Toddler Nearly Drowns In Cantonment Pool

May 20, 2019

A toddler nearly drowned in a Cantonment pool Sunday afternoon, according to an Escambia County spokesperson.

Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to a near drowning in the 2000 block of Sandicrest Drive. A toddler was found in a pool about 1:30 p.m. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital.

His condition and further details have not been released.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

County Renews Contract For Lake Stone Caretaker

May 20, 2019

The Escambia County Commission is extending their caretaker agreement for the Lake Stone Campground near Century.

Dennis Keith Cole will continue to manage the facility for another year, until May 31, 2020.  He  will be  paid $11,400 in 12 equal monthly installments of $950 with housing and utilities provided. Cole was first named Lake Stone caretaker in June 2013.

Lake Stone Campground is a 100-acre campground and boat ramp facility located at 801 West Highway 4. The campground has 77 campsites for everything from big RV rigs to tents. Lake Stone is the Escambia County’s only facility located on a freshwater lake. The  facilities include a boat ramp , indoor public use pavilion, a playground, showers, restrooms, a fishing pier, security lights, electrical and water hookups, a sewage dump station, picnic areas and the  lake.

The Lake Stone  pavilion or campsites can be reserved by calling  the Lake Stone campground manager at (850) 256-5555 or Escambia County Parks and Recreation at (850) 475-5220.

Since the inception of the Lake Stone Campground, the County has entered into an agreement for on-site caretaker/management services at the facility.

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Gas Prices Trend Downward Another Week

May 20, 2019

Florida gas prices are declining as 2.3 million Floridians prepare for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, according to AAA.

“If gas prices continue following their current downward trend, drivers could find holiday gas prices that are 30 cents less than last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A 30-cent discount would mean Memorial Day drivers will spend $4.50 less on a full tank compared to last year. However, there’s still a chance that gas prices reverse course. In addition to an anticipated surge in demand, oil and wholesale gasoline prices inched higher last week, which could directly result in a 3-5 cent increase at the pump.”

Florida gas prices are averaging $2.64 per gallon – the lowest daily average price since March. The state average is 7 cents less than a week ago, 11 cents less than last month, and nearly 20 cents less than this time last year. Several stations were below $2.50 in Escambia County.

The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.61, down from from $2.65 a week ago and $2.69 one month ago.

Pictured: Gas was $2.49 a gallon this weekend in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Charles D. Bryan

May 20, 2019

Ret. Lt. Col. Charles D Bryan, born October 13, 1923, died peacefully at his home in [i]Mobile on May 18, 2019. He is survived by loving his wife of 73 years, Louise Strickland Bryan; two sons: Chuck Bryan (Bonnie) of Mobile and Ret. Lt. Col. Gary D. Bryan (Connie) of Las Vegas, NV (formerly of Pensacola, FL. four grandchildren: Charles L. Bryan, Jr. (Julie), Fairhope AL; Layne Bryan Abee (Aaron), Smithville, TX; Lt. Col. Marcus Bryan (Tracie), Pensacola, FL and Sara Bryan, Las Vega, N; seven great grandchildren: Christopher, Haley and Alyssa Bryan, Pensacola, FL. Jackson and Thompson Bryan, Fairhope, AL and Conrad and Bella Abee, Smithville, TX.

Charles was born in McCulla, AL and served his country as a Marine in World War II and served in the Army for the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He also served his state as Deputy Commissioner of Prisons and served his church, Walnut Hill Baptist Church as a Deacon and other positions.

Charles was a devoted husband who married his childhood sweetheart and were married for 73 years. He was a devoted father who loved his family. He was the last surviving member from a large family of seven siblings. He was a loving uncle and loved spoiling his grandchildren. He even loved his grand dogs.

After retiring from the Military from a career that took him overseas and all over the country, he came home to Walnut Hill, Florida. He loved fishing with his brothers, witnessing to those in need, he loved to travel and was an avid reader keeping Tom Clancy on the top of the Best Seller list. He LOVED his Alabama Crimson Tide and above all he was a man of God.

Funeral arrangements are handled by Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL. Visitation and the Funeral Service will be held from Walnut Hill Baptist Church with interment at the Walnut Hill Baptist Cemetery on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Family viewing at 11:30 and general public from noon until 2 p.m.. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m.

Pallbearers are: Skip Bryan, Danny Bryan, Steve Bryan, Brett Ward, Rob Faircloth and Wesley Foster.

