Driver Crashes Into Utility Pole On Highway 95A In Cantonment
November 24, 2020
A driver crashed into a utility pole Tuesday night in Cantonment.
It happened just after 7 p.m. on Highway 95A near Neal Road. There were no serious injuries reported.
Gulf Power did not report that anyone lost power as a result of the crash, but the pole was damaged.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
NorthEscambbia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Malfunctioning Traffic Light Leads To Overturned Log Truck Wreck In Molino
November 24, 2020
Drivers stopped at a malfunctioning traffic signal at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino led to an injury crash with an overturned log truck Tuesday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 67-year old Baker man was traveling south on Highway 29 approaching the Highway 97 intersection. The traffic light ahead of the trucker was blinking yellow and multiple cars had stopped for the blinking yellow light.
The driver of the log truck swerved into the right turn lane to avoid a collision with the stopped vehicles. The log truck overturned and struck the rear of a passenger car.
The truck driver was seriously injured, while the occupants of the car suffered minor injuries. All were transported to area hospital by Escambia County EMS following the 7 a.m. crash.
Southbound Highway 29 remained closed for hours to clean up the wreckage and logs. Traffic was detoured onto Highway 97.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Navy Releases Report On NAS Pensacola Shooting, Says Shooter ‘Self-Radicalized’ In ‘Toxic’ Climate
November 24, 2020
The U.S. Navy has released their investigative report into the deadline December 2019 terrorist attack at NAS Pensacola.
An armed Lt. Mohammad Saeed Al-Shamrani, an international flight student from Saudi Arabia, entered the Naval Aviation Schools Command building about 6:40 a.m. He killed three sailors and injured five additional military and civilian personnel.
Al-Shamrani was shot and killed by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Ensign Joshua K. Watson, Airman Mohammed S. Haitham and Airman Apprentice Cameron S. Walters were dead.
The 260 page report found “the self-radicalization of 2nd Lt. Al-Shamrani was the primary cause of this fatal attack. However, his actions and behaviors, along with the organizational environment inherent in the aviation pipeline, likely increased his probability of committing an insider attack.”
“Military leaders, government employees, contracted employees, peers and civilians knew of isolated events and indicators, but all remained unaware of a complete picture of 2nd Lt. Al-Shamrani’s potential threat indicators,” the report states. “Based upon the information available at the time, no one person or organization knew or could have known 2nd Lt. Al-Shamrani would attack active duty service members and civilians.”
An instructor at Training Wing 6 witnessed Al-Shamrani applying to purchase a gun used in the attack, the report states. The purchase of the gun was legal, but Al-Shamrani violated Navy regulations for International Military Students (IMS). The report continues that the instructor did not report the incident because he was unaware of the policy violation.
The investigation found there was “an adverse microclimate for all students as NASC”, and international students were subjected to “derogatory and sometimes abusive comments as well as humiliating public reprimands.” Military and civilian leaders aware of the complaints did not take steps to correct the toxic climate, investigators found.
“In addition, 2nd Lt. Al-Shamrani likely faced additional personal and professional stressors due to a language barrier, cultural differences, and the rigor of high-risk aviation training and academics,” the report states. “Mitigating these individual risk factors may not have stopped 2nd Lt. Al-Shamrani from evolving into a hostile insider threat, yet they may have lessened his cumulative load of stress, pressure and anger.”
But the stress triggers were not unique to Al-Shamrani.
“In the absence of proactive leadership, positive command climates and personalized risk management, they may also apply equally to our own Sailors and civilian personnel,” the report states.
The report found that “current technology is unable to effectively monitor social media”, such as the jihadist, anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli rhetoric found on Al-Shamrani’s social media accounts.
Pictured top: The scene outside Building 633 as law enforcement responds to a terrorist attack on December 6, 2019. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo.
ECSO Responds To Shots Fired In Century
November 24, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired incident on West Highway 4 at North Century Boulevard in Century Monday night.
When deputies arrived on scene, they located shell casings in the roadway. They were unable to locate anyone or anything that had been hit by gunfire, according to Sgt. Melanie Petersson.
No further information was released.
File photo.
Christmas Parades: Pensacola And Molino Canceled, But Jay And Atmore Still On
November 24, 2020
Christmas parades in Pensacola and Molino have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the parades will go on in Atmore and Jay.
Molino Christmas Parade
The Molino Christmas parade has been canceled The parade annually benefits needy families in the community, and donations are still being accepted. To make a donation, message the Molino Ballpark on Facebook. Last year, they were able to help 10 families.
Pensacola Christmas Parade
The Pensacola Christmas Parade has been canceled for 2020. “Considering 50,000 attendees and 5000 participants, it would be impossible to social distance,” according to organizers.
Jay Christmas Parade
It’s “Joy in Jay” for Christmas on Saturday, December 5. The annual Jay Christmas parade will roll at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a festival on Commerce Street with Santa’s workshop, food and craft vendors, Christmas theater and more. For information, to volunteer or a vendor application, call the Jay Town Hall at (850) 675-4556.
Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
The Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade “Songs of Christmas” will take place on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade will travel from Atmore City Hall south on Main Street to Lindberg Avenue, ending at Escambia County High School.
Pictured: The 2019 Molino Christmas Parade Saturday and visits with Santa. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Dept. Of Health Offers Tips For Safe Pandemic Thanksgiving
November 24, 2020
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year.
The Florida Department of Health is offering advice on how to have a safe Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic and tips on tweaking old traditions to keep your family and friends safe.
FDOH is suggesting that groups hold outdoor events rather than inside. All individuals should wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently. If someone feels ill during the holiday season, get tested for COVID-19 and avoid going out in public or being around at-risk individuals. Older persons or persons at increased risk should should avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in their household.
