Man Killed In State Line Road Wreck At Funeral Home
May 12, 2016
One person was killed in a single vehicle crash just before midnight Wednesday at the Alabama/Florida state line in Flomaton.
The driver of the vehicle was eastbound on West State Line Road at Highland Avenue when he lost control, struck utility pole and overturned into a ditch. The vehicle came to rest upright in front of the Flomaton Funeral Home, on the Alabama side of the roadway.
The adult male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Further details, including the driver’s name, have not yet been released.
The Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County (FL) EMS and the Flomaton Police Department responded to the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Critical After Major Highway 29 Cantonment Crash (Updated With Names, More Photos)
May 12, 2016
Two people were critically injured in a traffic crash at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road Wednesday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 58-year old Diane Purifoy was northbound on Highway 29 in the left turn to Muscogee Road when she turned her 2001 Buick Century into the path of southbound Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 36-year old Christopher Carlisle Odom, Jr. of Ruskin, FL.
The Tahoe collided with the rear of the Buick, shearing the car nearly in half. The Tahoe continued south on Highway 29, overturning several times and coming to rest nearly past the Raceway gas station at the railroad tracks. Odom and his passenger, 43-year old Joseph Michael Kettering of Cantonment, were critically injured.
Both men in the SUV were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected during the crash. One of them was trapped under the vehicle until freed by firemen. The FHP did not specify in their report which man was trapped. Both were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Odom was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash according to the FHP report.
Purifoy, who was wearing her seat belt, received only minor injuries in the wreck and taken to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment.
A tire and a portion of the Buick came to rest several feet away near the gas pumps in the Raceway parking lot (see bottom photo). There were no injuries as a result.
A charges in the crash are pending the outcome of the FHP investigation.
For more photos from the crash scene, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Mostly Sunny And Warm Today, Slight Rain Chance By Friday
May 12, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Extra Tornado Debris Removal In Century Coming To End
May 12, 2016
Extra tornado debris removal in Century is coming to an end on Friday, about three months after an EF-3 tornado ripped through the town.
Large dumpsters from Republic Services were placed in the hardest hit areas for debris following the tornado ; those dumpsters will be removed on Friday. The town will resume its normal curbside pickup scheduled of the first and third Tuesday of each month.
On February 15, the Town of Century was struck by an EF-3 tornado that had winds estimated to be up to 155 miles per hour that damaged or totally destroyed 109 structures. The Town of Century didn’t have the approximate equipment to clean up the debris caused by the tornado, so they rented the equipment from Thompson Tractor Company, Inc., and hired Republic Services to remove the debris.
Town officials believed that FEMA funding would become available to reimburse them for expenses associated with the cleanup, but FEMA determined that the damage was not severe enough for federal assistance.
Escambia County has already approved paying Century’s invoices from Thompson Tractor Company for $10,042.20 and from Republic Services for $24,413.34 for a total off $37,455.54. Additional invoices will become due for the last month, also to be paid the county.
Escambia County will make payment on Century’s behalf using county operating reserve funds up to a total of $75,000.
“The Town of Century wishes to thank Escambia County Board of Commissioners for its generosity in helping the town pay for cleanup expenses related to the tornado,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said Wednesday.
Pictured: Tornado debris is loaded into a dumpster on Front Street in Century on March 1. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Man Found To Be Stabbed After Cantonment Wreck Now Jailed
May 12, 2016
A man found to be stabbed after a wreck in Cantonment late last month has now been arrested.
Edward Allen Boyd, age 48 of Cantonment, was charged this week with battery and burglary of an occupied dwelling. He remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $150,000.
Boyd crashed his Kia Sportage into a utility pole near Tree Street, just south of Muscogee Road about 1:15 a.m. on April 30. He was found lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the road, suffering from multiple stab woulds.
Deputies said that before the accident, he burst into his ex-girlfriend’s home in the 800 block of Highway 95A and attacked a male inside the residence. The ex-girlfriend grabbed a survival knife and defended the man, according to an arrest report, stabbing Boyd multiple times in the back.
Boyd then fled the scene in his vehicle and was involved the traffic crash.
Deputies said the ex-girlfriend will not face any charges for stabbing Boyd.
Tate Cheerleaders Hold Spring Cheer Camp For Ages 5-12
May 12, 2016
The Tate High School cheerleaders will host a Lil’ Aggies Spring Cheer Camp on May 21 from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Fryman Gym for ages 5-12.
The cost is $25; the deadline to register is Friday, with a possible deadline extension.
