Flomaton Man Charged With Burglary Of Nail And Beauty Salon
October 19, 2020
A Flomaton man has been charged with burglarizing a nail and beauty salon in Andalusia, Alabama.
Travis Lee Salter, 32, was charged with burglary third and theft of property third.
Sgt. Gene Jackson of the Andalusia Police Department said investigators received a report from the owner that Magnolia Jane Nail and Beauty was burglarized and several items were missing.
Officers reviewed indoor business surveillance video and determined that a white male with tattoos down both arms, wearing a white tank top, cap and blue jeans had unlawfully entered the business. Andalusia Police later caught up with Salter in the parking lot of a McDonald’s.
When officers made contact, they observed a cell phone that had been reported stolen in his back pocket and found other items on his person, according to Jackson. Police also discovered that other items taken from the business had been place in a nearby hole and covered with grass. Police did not specify exactly what the other items were.
Salter was booked into jail with bond set at $20,000.
Additional COVID-19 Death Reported In Escambia County, Alabama
October 19, 2020
Escambia County, Alabama, recorded an additional COVID-19 death last week.
The number of deaths is now at 28, and there have been 1,702 cases reported. In the last 14 days, Escambia County has seen 62 new cases from 437 tests, a positivity rate of 14.2%.
According to the Escambia County Healthcare Authority, 589 of the positive tests were conducted at Atmore Community Hospital and 242 were performed at DW McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Sunday Morning Wreck Claims Life Of Escambia County Man
October 18, 2020
An Escambia County man died in an Sunday morning wreck on Sorrento Road near Blue Angel Parkway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 51-year old was traveling east on Sorrento Road in a silver sedan when he crossed into the westbound lane, striking a pickup truck driven by a 52-year old Pensacola man at 6:38 a.m.
The 51-year old man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 52-year old pickup truck driver was not injured.
The FHP no longer released the names of traffic crash victims.
Young Woman Critically Injured In Highway 29 Crash Saturday Night
October 18, 2020
A two vehicle crash Saturday on Highway 29 left a woman in critical condition and injured at least one other person.
The crash happened at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road about 7:40 p.m. and involved a passenger car and pickup truck. The young adult female driver of the car was transported to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition, while one person in the pickup truck was injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their crash investigation and has not released further details.
A portion of the intersection was closed by the crash.
The Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Reimagine Cantonment Blesses Those In Need With Food, Clothing And More (With Photo Gallery)
October 18, 2020
The hearts and lives of area residents in need were touched during Reimagine Spring on Saturday in Cantonment.
The faith-based event included a 25,000 pound food giveaway, free clothing, free lunch, free children’s activities, free baby diapers and much more. Absolutely everything at the event was free..
Reimagine Cantonment was a project of Doers of the Word Ministry and was sponsored by numerous churches and other organizations, including NorthEscambia.com and Escambia County.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Escambia County used COVID-19 recovery dollars to sponsor the food giveaway at the event held at Carver Park.
“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, we were very proud to be able to use CARES Act funds to partner with Feeding the Gulf Coast to provide food to those in need,” said Chairman and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
First Look: Four Concept Plans For OLF-8 Development In Beulah
October 18, 2020
The public is getting a first look at four initial concept design plans for OLF-8 in Beulah.
The OLF8 Master Plan project is an Escambia County-driven initiative to turn the empty helicopter field by Navy Federal Credit Union Campus into a thriving asset for the community. The project team, led by DPZ CoDesign, was selected by the Escambia County Commissioners to create a plan to maximize the opportunities for jobs and community uses on this 500 plus acre site along Nine Mile Road.
After hundreds of survey responses, comments, stakeholder meetings, and seven public virtual meetings, the four concepts were unveiled last week.
Each plan has a different approach to using the 500+ acres at OLF-8, but all the plans incorporate best practices for urban design, use of space, green infrastructure, and traffic management.
The plans are dubbed The Commerce Park Plan, The Market Plan, The Greenway Plan and The Village Plan.
There are certain common ideas weaved in all the plans. The differences between the plans are primarily in the amount of land devoted to each use (residential, commerce, retail, recreation, civic, etc), the intensity and diversity of development, and the character and design of the site.
Each of the four plans are detailed below:
The Commerce Plan
This is the plan that develops the site exclusively for a commerce park, life-style center (for the downtown) and recreational amenities. There are no residential housing in this plan.
- Organization – A lifestyle center of retail shops along pedestrian-oriented streets is located near 9-Mile Rd, and commerce park uses are located north nearer to Frank Reeder, where the site is relatively flat.
- Marketability – This plan far exceeds market capacity for commerce park uses; but one can see where the plan may be reduced or provide for development opportunity into the future for other uses.
- Walkability – Creates walkable streets where possible, particularly in the southern lifestyle center and the office center spine. Otherwise, the commerce format is not easily compatible with walkability. A diversity of commerce and industrial type buildings are suggested here.
- Transportation – The street grid is well organized, however due to the lack of housing each job and business will create a significant amount of car traffic at peak hours along 9 mile and Frank Reeder.