A Few Showers And Thunderstorms Monday

May 20, 2019

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast in the evening.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 67.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Samuel Edgar “Red” Killam

May 20, 2019

Mr. Samuel Edgar “Red” Killam, age 92, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Century, Florida.

Mr. Killam was a native and life long resident of Byrneville, FL. Mr. Killam was self employed as a farmer, enjoyed working with his cows, gardening, and a veteran of WWII and was of the Assembly of God Faith. He worked with Smith Construction and was employed with Jack Smith as a carpenter. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sibyl Killam; mother, Dora Lee Killam; father, Sam Killam and nephew, Bubba Hayles.

He is survived by his brother, John Elton (Betty) Killam of Byrneville, FL; two sisters, Evelyn Killam of Byrneville, FL and Earlene Hayles of Lottie, AL and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Bro. Tim Floyd officiating.

Burial will follow at the Beulah Chapel Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church.

Pallbearers will be Vic Killam, Vince Killam, Joey Killam, Kelby Killam, Blaine Waltman and Mike Beals.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Arnold Burkett, Levon Little, Herman Armstrong, Charles Smith, Charles Steadham and Raymond Wiggins.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.

Whataburger Chain Could Be For Sale

May 20, 2019

Whataburger, the Texas-based fast food chain, could be for sale. They’ve hired investment and banking giant Morgan Stanley to assist is a possible sale or other options.

“Our company is growing and is always attractive to investors, and we’ve brought in Morgan Stanley to help us explore our options,” the company said in a statement to the San Antonio Business Journal. “We have always evaluated the opportunities that can accelerate growth and maintain the success of our brand, and we will continue to do so in the future.”

Reports indicate the chain could be worth over $6 billion.

Whataburger has more than 820 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $2 billion annually.

Pictured: The Whataburger restaurant on North Century Boulevard in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Gandy Family Trust Scholarships Awarded To Three Students

May 20, 2019

Three local Bill Gandy Family Trust scholarship winners have been announced.

Gandy Memorial Scholarship winners are Lexxi Baggett, daughter of Garry and Vicki Baggett; and  McKayla McConathy, daughter of Gene and Sharon Findley.  Both graduating Northview High School seniors earned cash scholarships for their community service, documented volunteer hours, and academic scholastic record.

The Solon Lee Gandy Scholarship recipient is Jay Jackson, son of Stephanie Myrick and Jason Jackson. Jay is a Flomaton High School graduate whose academic and athletic history stood out among the other applicants. His scholarship will follow him to the college of his choice.

This marked the 11th year of Gandy Family Trust  scholarship awards given with funds raised through donations and various family fundraisers. A total of 29 high school scholarships have been awarded thus far, ranging from $250 to $1,000 each.

Pictured top: McKayla McConathy, Lexxi Baggett and Jay Jackson.

Shirley Jean Turner

May 20, 2019

Mrs. Shirley Jean Turner, age 60, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at her home in Atmore, Alabama.

Mrs. Turner was a native and life long resident of Atmore, AL. Shirley was an exceptional wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. She was an avid shopper who also enjoyed tubing and being at the creek with her family and friends. She was a great friend and was always helping others. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her father, Milford J. Jordan; mother, Barbara Ann Jordan; brother, Melvin Jenks Jordan; grandfather, Jenkins Montgomery Jordan; grandmother, Onzy Burkett Jordan and half-sister, Diane Chapman.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Avery Turner of Atmore, AL; one son, Anthony (Corrie) Jordan of Atmore, AL; one step-son, Phillip Turner of Bratt, FL; seven grandchildren, Brianna, Tyler, Tyler, Nathan, Lauren, Anthony Jr. and Zack and one great grandchild, Kaegan.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Breceda and Rev. Ray Ward officiating.

Burial will follow at the New Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 6 to 9 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Jordan, Nathan Jordan, Tyler Harper, Jeremy McGhee, Tyler Vickery, Larry Paul and Misty Rolin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Allen Turner, Anthony Jordan, Jr., Eddie Ramer, Donnie Reed, Joey Barber and Randall Weaver.

Cantonment Rotary Recognizes Teachers Of The Year From North Escambia

May 20, 2019

The members of the Cantonment Rotary Club recently treated the Teachers of the year from Escambia County District schools north of Nine Mile Road to lunch at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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