One Dead, One Injured In Diving Accident South Of Pensacola Beach
June 21, 2020
One man is dead another injured after a diving incident south of Pensacola Beach on Saturday.
One 28-year-old male was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, and one 48-year-old male was pronounced deceased by a local coroner.
Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report Saturday at about 8:30 a.m. of a diving incident approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Pensacola Beach.
After reportedly ascending too quickly during a dive, the 48-year-old male went into cardiac arrest and failed to resurface. The 28-year-old diver went into the water and found him unconscious at the bottom. Upon resurfacing with the unconscious diver, the 28-year-old diver also began experiencing symptoms requiring medical attention.
Coast Guard Station Pensacola’s 45-foot rescue boat responded to the divers’ location. The crew embarked both divers and took them to Pensacola Pier. The 48-year-old was pronounced deceased, and the 28-year-old male was transferred via LifeFlight to Springhill Medical Center in Mobile in stable condition.
File photo.
Injury Crash Saturday Evening On Pine Forest Road At Wilde Lake Boulevard
June 21, 2020
At least two people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday evening on Pine Forest Road.
The crash between a Ford pickup and Jeep Cherokee happened about 7 p.m. on Pine Forest Road at Wilde Lake Boulevard. Minor extrication was required to free the occupants of the Jeep.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Free Food Distributions This Week In Cantonment, Molino And Walnut Hill
June 21, 2020
Three food distributions will take place this week in North Escambia at locations in Cantonment, Molino and Walnut Hill.
Annie Jones United Methodist Church – Tuesday, Walnut Hill
Annie Jones United Methodist Church will hold a free food giveaway on Tuesday, June 23, at 5040 Arthur Brown Road (just west of Highway 97). The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and continue while supplies last. There will be enough food for 150 families.
The event is for Escambia County, Florida, residents only. Everyone must have proof of residency.
Cantonment Improvement Committee – Tuesday, Cantonment
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a food distribution on Tuesday, June 23 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. There will be 10,000 pounds of food distributed, including meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. Line up on Webb Street facing north.
Highland Baptist Church Molino – Wednesday, Molino
Highland Baptist Church will host a free fresh produce box giveaway again this Wednesday.
It will take place from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last at the church, 6240 Highway 95A in Molino. It is limited to one box per vehicle. The produce is being provided in conjunction with the USDA and Gulf Coast Produce. For more information, call (850) 587-5174.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots, Including Highway 29, Nine Mile Road
June 21, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and ending 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 6.
Escambia County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 21:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– Drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass and U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 & Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.)) to U.S. 29 – Cove Avenue north of Nine Mile Road will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m. beginning Tuesday, June 23. Drivers may use 9 & Half Mile Road and Bowman Avenue as an alternate route. The temporary closure is anticipated to take seven to ten days.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297)- A portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- Theo Baars Bridge Utility Operations- There will be daily eastbound shoulder closures across the bridge starting Monday, June 22, and continuing for approximately four weeks as Quanta Communications Services hang new communications lines below the bridge. No lane closures are anticipated, operations will be suspended during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
- · Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Pedestrian Crosswalk Construction at Flora-Bama- The new pedestrian actuated crosswalk signal at the Flora-Bama will become operational around 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25. The signal is currently in flash mode to acquaint motorists with its location.
- · 9th Avenue, Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291), Alcaniz Street (S.R. 289), Wright Street (U.S. 98) Underground Sewer Line Videography- Traffic may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until Tuesday, June 30 as crews inspect sanitary sewer lines.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Drainage Improvements at the intersection of Perry Avenue- The southbound lane will be closed at the intersection of Perry Avenue weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday, July 10.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of County Road (C.R.) 184 (Muscogee Road) to S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating lane restriction from 8 pm. to 6 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) at Mobile Highway and Memphis Avenue- Construction activities have begun on the safety improvement. No lane closures anticipated at this time.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road
(S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The week of Sunday, June 21:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- · S.R. 87 Resurfacing from South of Clear Creek to North of S.R. 4- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions to begin the week of June 22. Lane closure restrictions will not be allowed near Allentown Road Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. during active school periods. The 14-mile improvement project is anticipated to be complete in winter 2020.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay –There will be a slow-moving vehicle used to perform striping operations. There will also be intermittent shoulder closures throughout the project.
- · U.S. 98 Overpass Routine Maintenance in Gulf Breeze- There will be eastbound and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.
- · U.S. 90 over CSX RR Routine Bridge Maintenance- There will eastbound and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 25.
- · U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over White River- there will be intermittent eastbound lane restrictions from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, June 25.
- · U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations between Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) and the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Man Shot And Killed Outside Escambia County Apartment Complex
June 21, 2020
A man was shot and killed outside an Escambia County apartment complex Saturday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident at the Oakwood Terrace Apartments on Truman bout 6:45 p.m. They arrived to find 18-year-old Kuanterion Rivers deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. Rivers was a local rapper, using the name Frozonee.