- Environment – The plan preserves open space along the edges, but the format requires substantial surface parking which results in excess water run-off.
- Edges – Edges to the north, west, and south remain open with trails. To the east the edge includes a few future street connections near 9-Mile Rd but does not buffer further north where substantial tree stands border the site’s edge.
- Innovation – Flexibility in the block structure is the key innovation, where the plan could adjust to accommodate other uses.
The Market Plan
This is the plan that develops the site according to the results of the marketability study. Absent community input, this is what we would call the highest and best use plan which would yield the highest return on investment.
- Organization – A mixed-use neighborhood center, with a retail loop, is anchored to the south end of the OLF8 site with access from 9-mile road. The rest of the plan is developed as residential neighborhoods, each with a possible distinct character, centered on a central green. A 70-acre site, along the west side is reserved for a commerce park.
- Marketability – It meets the mix of residential, retail, office, and light industrial uses identified by the Weitzman report.
- Walkability – The neighborhoods are laid out along narrow streets. In terms of transportation – a clear and connected grid of streets and trails are organized around the building blocks of each neighborhood. Wider streets separate one neighborhood from another.
- Environment – Preserves the current open space and treed area and expands on this by bringing greens deep into site through green fingers which turn into wide boulevards. Smaller scaled pocket parks are embedded in the various neighborhoods, ensuring everybody has close access to some form of open space within a 5-min walk.
- Edges – This plan preserves a buffer of 200 to 400 feet in width along Frank Reeder Road to reflect the current character on the north side of Frank Reeder Rd.
- Innovation – There are multiple scales of small farms ranging from 1 acre to 10 acres, to protect and celebrate the rural history of the area. A necklace of public amenities are anchored to the natural area on the west side of the site, which include, a micro-brewery located on a small lake, a boutique hotel across from the brewery, a children’s museum (similar to the ‘Mess Hall’), an elementary school, a community garden, with a functioning barn to harvest produce, a market building to sell the freshly grown produce, and finally a Children’s day care center, connected to Navy Federal.
The Greenway Plan
This is one of two hybrid plans with a more limited mix of uses than the marketability plan suggested could be accommodated on site.
- Organization – This plan is defined by a grid of greenways. The town center is located along 9-mile Rd with a mix of offices, shops, restaurants and some multi-family buildings. An eastern industrial commerce district is suggested with entrances of 9-mile Rd. It wraps around the north and NW corner along Frank Reeder which anticipates the 1-10 interchange at Beulah Rd. A central low-density residential neighborhood is proposed for the center, with 4 quadrants defined by large attached greens and a street of live-work units. A north-south main street spine and broad greenway ring road connect all 4.
- Marketability – The plan provides for a healthy mix of all market uses that are likely to be desired in this region and a flexible framework to make market adjustments as the project is built incrementally.
- Walkability – Each neighborhood is designed to have a quarter mile radius (5 min. walk) from center to edge. Amenities and Civic facilities are distributed throughout site, with plentiful array of green space. The broad greenway features shared walking trail for walkers, joggers and equestrian riders down the center.
- Transportation – Neighborhood structure provides centrally-located pick-up locations within 5 minute walks of each address for both regional bus transit or local shuttles.
- Environment – The Greenway system connects directly with the southwestern park. New stormwater ponds create a focal point for the retail and restaurant at the town center edges, and help manage the stormwater drainage needs of the site. The trail system, for both people and horses, continues into the large park in the southwest that incorporates the wetlands and existing tree stands with passive and active recreation, as well as civic uses and community farming.
- Edges – Bands of green space frame the entire site and are integrated into the Greenway system of this community. Roadways into the privately owned western properties are avoided and views screened, but future connections are not precluded. A connection to Navy Federal is anticipated on the east side.
- Innovation – A modular block structure offer incremental phasing and future flexibility. It is envisioned that this central neighborhood could remain open space initially, and then be phased incrementally as the demand arises.
The Village Plan
This is one of two hybrid plans, and is focused around Beulah’s agrarian and rural roots. It is the least developed of the 4 plans
- Organization – A commerce park is embedded along the eastern end of the site. A village center with shops, housing and office uses along pedestrian-oriented streets is located on the south end of the plan, along 9-mile Road, while a centralized agricultural or common green space serves as a key community feature, surrounded by quiet residential neighborhoods and amenities such as a winery and restaurant. The village boundaries transition into agriculture and then nature.
- Marketability – While potentially not at full market capacity for commerce or housing, this plan provides for a unique and active agrarian community experience. It is the plan with the least amount of residential proposed.
- Walkability – Mid-block shared streets, multi-use paths, destinations, scenic agrarian vistas and unique pedestrian experiences allow for useful and interesting daily walks in this plan.
- In terms of transportation – This plan aims at reducing the street network load and provides a diverse variety of options including an interconnected trail system accessible for equestrian, biking, walking and other active recreation and transportation uses.
- Environment – The wetlands and wooded areas remain intact in this plan with substantial land preserved for open space, agriculture and minimal impact recreational uses.
