Florida’s Oldest Bar – Odom’s In Century – Is Now Closed
January 4, 2016
A Century bar that claims to be the oldest bar in Florida is now closed.
Odom’s Bar in Century closed at midnight Sunday, according to their Facebook page, after 10 years under current owners Ron and Donna Tullis, one of just four sets of owners since the bar opened. Their package store business will continue to be open.
Located just a few feet from the state line on Highway 29, Odom’s Bar claimed to be Florida’s oldest bar having opened in 1932. It was moved about 100 feet from where it was founded to its current location.
According to their website, “The ‘Old Timers’ can recount those days when Century had over thirteen bars in town. It’s reported that the military placed Century ‘off limits’ to base personnel. In those days the shore patrol would put you in the brig for minor offenses.”
(Editor’s note: There are other bars in Florida claiming to be older than Odom’s in Century. Frankly, we could not find any “official” record.)
ECUA To Flush Water Lines In Ensley Area
January 4, 2016
The ECUA will conduct unidirectional flushing of water mains in the Ensley area, near the ECUA well located at the intersection of North Palafox Street and 10 Mile Road.
Flushing will begin Tuesday and will continue daily for about two weeks between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Residents and businesses located in the Ensley area may anticipate some fluctuations in water pressure and temporary discoloration of the water is possible as a result of turbulence in the water mains created by the flushing.
These effects should be minimal, with absolutely no ill effects to customers’ health and no long-term adverse impacts on the system, according to ECUA.
As a precaution, customers may wish to store some water ahead of time for drinking and cooking purposes. ECUA crews will remain in the area each day, flushing lines if necessary to clear up affected areas.
If customers are still experiencing discoloration in their water two hours after flushing crews have left the area, they are asked to call ECUA at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Learn To Use Your iPad Or Other Tablet At The Molino Library
January 4, 2016
Need to learn how to use that new iPad or other tablet?
The Molino Branch Library will offer a class on iPads and tablets on Tuesday, January 12 from 6-7:30 p.m.
This workshop will help participants feel comfortable with the basic functions of a tablet. Participants that own an iPad or other tablet should bring it to the workshop.
For more information, contact the Molino Branch Library at (850) 435-1760. The Molino Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Complex/
When Is 1st Period? Not When You Think At Ernest Ward Middle
January 4, 2016
Answer quick…when is first period at school? At the beginning on the day, you say? Not beginning Tuesday at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Beginning Tuesday, students will attend their classes in the following order: 6, 7, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2.
School officials say it’s a way to alter the school day and keep it fresh for students.
For more information, call the school at (850) 327-4283.
2015 In Photos: October And November
January 4, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at October and November.
The Tate High School Showband of the South announced that they headed to Hawaii in December 2016 to take part in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band. They will join bands from around the United States and Japan in a concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
First graders at Molino Park Elementary School completed pumpkin book report projects. The students read a great book, wrote a book report and decorated a pumpkin (with mom and dad’s help) as a book character..
Pine Forest defeated Tate 47-28 in the District 1-6A championship game.
The Northview Chiefs and the Baker Gators battled it out in Bratt for the District 1-1A championship, with Baker coming out on top 35-21.
Participants in the Escambia County Farm Tour visited several locations in October, including the pictured West Florida Gin.
The Tate High School Showband of the South earned straight superiors at the District 1 High School Marching MPA performances in October.
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA in Louisville, KY. Northview’s FFA received the Two Star Chapter award during the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on West Bogia Road in McDavid celebrated 125 years during the church’s annual homecoming services.
Students at Molino Park Elementary School went back to the 50’s to celebrate the 50th day of the school year in late October.
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center recently held their seventh annual Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The community gathered in Molino to remember Marine Cpl. J.R. Spears who was killed by a single gunshot wound in Iraq 10 years ago.
CrossFaith Church in Molino held their annual “Ride to Remember” motorcycle ride to benefit local Alzheimer’s victims and their families.
Cantonment residents took part in a Homecoming Fall Festival at Carver Park.