No further information was released on any possible suspect as the ECSO’s investigation continued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
‘All Individuals Should Wear Masks’ According To New Florida Health Advisory
June 21, 2020
The Florida Department of Health issued a Public Health Advisory on Saturday calling for everyone in the state to wear a face mask in response to increased COVID-19 cases in the state.
Also Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance.
The health advisory provides the following recommendations:
- All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following apply:
- A child is under two years of age;
- An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering;
- An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
- An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession; or
- An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place.
- All individuals over the age of 65 and all individuals of any age with high-risk health conditions should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All individuals should refrain from participation in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wearing a face covering.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will enforce the following guideless, all of which were already in place:
Restaurants, bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, excluding nightclubs:
- May operate at fifty percent of the establishment’s indoor capacity.
- May operate at full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing.
- Bar areas may operate with seated service.
Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades:
- May operate at fifty percent of the establishment’s capacity with appropriate social distancing between groups and proper sanitization protocols.
In-store retail businesses:
- May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing measures and proper sanitization protocols.
Gyms and fitness centers:
- May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization.
Personal services including but not limited to tattooing, body piercing, tanning and massage:
- May operate while adhering to appropriate safety guidelines outlined by the Florida Department of Health.
Barber shops, hair salons and nail salons:
- May continue to operate while adhering to safety protocols.
Phase 2 continued emphasis on preventative measures outlined by the CDC and OSHA:
- Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Individuals should avoid gathering in groups larger than 50.
- All persons who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
Wrong-Way Driver Kills Man In Head On I-10 Wreck In Escambia County
June 20, 2020
An Alabama man was killed in an early morning wrong-way driver wreck on I-10 near the westbound weigh station in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 46-year old female from McKinney, Texas, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when her SUV collided head on with a sedan driven by a 25-year old male from Theodore, Alabama. The vehicles collided head on about 1:45 a.m.
The male was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the woman was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A passenger in sedan, a 34-year old male from Theodore, was extricated and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Any charges in the crash are pending the results of a traffic homicide investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol no longers releases the names of any wreck victims.
Updated 11:55 am to reflect that there was a passenger in the sedan. The original FHP release did not indicate a passenger.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s Unemployment Rate Improved Just A Little. But It’s Still Bad.
June 20, 2020
The unemployment rate in Florida hit a record 14.5% in May due to coronavirus economic shutdown, as Escambia County’s numbers showed a very slight improvement.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 11.8% in May, down from 12.6% in April. That represents 16,109 people out of work out of a county workforce of 136,356. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was just 3%, or 4,432 people.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.5 percent in May, up 0.7 percentage point from the revised April rate of 13.8 percent, and up 11.3 percentage points from a year ago. There were 1,412,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,709,000.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in May.
Preliminary FAA Data Reveals Little About Fatal Atmore Crop Duster Crash
June 20, 2020
Preliminary Federal Aviation Administration data reveals little about a fatal crop duster plane crash Tuesday north of Atmore.
The crash about 7:30 a.m. behind a lake house on Gideons Lake Road just north of I-65 claimed the life of Eddie Gideons, a well-loved member of the local community.
The FAA report notes the plane was destroyed after crashing under unknown circumstances and offers no information about the cause of the crash as the investigation continues.
The plane was a 2013 year model Air Tractor AT-502 single turbo-prop engine crop duster. The company’s website describes the plan as the “world’s most popular ag plane”. It was registered to Wallace Flying Service, Inc. based at 1001 McMullough Road in the McCullough community north of Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
ECAT Cuts Routes, Service Hours Following Driver’s Positive Test For COVID-19
June 20, 2020
Following the revelation that a driver has tested positive for COVID-19, Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) has cut their service level because “many” employees are on quarantine, according to Escambia County.
Starting Monday, June 22 until further notice, ECAT and ADA Transportation will run peak service only, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This modified service will take place Monday through Saturday, without service on Sundays. Buses will run every two hours with the final route trips departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. ECAT will temporarily suspend routes 41, 59A and 59X. Beach Trolleys will run regular hours 4 p.m. to midnight, with limited service running two trolleys instead of three. Schedules are subject to change as more drivers return to work.
The change in service came after it was announced Wednesday that a driver tested positive, likely from a relative, Escambia County.
The employee was at work on Saturday, June 13 for the first time since April 8 and is home on quarantine.
The county said Friday that the employee did not drive any ECAT regular routes and did not have direct contact with any passengers. All staff members who had direct close contact with the employee have been notified, advised to test for COVID-19 and quarantined. ECAT facilities and vehicles are disinfected daily with many areas also cleaned regularly during and between shifts.