Patricia Ann Turner
October 16, 2018
Patricia Ann Grimes Turner was born on May 7, 1942 in Byrneville, Florida, to her beloved parents, Jack and Daisy Grimes. She was delivered by Mrs. Callie Shaw, neighbor, and the mother of her future lifelong best friend. She married the man of her dreams, love of her life, father of her five children, and husband of 60 years, Melvin ‘Cowboy’ Turner in June of 1958. After her marriage, she moved to Flomaton, Alabama where she spent years raising her children into kind, and caring people, who in turn gave her fifteen beautiful and sweet grandchildren. Her house was a home that was never completely neat and tidy like she always longed for it to be. Instead, it was always a home full of children running, and playing; neighbors, family, and friends eating talking, and always laughing. Her home was a favored gathering place of nieces, nephews, and neighborhood kids alike because there they always felt welcomed, and unconditionally loved, and besides she was a wonderful cook. She was an excellent listener of teenage drama, referee to arguing children, and soother of crying babies. Her favorite pastimes included teaching her children and grandchildren an appreciation of the great musical oldies, especially Elvis, shopping with her daughters, cooking for large crowds, and rocking her grand, and great-grandbabies.
Because of Patricia’s sweet and gentle spirit, she left this world a better place than she found it. She died on Monday morning, October 15, 2018 after suffering from a long ugly illness that robbed her of her very essence and precious memories. In the hours prior to her death, she was surrounded by the presence and love of her husband, children, and grandchildren.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her husband, Melvin Turner of Flomaton, Alabama; her three sons and daughters-in-laws, Roger and Tammy Turner of Flomaton, Alabama, Michael and Debbie Turner of Bay Minette, AL, Burt and Deborah Turner of Flomaton, Alabama; her daughters, Kimberly Gafford of Flomaton, Alabama, and Cassie and son-in-law, Luke Daffron of Millport, AL; her grandchildren, Cody Turner, Ashley Knowles, Brett Gafford, Allison Mulder, Olivia Turner, Jacob Turner, Amelia Turner, Thomas Turner, Tabitha Hendricks, Rebekah Turner, Nick Turner, Stephanie Turner, Cooper Daffron, Kate Daffron; her great-grandsons, Grayson and Garrison Knowles, and Emmett Mulder and Brayden Hendricks who will miss their Maw Maw’s love and presence more than they will ever truly know. Patricia also leaves behind her only surviving sibling her baby brother, Johnny Grimes of Byrneville, Florida. The rest of Patricia’s survivors include her sister-in-law’s family, brothers-in-law and their families, her brothers’ and sisters’ families, and two of the best friends a woman could ask for, Alice Faye Chavers, and Lily Ruth Graves.
Patricia experienced deep and mournful sorrow in her life with the passing of her parents, Jack and Daisy Grimes; her three brothers, Ed, Joe, and Jerry Grimes; her four sisters, Luverne Smith, Tommie Campbell, Sylvia Moore, and Emma Fay Bell, and her oldest and precious grandson, Lee Turner.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 6 to 9 P.M.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel at 2 P.M. with Rev. Johnny W. Lambeth officiating.
Interment will be in Pleasant Home Holiness Church Cemetery, Flomaton, AL.
Pallbearers will be Mrs. Turner’s grandsons.
North Highway 99 Repaving Set To Be Fast Tracked
October 15, 2018
Escambia County is set to fast track a planned resurfacing of North Highway 99 from Walnut Hill to the Alabama State line.
The project was planned for 2024-25, but the Escambia County Commission will vote Thursday on advancing $1,726,325 available in Local Option Sales Tax to this fiscal year and begin the construction solicitation process.
The 8.2 mile roadway runs from Highway 97, past Highway 4 in Bratt and continues to the state line. It is a major north-south transportation corridor for the area. In addition to the school buses that serve Bratt Elementary on North Highway 99, buses travel the road twice-daily between Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle schools.
The asphalt is in poor condition due to high traffic volume, and heavy truck traffic, according to county officials.
The recommended improvements include repair of road base failures, leveling of existing asphalt, installation of a geogrid over widened joints, paving the entire roadway, and restriping 12-foot travel lanes.
The Escambia County Commission will vote on the proposal Thursday evening.
Pictured top: North Highway 99 in Bratt near Highway 168. Pictured below: A closer look at asphalt conditions. Pictured below: North Highway 99 at Highway 4 and (bottom) Highway 164. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ground Zero: ‘Unimaginable Destruction’ In Mexico Beach (With Gallery)
October 15, 2018
This is ground zero.
Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico Beach about about 12:30 last Wednesday afternoon as one of the strongest hurricanes on record to hit the United States. The high-end Category 4 hurricane was the third-strongest by pressure, the fourth most powerful by wind speed.
The 155-mph maximum sustained winds with a 9 to 14 foot storm surge caused what Gov. Rick Scott called “unimaginable destruction”. Lives were lost; many are still unaccounted for in Mexico Beach.
Mexico Beach was a quiet little town of just over 1,000 people. It was not a huge tourist destination with the hustle and bustle of Panama City Beach. There were no traffic lights. It was the “Forgotten Beach” a little seaside community, a quiet vacation spot.
But now it’s gone.
House after house was either blown or washed away. In may areas, nothing more than a foundation remains.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Mexico Beach, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Sheena Carach, click to enlarge.
State Freezes Property Insurance Rates After Michael
October 15, 2018
Gov. Rick Scott on Sunday directed the state’s top insurance regulator to freeze any potential property-insurance rate increases for 90 days as homeowners and businesspeople grapple with massive damage from Hurricane Michael.
Scott also directed Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier to require rescinding for 90 days all policy non-renewals or cancellations that had been issued in the days leading up to Michael to give policyholders more time to find coverage. In another move, insurance policyholders will be given an extra 90 days to provide required information to insurers.
It was not immediately clear how many policyholders could be affected by the directives. But state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, in a statement released by Scott’s office, pointed to the massive damage caused by Michael, which made landfall Wednesday in Mexico Beach as a Category 4 storm and pounded Panama City and other areas of the Panhandle and the state’s Big Bend.
“Entire communities have been wiped off the map,” Patronis, a Panama City native, said in the statement. “I can’t say this enough: The damage is catastrophic. As our neighbors and communities assess the damage and start recovering, the last thing they need to worry about is if their insurance coverage will be dropped for non-payment. Our focus is saving lives, restoring power and repairing communications system. I’m calling on insurance companies to keep that at the front of their minds and not take advantage of this disaster.”
It remains too early to pinpoint the amount of damage caused by Michael. But as an indication, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America issued a preliminary estimate Thursday that said insured losses could total $2 billion to $4.5 billion.
The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has set up temporary centers in Panama City and Tallahassee to help policyholders with claims. The centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a Sam’s Club at 1707 West 23rd St. in Panama City, and at a Walmart Supercenter at 4021 Lagniappe Way in Tallahassee.
Insurance claims will be part of the recovery from Michael that will take months to play out.
Shorter term, state and local officials are focused on issues such as restoring electricity, with utility crews converging on Northwest Florida from various parts of the country. As of noon Sunday, 191,361 utility customers lacked power, according to Scott’s office.
Gulf Power, which serves hard-hit areas including Bay County, released a schedule Sunday that showed gradual power restoration expected in its service territory over the next 10 days.
Areas of Panama City Beach, for example, were expected to be restored Sunday and Monday, but downtown Panama City and communities such as Callaway and Lynn Haven are estimated to be restored by Oct. 24. Areas of Washington, Jackson and Holmes counties are gradually expected to be restored by Friday.
“We know that our customers are counting on us, so they can begin rebuilding their lives,” Stan Connally, chairman, CEO and president of the Pensacola-based utility said in a prepared statement. “We are working safely and aggressively around the clock to get the lights back on.”
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Higher Humidity, Chance Of Showers Return
October 15, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 56.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Gulf Power Announces Power Restoration Timetable
October 15, 2018
Over 60,000 Gulf Power customers remained without power Sunday night as a result of Hurricane Michael as the company announced a timetable to restore power.
- Panama City Beach east of Highway 79 to the Hathaway Bridge is estimated to be restored by midnight, Oct. 15.
- Washington, Jackson and Holmes counties in the following areas:
- Areas north of I-10 in Bonifay and Chipley, and all of Caryville, Graceville and Campbellton are estimated to be restored by midnight, Oct. 17.
- Vernon, Sunny Hills and the surrounding areas south of I-10 are estimated to be restored by midnight, Oct. 18.
- Customers who live in the Cypress and Apalachee areas with a mailing address of Sneads, Florida, served by Gulf Power, are estimated to be restored by midnight, Oct. 1Downtown Panama City, Callaway, Parker, Lynn Haven, Youngstown and surrounding areasare estimated to be restored by midnight, Oct. 24.
