$2.375 Million Project Will Align Quintette Road At Highway 95A Intersection, Install Traffic Light
February 3, 2025
The Escambia County Commission is set to accept a quarter million dollars from Circle K this week toward the realignment and improvement of the of the Highway 95A and Quintette Road intersection.
Circle K has an approved development order for a new convenience store at the northeast corner of the intersection.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.375 million for design and construction. Circle K will donate $250,000 and right of way toward the improvements. Escambia County has obligated $1.275 million, and Florida Department of Transportation Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) funding for $850,000 is allocated for 2026.
Currently, the east and west legs of Quintette Road are offset approximately 115 feet from one another, creating a hazard for the smooth flow of intersection traffic. There is no available right-of-way for a lateral shift on the west side of the intersection, but the east side has an approximate right-of-way of 100 feet, which could accommodate a northerly shift. Immediately adjacent to this intersection are a concrete plant, asphalt plant, a high-end vehicle restoration complex, a new residential development, and a proposed convenience store station on the northeast corner.
A 2023 study found that a traffic signal is needed at the intersection. A westbound right turn lane is also proposed, to reduce delays with logging trucks turning north onto CR 95A. The project consists of the design and construction of a new right turn lane on East Quintette Road for a free right turn onto northbound CR 95A, installation of a new traffic signal that will integrate into the Escambia County traffic signal network, associated striping and signage, and drainage work.
A timetable for the intersection work has not been announced.
Pictured top: One rendition of the proposed alignment of Quinette Road at the intersection with Highway 95A. Pictured below: A Circle K is proposed at the intersection. NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
Jay Couple Places Top 10 in National Farm Bureau Competition
February 3, 2025
Brandt and Samantha Hendricks of Jay placed in the top 10 of the American Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture competition at the organization’s convention last week in San Antonio, Texas.
The couple are third generation farmers of Hendricks & Son Farms. They grow cotton, peanuts and hay and raise direct-to-consumer beef cattle. The couple served on the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group and are active Farm Bureau members.
“It’s been a great honor to stand with so many great farmers from across the country,” said Brandt. “The opportunity we’ve had to represent our state and grow as stronger leaders has been fantastic.”
“We’re super thankful to Florida Farm Bureau for giving us the opportunity and platform to share our story,” added Samantha. “We appreciate their support throughout the process. We’ve truly enjoyed our time as Achievement in Agriculture finalists.”
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.
Last year, the Hendricks were named the state winners of the Florida Farm Bureau’s coveted Achievement in Agriculture award and received a $45,000 prize.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Five Injured In Century Highway 29 Hit And Run Crash
February 2, 2025
UPDATE: The Florida Highway Patrol says there has been an arrest in this crash, but the suspect’s name was not immediately available.
Five people, including children, were injured in a hit and run crash Saturday night in Century.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck had slowed to make a right-hand turn onto Salter’s Lake Road. That’s when a northbound SUV approached at a high rate of speed and struck the pickup truck, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned, coming to rest off the roadway just north of Salter’s Lake Road. The SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
According to witnesses, the driver of the SUV fled on foot, and someone later returned to the SUV in a white pickup truck, removed items from the vehicle and left before law enforcement arrived. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the area were unable to locate the driver.
The occupants of the pickup were transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life threatening.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Cheerleaders Win Runner-up At State, Heading To Nationals
February 2, 2025
The defending state champion Tate Aggies cheerleaders took the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading state runner-up spot on Saturday.
The Aggie cheerleaders will compete in nationals this week. They will depart Wednesday and being competition on Friday in Orlando. Both the junior varsity and varsity squads will complete n traditional and gameday at nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson Named Alabama Sheriff Of The Year
February 2, 2025
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson has received the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award.
Jackson was nominated for his heroic actions that occurred in 2023 when Sheriff Jackson rescued four people that had become stranded on Burnt Corn Creek in rising flood waters. The children were found clinging to tree limbs, and Jackson rescued them with the aid of a jet ski.