Guests who have traveled from out of town should distance themselves from people who are 65 or older and people of any age who have underlying health issues such as lung or heart disease. And hosts entertaining at home should make sure frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before and after gatherings.
From cooking, to how much you eat, to travel, the Florida Department of Health has a cornucopia of other advance for a safe Thanksgiving:
Food Safety
- Handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds (or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol) before and after preparing, serving and eating food is key to food safety.
- Frozen turkeys can defrost at a safe temperature using one of these methods: in a leak-proof container in the refrigerator; in a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink of cold water (water should be changed every 30 minutes), or in the microwave, following the microwave manufacturer’s instructions. Never defrost meat at room temperature.
- Cross contamination of foods causes illness—separate utensils, cutting boards and plates used for raw meats from other foods.
- Food thermometers are the best way to confirm that a food is cooked to a safe temperature.
- Hot foods should be kept hot and cold foods cold.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of eating.
Holiday Travel
- People who are sick should not travel—even if symptoms are mild, infection can spread to others.
- Everyone traveling by car should wear seat belts and adults should check that infant and child car seats are properly installed.
- If you are traveling from Florida to another state on a commercial flight, wear a mask and social distance as much as possible. If you feel ill upon return, get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Healthy Habits for the Holidays
- Smaller servings of favorite foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar can be balanced with healthier options like lean meats, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Physical activity helps keep weight in check during the holidays: adults should be active for at least 2½ hours a week, and at least 1 hour a day is ideal for children and teens.
Fire Prevention
- Fireplaces, space heaters, candles and food cooking on stoves or ovens should not be left unattended.
- A clearance of 3 feet kept around heat sources—fireplaces, air vents, space heaters—is safer.
- The manufacturers’ instructions for connecting Christmas light strands should be followed.
- Christmas trees should be watered daily—dry pine needles are fire hazards.
Injury Prevention
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is 100% preventable—generators, grills or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices should not be used inside the home or garage.
- Step stools or ladders that are locked and placed on a level surface should be used when hanging decorations.
- Fireworks are safety hazards that can burn people and houses, and terrify pets—the safer choice is to exclude fireworks from celebrations.
- Bicycle or skateboarding helmets help prevent the most serious types of head and brain injuries.
Thanksgiving Closures, Sanitation Schedule Changes
November 24, 2020
Here are Thanksgiving closures and sanitation schedule changes:
Escambia County
Below is a listing of Escambia County offices and departments closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - all departments including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office
- ECAT administrative offices. No bus or trolley services will be provided.
- Perdido Landfill
- Escambia County Animal Shelter (The shelter will return to normal operations Saturday, Nov. 28. The shelter still requires appointments for adoptions, redemptions, admissions and other services. Email animalshelter@myescambia.com to make an appointment for Saturday).
Escambia County Exceptions:
- Regular ECAT bus service resumes Friday, Nov. 27, but the administrative office will remain closed. UWF trolleys will not operate Thursday, Nov. 26 or Friday, Nov. 27.
- The Perdido Landfill will reopen Friday, Nov. 27.
ECUA Escambia County
- All residential sanitation, recycling, and yard trash collections for ECUA customers that would normally be made on Thursday, Nov. 26, or Friday, Nov. 27 will be made one day later, on Friday, Nov. 27 or Saturday, Nov. 28, respectively.
- All commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers that would normally be made on Thursday, Nov. 26, will be made one day earlier, on Wednesday, Nov. 25. There are no changes to the schedule for commercial services scheduled on Friday, Nov. 27, or Saturday, November 28.
ECUA Santa Rosa County & Town of Jay
- There will be no garbage or yard trash collection on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Garbage and yard trash will be collected on the next normally scheduled collection day for that route (Monday). Recycling collection scheduled for Thursday, November 26, will be collected on Saturday November 28.
- There are no changes to Tuesday and Friday collections, which are unaffected by the holiday.
City of Pensacola
The following City of Pensacola offices and facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
City of Pensacola Exceptions:
- Osceola Golf Course will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26 and reopen on Friday, Nov. 27.
- Roger Scott Tennis Center will remain open.
Pensacola Sanitation Service Changes:
Crash Near Atmore Claims Life Of Local Man
November 23, 2020
An Atmore man has been charge with vehicular homicide for a crash that claimed a life on November 20 just outside Atmore.
Mathiew Norman Wilson, 58, attempted to turn his 1997 Dodge Ram pickup from Highway 31 onto 21st Avenue when he collided with a Ford Excursion driven by 18-year old Phenix Nicole Crews, according to Alabama state troopers. Wilson’s passenger, 31-year old Jacob Oran Bailey, later died from his injuries.
Wilson was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton ib
File photo.
One Injured In Two Vehicle Rollover Crash In Cantonment
November 23, 2020
One person was injured in a two vehicle rollover crash Monday afternoon in Cantonment.
The crash happened just after 1 p.m. at South Highway 97 and West Kingsfield Road. One person was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Just Over A Week Remains To Apply For Hurricane Sally FEMA Assistance Or Business Loans
November 23, 2020
Just over a week remains to apply for federal Hurricane Sally assistance. The application deadline for Escambia County residents with uninjured losses is Tuesday, December 1.
Survivors can register with FEMA:
- By visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA App for smartphones
- Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available.
December 1 also is the deadline for homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications for small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations is July 2, 2021.
For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.
For in-person assistance with an SBA disaster loan, visit the Business Recovery Centers, open 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez Street, Pensacola.