- Natural elements are also integrated within the village and open green spaces serve as stormwater retention ponds when needed.
- Edges – Except for the village center edge along 9 Mile road to the south, the site retains natural edges throughout, composed of wooded areas, agriculture, greenways and paths.
- Innovation – This plan takes on a traditional village concept where the village boundary is defined by farmstead and agrarian parcels while providing a flexible block structure within for a variety of uses.
Early Voting Opens Monday In Escambia County – 13 Days, 10 Locations
October 18, 2020
Monday, October 19 marks the beginning of 13 consecutive days of early voting in Escambia County for the General Election. A total of 10 sites will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily throughout the county – the most locations ever offered to Escambia County voters:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century
- Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Mobile Hwy/Pine Forest Rd Early Voting Center, 6675 Pine Forest Rd, Suite 11
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, University Parkway
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Early voting will be offered Monday, October 19, through Saturday, October 31. Early voters cast paper ballots through our digital scanners and may choose any one of the 10 sites. Each location is also equipped with an ExpressVote ballot marking device to assist persons with disabilities.
Another option for voters is to cast a vote-by-mail ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.gov, or by e-mail (votebymail@escambiavotes.com), phone (850) 595-3900, mail, or fax (850) 595-3914. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address, and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Saturday, October 24. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day and may not be returned to a polling location. A voter my return their vote-by-mail ballot to any early voting site or the 24-hour drop box at the Supervisor of Elections office. If mailing, the U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Vote-by-mail participants may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot.
The third option for voters is to cast a ballot at their precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Voters are reminded to bring their mask and photo and signature ID with them to the polls and are encouraged to check their sample ballot or visit EscambiaVotes.gov for complete voting information.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Spots To Watch
October 18, 2020
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 Replacement – The bridge remains closed until next year.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures the week of Sunday, Oct. 18:
o Southbound U.S. 29 traffic between Carolina Drive and I-10 will shift onto the newly constructed southbound lanes beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. This project milestone brings all southbound traffic between I-10 to Nine and Half Mile Road onto the west side of the median.
o Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and pavement operations.
- · East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Safety Project from North Palafox Street to Chemstrand Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures as crews continue construction activities. Eastbound traffic can also expect daytime, right turn lane closures.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road 184) to Atmore Highway (State Road (S.R.) 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. Motorists may also encounter lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 through Thursday, Oct. 15 for paving operations. Motorists are also advised to look out for debris as cleanup efforts are still underway from Hurricane Sally.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road (S.R. 295) – Construction activities continue. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed until next year.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews perform paving operations.
By The Numbers: $25.8 Million In Hurricane Sally Federal Recovery Money So Far For Escambia Residents
October 17, 2020
Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sally, Escambia County residents have received approximately $25.8 million in total federal funds.
Individual Assistance:
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2,410 homeowners and renters have been approved for more than $10 million in federal grants through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This includes:
- More than $8.1 million in Housing Assistance grants for housing repair costs, home replacement and rental payments.
- More than $1.9 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to replace essential household items and for other critical disaster-related costs.
- 1,691 homeowners and renters were approved for rental assistance.
- 3,463 survivors have not provided FEMA with the necessary information from their insurance settlements to complete their disaster assistance registration.
National Flood Insurance Program:
- 2,308 flood insurance claims have been filed. An estimated $14.3 million has been paid in claims.
U.S. Small Business Administration:
- Nearly $1.5 million has been approved in low-interest disaster loans for 38 homeowners and renters.
Public Assistance:
- Escambia County was approved for assistance to local governments and private nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities on Sept. 23.
- 10 requests for Public Assistance have been received, five have been approved.
Mobile Registration Intake Centers:
A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) is staffed with FEMA personnel who can assist Hurricane Sally survivors with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs. Centers in Escambia County are open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the following locations:
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 West DeSoto Street, Pensacola
Northview Beats South Walton 70-49 (With Photo Gallery)
October 17, 2020
The Northview Chiefs beat the South Walton Seahawks 70-49 Friday night in Bratt.
The Chiefs were off to a 14-7 lead in the first, including a Jayden Jackson touchdown. All total, Jackson had eight TDs on the night.
A South Walton pass was picked off by Luke Bridges and ran back to the 1-yard line, setting up a touchdown by Bridges and a 21-7 Northview advantage. It was the first interception of the night; he picked off a Seahawks toss in the endzone late in the game (pictured below).
With a 48-yard run from Jackson, the Boys from Bratt were up 27-10. With a Jamarkus Jefferson TD, the Chiefs were in the lead 35-20. Tied at 35-all in the third quarter, Jackson put the Chiefs back on top 41-35.
The Seahawks answered to take a 42-41 lead, but Jackson took it to the house again to put Northview up as they cruised to a 70-49 win.
Friday night, the Northview Chiefs (3-1) will venture across the Escambia River to take on the Jay Royals. TheRoyals (1-3) are coming off a tough 34-33 loss on the road Friday night at Freeport.
The Chiefs and the Royal will face off in two of the next three week. In addition to this Friday night at Jay, they will meet again on November 6 at Northview.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