Jackson was also recognized for his leadership and service as the Escambia County Sheriff. A graduate of T.R Miller High School, he was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Jackson previously served with the Brewton Police Department, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
He is a graduate of the National Sheriffs’ Institute and the FBI National Academy and an FBI-LEDDA Trilogy Award winner. In 2024, Jackson was awarded the Medal of Valor Award by the National Sheriffs’ Association. He is also a member of the Brewton Rotary Club where he serves as past president. He currently serves as second vice president for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.
“Sheriff Jackson not only serves his county but is always eager to assist other Alabama Sheriffs when called upon,” Huey Hoss Mack, executive director of the Sheriff’s Association, said.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson (right) was awarded the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award. The award was presented by Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, president of the Sheriffs
Association, at the annual winter meeting in Hoover, AL. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Teacher Of The Year Named
February 1, 2025
Friday night, Global Learning Academy kindergarten teacher Kelly Reed was nas named this year’s Escambia County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Reed will now be in the running for the state teacher of the year award.
The other finalist were:
- Beulah Elementary – Brooke Ferrara
- Beulah Middle – LeAnne Jenkins
- Ransom Middle – Stacey Hammer
- Tate High School – Kristin Maum0
Other Teacher of the Year, by school, were:
- Jim Allen Elementary – Jacey Taylor
- Bellview Elementary – Natalie Hardeman
- Blue Angels Elementary – Christina Cardenas
- Bratt Elementary – Sherri Carter
- Brentwood Elementary – Jill Stewart
- Hellen Caro Elementary – Erin Quinlan
- N. B. Cook Elementary – Kheri Murphy
- Cordova Park Elementary – Margaret Fox-McClellan
- Ensley Elementary – Mary Springer-Alonzo
- Ferry Pass Elementary – Jina Bradley
- Global Learning Academy – Kelly Reed
- Holm Elementary – Lynette Chandler
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Laura Wiggins
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Janie Hayes
- Lipscomb Elementary – Aurora Paul
- Longleaf Elementary – Christine Dunson
- McArthur Elementary – Jodie Langford
- Molino Park Elementary – Heidi Robar
- Montclair Elementary – Maxine Mathis
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Carrie Lawson
- Navy Point Elementary – Tanya DeGruccio
- Oakcrest Elementary – Deja Ramsey
- Pine Meadow Elementary – Kristen Whiddon
- Pleasant Grove Elementary – Theresa Restifo
- Scenic Heights Elementary – Amanda Byers
- O.J. Semmes Elementary – April Scott
- Sherwood Elementary – Patrice Majewski
- A. K. Suter Elementary – Tracy Eiser
- Warrington Elementary – Sylvia Harvey-Thomas
- C. A. Weis Elementary – Brianna English
- West Pensacola Elementary – Brittany Langlois
- Bailey Middle School – Clif (William) Cone
- Bellview Middle – Vicki Davis
- Brown Barge Middle – Nora Guy
- Ernest Ward Middle – Maria Willis
- Ferry Pass Middle – Kristen Amerson
- Workman Middle – Cynethia Gosse
- Escambia High School – Alicia Gifford
- Northview High School – Obreonne Parker
- Pensacola High School – Justin Aultman
- Pine Forest High School – Jonetta Moody
- Booker T. Washington High School – Karen Privett
- West Florida High School – Tiffany Odom
- Alternative Education – Christopher Baker
- Beulah Academy of Science – Kara List
- Achieve Academy – Jayla King
- Success Academy – Pam Carter
- Escambia Virtual – Kimberly Rayburn
- Escambia Westgate – Terri Michelle Price
- ESE – Kirsten Kappler-Bennett
- Hope Horizon – Heather Turner
- George Stone Technical College – Garry Ellison
- Pensacola Beach Charter – Heather Gagnet