Mattie Ruth Bailey
March 11, 2017
Mattie Ruth “Maw Maw” Bailey, 89, of Canoe, AL, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at her residence. She was a homemaker. She was born on February 7, 1928, in Brewton, AL to Charlie and Sallie Tarleton Booth. She was a member of Moyeville Baptist Church and attended First Baptist Church of Canoe.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raleigh O’Neal Bailey; a son, Charles O’Neal Bailey; infant granddaughter, Megan Bailey; infant great-granddaughter, Ashley Abbott; and her seven brothers and five sisters.
She is survived by three sons, Gary (Darlene) Bailey of Canoe, AL, Douglas (Beverly) Bailey of Lenoir City, TN and Keith (Laura) Bailey of Canoe, AL; six daughters, Regina Gohagan of Robinsonville, AL; Miriam (Ray) McBride of Bratt, FL, Annette (Tommy) Young of Canoe, AL, Sharon Martin of Bratt, FL, Janet (Tom) Redden of Concord, NC, and Kim (Randy) Martin of Canoe, AL; 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Friday, March 10, 2017, at Robinsonville Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Waylon Stuckey and Bro. Ricky Tedder officiating.
Active pallbearers were the Bailey boys, Gary, Doug, Keith, Raleigh, Jacob, and Little Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 1321 South Main Street, Suite 4, Atmore, AL, 36502; Helping Hands Ministry, 544 Arthur Hall Road, Atmore, AL, 36502; or the charity of your choice.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Navy Federal Named To Fortune’s 100 Best Companies To Work For List
March 10, 2017
For the seventh year, Navy Federal Credit Union has been selected as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.
“Navy Federal is an outstanding place for a career,” said Cutler Dawson, president/CEO of Navy Federal. “We believe that employees should come first in any organization. Creating a work environment where people can learn, prosper and grow while being part of a team they believe in is what a great place to work is all about.”
As part of Navy Federal’s recognition, Fortune noted that 95 percent of Navy Federal employees say they feel good about the ways Navy Federal contributes to the community, and 92 percent of team members feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
“Our goal is exceptional member service and experience. This is possible with motivated employees. It is all about our team members. They deserve a great place to work,” Dawson added.
Florida Taxwatch Issues Report On ‘The Bluffs’ 15,000 Job Plan For Cantonment
March 10, 2017
A new report by Florida TaxWatch finds that the growth of high-tech manufacturing is beneficial to Florida and that investing in the industry now can put the state ahead of competitor states in enticing companies to the state.
Florida TaxWatch analyzed the potential impact of The Bluffs, a project being developed in Cantonment that aims to be the nation’s premier industrial campus. TaxWatch data found that the new direct employment associated with The Bluffs would be an estimated 6,000 jobs, with an additional 9,000 jobs created indirectly, and that the full development of the project could result in $1.1 billion in additional Gross State Product for Florida’s economy.
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. Although located along the Escambia River, most of the property to be developed is at a high elevation, about 100 feet above sea level, and not in a flood plain.
“Today’s global economy is becoming increasingly high-tech and in order for Florida to continue to be competitive, it must invest in high-tech manufacturing hubs,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Projects like The Bluffs provide Floridians with high-wage jobs and will significantly benefit the state’s economy. Continuous investments by businesses and the state will go a long way in securing long-term growth of the high-tech manufacturing sector and make Florida the destination for those in the industry.”
Minimally, the project is expected to recruit approximately 10 companies that would occupy more than 3.9 million square feet of building space on 295 acres of land which will be significant to Escambia County and the regional economy.
“High-tech manufacturing is a major job creator in the Panhandle and developments like The Bluffs will continue to drive Florida into the 21st century global economy,” said Senator Doug Broxson. “Growing The Bluffs into a premier industrial campus is crucial in increasing our competitiveness and diversifying our economy.”
“The Bluffs will become a significant job creator for the Pensacola area and further diversify the area’s growing high-tech manufacturing sector. I’m pleased that Florida TaxWatch’s latest report analyzes the positive economic impact of this project and I look forward to The Bluffs development into one of the nation’s premier industrial campus,” said Representative Clay Ingram.
“High-wage, competitive jobs are critical in today’s global economy and Florida needs to position itself as a top destination for high-tech manufacturing,” said Representative Frank White. “The Bluffs is just one of many developments that will allow the private sector to create jobs, grow our economy and move Florida forward.”
