Rain Finally Coming To An End
June 7, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Karl Jernigan Named New Tate Aggie Baseball Coach
June 7, 2017
Former Pace High School assistant coach and Florida State standout Karl Jernigan has been named head baseball coach for the Tate Aggies, replacing the retiring Greg Blackmon.
Jernigan was a four-year starter for the Florida State Seminoles in center field. He recorded career-highs with a .332 batting average and 15 stolen bases in 2000 and was regarded as one of the top defensive center fielders in the country. he was responsible for one of the most memorable victories in FUS history. His three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning gave FSU a 14-11 win over Stanford in the 1999 College World Series and a spot in the national title game.
Jernigan was drafted by the Oakland A’s, playing pro ball for three years. He spent the last 12 years as an assistant coach — at Milton for two years and then at Pace for the past 10 years.
Blackmon played on the UWF Baseball team from 1989 to 1990 under head coach Jim Spooner as a top first baseman. He holds the UWF career record for top batting average (.375) and is second in on-base percentage (.461). He is listed as third in slugging percentage (.570) and sixth in homeruns (13). In 1989, Blackmon was named to the All-Tournament team for his performance in the 1989 NAIA College World Series. By 1990, Blackmon held the second best single-season batting average (.472), slugging percentage (.624) and on-base percentage (.543). In 1990, he hit 11 homeruns as a third all-time record in the single season records.
Upon graduating from UWF, Blackmon continued to compete in the game as the head baseball coach at Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida for eight years. He led the high school team to two state championships in 1998 and in 2005 and posted a 202-42 record in eight seasons, leading them to five 6A Final Four appearances. Under his leadership, the Tate High School baseball team was crowned district and regional champions five times, as Blackmon was named the 6A Coach of the Year in 1998 and a six-time District I Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He later received the Fred Waters Award in 1999 for his exceptional community contributions and devotion to the game of baseball.
Blackmon retired after the 2005 season to seek his master’s degree. He returned to the Aggie program six years later. His last two teams finished one win shy of a return to the state final four.
Kyle Alden Lowrey
June 7, 2017
Kyle Alden Lowrey, 26, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL after a short illness.
Kyle was born in Gainesville, FL and moved to the Pensacola area when he was three months old. He attended R.C. Lipscomb Elementary School, Avalon Middle School, and Milton High School, where he graduated with Honors in 2009. While in high school, he was a dual enrollment student at Pensacola Junior College and graduated Cum Laude with an A.A. degree in Pre-Engineering in 2010. He later attended the University of Arkansas where he studied Civil Engineering. While at Arkansas, he was the recipient of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering Scholarship and was a Student Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Additionally, in 2010 he was a member of a concrete design team that earned the highest score in ten years for the strength of the concrete they designed for their Structural Materials class. Also, as an engineering student, he traveled on two occasions to Belize as a volunteer, first as a member of EngineersWithout Borders and secondly with Peacework, an international humanitarian organization. While there, he assisted in building a well and an aquaponics farm for the people of Belize, as well as conducted research on how to reduce erosion on the beaches of Dangriga.
In 2014, three courses shy of receiving his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, Kyle decided to take a break from his studies and travel to learn more about himself and the people and world around him. To that end, he became a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew where he worked on the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. He then set his sights on Snowmass, CO where he worked for the Aspen Skiing Company as a Ski Lift Operator. This was followed by work as a Whitewater Rafting Guide for the Big Bear Rafting Company in Hartford, TN and The River Company in Stanley, ID. During this time, he also became a certified Wilderness First Responder, a Class 4 Swiftwater Rescuer, and had passed the practical portion of the Wilderness EMT Certification, with plans to take the written part of the exam in the upcoming year.
In his spare time, Kyle enjoyed a multitude of activities including reading (his favorite book was Moby Dick); writing prose and poetry; playing the piano; listening to music (his favorite musicians were Elton John and Frédéric Chopin); watching movies; and lobstering while on family trips to the Bahamas. Additionally, though his 6’3” frame might make you think otherwise, he was a sensitive, empathetic young man who felt tremendous angst in his short life for those who were less fortunate, for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country, and for anyone he felt was in pain. As a result, he frequently wrote letters and poems to those in their time of need, bought thoughtful gifts to lift someone when they were down, interviewed veterans for the Veterans History Project, and offered a shoulder to cry on for the weary.
Finally, Kyle had an insatiable appetite for learning and was particularly interested in history; literature; philosophy; and music, which moved him deeply, and how this knowledge could be used to make the world a better place in which to live. In his pursuit of knowledge, Kyle was especially appreciative of teachers who went the extra mile to impart their wisdom and to connect with their students in an understanding and compassionate way. In particular, he admired Mrs. Karen Mattox and Mr. Bruce Wolfe, of RC Lipscomb Elementary School; Mr. Hank Bunnell and Coach Jeff Larson of Milton High School; Professors Thomas Soerens, Robert Brubaker, Jonathan Cavallero, and Larry Weir from the University of Arkansas; and Professors Charles Schuler, Brian Rucker, and Bill Fisher of Pensacola Junior College.
It should be noted that Kyle often commented that his days at Pensacola Junior College were some of the happiest days of his life and that if he ever attained wealth, he would make a point to give back to the school that made him feel so alive and welcome. We, therefore, have begun an endowment scholarship in his memory at Pensacola State College and request, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in his name to the PSC Foundation at 1000 College Blvd., Bldg 17, Pensacola, FL 32504. Donations can also be made online at https://foundation.pensacolastate.edu, making sure to include Kyle’s name in the comment section, or by phone at 850-484- 1560.
Additionally, the family would be most appreciative if you would share with us at least one fond memory that you have of Kyle and send it, along with your name and how you knew Kyle, to klow1874@gmail.com by Thursday, June 8, 2017, so that we may include it in a book we are compiling of his life.
