Escambia Master Gardener Program Forms Endowment Fund
September 3, 2018
The Escambia County Master Gardener Program has formed the Escambia County Master Gardener Endowment Fund, in conjunction with the University of Florida Foundation.
The University of Florida Foundation, a nonprofit organization, will be managing the funds for the endowment. All funds raised will go toward the operations of the ECMG Program. Bob McLaughlin, endowment committee chair, stated that this is a long-term funding strategy designed to allow the Master Gardener Program to continue providing local horticultural community education for many years.
The ECMG Endowment Fund has four designated funding levels, from Founder through Platinum Sponsor, each with a specific donation amount assigned. The ECMG Program will partner with staff from the University of Florida Foundation to hold local information and fundraising sessions to meet the first fundraising goal of $30,000, which they hope to reach by December 2020. All donations to the endowment are tax-deductible.
For more information on how you can support the ECMG Endowment or for more information on the Master Gardener Program, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County Master Gardener office at 850-475-5230 or visit the Master Gardener website here.
Pedestrian Dies Day After Being Hit By Vehicle On Highway 29
September 3, 2018
A pedestrian passed away after being hit by a vehicle Friday night.
Dwight Nathanel Showers, 52, was walking along the east shoulder of Highway 29 near Kenmore Road about 11:50 Friday when he attempted to cross the road. He was struck by a 2006 Ford Explorer driven by 32-year old Shaketa Fountain of Pensacola, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said Showers was wearing dark clothing with no reflective gear or lighting.
He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away on Saturday.
Fountain and four children in her vehicle were not injured.
No charges have been filed.
Man Convicted After Threatening Teen With Gun During Home Invasion
September 3, 2018
An Escambia County man has been convicted after threatening a teenager with a gun during a home invasion robbery.
Deonte Anthony Bodiford, was convicted by an Escambia County jury of home invasion robbery with a firearm. The jury also found Bodiford to be in actual possession of a firearm. The defendant faces up to life in state prison with a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 10 years. Circuit Judge Stephen Pitre scheduled sentencing for October 19.
On April 17, 2017, Bodiford and co-defendant Malik Saunders kicked in the door of a residence off of Country Club Road. After finding a 13-year old in the residence, a firearm was put to the juvenile’s head and he was ordered to pack several
of his belongings into a bag. After locating another firearm in the residence, Bodiford loaded ammunition into the firearm and threatened the juvenile. Bodiford and Saunders stole money, two televisions, a gaming system, sneakers, and the firearm from the residence.
Bodiford also has several additional felony cases that remain currently pending. Saunders had previously entered a no contest plea to home invasion robbery with a firearm and is currently set for sentencing on September 12.
Golf Results: Tate, Pine Forest, West Florida, Washington
September 3, 2018
Local high school boys golf results:
At Cypress Lakes
Team Scores
- Washington 202
- Tate 203
- Pine Forest 220
- Jaren Cook, Washington – 46
- Ryan Harrison, Washington – 48
- JT Semple, Tate – 49
Tate
- JT Semple 49
- Jace Anthony 52
- Grant Gill 50
- Caleb Banks 52
- Peyton Caslow 61
Washington
- Robert Harrison 54
- Ryan Harrison 48
- Jaren Cook 46
- Tyler Levesque 54
- Conner Diebold 59
Pine Forest
- Christian Munoz 56
- Richard Rudd 59
- Drew Williams 51
- Tyler Woodward 60
- William Peavy 54
At Perdido Bay Country Club
Team Scores
- Tate 195
- Escambia 200
- West Florida (no score)
Tate
- JT Semple 47
- Jace Anthony 46
- Grant Gill 51
- Caleb Banks 51
- Peyton Caslow 54
Up Next:
West Florida, Escambia, Tate, Washington at Scenic Hills on September 4
What Will Happen To Gas Prices As Gordon Steers Toward Refineries?
September 3, 2018
Millions of motorists traveling over the weekend paid the most expensive Labor Day gas prices in four years. Prices could get even more expensive, depending on the path and severity of Gordon.
Gas prices in Florida are higher than a week ago. The state average of $2.80 per gallon is 7 cents more than last week, and 17 cents more than this time last year. The state average rose 8 cents last week, in anticipation of strong holiday demand; then leveled off over the weekend.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.76.
So far, the Gordon has not affected gas prices, but that would change if refineries suffer damage or go offline. Refineries in Louisiana and Mississippi began making preparations for the storm on Monday. As of press time, no refineries, oil rigs or platforms have shut down.
The Gulf Coast is home to nearly half (45%) of the nation’s refinery capacity. Last year, pump prices surged after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas as a Category 4 storm, causing mass flooding and refinery outages. Energy production dropped approximately 21 percent as a result. Although oil prices didn’t change much, gasoline futures jumped 47 cents within five days of Harvey’s arrival. Fifteen days after landfall, gas prices in the southeastern U.S. had climbed 40-50 cents.
“It’s too early to know just how much of an impact – if any – Gordon will have on prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Market watchers will pay close attention to how refineries respond to this storm. Any supply outages would likely cause prices to climb.”
