Work Begins Monday To Six-Lane I-10 From Davis To Scenic

November 8, 2013

Construction will begin next week on a $43.1 million project to widen Interstate 10 to six travel lanes from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge and to widen Scenic Highway from Whisper Way to Northpointe Parkway. In addition, construction crews will reconstruct the Scenic Highway overpass.

Other features of the project include the installation of sound walls adjacent to I-10, construction of storm water retention ponds, drainage improvements and new highway lighting. The project is slated for completion in fall 2016.

During construction drivers will encounter overnight lane restrictions on both Interstate 10 and Scenic Highway. Lane closures on I-10 will be limited to 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., while Scenic Highway lane closures will occur between 8:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. Access to businesses and other private property along Scenic Highway will be maintained at all times.

Maintenance activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled. Motorists are reminded to travel with care through the work zone and to watch for construction equipment and workers entering and exiting the roadway.

Space Still Available In Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl Baseball Clinic At Northview

November 8, 2013

Last minute registrations are available as Northview Baseball and Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl of the Milwaukee Brewers presents  a fall baseball clinic Saturday for ages 9-17. Participants will receive on the field experience while supporting the Northview Chiefs baseball program.

The clinic will be held Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Northview baseball complex.  The number of registrations are limited. Late registrations will be accepted prior to the event, preferably by 8:30 a.m. The cost is $40 per participant.

For more information or to register, call the Northview Diamond Club at (850) 554-8594.

Ernest Ward Middle Salutes Veterans (With Photo Gallery)

November 8, 2013

Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from the across the area Thursday morning.

“When you say thank-you, it means the world to them,” retired Marine Rob Doss, the Escambia School District’s director of transportation, told the EWMS student body and their veteran guests. “Never forget all that we have is because of these great people that have worn the uniform of the United States of America.”

The program included patriotic music, a dance team and dramatic presentation a special “Old Glory” presentation by the Northview High School NJROTC.

For a photo gallery, click here.

The annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward is a longstanding community tradition, held annually for over 20 years.

Pictured top: The Northview High School NJROTC presents “Old Glory” Thursday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School’s annual Veterans Day program. Pictured inset: Special speaker Rob Doss. Pictured below: Veterans salute. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.


Two Injured In Hwy 29 Crash

November 8, 2013

Two people were injured in two vehicle collision Thursday night in Cantonment.

The crash happened in the northbound lanes of Highway 29 near Faith Chapel North Funeral Home about 6:25 p.m. One of the injured, a 61-year old female, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The condition of a second victim  transported to the hospital was not available.

Northbound Highway 29 was closed about 30 minutes by the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not yet been released.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.

Joiel Wilson Edmonson

November 8, 2013

Joiel Wilson Edmonson “J.J.”, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joiel David Edmonson and Eula Mae Edmonson, Woodrow Allen and Estelle Allen.

J.J. is survived by his loving wife, Rori Edmonson; daughters, Torrie Edmonson, Gyanna Edmonson and Harley Edmonson; father, John David Edmonson (Tina); mother, Teresa D. Edmonson; brothers, Jerry Wayne Nellum (Anita) and John Nellums (Elsie); many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Bo Bibby, Rodney Watkins, Joshua Allen, Joiel Smallwood, Justin Smallwood and Dustin Thurston.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Denhan, Jr., Jarome Edmonson and Sidney Benware.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the funeral cost would be appreciated.

Funeral service were held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Tony Shackle and Reverend Wesley Alvarez officiating.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.

James David “Dave” Hoffman

November 8, 2013

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (2 Timothy 4:7-8a)

James David “Dave” Hoffman of Cantonment, was received by his Lord and Savior into Heaven on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. He left this world peacefully while surrounded by members of his loving and loyal family and friends who were in prayer for him, and was greeted at the gates of Heaven by his many family members and friends who preceded his arrival.

Dave Hoffman was born December 15, 1931, and lived a joyful, busy, happy life filled with service to others and a dedication to his family that was unparalleled. Dave was there before anyone asked for help; his generosity and kindness to others was the daily service of this strong but humble man. He always had a smile and hug or handshake for everyone he met and people who know him watched out for his vise-like grip!

He retired from the United States Navy after serving 20 years from 1950 – 1970 and served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War era. During his military career he received numerous honors including the National Defense, United Nations, and Korean Service Medals. After his retirement from the Navy he returned to Pensacola and worked for Flor Daniels Construction Company at the (then) Monsanto Plant until he retired for the second time. Dave was a great carpenter and gardener and many people in Pensacola were blessed by his precise, beautiful woodwork and offerings from his bountiful vegetable and rose gardens.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David Felix and Renolda Hoffman of Taylor, Mississippi; his brother, Harry Paul Hoffman and brother-in-law Grover Kinney; son-in-law Walter Zittel; and grandson Roy (“Willie”) McCormick.

