Reported Century Battery Victim Dies; His Brother Recently Died After Being Found Injured Outside Bar
August 1, 2021
An adult male found injured after an aggravated battery call in Century two weeks ago has died. And he’s the brother of the man that recently died after being found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an aggravated battery report on Hilltop Road at Alger Road at 11:18 a.m. on July 18.
“A male was found with head injuries and unresponsive,” said ECSO spokesperson Amber Southard. “We are still investigating.”
The man passed away on July 28, 10 days after he was injured.
Family members tell NorthEscambia.com the victim was Chris Hunter — the brother of Greg Hunter, the man that died days after he was found injured outside a Century bar.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard about 10 p.m. on June 19 to find 60-year old Greg Hunter down in the parking lot. At the time, investigators said it was a homicide, and that he had been seriously beaten and left unconscious. But the Medical Examiner’s Office now says Hunter died of natural causes (click for an earlier story).
Southard said as of right now, investigators do not think the two incidents were related.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Health Department Announce Location, Scheduled Change For COVID-19 Testing
August 1, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is announcing a change in location and hours of operation for specimen collection for COVID-19 testing for all persons with or without symptoms beginning the week of Monday, August 2.
Testing will be available at the FDOH-Escambia Downtown Center at 1300 West Gregory Street every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Testing is available to anyone with or without symptoms. Identification is required, and a cloth face covering is required to enter the building for testing.
For an appointment, call (850) 595-6554. For questions, call (850) 595-6500, option 6.
Three Reported Injured In Kingsfield Wreck
August 1, 2021
Multiple people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck late Saturday night on East Kingsfield Road.
The wreck occurred about 11:50 p.m. at East Kingsfield Road and Stallion Road, about a mile west of Highway 29. A total of three people were initially reported as injured; none of their injuries were considered life threatening.
The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released any additional information.
File photo.
Power Outage, Railroad Crossing Closure And Heat Make For Miserable Saturday Along Nine Mile Road
August 1, 2021
A power outage, a railroad crossing closure and really, really hot weather made for a downright miserable afternoon Saturday for residents, businesses and motorists along Nine Mile Road.
About 12:40 p.m., a power line was reported down across Nine Mile Road near the railroad tracks east of Highway 29, between Palafox Street and Old Chemstrand Road. Unconfirmed reader reports indicated the power line was snagged by a boat being hauled on a trailer.
The railroad crossing arms were stuck in the down position during the outage. That, along with power line repairs, closed Nine Mile Road until about 4:30 p.m.
Gulf Power reported at least 1,270 customers in the area lost power.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bay Bridge, Highway 29, Nine Mile And More: This Week’s Construction Slow Spots
August 1, 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
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2, and Thursday, August 5. The lane restrictions will begin at the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze and extend for approximately 4,500-feet. Crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure that remains under construction. In addition, there will be eastbound intermittent right lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 as crews paint barrier wall and install pier lighting.
- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound remains closed at Bayfront Parkway. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- 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 work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, August 1 through Friday, August 6 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit on West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) Widening from Beulah Road to S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Drivers will encounter alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane closures and traffic shifts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Monday, July 26, as crews perform paving operations.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, August 2 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers can expect the following traffic impacts the week of Monday, August 2:
- Intermittent lane closures and shifts 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.
- The on- and off-ramps at the U.S. 29/Nine Mile Road interchange may be reduced to a single lane during the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Signage will be in place and traffic flaggers will be on-site to direct motorists.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Maintenance Work on the Eastbound Flyover Ramp onto I-10 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the eastbound flyover ramp on to I-10, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2 through Thursday, August 4 as crews make repairs to the ramp.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance North of the Langley Avenue Intersection – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures near O ’Charley’s 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 as crews perform underground utility operations.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - The Pensacola Bay Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, August 2, and Thursday, August 5. The lane restrictions will begin at the bridge approach in Gulf Breeze and extend for approximately 4,500-feet. Crews will be pouring concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola). In addition, there will be eastbound intermittent right lane closures 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 as crews paint barrier wall and install pier lighting.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts currently.
- S.R. 87 Routine Roadway Maintenance South of Burton Circle in Navarre – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 4 as crews perform paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: The Pensacola Bay Bridge on Saturday, July 31. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Here Are The School Supply Lists For Escambia County Schools (And Save With Tax Free Week)
August 1, 2021
Here are the school supply lists for Escambia County.
Florida’s sales tax holiday is continuing through August 9. Most school supplies and clothing are tax exempt, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a printable elementary school list, click here.
For a printable middle school list, click here.
All elementary and middle schools in Escambia County have the same core supply list, including some optional items. Additional wish list items may listed on individual school or PTA sites, including social media. High schools do not have a general supply list.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Headphones are not required, however, they are recommended for all grade levels.
