Airman Killed During World War II To Be Buried This Week In Pensacola
June 25, 2018
Funeral services will be held this week in Pensacola for an Alabama man killed during World War II.
The remains of Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Percy C. Mathews, 25, of Andalusia, Alabama, were just recently identified. He will be buried Thursday in Pensacola.
On May 29, 1943, Mathews was a member of the 422nd Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group, 8th U.S. Air Force, participating in a strike against the German submarine base at Saint-Nazaire, France.
The B-17 Mathews was aboard was hit by enemy fire as it left the target area. Mathews did not make it out of the bomber before it crashed. Survivors believed the aircraft crashed about 95 miles from Saint-Nazaire, near the French village of Quintin. German reports indicated one casualty was recovered from the wreckage of the plane, though no burial information was provided.
Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) searched for and disinterred the remains of U.S. servicemen in Europe as part of the global effort to identify and return fallen servicemen. Remains that could not be identified were designated as unknowns and interred in U.S. overseas cemeteries. Beginning in 2010, DPAA and its predecessors digitized and began to analyze more than 8,000 files for Unknowns from WWII.
One set of unidentified remains, designated X-205 St. James, were disinterred from a cemetery in St. Brieuc, France, prior to September 16, 1944. The remains could not be identified and were interred in the American cemetery at St. James, present day Brittany American Cemetery.
The remains were later positively identified using mitochondrial (mtDNA), anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.
Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Currently there are 72,906 service members (approximately 26,000 assessed as possibly-recoverable) still unaccounted for from World War II. Although interred as an “unknown” Mathews’ grave was meticulously cared for over the past 70 years by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Mathews’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Cambridge American Cemetery in the United Kingdom, an American Battle Monuments Commission site. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
June 25, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week.
Monday, June 25
FloridaWest EDA Board of Directors – 10:30 a.m., CO:LAB Building, Conference Room 307, 418 W. Garden St.
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – Noon, 700 S. Palafox St., Suite 310
Library Board of Governance – 4 p.m., 5740 N. Ninth Ave.
Tuesday, June 26
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104 (Agenda)
Escambia County Health Facilities Authority – 4 p.m., 1019 N. 12th Ave.
Wednesday, June 27
Coffee with Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, District 1 – 6:30 a.m., Denny’s Restaurant, 4625 Mobile Highway
DSM Professional Advisory Committee – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Santa Rosa Island Authority Committee – 5 p.m., 1 Via De Luna, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Santa Rosa Island Authority Budget Workshop – 5:05 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Santa Rosa Island Authority Special Board Meeting – 5:10 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Thursday, June 28
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors – 10 a.m., CO:LAB, 418 W. Garden St.
Heat And Humidity Hang Around, Heat Index 105 Or Over
June 25, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Do You Know The Difference Between Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke?
June 25, 2018
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged according to the National Weather Service.
When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below. Click on the infographic below for a full size version.
Source. National Weather Service
Gas Prices Drop In Florida For 30th Day
June 25, 2018
Gas prices in Florida declined for the 30th consecutive day on Sunday, according to AAA. However, higher oil prices may soon put the brakes on that downward streak at the pumps.
The state average of $2.70 is 6 cents less than a week ago and 21 cents less than last month. However, motorists are still paying nearly 50 cents more per gallon compared to last year.
The Escambia County average was $2.69, down from $2.88 a month ago.
Oil prices shot-up $3 on Friday, which usually increases the cost of producing gasoline. The increase in crude came after OPEC and Russia announced an agreement to raise oil production. While a production increase would normally put downward pressure on oil prices, it’s still unclear exactly how much more oil will be reintroduced into the market and which countries it will come from. The uncertainty is causing what’s considered to be a short-term increase in oil prices. Ultimately, oil prices are forecast to decline after the details are hammered out.
On Friday, the price of oil settled at $68.58 per barrel – $3.50 more than the week before. Gasoline futures jumped 5 cents.