The report recommends that the state invests public funds into infrastructure in order to facilitate the growth of high-tech manufacturing hubs; while continuing to work with private entities to ensure that long-term growth potential is met and ensure the state beats out other states vying for these high-tech manufacturing companies.
The project site plan for The Bluffs includes four primary development areas. The area known as “Live Oak Bluff” is likely to see the first development, he said. It is about 415 acres with 13 lots in an area that is currently accessible from Becks Lake Road. A Muscogee Road freight corridor is already in the works, expanding access from Becks Lake Road and Highway 29 to an upcoming I-10 exit in Beulah.
The plans also include making the campus an “environmental showcase” ensuring that the natural beauty of The Bluffs is preserved by building natural trails and encouraging green features for new tenants.
The effort includes partners already located in the corridor – Ascend, ECUA, Gulf Power and the University of West Florida – along with the PEDC,the Florida West Economic Alliance and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Florida TaxWatch is the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog.
Pictured top and below: Aerial concept maps show The Bluffs, click to enlarge to read map labels. Pictured bottom inset: The Bluffs will be designed to be an environmental showcase. Pictured bottom: Conceptual drawing of Live Oak Bluff, the likely first area to be developed off Becks Lake Road. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Arrests Man In Escambia Travel Fraud Scheme
March 10, 2017
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested a man for a travel reimbursement fraud that cost an Escambia County company thousands of dollars.
Agents with the FDLE arrested Doug Landry, 37, on one count of organized fraud over $50,000, related to a fictitious over billing scheme.
In 2015, Landry orchestrated an elaborate fraudulent scheme based on his work-related travel expenses. He created fictitious reimbursement receipts, incorporated fraudulent companies, and provided fictitious receipts to his employer, a company located in Pensacola. The company’s accounting department reimbursed Landry for approximately $152,000 from 2015-2016. Landry also utilized his own company, Reign Industries in Louisiana, to further his fraudulent activities in Florida.
FDLE began its investigation in October 2016 with assistance from the Escambia County State Attorney’s Office. Landry was arrested today by FDLE agents and the Louisiana State Police and booked into the jail located in Hammond, Louisiana, Tangipahoa Parish.
He will extradited back to Escambia County to face local charges.
Students Awarded For Sawmill Pageant Program Design
March 10, 2017
Artwork and designs by Northview senior Hadley Woodfin and sophomore Ashtyn Carnley were picked to be featured on the front and back covers of this year’s Sawmill Pageant sponsored by the Century Lions Club. Both received prizes for their work. The Century Lions Club will present the 25th Annual Sawmill Pageant on March 18.
Pictured top: Ashtyn Carnley (left) and Hadley Woodfin. Pictured below: Sawmill Pageant program front cover (left) designed by Hadley Woodfin, and back cover (right) designed by Ashtyn Carnley. Photo/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wet By Saturday Night
March 10, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 49. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Rain likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 57.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Enjoy A ‘Night Of Nature’ Tonight At The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center
March 10, 2017
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center’s annual “Night of Nature” will be tonight from 5:30 until 8:30.
The event is free and open to the public. It will be a fun filled night for the entire family. Visitors can meet owls with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, peer through telescopes into the beautiful night sky with the Escambia Amateur Astronomy Association, visit with some of the reptiles that reside at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, and take a naturalist led hike through the woods while learning about creatures of the night.
There will be hot dogs, chips, baked goods, and water available for a small donation.
The Center’s wish List for donated items to help them care for their wildlife inhabitants includes fresh fruit and vegetables, wild bird seed, black oil sunflower seeds for birds, and suet. The staff and their volunteers would also appreciate Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, bleach and gift cards from the big box department stores, pet stores or hardware store. The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is located at 1300 Tobias Road in Cantonment For more information, call (850) 937-2117.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Defeats Pine Forest
March 10, 2017
The Tate Aggies shut out Pine Forest 7-0 Thursday night.
Logan McGuffey pitched a complete game, allowing two hits, no runs, no errors, two walks and 11 strikeouts.