A giant generator turbine passed through North Escambia in October.
The Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook staff was honored with a Gold Medal from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
A benefit piano concert at Highland Baptist Church raised $1,300 for the the music program at Molino Park Elementary School.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Men’s Pumpkin Patch was open once again at the corner of Highway 29 and Neal Road.
Over 1,375 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 84 projects at nonprofit agencies and schools, including volunteers at Bratt Elementary School.
The Northview Chiefs earned a 1A playoff berth with a 7-0 win over the Jay Royals.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue presented a fire safety program at Bratt Elementary School. The students also had a chance to sit in a fire truck and ask questions about equipment.
Hundreds of pumpkins arrived at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Nine Mile Road.
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles ended a perfect season with a win over Escambia County Middle School of Atmore.
Volleyball season continued for Tate and Northview.
Savannah Roux was named Northview High School homecoming queen.
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade rolled through Bratt in October.
The Jay Royals held their annual Homecoming Parade.
An official grand opening ceremony was held for the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
Tate High School graduate Matthew Bailey appeared during ” on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. He didn’t bring home the million, but did win $20,000. Bailey is a 2013 honors graduate from Tate High School.
The Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsored a student led worship event “Fields of Faith” in the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Molino Park Elementary School held a “Community Helpers Day”.
Two Northview High School cheerleaders tumble across the field.
The Northview High School Dance Team performs.
October was time for the annual Jay Peanut Festival.
The iconic Fran’s Country Grill in Molino closed for good in October after a farewell and retirement party. The restaurantwas sold to nearby competitor Jimmy’s Grill and reopened under that name.
The Tate Aggies earned a district win over Washington.
The Health and Hope Clinic in Century closed due to a lack of funding, leaving the medically needy in the Century area with little, or perhaps no, access to health care.
Numerous pedestrian related improvements were underway over a 15-mile stretch of Highway 29 in North Escambia, most of them in Century.
A November sunset on Escambia Bay.
Pensacola’s iconic Graffiti Bridge was painted in support of the Tate High School Aggies early one November Saturday morning, following Tate’s 21-20 win over Niceville to claim the 6A Regional 1 championship.
About 160 volunteers spent their Thanksgiving working to feed the less fortunate at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Turkey, dressing, gravy — all the fixings and dessert were served to about 1,000 people in need.
Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a Thanksgiving feast for children and their parents.
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser.
About 200 students from schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jayto harvest collards and bag sweet potatoes that fed hundreds of needy families for Thanksgiving.
The Tate High School Aggies continued their march toward state with a 31-7 win over the Pine Forest Eagles in the Region 1-6A semifinals.
A driver was was taken into custody for driving with a suspended license, and he will be cited for improper passing following an accident at Ernest Ward Middle
These Ransom Middle School academic teams competed recently in Tallahassee, with one team walking away qualified to move on to the national level.
Fire ripped through the garage of a home in the Pine Forest Estates subdivision off Pine Forest Road in Cantonment.
One person was injured when their vehicle was struck by a train in Atmore.
An arts, crafts and car show was held at Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill held a program to honor veterans.
Seventh grade students at Ransom Middle school had a real-world lesson on voting, using real-world voting equipment, and voting on their choice for the next president.
Escambia County Teacher of the Year, Anna Barry of Northview High School, flew with the Blue Angels.
Many students at Jim Allen Elementary School spent their Saturdays in a mentoring program with students from the Center for Information Dominance Unit (CIDU) Corry Station.
Heavy downpours did not stop a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino.
A fiery halftime performance at Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weight Watchers Class In Molino
January 4, 2016
The Molino Weight Watchers class will meet again this year at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. Weight Watchers is a program which provides a healthy method to loose and maintain your goal weight.
Classes are held on Mondays, with weigh-in from 6 until 6:30 p.m. and the class is from 6:30 until 7 p.m.
For more information, contact class leader Sandra Greenwell at (850) 587-2489.