Kindergarten
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 12
- Glue — 2 (4-ounce bottles)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 (solid colors)
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 2
- Yellow wooden pencils — 24 (No. 2, sharpened)
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Colored markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Quart or gallon Ziplock bags (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
First grade
- Crayons — 4 (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair blunt tip
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 2 with pockets and prongs
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 2 wide ruled
- Dry erase markers — 4
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Eraser caps — 1 package
- Pink erasers — 4
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Washable markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Second grade
- Crayons — 3 packs (24-count packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 4 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3 wide ruled
- Notebook paper — 1 pack wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams (white)
- Pink erasers — 4
- Eraser caps — 2 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 count No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Third grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-county packs)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Glue sticks — 6
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 5 with pockets and prongs and in solid colors
- Plastic school box or zippered pouch — 1
- Composition notebooks — 2
- Notebook paper — 2 packs wide ruled
- Copy paper — 2 reams white
- Pink erasers — 2
- Eraser caps — 3 packages
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Headphones (recommended)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Highlighters (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fourth grade
- Crayons — 2 (24-count packs)
- Colored pencils — 1 (12-count pack)
- Glue sticks — 4
- Glue — 1 bottle (4 ounces)
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Plastic Duo-Tang folders — 1 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, purple, orange and with pockets and prongs
- Composition notebooks — 4
- Notebook paper — 2 wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- White copy paper (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Fifth grade
- Colored pencils — 1 pack
- Glue — 2 bottles (4 ounces) or glue sticks — 4
- Scissors — 1 pair
- Duo-Tang folders — 2 of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange with pockets and prongs
- Zippered pouch — 1 or plastic school box — 1
- Spiral notebooks — 3
- Notebook paper — 4 packs wide ruled
- Cap erasers — 24
- Yellow wooden pencils — 48 No. 2, sharpened
- Multi-colored highlighters — 1 pack
- Headphones (recommended)
- Facial tissue (optional)
- 1½ – 2 inch binder (optional)
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Antibacterial wipes (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
(All grades)
- No. 2 pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide ruled notebook paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Earbuds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Blue Wahoos Split Doubleheader, Snap Seven Game Losing Streak
August 1, 2021
The Blue Wahoos snapped their seven-game losing streak with a doubleheader split on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola took the first game with a 5-0 win, but lost game two by a final score of 8-1.
Elieser Hernandez took the mound in game one as part of a Major League Rehab assignment for Miami. The three-year major league veteran looked impressive in his 2.2 innings of shutout ball. Hernandez—who is recovering from a right quadriceps injury—allowed one hit and struck out three. He was removed after throwing 46 pitches.
Offensively, the Blue Wahoos relied on power in order to surge past Mississippi. Three of the top hitting prospects in the Marlins system, JJ Bleday, Griffin Conine, and Peyton Burdick all homered in the win. Conine belted a two-run shot in the bottom of the first to put the Wahoos quickly ahead. Bleday crushed a solo shot to center in the fifth before Burdick added his own solo homer in the sixth.
Andrew Nardi replaced Hernandez in the third inning and 2.1 innings of one-hit shutout ball. Pensacola brought in Zack Leban to clean up the game’s final two innings en route to the club’s first shutout win of 2021.
In the second game, Jeff Lindgren struggled on the mound as the M-Braves clubbed five home runs in the win. Mississippi has now hit 18 home runs through the first five games of the series, which is the most homers in a five-game stretch in the club’s history. With the defeat, Pensacola has now lost four consecutive series.
The series finale is Sunday afternoon
ECSO: Man That Died After Being Found Injured Outside Century Bar Was Not Murdered
July 31, 2021
Authorities now say the man that died days after he was found badly injured outside a Century bar was not murdered as originally thought.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard about 10 p.m. on June 19 to find 60-year old Greg Hunter down in the parking lot. At the time, investigators believed he had been seriously beaten and left unconscious.
But the Medical Examiner’s Office now says Hunter died of natural causes, Amber Southard, ECSO spokesperson, told NorthEscambia.com Friday afternoon. She said the death remains under investigation and further details have not been released.
The ECSO said after the incident that Hunter was seen involved in a “shoving match” in the parking lot, but he did not appear injured. The witnesses went inside the bar, and when they went back outside, they found Hunter unconscious and bleeding, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A family member told NorthEscambia.com that Hunter remained in a coma and never regained consciousness before he passed away.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Issues Order Forbidding School Mask Mandates
July 31, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order that forbids school districts in the state from mandating masks this year.
He said parents must decide for themselves if their own children should wear masks in the classes this school year.
“It has harmed students,” DeSantis said of mandates. “Shouldn’t this be something parents decide?”
The order went into effect immediately It authorized Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to “pursue all legal means available to ensure school districts adhere to Florida law, including but not limited to withholding state funds from noncompliant school board violating any rules or agency action” taken at the Governor’s direction.
DeSantis said many students were harmed without direct face-to-face interactions in classrooms.
“It’s something that a lot of parents have been frustrated about, that a lot of students have been frustrated about,” DeSantis said. “I’ve had a lot of kids come up to me saying we don’t want to wear the masks going forward.”
“The federal government has no right to tell parents that in order for their kids to attend school in person, they must be forced to wear a mask all day, every day,” said DeSantis. “Many Florida schoolchildren have suffered under forced masking policies, and it is prudent to protect the ability of parents to make decisions regarding the wearing of masks by their children.”
Read the complete executive order by clicking or tapping here.
Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday
July 31, 2021
Florida’s 10-day back to school sales tax holiday began Saturday and continues through August 9.
During the sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For complete details from the Florida Department of Revenue, click or tap here.