Ian Ruiz 1-1, R, 2 RBI; Logan Blackmon 2-4; Hunter NeSmith 3-3, 2 R; Jesse Sherrill 2-2, 2 RBI; Mason Land 1-3, R; Logan McGuffey 1-3; Logan Blackmon 2-4; Tray LaFleur R; Ethan Bloodworth 1-2; RBI.
Subway High School All-Star Basketball Game Is Tonight
March 10, 2017
Tonight, the best boys and girls senior basketball players from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties will play in the 7th annual Subway High School All-Star Basketball Game at Pensacola State College’s Hartsell Arena.
The coaching staff for the west teams, comprised of Escambia County schools and Gulf Breeze and Pace Girls, consists of Vaughn Williams of Escambia High School for the girls’ team and CJ Washington of Pine Forest High School leading the boys’ team.
Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County Schools make up the east team. Ronnie Smith of Laurel Hill will lead the girls’ team while Baker’s Keith White will lead the boys.
Girls West Team:
Gulf Breeze — Livi Doerr ,Caleigh Anthony, Maddie Grace McCurdy
Northview — Jamia Newton, Autumn Albritton
Pace — Cierra Hedrick
Pensacola — Marada Walker, Ra’Kell Watts, Tishauna Walker, Tehya Hollins
Pine Forest — Quiyana Riley, Yeisha Taylor, Bryanna Snowden
Tate — Nikole Mobley
Washington — Charitee Jenkins
West Florida — Natalie Nicks, Chloe Radford, Emily Tran, Bre’asia Poullard
Girls East Team:
Baker — Tiara Payne, Quay Collins
Central — Haley Gauthier
Choctaw — Malaysia Moore, Gabby Brown
Crestview — Netaya Winston, Dionjenae Hendrix
FWB — Yvonne Ford, Julia Turner, Diamond Lopez, Taneal Towner
Jay — Jorja Agrait, Carissa Mulford
Milton — Brianna Washington
Navarre — Ty Stringfield
Niceville — Ashley Lane, Mytiyyah Johnson, Shvonya McDaniel
Boys West Team:
Catholic — Penda Wiggins, JC Carrell
Escambia — Martin McGhee, Tommy Carter, Keion Simmons
Escambia Charter — Marquis Williams
PCA — Alex Dickerman
Pensacola — Javon Grimsley, Zykereyan Jones, Cardriques Baggage, Jameriquo Johnson
Pine Forest — Quadell Evans, Javier Smith, Khaled Young, TJ Johnson
Tate — Robert Rush
Washington — David Reynolds, Tyrell McGhee
West Florida — Jailyn Santiago, Kenny Burrell
Boys East Team:
Baker — Sidney Walker
Central — Brad Moye
Choctaw — DJ Thomas
Crestview — Sam Johnson, Rusty Moorer, Keenan Redd
FWB — Ethan Lipnicky, Josh Loken
Gulf Breeze — Dimitri Pejic, Zion Hamilton
Jay — Justic Brewton
Laurel Hill — Dakota Bly
Milton — Austin Thomas
Navarre — Seth Fletcher, Tyrese Harvey, Dominic Riddle
Niceville — Kennan Oas, Kameron Parker
Pace — Cameron Bozeman
Rocky Bayou — Rhonald Boyd
Final game rosters are subject to change.
Tickets to the SUBWAY High School All-Star Game are $8 at the gate and if you bring a canned good item donation or a H.S Student I.D you will receive a $10 Academy Sports and Outdoors Coupon. Pensacola Sports is also teaming with Manna Food Bank for a canned good drive and encouraging everyone to help families by bringing a canned good item.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For 2016 Shooting
March 10, 2017
An Escambia County man is headed to prison for a 2016 shooting.
Antonio Devon Williams was sentenced by Circuit Judge John L. Miller to 25 years in state prison as a mandatory minimum sentence under Florida’s 10-20- Life law. This means that Williams will serve his sentence day for day without the possibility of parole. Williams was found guilty by an Escambia County jury of attempted second degree murder with a firearm on January 25, 2017.
On February 22, 2016, Javier Chandler was shot in the neck by Antonio Williams in the driveway of Williams’ residence. Chandler had been seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle when Williams shot him from a standing position outside of the car. Williams then fled the scene.
Williams turned himself in to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office within 24 hours of the shooting and claimed self-defense.
The two had been childhood friends and had a dispute regarding the purchase of a firearm.