Cool Day, Freezing Tonight
January 4, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Dorothy Croley Sims
January 4, 2016
Mrs. Dorothy Croley Sims, 69, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016, in Jay.
Mrs. Sims was a native of Century and a resident of McDavid for the past 47 years. Mrs. Sims was retired from the Town of Century with 30 years of service and she was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her gather, Raymond Croley, a brother, Ricky Croley and daughter-in-law, Kim Sims.
She is survived by her mother, Mildred Croley of Century; husband of 47 years, Billy Sims of Century; four sons, Wayne (Debbie) Sims of Century, Greg Sims of Century, Josh (Karen) Sims of Atmore, and Wes (Kelly) Sims of Century; one daughter, Tina (Greg) Therrell of McDavid; one sister, Kathy (Terry) Bush of Century; 19 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Dervin Spears and Bro. Glen Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at the Crary Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 5, 2016, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Travis Sims, Zachary Sims, Seth Sims, Dak Sims, Nathan Therrell and Caleb Therrell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Fore, Lane Sims, Jeremy Sims and Winton Brown.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
The Top 15 North Escambia Stories Of 2015
January 3, 2016
Here our picks for the Top 15 North Escambia Stories of 2015. The list was compiled to include those stories that were “big news”, had a great influence on the North Escambia area or had the community talking most during 2015.
15. Ernest Ward Middle School Grand Opening
An official grand opening and ribbon cutting was held in October for the newly rebuilt Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
The modern $20 million facility, funded by the half-cent sales tax, replaced a a campus that was among the oldest in the district. The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945 to replace a campus ravaged by fire in 1943. That old school had been constructed to replace an Ernest Ward School that first opened in a log cabin in 1896.
Students moved into the Ernest Ward in January so classes continue while the old school was demolished.
14. Langley Bell 4-H Center, New 4-H Barns
A dedication ceremony and open house were held in May the new Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.
Back in 1943 Minnie and Langley Bell donated 400 acres on Nine Mile Road for the county’s original 4-H Center. The property was given to Escambia County 4-H in a trust, with the Escambia County Commission serving as trustees. When the property was sold to Navy Federal Credit Union in 2012 for expansion, a new 4-H Center was planned on the Escambia County Extension Service property on Stefani Road.
Funds from the sale were also used to purchase 108 acres in Molino where a new 4-H Animal Science and Outdoor Center was developed, including new barns.
13. Iconic Molino Restaurant Closes
The iconic Fran’s Country Grill in Molino closed for good in October after a farewell and retirement party for owner Fran Hampton.
The restaurant reopened as the new location for Jimmy’s Grill a few weeks later.
12. Giant Generator Passes By
In October, a giant generator passed through the North Escambia area along Highway 29 at a snail’s pace. The equipment was transported from the Port of Pensacola to the Georgia Pacific Mill in Brewton.
The generator turbine was on a trailer that is 18-feet wide, almost 25-feet tall and 173.5-feet long. Along the way, utility crews were forced to lift, pull or remove and estimated 400 obstructions such as power and phone lines. Some residents were without power for an hour or two overnight due to the transport, but most the of the power lines were moved “live” without service interruptions.
11. Cantonment Dedicated Park Improvements, Resource Center
A ribbon cutting was held in May for improvements at Carver Park in Cantonment.
Improvements to Carver Park include a renovated community resource center, enlarged parking lot, volleyball court and re-striped basketball court. The improvements began in 2014 and were funded to Local Option Sale Tax dollars.
Much of the work at Carver Park has been spearheaded by the Cantonment Improvement Association, a group working, as their name implies, to improve the quality of life for all law-abiding citizens of Cantonment, with an emphasis on making sure children and safe and well-prepared.
10. Lillian Kings Passes, Museum Carries Her Name
The Molino community mourned the passing of Lillian King in February before celebrating her accomplishments in May.
The Molino Mid-County Historical Society Museum in Molino was officially dedicated as the “Lillian F. King Museum”. The museum was renamed in the honor of Lil King, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Molino Community Complex — housing the museum, the Molino Branch of the West Florida Public Library, multiple meeting rooms, and an auditorium — in the former Molino Elementary School.
