Bridge Jumping Suspects Facing Murder Charges After Drive-by Shooting Victim Dies
July 6, 2024
Two suspects that jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay following a June 24 drive-by shooting will now face murder charges after the 70-year-old victim died.
Family members identified the victim Wednesday to our news partners at WEAR 3 as lifelong Pensacola resident Myra Hayes.
“Myra was a very gentle, sweet person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She loved everyone’s kids, she loved sitting outside and relaxing. She never met a stranger. She wouldn’t harm not even a fly. We are truly going to miss her. She was our precious gem and she didn’t deserve death. Keep our family in prayer,” the family said in a statement to WEAR.
The attempted murder charges for 19-year-olds Jaquaris Ethridge and Terrance Gross Jr. were upgraded to first-degree premeditated murder.
Following the drive-by shooting on Erress Boulevard, the three suspects led authorities on a chase that ended with a PIT maneuver on the Highway 90 bridge just past Scenic Highway. The three suspects — Ethridge, Gross Jr. and 22-year-old Trevion Moton — exited the car and jumped off the bridge.
Morton died after jumping and missing the water. Etheridge was arrested that night, and Gross, Jr. was arrested in Texas, near the US-Mexico border.
Etheridge is in the Escambia County Jail without bond, while Gross. Jr. awaits extradition back from Texas.
AAA: Florida Fourth Of July Holiday Ending With Anticipated Record Travel
July 6, 2024
AAA projections whos Independence Day travelers will set new records both nationwide and in Florida as the holiday wraps up this weekend. More than 70.9 million people around the U.S. are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home. Nearly 4.5 million of those will be Floridians.
“The summer travel season is off to a hot start and we expect to set new travel records on the road and in the sky during the week of Independence Day,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year. That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks.”
AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more during a nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7.
Road Travel
AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4th week.
Meanwhile, road travel in Florida will set a record for the second consecutive year. More than 3.9 million Floridians are expected to take a road trip. That’s 183,000 more than last year.
“Road travelers should prepare for congestion in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly near larger metro areas, theme parks and popular attractions,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With so many people on the road it’s important to be patient, minimize distractions while driving, and move over for people on the roadside.”
Sunday is expected to be the busiest road travel day.
Air Travel
The number of domestic air travelers is also expected to set a record. Nationally, AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019.
AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.
Other Modes of Transportation
More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million.
“Cruising continues experiencing remarkable growth,” Haas said. “This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – working with a Travel Advisor is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best value for your vacation. Travel Advisors are also able to help you choose a travel insurance policy that protects you and your investment for the impact of unexpected events before and during your trip.”
Blue Wahoos, Biscuits Rained Out In Montgomery
July 6, 2024
Friday’s game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at the Montgomery Biscuits has been postponed to due rain at Riverwalk Stadium.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, July 6, with two seven-inning games beginning at 4:00.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Dies Following Ensley Crash
July 5, 2024
An Escambia County man was killed in a single vehicle crash Thursday night in Ensley.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 57-year-old man was traveling east on Hanna Circle near Grimsley Street when his minivan left the roadway and struck a utility pole and a tree about 10:45 p.m..
He was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital where he passed away from his injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated.
File photo.
Century Man Charged Battery, Assault On His Kids After Funeral
July 5, 2024
A Century man has been arrested for an armed disturbance following a funeral.
Darryl Lamar Brown, 56, was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Brown allegedly slapped his adult child in the face with a hunting knife and threatened to stab him at a funeral repast.
A female told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she arrested at the funeral repast for her grandfather and Brown asked if she was not going to speak to him as she greeted the others present, according to an arrest report. She told deputies that he slapped her on the face with an open hand before she got up from the table and started yelling at him. Her brother wrapped his arms around Brown and tried to calm him down, but Brown slapped him in the face with the knife before pushing it into his stomach, the report continues.
The ECSO said Brown then told everyone to get off the property before he cut all of them. The siblings left the property and waited down the road for law enforcement, deputies said. Neither suffered visible injuries and declined EMS.
Brown remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $5,000.
Escambia Animal Shelter Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Friday And Saturday
July 5, 2024
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare will offer free adoptions for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6.
An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 West Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Escamba, Alabama, Wreck Near Pollard Claims One Life
July 5, 2024
One person was killed in a three-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 31 near Pollard in Escambia County, Alabama.
The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 31 and Old Highway 31, near the new Pollard Dollar General.
Multiple EMS units and two medical helicopters responded to the crash, along with other first responders including the Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue and others.
Alabama State Troopers are investigating and have not released further details.
File photo.
Escambia Woman Seriously Injured In I-10 Crash
July 5, 2024
An Escambia County woman was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash on I-10 in Santa Rosa County on Wednesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the wreck about 10 a.m. with a possible ejection. The 31-year-old woman was airlifted to an area hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening. An 11-year-old female passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured, and a 45-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries. Both passengers were from Florala, Alabama.
I-10 westbound was closed for just over 20 minutes due to the crash response.
FHP is continuing their investigation.
Atmore Prison Correctional Officer Arrested
July 5, 2024
A correctional officer at the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore was arrested Wednesday.
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Law Enforcement Services Division arrested 32-year old Shaquasia La’Sha Craig. She was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on a charge of third degree promoting prison contraband.
According to criminal complaint, Craig was caught with 50 Black and Mild cigars and two bottles of Gatorade that contained alcohol.
ADOC said she was terminated from her position.
Further information was not provided.
Wahoos Walked Off By Vasquez, Biscuits
July 5, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos suffered a dispiriting defeat on Thursday night, falling 6-5 in walk-off fashion to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Pensacola held a 5-1 lead late into the game, but after a 48-minute rain delay in the seventh inning the Biscuits took advantage of erratic pitching to storm back. In a save opportunity, Blue Wahoos reliever Raffi Vizcaíno (L, 3-2) walked the bases loaded in the ninth to set the stage for a Willy Vasquez walk-off, two-run single.
The loss was Pensacola’s first in walk-off fashion at the hands of an opponent, and just their second loss in 35 games when leading after eight innings.
In front of a sellout Fourth of July crowd of 6,548 fans, the Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early. Paul McIntosh led off the second with a triple against starting pitcher Ian Seymour, and scored on a safety squeeze bunt from Jakob Marsee. RBI singles from Joe Mack and McIntosh in the third extended Pensacola’s lead to 3-0.
After Vasquez dropped a pop-up at second base that would have ended the top of the seventh, Pensacola got RBI singles from Diego Infante and Jacob Berry to take a 5-1 lead.
Luis Palacios turned in a quality start, working into the seventh inning and allowing only four hits. But a Tanner Murray triple and Nick Schnell RBI single were followed by a squall of rain, forcing the Pensacola starter’s departure after 76 pitches.
On the other side of the delay, Patrick Murphy struggled with his command and issued three walks and a Gionti Turner RBI single to trim the Pensacola lead to 5-4. Vizcaíno worked a 1-2-3 eighth, but after Austin Vernon (W, 1-3) pitched a scoreless top of the ninth the Blue Wahoos reliever struggled with his command. Trying for his ninth save in nine tries, he issued three walks in the bottom of the ninth without retiring a batter before Vasquez chopped a walk-off single up the middle past a drawn-in infield.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Friday night. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.