Pictured: Drivers fill gas cans in advance of Gordon Sunday afternoon just across the state line in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Clinch Playoff Berth In 4-3 Win Over Smokies
September 3, 2018
Taylor Featherston delivered a go-ahead two-run homer against Scott Effross (L, 2-6) and the Wahoos clinched a playoff berth for the fourth season in a row with a 4-3 win Sunday night Smokies Stadium.
Trailing 2-1 in the in the seventh inning, Gavin LaValley led off the inning with a single. Featherston followed and belted Effross’s 2-1 pitch over the right-field fence, which put Pensacola up 4-3. The Wahoos picked up their first two runs of the game courtesy of Shed Long’s two-run homer in the top of the fourth.
Daniel Wright started the game for the Wahoos and allowed three runs across five innings. After scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth, the Smokies took the lead against Wright after Eddy Martinez hit a two-run homer to give the hosts a temporary 3-2 lead.
The bullpen turned in four shutout innings for Jody Davis to secure the win. Nick Howard (W, 2-0) turned in a scoreless sixth inning, and after the Wahoos retook the lead, Joel Bender pitched two scoreless frames in the seventh and eighth. Alex Powers (S, 18) closed out the ninth inning in what will likely be his final appearance of the regular season with his 18th save of the year.
With Mobile’s loss to the Biscuits earlier in the day, Pensacola mathematically clinched the final spot in the 2018 Southern League Playoffs with a chance to defend last year’s Southern League Championship. The Wahoos join the Montgomery Biscuits as the second Southern League team this decade to make the playoffs four years in a row. Pensacola will begin their title defense on Wednesday, September 5 in Biloxi against the Shuckers.
With Birmingham’s 6-3 win over Biloxi on Sunday, the Wahoos can clinch the second-half title with a win over Tennessee and a Biloxi loss on Monday. As it currently stands the Wahoos are guaranteed a playoff spot as the wildcard, meaning that four of the five games (if needed) would be played at MGM Park. If the Shuckers hang on to win the second-half, Pensacola’s only home playoff game in the first round would be on Friday, September 7 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The 2018 regular season concludes Monday afternoon in Kodak. RHP Wyatt Strahan (7-11, 6.35) is looking to wrap up the campaign on a winning note while RHP Keegan Thompson aims to give Tennessee a consolation win to end their season.
Norma Boutwell Belvin
September 3, 2018
Norma Boutwell Belvin was born on June 28, 1923. She graduated with honors on September 1, 2018, when she moved to Heaven to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was the best wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother one could hope for. She was loved by all who met her and most everyone called her Grandmother. Her love and hospitality were contagious. She loved her family with her whole heart. Grandmother taught us to love Jesus and those around us. She truly epitomized a Proverbs 31 woman. Using her gift of service, Norma cooked many memorable meals at both Central Baptist and Scenic Heights Baptist Church, both in Pensacola.
Norma was proceeded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert; her parents and her siblings.
She is survived by her loving children, Bob and Cecilia Belvin, JoAnn and Gary Adams, and Elise and Bobby Drinkard; grandchildren, Lew and Mi Belvin, Grayson and Debi Belvin, Lauren and Bryan Hinote, Ashley Drinkard; and her six great grandchildren and special nieces and nephews.
The family could not have asked for any better care for Grandmother than was given by Pam and Brenda. These ladies became part of our family and the family will forever be grateful for all they did for grandmother and her family.
Special thanks to Adam, Robin and Martha of Emerald Coast Hospice who loved Norma and her family and comforted the sisters in Mother’s final days.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at Faith Chapel North from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Interment will be Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at Victoria Cemetery at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Ministry Village at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Gregory Keith Hastings
September 3, 2018
Mr. Gregory Keith Hastings, age 57, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Hastings was a native and lifelong resident of Brewton, AL. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, loved his dogs, daughters, and liked biking and Alabama football. He was a member of the Little Escambia Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Annise Hastings.
He is survived by his two daughters, Heather (Lucas) Chavers of Cantonment, FL and Daphne Hastings Ledkins of Flomaton, AL; three brothers, Donnie (Sandy) Hastings of Brewton, AL, Terry (Vivian) Hastings of Flomaton, AL and Jeff (Fonda) Hastings of Flomaton, AL; and five grandchildren, Ashton Gatwood, Jayden Ledkins, Jordan Ledkins, Claire Chavers and Hailey Chavers.
Funeral services will be Monday, September 3, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Headley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Green Acres Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, September 3, 2018, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Lucas Chavers, Lee Merritt, Robert Burkett, Dale Law, Ray Owens and Randal Blair.
Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Emmons and Daniel Evans.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Potential Tropical Storm Moving Toward Northern Gulf; Tropical Storm Watch Issued
September 2, 2018
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for portions of the central Gulf Coast from the Alabama-Florida border westward to east of Morgan City, LA. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Potential Tropical Cyclone 7could become Tropical Storm Gordon within the next day or so. Impacts are likely to start by Tuesday though much uncertainty remains in the intensity of the system.
There is a limited threat of flooding due to heavy rain with very gusty winds possible to the right of the track. Our latest local forecast highlights this potential for widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain with isolated higher amounts.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Rollover Sunday Morning
September 2, 2018
No one was injured in a rollover crash Sunday morning on Highway 29 south of East Kingsfield Road about 5:40 a.m..
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Ensley and Cantonment Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
