekend competition at Chipley High School.
The junior varsity cheerleaders were runner-ups in the game day competition.
The Aggie varsity cheerleaders won the first place game day, grand champions game day, first place traditional, grand champion traditional, best stunt, and best choreography awards.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Still Declining; Several Escambia County Stations Below $3 Now
December 13, 2021
Florida gas prices are still declining, but may not fall as far as originally projected, after oil prices regained strength last week, according to AAA.
The state average slipped 3 cents last week and a total of 10 cents in the past 23 days. Florida drivers are now paying an average price of $3.27 per gallon.
The average price in Escambia County was over a dime less at $3.18. in North Escambia, at least four stations were below $3 Sunday night, as were several in the Pensacola area. The low price was $2.87 at the warehouse clubs..
Two weeks ago, AAA began calling for a potential discount of 20-30 cents at the pump, after oil prices plummeted 16% after Thanksgiving. The crude price drop was based on concerns about the severity of the emerging omicron variant and whether it would potentially impact global economic growth and limit mobility.
However, about half of that price drop was erased last week as omicron concerns seemed to ease. After falling from $78 per barrel down to $65 two weeks ago, the price of crude settled back up at $71.67 on Friday. Despite the increase, oil prices are still lower than they were two weeks ago, and pump prices have still not yet fully adjusted.
“After plunging two weeks ago, the crude market regained strength last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As a result, that 20-30 cent drop we were anticipating, could be more like 10-20 cents. Oil prices remain the main drivers of prices at the pump. So if oil prices increase again this week, drivers will again need to adjust their expectations.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Traffic Alert: Where To Expect Road Construction Delays This Week
December 13, 2021
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 and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 18 Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13 through Friday, Dec. 17 as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between A and N streets as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers will encounter temporary and intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Dec. 13 through Friday, Dec. 17 as crews place final striping and complete final work items.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 interchange to allow crews to place the thermoplastic striping and to perform worklist items.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Dec. 13, as crews place a watermain.
- S.R. 173 (South Blue Angel Parkway) Turn Lane Construction just north of Sorrento Road– Southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane just north of Sorrento Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 15 as crews perform turn lane construction activities.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 18 Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – The eastbound lane will remain reduced to one lane at the County Road 191 Overpass Bridge (Exit 26) until work associated with bridge approach construction is complete. Motorists can also expect intermittent lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 16 as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements include widening the roadway from four to a six-lanes with a raised median, safety and drainage upgrades, resurfacing Avalon Boulevard from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge, extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard, and new signage and pavement markings.
- S.R. 281 (Garcon Point Bridge) Routine Bridge Maintenance over East Bay– Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures about one mile north of U.S. 98 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13 through Wednesday, Dec. 15 as crews perform routine maintenance activities..
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.