The Lil’ Aggies Spring Cheer Clinic will teach athletes proper stretch techniques, Tate sideline cheers and chants, Tate sideline dances, proper jump techniques, and motion placement. Athletes will be placed according to age level. Snacks will be provided. There will be a parent/guardian showcase from 11:30 a.m. until noon.
For more information see a Tate cheerleader or email jking5@escambia.k12.fl.us.
For more information and a registration form, click here.
Flomaton’s Andrew Cash Inks Baseball Scholarship With South Alabama
May 12, 2016
Flomaton High School senior Andrew Cash signed baseball scholarship with the University of South Alabama on Wednesday. He was a six year starter for the Flomaton High School baseball team. He played middle infield, center field, and pitcher during his time at Flomaton. He will likely play center fielder at USA.
He was also a four-year starter for Flomaton’s football team, beginning his career as a wide receiver/running back as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, and finishing his career as a quarterback as a senior, leading the canes to quarterfinal berth.
Pictured top: (standing, L-R) Athletic Director Scott Robinson, Head Baseball Coach Wes Sessions, brother Alex Cash, mother Debbie Cash, father Robert Cash, and Head Football Coach Doug Vickery, and (seated) Andrew Cash. Cash is pictured below with brother Alex, mother Debbie and father Robert. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Required Tdap Vaccine Offered At Ernest Ward, Ransom Middle Schools
May 12, 2016
The Escambia County School District is making it easier and cost-free for students to receive a required vaccination before school starts next fall.
Incoming seventh grade students in Florida are required to have a Tdap immunization before starting the school year.
The Escambia County School District has teamed up with Healthy Schools to offer the Tdap vaccine on May 18 at Ernest Ward and Ransom middle schools with no out of pocket cost. Consent forms have been sent home with current sixth grade students. Parents should return the completed form with either “Yes” or No” marked.
Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against three potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Bill Bo Rice
May 12, 2016
Bill Bo Rice, 90, of Pensacola joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 9, 2016. He was born in Catlettsburg, Kentucky on July 25, 1925, to Lillie and Thomas Rice. Bill joined the U.S. Navy upon turning 17 in 1942, and retired after 30 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He specialized in maintaining the Navy’s latest jet fighters as a sailor and an officer aboard aircraft carriers at sea.
In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed flying, golfing, and running. He usually placed very well in the races he ran and he was recognized at the age of 78 for shooting his age in a round of golf. He took all of the recognition in stride as he participated in the sports for sheer enjoyment.
Being the great storyteller that he was, Bill often entertained with his variety of stories in gatherings at home and out with friends. It was not unusual for him to strike up a conversation with a stranger and relay one of his stories. Affectionately known as “Pappy” to his grandchildren, Bill enjoyed spending time with them and sharing his stories. Because many of the stories also carried life lessons, the grandchildren referred to them as “Pappy’s Tips.” One grandson retold a favorite one for a school class project. Bill’s now-grown grandchildren still recount some of his stories that impacted their lives.
Mr. Rice was an active member of the Campus Church in Pensacola and enjoyed living his Christian faith. He had a zeal for sharing God’s Plan for Man’s Salvation. Sincerely concerned, he wanted everyone he loved and cared about to know God in a personal way as their Lord and Savior. Bill wanted all to receive God’s gift of eternal life.
Blessed to be in his life and left to cherish his memory are his children, Stephen Rice (Nancy), Bart Rice, Terri Long, and Kevin Williams (Terri); grandchildren, Trisha Hollings, David Rice, Jessica Long, Jenny Long, Joshua Long, Lauren Williams; an honorary granddaughter, Sarah Hayes; and ten great-grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by Marilyn, his beloved wife of 42 years; his parents; and seven brothers and sisters.
Services will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Pensacola Christian College’s Mullenix Chapel, 4504 Rawson Lane. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Denis McBride officiating.
Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to “Rejoice in the Lord TV” telecast at the Campus Church of Pensacola Christian College. Gifts can be sent to: Rejoice in the Lord, P.O. Box 18000, Pensacola, FL 32523 or www.rejoicetv.org.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Johnny Ray Byrd
May 12, 2016
Mr. Johnny Ray Byrd, 59, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, in Mobile.
Mr. Byrd was a native and lifelong resident of Perdido. Mr. Byrd was in the class of 1974 at BCHS, he ran track, and worked overseas for many years. He attended the Perdido First Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by a son, Rodney Keeling.
He is survived in death by his parents, Eubie and Iris Byrd of Perdido; wife, Beverly Byrd of Perdido; one daughter, Kayla Byrd Galloway of Perdido; one brother, Don Byrd of Rose Hill, AL; one sister, Linda Carter of Nokomis, AL; and two grandchildren, Zackary and Kori of Mayfield, KY.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 14, 2016, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.