Kyle is survived by his parents, Dr. Gerald Lowrey and Sherry Broom; his brother and best friend, David Lowrey; his maternal grandmother, Betty Byers Broom; his great aunt, Geraldine Collins; his aunt, Elizabeth Lowrey; and his aunt and uncle, Alan and Melanie Sparr and their daughter Katie, all of Milton.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, the Honorable George and Amy Lowrey; his maternal grandfather, Burt Broom; and his uncles, Michael Allan and Wayne Broom.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment beginning at 2 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2:30 p.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Northview Quarterback Club Announces New Officers
June 7, 2017
The Northview High School Quarterback Club has announced new officers and board members for the upcoming year. They are:
President – Jerry Fischer
Vice President – Josh Edwards
Secretary – Tammy Wilson
Treasurer – Courtney Nichols
Concession stand manager – Susan Hagan
Spirit merchandise – Jan Coleman
Programs and Ads – Genia Bayshore
Media – Carrie Bryan
Board Of Directors:
Ronald Peebles
Kent Calloway
Gary Killam
Kyle Wilson
Ronnie Cloud
Lonnie Wilson
Kevin Bryan
The next meeting of the Northview High School Quarterback Club will be at 6:30 p.m. on July 11 in the NHS Media Center.
Barbara Ann Merritt Morris
June 7, 2017
Mrs. Barbara Ann Merritt Morris, 77, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017, in Dothan, Alabama.
Mrs. Morris was a native of Pensacola, FL, former resident of Clayton, AL and had resided in Flomaton, AL most of her life. She was of the Catholic Faith. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and caregiver.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Morris; parents, Elmer and Mary Felton; son, John Elmer Merritt; one brother, James E. Felton; and one half-sister, Betts Felton.
She is survived by her three sons, Lee (Dawn) Merritt of Pollard, AL, James (Amanda) Merritt of Blue Springs, AL and Robert Merritt of Ozark, AL; one daughter, Christine (John) Curtis of Flomaton, AL; two half-sisters, Teri (Scot) Cannon of Seattle and Margie (Dr. Robert) Wark of Seattle; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Nathan Jackson of Flomaton, AL.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 8, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be James Merritt, Robert Merritt, Travis Merritt, Jake Merritt, Joshua Merritt, Zach Merritt and Lloyd Curtis.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Darline Jordan
June 7, 2017
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Darline Jordan passed away peacefully on June 2, 2017, at her home in Cantonment, FL at the age of 69.
Darline was born in Lewisville, AR on October 10, 1947, to George Dewey Tompkins and Evelyn Tompkins. She was the youngest of nine children with seven sisters and one brother. She was raised and attended school in Springhill, LA.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Evelyn Tompkins; brother, George Dewey Tompkins Jr.; sisters, Christine Redman, Marie Page, Evonne Downs and Irene Todd.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ralph Jordan; children, Darla Wynne, Billy Laws (Hana) and Jeffery Jordan (Tonya); grandchildren, Anthony Laws, Jonathan Laws, Allison Elliott and Ashley Jordan; sisters, Sadie Jester, Willie O’Donnell and Diane Todd; brother and sister-in-law; Jimmy and Elaine Mays; and special long-time friends, Viv and Rick Patterson.
Her greatest joys in life were spending time with family and friends, growing beautiful flowers that she loved to share, taking care of her beloved pets and Caribbean cruises. She spent many hours in the pool teaching her grandchildren to swim. She always put the wants and needs of others before her own. She asked for very little and accepted even less. She was an avid NASCAR fan and a volunteer at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, NC.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Michael Goodman, Dr. Yazan Alsayed, Dr. Robert Marcus, Dr. Patricia Meyers, Dr. George Knefely, the staff at Covenant Hospice, the caregivers at Waterford at Creekside Memory Care Facility and the staff at TLT Transport.
A Celebration of Life was held at her home on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
An inurnment service will be held on a later date at Barrancas National Cemetery located at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Madalyn McCormick Cancer Fund. She is 19 years old and fighting cancer for the second time in her young life. She had to put her college education at Auburn University on hold to return home for treatment. Donations can be made on her YouCaring page at youcaring.com/madalynmccormick-803768.
No Injuries In West Kingsfield Road Crash
June 6, 2017
There were no injuries when in single vehicle wreck Tuesday morning on in the 1900 block of West Kingsfield Road. The driver lost control, left the roadway and struck an embankment. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Body Of Missing 12-Year Old Naomi Jones Discovered (With Gallery)
June 6, 2017
The body of missing 12-year old Naomi Jones was discovered Monday afternoon in the area of Detroit Boulevard and Ashland Avenue in Eight Mile Creek.
The body was discovered about five miles from where Jones was first reported missing about 1 p.m. last Wednesday in the 1400 block of East Johnson Avenue. The body was found by men who were looking to go fishing.
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan says the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including scores of volunteers, have spent the past several days searching for Jones.
Click here for a photo gallery.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
One More Rainy Day
June 6, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Bridge Inspections Today On Hwy 4, Quintette Road
June 6, 2017
Drivers can expect possible delays on two North Escambia roadways today for Florida Department of Transportation bridge inspections.
The bridge on Highway 4 over Canoe Creek will be inspected from 8-11 a.m. The bridge is located between Vaughn Road and Bratt Road, between Bratt and Century.
The bridge on Quintette Road over the Escambia River will be inspected from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Both bridges will experience intermittent lane closures during the inspections. No bridge closures are expected. Drivers are urged to exercise caution at both bridges.
Pictured top: This bridge over Canoe Creek on Highway 4 is set for routine inspection today. The bridge was constructed in 1992. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.