Slow Go: Here Are This Week’s Traffic Delay Spots
June 25, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road)- Drivers traveling U.S. 29 and Nine Mile Road will encounter traffic pattern changes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Saturday, June 30 as follows:
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass: North and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new center bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drivers may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations. U.S. 29 lane restrictions are Monday through Saturday.
- Northbound traffic has been shifted onto the newly constructed bridge section as demolition and reconstruction efforts continue on the northbound span.
- Due to the increased vertical clearance of the new bridge, the on-ramp has been extended up to the entrances of Emerald Cuts Salon and the Unitarian Universalist Church. This temporary shift will affect access to businesses and residences on the east side of U.S. 29 between 9 Mile Road and 9 1/2 Mile Road. For the next 60 days, motorists seeking access to properties on the east side of U.S. 29 will utilize the northbound on-ramp. Only right turns will be permitted for vehicles exiting driveways from these properties between 9 Mile Road and 9 1/2 Mile Road.
- U.S. 29 Resurfacing between U.S. 90 and Muscogee Road – Paving operations continue between Muscogee Road and West 9 ½ Mile Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28.
· I-10 / U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- The following traffic impacts are planned on I-10 and U.S. 29 near the interchange (Exits 10) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28:
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- Alternating lane closures on I-10 east and westbound and U.S. 29 north and southbound.
- The U.S. 29 on-ramps to I-10 eastbound will be intermittently closed. Traffic will be detoured on U.S. 29 to access I-10 eastbound.
- Alternating lane closures on the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 north and south (Exit 10).
· U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement-There will be alternating east and westbound lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28 as crews perform construction activities.
· U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from Perdido Bay Bridge to Dogtrack Road- Crews will perform paving operations the week of Monday, June 25. Alternating lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
· S.R. 10A (Cervantes Street) Crosswalk Maintenance from Palafox Street to B Street – East and westbound alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, June 25 through Thursday, June 28 as crew paint crosswalks.
· U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) Intersection improvement at County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road)- Beulah Road will be closed to traffic, just north of Mobile Highway, from 7 p.m. Sunday, June 24 to 5 a.m. Monday, June 25 as crews perform drainage work. A signed detour will be in place. Paving operations will take place Tuesday, June 26 through Friday, June 29 with alternating lane closures in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· S.R. 292 (Perdido Key Drive) Underground Utility and Paving Operations at Key Largo Boulevard- Traffic will encounter lane closures at Key Largo Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 as crews locate existing utilities and perform paving operations.
· S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Turn Lane Closure- The westbound, right turn lane on Bayou Boulevard, just east of 9th Avenue, remains partially closed until 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 6 as crews install drainage structures for new private commercial businesses.
Santa Rosa County:
· U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – There will be alternating east and westbound lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Thursday, June 28 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to Hickory Hammock Road – Crews will be paving the intermittent lane shifts from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. the week of Monday, June 25 between Eglin Air Force Base boundary and two miles south of the Yellow River as crews pave the roadway.
Additionally, traffic between C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) and the Eglin AFB boundary is restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is complete.
- I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281/Exit 22) – Alternating lane closures on I-10, from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 24 through Friday, June 29 as crews widen the roadway. In addition, southbound traffic on Avalon Boulevard will be shifted to the west near the I-10 interchange the week of Monday, June 25. The temporary configuration will remain in place throughout the summer months as crews reconstruct the northbound lanes of Avalon Boulevard. Two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction at all times.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Pictured: Nine Mile Road at Untreiner Avenue, just west of Highway 29, Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Make It Two Straight Over Generals
June 25, 2018
The Blue Wahoos won their second straight over the Jackson Generals Sunday night at The Ballpark at Jackson, 4-2. Jose Siri belted his second home run since joining the Wahoos to break a scoreless tie in the third inning, and Pensacola never looked back.
Following Siri’s homer, the Blue Wahoos scored single runs in the next three innings. Taylor Sparks stayed hot with an RBI triple driving home Aristides Aquino in the fourth inning. TJ Friedl led off the fifth with a single and came home on Shed Long’s one-out base hit to make it a 3-0 lead. Luis Gonzalez doubled to start the sixth inning and scored on a Sparks sacrifice fly to put the Blue Wahoos up 4-0.