9. New Health Start Program
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition opened their newest location in Century in June.
The new location offered a free immunization clinic, WIC and other services aimed at improving the health of children and pregnant women and their unborn babies.
8. Reimagine Century Brings Hope
Reimagine Century’s goal was to breathe new life into Century, where the faithful reached out to touch the hearts and lives of area residents in need in May.
The event included a wide variety of activities, including a 15,000 pound food giveaway, health screenings, AIDS testing, diabetes information, live music, fishing lessons from Mission Fishin’, free manicures, information from community agencies, a clothing giveaway, free lunch, and more for the needy in the Century area.
7. Announcement of the Bluffs
In November, plans were announced for “The Bluffs”, a new economic development site that could eventually be home to as many as 60 new industrial and manufacturing companies and more than 15,000 jobs.
The 6,000 acre master-planned development area includes about 1,700 acres of land that can be developed in an area east of Highway 29 bordered by the Escambia River to the east, Becks Lake Road near International Paper to the north, and the University of West Florida to the south
6. $80 Million In National Attention For Davisville
Davisville received national attention in April, and local residents waited to see who it would be after it was announced that someone who purchased a Powerball ticket in North Escambia for an April drawing and became the country’s newest mega-millionaire.
Alice Dawson, 60, of Frisco City, AL, chose to receive the winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $53,440,213.76. The State Line Gift Shop received a bonus of $40,000 for selling the winning ticket.
5. Volunteer Fire Department Woes
After much debate, Escambia County made changes related to volunteer firefighters, hoping to streamline the process of recruiting more volunteers rather than raising taxes or dipping into financial reserves to hire a large number of career firefighters.
Additional fire stations south of Nine Mile Road were staffed, while the need to maintain a strong volunteer base in North Escambia was highlighted.
4. $25,000 Century Business Challenge
The winners of the $25,000 Century Business Challenge were named in June at the Century Business Center. But in the end, it appears the contest may foster more winners by sparking a spirit of entrepreneurship and friendship in Century. Judges decided to split the $25,000 prize — with $20,000 going to East Hill Academy to be used toward a special needs school in Century and $5,000 to the Abundant Life Children of Hope Center childcare center.
East Hill announced plans to open their school by the fall of 2016, while the childcare center was already up and running at the time of the award announcement.
3. Northview’s Anna Barry Named Teacher of the Year
Northview High School teacher Anna Barry was named the Escambia County Teacher of the Year in February. The world history teacher was honored several times during the year, including a Shine Award from Gov. Rick Scott, the opportunity to toss the first pitch at a Blue Wahoos game, and a flight with the Blue Angels.
“I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime experience, but it exceeded my highest expectations,” Barry said shortly after the Blue Angels flight. “I don’t even have the right words to describe it…it was really awesome.”
2. Tate Softball State Championship
The Tate High School Lady Aggies beat Sarasota 8-1 in May in Vero Beach to claim the FHSAA Class 7A state championship. Tori Perkins slammed an infield homer in the top of the seventh to help seal the win, brining home Casey McCrakin and Rachel Wright.
Later in the year, the team was honored by the Escambia County School Board and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Tori Perkins was named the state 7A pitcher of the year, and Tate coach Melinda Wyatt was named the state 7A coach of the year. Rachel Wright, Hayden Lindsay and Lauren Brennan were named to the state second team.
1. Highway 29, Highway 97 Traffic Signal
A new traffic signal at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino became operational in mid- June after years of planning and debate. For the remainder of the year, there were no major injury accidents at the intersection.
In December 2013, a Florida Department of Transportation study concluded that a traffic signal was needed at the intersection. A couple of months earlier in 2013, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay over a quarter of a million dollars for the red light, while numerous state and local officials called for the installation of the light to curb a stream of major accidents.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Near Freezing Tonight
January 3, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 54. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.