“Hurricane Michael was an unprecedented storm, and Gulf Power is on a mission to ensure an unprecedented response.” said Stan Connally, Chairman, president and CEO of Gulf Power. “We know that our customers are counting on us, so they can begin rebuilding their lives. We are working safely and aggressively around the clock to get the lights back on.”
Molino Tax Office Back Open After Communications Problem
October 15, 2018
The Molino office of the Escambia County Tax Collector reopened Monday after being closed due to a communications issues. The issue have plagued the office since last Thursday.
All other tax collector offices are also open:
- Downtown – 213 Palafox Place
- Marcus Pointe – 6451 North W Street
- Warrington – 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Mary Alice Peterson
October 15, 2018
Mrs. Mary Alice Peterson, 82, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Peterson was a native of Canoe, AL and has resided in Bratt, FL since 1975. She was a navy wife serving at various duty stations around the country. She was a member and Sunday School Teacher at the Bratt First Baptist Church where she filled various positions. She was also a cake decorator, doll maker, seamstress, Girl Scout leader and softball coach. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Myra Gilman; sister, Helen Wolfe and brother, Luther J. (Junior) Gilman.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Roland D. (Pete) Peterson of Bratt, FL; one son, Gregory “Greg” (Tracy Ann) Peterson of Decatur, TN; two daughters, Janice Ann Peterson (David) Coleman of Bratt, FL and Karen Peterson (Dave) Tibbals of Perdido Key, FL; two brothers, James Edward (Sherrye) Gilman of Bratt, FL and Robert Earl (Gloria) Gilman of Bratt, FL; four sisters, Geraldine Godwin of Bratt, FL, Willie-Jean (Alton) Edwards of Bratt, FL, Betty Lou (Fred) Moore of Bratt, FL and Patricia (Rick) Gregory of Bratt, FL; one brother-in-law, Glenn Wolfe of Bay Minette, AL; ten grandchildren, Wayne, Patty, Jade, Jennifer, Jessie, Mari, Samantha, Ashley, Amanda and Nick and eighteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 3:00 PM at the Bratt First Baptist Church with Rev. Delbert Redditt officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 16, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Wilson, Dennis Weaver, Wayne Coleman, Caleb Jernigan, Dave Tibbals and Michael Weaver.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Patty Stacey, Jade Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Jessica Coleman, Mari Tibbals, Samantha Yoho, Ashley Peterson, Danny Gilman and David Coleman.
Memorial may be made to the Godwin Cemetery Fund.
Impact 100 Awards $1.1 Million In Grants To 11 Groups
October 15, 2018
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women’s philanthropic organization awarded $100,300 each to 11 nonprofit organizations Sunday for a total of $1,103,000.
With a record number 1,103 members in its 15th year, IMPACT 100 selected the following the grant recipients:
ARTS & CULTURE
Pensacola High School Band Boosters Association
Project: Music is for Everyone at PHS
Pyramid
Project: Bringing the Arts to the Underserved in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties
EDUCATION
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
Project: Return to the Wild
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence
Project: Swim, Soar, and Fly into Science Inspiring Hands-on Exploration of Our Natural World
ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION
Miracle League of Santa Rosa County
Project: Miracle Field of Dreams
Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola
Project: Restoring Veterans Memorial Lighting
FAMILY
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
Project: There’s No Place Like Home
Sacred Heart Foundation
Project: “Paw”erful Medicine – Using Animal-Assisted Therapy to Make “Ruff” Days a Little Brighter
HEALTH & WELLNESS
KlaasKIDS Foundation
Project: Missing Child Response & Child Exploitation Prevention
Opening Doors Northwest Florida dba EscaRosa Coalition on the Homeless
Project: Opening Doors on a Mission to Reach, Respond, Restore
Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc.
Project: REAP’s Women’s Re-entry Portal – Pathway for Success
“At the end of today, $10,498,000 has been awarded through 98 grants to 72 nonprofit organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since 2004. These are significant grants that make a lasting impact,” said Meri Asmar, president of IMPACT 100.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Win Prizes In Contest For Northview Baseball Cartoon Logo Design
October 14, 2018
The Northview High School baseball team is holding contest to find the best cartoon logo for the team. Students and community members can enter their best Chiefs Baseball drawing for a chance to win free admission to Chiefs baseball games for a year, a Northview Baseball shirt with their logo, and they will get to see their logo permanently placed on the press box.
The design should form an “upside down” triangular shape as seen in the Baltimore Orioles example.
Submissions are due by October 19 to coach Jeremy Greenwell or coach Brad Lowery, or emailed to blowery1@escambia.k12.fl.us.