Vladimir Gutierrez (W, 4-8) was solid on the mound for the Wahoos. He allowed his only run in the sixth. Domingo Leyba was hit by a pitch to start the inning, then scored on an RBI single from Jamie Westbrook. Gutierrez was lifted for Victor Payano with two outs in the inning. Payano got the final out and combined with Robinson Leyer and Alex Powers (S, 6) to preserve the win the rest of the way.
Gutierrez earned the win after allowing just the one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 5.2 innings. The Wahoos did all of their damage against Generals starter Taylor Widener (L, 4-4). He allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings. He struck out five against one walk. Powers pitched a perfect ninth inning for his team-best sixth save.
Harry E. Mason
June 25, 2018
Harry E. Mason went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 21, 2018. He was born on Sept. 13, 1941, in Escambia County, Florida to the late Murlen A. Mason and Marquerite Nettles Mason. Harry worked for the United States Postal Service retiring with 35 years of service. He was an avid reader of his Bible and books that pertained to the Life of Christ. He served his country in the United States Army.
Harry is survived by his wife, Betty Mason; daughter, Leslie Mason; son, Daniel Paul Mason; four grandchildren, Ainsley, Alistar, Elizabeth, and Haley; sister, Shirley Forbes; brother, Marshall (Diane) Mason; step-children, Yvette (Ronnie) Pritchett, Sidney (Sharon) Benware III, and Margaret (Marcus) Lewis; step-grandchildren, Marissa (Jimmy) Morgan, Traci (Ryne) Norton, Taylor (Justin) Mertins, R.J. Pritchett, Brooke Lewis, Nolan Benware, and Morgan Benware; and step great-grandchildren, Owen, Ansley and Ace Morgan, and Tori Norton.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 25, 2018, at East Side Assembly of God Church with Pastor Kenneth Johnson officiating.
Burial was in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Edmonson, Sidney Benware, III, R. J. Pritchett, Marcus Lewis, Marshall Mason, and Jimmy Morgan.
Honorary pallbearer will be Nolan Benware.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Michael Fox
June 25, 2018
Mr. Michael “Mike” Fox, age 53, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at his home in Crossroads, Alabama.
Mr. Fox was a native of Bay Springs, FL and had resided in Crossroads, AL for the past 19 years. He was of the Protestant faith. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frankie and Ruby Lewis and one uncle, Rodger Lewis.
He is survived by his mother and step-father, Elizabeth and Ronnie Faulk of Walnut Hill, FL; one son, Michael R. Fox of Bay Minette, AL; one daughter, Felicia Rolin of Bay Minette, AL; one brother, Jeffrey Fox of Atmore, AL; one sister, Sandy and Chris Brown of Oak Grove, FL; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Mr. Ronnie Faulk officiating.
Burial will follow at the Bay Springs Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chris Brown, Dale Brown, Dawson Brown, Frankie Nicholson, Jason Nicholson and Kevin Nicholson.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the animal shelters.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Cynthia Ann O’Brien Wheeler
June 25, 2018
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann O’Brien Wheeler, 60, passed away peacefully June 23, 2018, after a long battle with diabetes. Cindy was born May 3, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend.
She was an active member of Bellview Baptist Church, where she served as Vacation Bible School director for many years. She was also a member of the Northwest Florida Area Team for Operation Christmas Child.
Cindy spent many years working in customer service at Walmart.
She is preceded in death by her father, Roy O’Brien.
She is survived by her four children, Anthony (Megan) Wheeler, Marissa Grant, Brittany Wheeler and Kristin Wheeler; and five grandchildren, Kylee Wheeler, Bella Grant, AJ Wheeler, Tripp Grant, and Braxton Grant. She is also survived by her mother, Emma Jean O’Brien; and three siblings, Sharon (Larry) Marshall, Jeff (Lisa) O’Brien, and Jimmy (Cassie) O’Brien.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
A memorial service to honor Cindy’s life will take place at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, June 26, 2018, beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation for friends will begin at 10a.m. Pastor Steve Bruce will officiate.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.