He is survived by his sweet and loving wife, Jane Hoffman (“Nana”) of 63 years and their four children, Lyn Zittel of Pensacola; Jim (Mary) Hoffman of Virginia Beach,VA; Jeff (Robyn) Hoffman; Janet Price (Dennis Foster) as well as K.C. (Susanne) Fehl, all of Cantonment. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bert (Felicia) Wynne, Emily & Savannah Price, Rebecca Zittel, Meagan & Matthew Hoffman, Jared & Trevor Hoffman, Kim Zurbay and Charles McCormick; as well as Kenny Paul Fehl; and his two great-granddaughters, Abigail and Allison Wynne. He also leaves his sister, Hazel Kinney and sister-in-law, Marilyn Hoffman both of Oxford, MS; his aunts, Iva Brown and Edna Hargrove; his brother-in-law, Virgil (Amy) Cooper of Birmingham and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, November 11, 2013 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Faith Chapel North in Cantonment.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, with Pastor Roy Chewning officiating.

Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:30 am.

Pallbearers will be Bert Wynne, Jared Hoffman, Trevor Hoffman, Kenny Paul Fehl and Robby Stoner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Bailey, Windell Long, Charlie Lowery, Glen Norris, Clifford Stoner and the active Deacons of Gonzalez Baptist Church.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.

Mary Lou McMath

November 8, 2013

Mrs. Mary Lou McMath, 85, of Atmore, passed away November 7, 2013, at her residence. She was born October 1, 1928, in McCullough, Alabama, to the late Isaac E. and Madora Luker. She was an active member of Presley Street Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe McMath, a brother Leo Luker and one great granddaughter Anna Grace McMath.

She is survived by her two sons, Joseph Leroy (Susan) McMath, Jr., and John William (Esther) McMath; two daughters, Mary Diane (Eddie) Purvis and Susan Elizabeth McMath; two sisters, Miriam Milliken and Lois Amerson; grandchildren, Joey (Misty) McMath, Jeremy (Jennifer) McMath, Jonathan (Lacey) McMath, Melanie (Chad) Kent, John (Dana) McMath, Jr., Brook (Jeremy) Hawsey, Marisa Robards and Derek (April) Bell. She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren and a special cousin, Dixie Caylor.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Presley Street Baptist Church with Bro. Leo Luker and Bro. Mike Grindle officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Joey McMath, Jeremy McMath, Jonathan McMath, Chad Kent, John McMath, Jr., and Derek Bell.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice of Baldwin County for their compassionate care during Mrs. McMath’s last days.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013, from 12 p.m. until service time at Presley Street Baptist Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Clear And Cold Tonight

November 7, 2013

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North wind around 10 mph.
  • Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 10 mph.
  • Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. East wind around 5 mph.
  • Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
  • Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
  • Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
  • Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
  • Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 61.

Mail Delivery Vehicle, Pickup Collide In Cantonment

November 7, 2013

Three people were injured in a wreck involving a mail delivery vehicle and a pickup truck this afternoon near the Cantonment Post Office.

The mail delivery vehicle overturned on the side of the roadway, while the pickup  came to rest in a Highway 29 turn lane. None of the injuries were believed to be serious in the 12:15 p.m. crash.

Further details have not yet  been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Reader submitted photos by Felicia Molchanoff and Kimberly Blackwell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Hit And Run: Driver Heads Home After Hitting House

November 7, 2013

A Walnut Hill man allegedly hit a house, fled the scene of the accident and drove a couple of miles to his own home Wednesday night.

The driver of a Nissan was eastbound on Arthur Brown Road just west of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church when he left the roadway, plowed through some brush and into the front yard of a home. Witnesses said he then backed into the unoccupied home, causing little damage, before driving around behind the home and then fleeing the scene again eastbound on Arthur Brown Road.

Evidence and vehicle parts left behind led authorities to the man’s residence  just over two miles away on Highway 97.  Vehicle parts were visible in the front yard of his residence, and his heavily damaged vehicle was located behind his home.

The man was transported by Atmore Ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be serious.

Charges are pending the outcome of a Florida Highway Patrol investigation. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident.

Pictured above: First responders render aid to a Walnut Hill man at his Highway 97 residence Wednesday night, about two miles from where he allegedly struck a house on Arthur Brown Road. Parts from the alleged hit and run vehicle are seen in the photo foreground. Pictured inset: The vehicle tore a path through some brush on Arthur Brown Road. Pictured below:  The man allegedly backed into this unoccupied home on Arthur Brown Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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