Escambia Man Gets 45 Years For Attempted Murder

November 13, 2021

An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for shooting a man in the head last year.

Airon Douglas Carmack was convicted of attempted first degree premeditated murder with a firearm. He will be required to serve a minimum of 25 years of his 45 year sentence, followed by 20 years probation.

On March 1, 2020, the victim and his girlfriend traveled to meet Carmack to sell him marijuana. When arriving near Carmack’s residence, Carmack told them to meet him up the road because he was not home. Shortly after Carmack made contact with the victim, he pulled out a firearm and shot the victim in the head and chest. It was witnessed by the victim’s girlfriend. The victim accelerated and drove away before losing consciousness. The vehicle stopped approximately a mile from Carmack’s residence.

Marijuana, shell casings and a projectile were located in the vehicle. After law enforcement arrived and the victim was transported to the hospital, his girlfriend stated they both knew Carmack from high school. She was able to identify him as the shooter in a photo lineup.

Escambia Reports 116 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week

November 13, 2021

There were 116 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.

Here is the latest data:

Escambia County cases:

Total cases: 53,867 (+116)
Positivity rate last week: 4.1%
People vaccinated: 156,126 (+1,271)
Vaccination rate (age 5+): 51%
New hospital admissions: 32
Total deaths last 7 days: less than 10 (CDC data)

Santa Rosa County cases:

Total cases: 32,460 (+83)
Positivity rate last week: 4.1%
People vaccinated: 91,040 (+730)
Vaccination rate (age 5+): 52%
New hospital admissions: 7
Total deaths last 7 days: less than 10 (CDC data)

Statewide cases:

Florida resident cases: 3,668,077 (+10,746)
Case positivity rate: 2.5%
Deaths: 60,697 (+33)

FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate The number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities is no longer provided by FDOH.

Vehicle Overturns Off Highway 29 Near Quintette Road

November 12, 2021

Two people were reportedly injured in a rollover crash Friday afternoon on Highway 29.

The crash happened about 1 p.m. on Highway 29 just north of Quintette Road. The vehicle came to rest on its roof in a brushy area.

The injuries were not considered life threatening.

Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Century Man Charged With Battery Of His Wife And Child Abuse

November 12, 2021

A Century man has been charged with battery of his wife and child abuse.

Joshua Shane Thompson, 30, was charged with battery in a domestic violence situation and child abuse.

Thompson allegedly grabbed his wife around the throat and attempted to choke her during an argument, according to an arrest report.

He then pulled her to the ground by the hair of her head while she was holding a young child and threatened to shoot her, the report continues. The victim stated she never saw a gun.

The wife and child suffered minor injuries, deputies said.

Thompson was released from the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning on a $7,000 bond.

David Preston Named Escambia Sheriff’s Office Employee Of The Month

November 12, 2021

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has named Master Deputy David Preston, an investigator, as the November Employee of the Month. Preston (left) is pictured with Sheriff Chip Simmons. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

West Florida’s Bentley Van Pelt Competing In 2A State Golf Tourney

November 12, 2021

West Florida High School’s Bentley Van Pelt of Walnut Hill is competing in the state golf tournament this weekend.

Van Pelt qualified as an individual by finishing second in the Region 1-2A meet at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. The West Florida sophomore shot a 75, three shots behind Bishop Kenny’s Cody Tucker.

Pictured: Bentley Van Pelt and (below) Coach Justin Richardson. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Escambia To Offer COVID Vaccine To Kids 5 And Older Beginning Next Week

November 12, 2021

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) will begin offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines next Monday, November 15.

The health department is continuing to operate their COVID-19 vaccine clinic located at 1295 West Fairfield Drive in Pensacola. In keeping with CDC guidance, COVID-19 pediatric vaccines are recommended for children 5 to 11 years.

FDOH-Escambia offers the Pfizer vaccine for ages five and up, and Moderna and Johnson and Johnson for ages 18 and up.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.. – 3:30 p.m. Questions can be directed to FDOH-Escambia’s COVID-19 phone line at (850) 595-6500, option 6.

Driver Flips Car Numerous Times After Trying To Avoid A Deer

November 11, 2021

A driver flipped his car Wednesday night in Nokomis after trying to avoid a deer.

The wreck happened about 6 p.m. on Nokomis Road near Jakes Road, about 3.5 miles west of Highway 97. The driver lost control and ran off the roadway. The vehicle then flipped end over end several times, coming to rest upright in a ditch.

The adult male was evaluated by Escambia County EMS but refused transport to the hospital.

The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded. The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Lipscomb Elementary School Holds Veterans Day Parade

November 11, 2021

Lipscomb Elementary School honored veterans with a Veterans Day parade Wednesday morning.

The students waved American flags, made posters and created crafts for each participating veteran.

For more photos, click here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Bratt Elementary School Honors Veterans With Program, Parade (With Photo Gallery)

November 11, 2021

Bratt Elementary School honored veterans Wednesday with a Veterans Day program and parade.

For a photo gallery, click or tap here.

Guest speaker for the event was Commander George Trice, Jr.,  United States Navy, Retired. He retired in 2011 after 33 years of naval service. He began his career as an enlisted electronic tech in the submarine service. He earned his degree from the University of New Mexico and was commissioned an officer with naval surface warfare. The last years of his career were with Corry Station as the training director.

“I saw the young servicemen come right out of boot camp,” he said. “Seeing that the sparkle in their eye and the hope in there, and hope and dreams of what they intend to do with this country. This is the next generation coming up.”

“I thank you for what you what you’re doing,” Trice told Bratt Elementary’s third graders. “You listen to your teachers, and that you’re learning and going to become great Americans.”

“The hopes and dreams right here in front of us…this is what we feel, what we do for is to protect the next generation coming up behind us,” he said. “And give them and make sure that they have the opportunities that we have had and that they are privy to make the choices you’ve had. They all have dreams; they all have hopes.”

Following the third grade program, the veterans paraded through the Bratt hallways as enthusiastic cheered and waved American Flags.

For a photo gallery, click or tap here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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