Martha Louise Knowles
April 30, 2021
Mrs. Martha Louise Knowles, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at a Pensacola hospice facility.
Mrs. Knowles was a native and life-long resident of Century, FL. She had worked as a Teachers Aide for the Escambia County School Board. She loved to garden and work with her flowers. She enjoyed helping people and loved her family very much. She was a member of Byrneville United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Knowles was preceded in death by her parents, Curness Bolen and Irma Bolen; and an infant brother.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Wesley Knowles of Century, FL; two sons, Tommy (Rachael) Knowles of Flomaton, AL, and Timothy (Tosha) Knowles of Century, FL; two daughters, Cindy (Marcus) Mathis of Century, FL, and Martha Knowles of Century, FL; two brothers, Neal Bolen of Century, FL, and Henry (Betty) Bolen of Georgia; grandchildren, Cody Mathis, Anna Knowles, Heather Knowles, Lori Knowles; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. from the chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home with ro. Mitch Herring and Bro. Fred Stallworth officiating. Interment will follow in Byrneville Community Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Flomaton Funeral Home on Friday from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Cody Mathis, Adam Bolen, Andrew Bolen, Larry Knowles, Jason Blackwell, and Josh Northrop.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Gail Clary, Betty & EJ Deubler, Sandra & Bobby Holland, Clinton & Ann Killam, and Jimmy Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Byrneville Church Cemetery Fund 1351 Byrneville Road Century, FL 32535.
Margaret Ellafayr Presley Helms
April 30, 2021
Margaret Ellafayr Presley Helms, age 90, of Molino entered eternal life on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
Preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Marjorie Presley and her sister Edna Richards, she is survived by her husband of 72 years Thomas F. Helms, Sr.; her children Marjan Helms, Thomas F. Helms, Jr., and Kathy Starkey (Ron); her grandson Brian Starkey (Trish); her nieces Bonnie Ging (Jake), Jeanie Nowlin (Bill), Becky Carlsen (Kurt), Ann Helms and Jeff Helms.
Margaret truly loved life and lived her ninety years with grace and dignity, gentleness,generosity, and good humor. She loved others deeply and was passionately devoted to her family and friends, to her students and those with whom she studied. To create and maintain a beautiful, welcoming home filled with music and laughter and sustained by compassionate listening was her lifelong joy. She thrived on being outside in the natural world, especially
sitting beside the Gulf, watching the waves and sky. She adored animals and delighted in having her hands deep in the soil—tending her plants, working in her greenhouse, pruning her roses and coral vines. Margaret will be missed terribly and yet celebrated for years to come by those who knew her and were blessed by her fiercely loyal friendship and warm heart. Second only to her family was her love for her church—first Molino Methodist, then Aldersgate, and finally, for the last forty-five years, her beloved community at First Church in Pensacola. This church symbolized and exemplified all that she held most dear—love of God, joy in service to others, rigorous study and intellectual nourishment, artistic refinement, and, above all, peace and blessing in the communion of faith. May the angels welcome her to Paradise.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 2 PM, in the Abbey of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Ruth’s Kitchen at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.
Carol L. Gunn
April 30, 2021
Carol L. Gunn (73) passed away April 28, 2021 after a long battle with cancer with her family by her side.
She was born on August 16, 1947 to Delmus and Alena Lewis in Cantonment, Florida. Carol was one of ten children. She retired from Gulf Power after many years of service.
Carol is preceded in death by her brother, Omer Carnley, and sisters, Mertice Summerlin, Shirley Campbell, and Betty Hall.
She is survived by her husband, Ramon; daughters, Denise Ray (Gary), Cynthia Weaver (Bryan), and Barbara Ray (Ray); grandchildren, Chris Norton, Kevin Bullard, Timothy Norton, Taylor Norton, Robert Ray, William Ray, Chase Lowery, and Briar Norton; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Leon Carnley and Ronnie Lewis; and sisters, Elsie Carnley, Maralyn Zylstra; and Penny Bird.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Faith Chapel North. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Chumuckla Community Church with Pastor Tom Sharron and Pastor Earl Harrison officiating. Chumuckla Community Church is located at 8008 Chumuckla Hwy, Pace, FL 32571.
Pallbearers will be Chris Norton, Timothy Norton, Kevin Bullard, Robert Ray, Chase Lowery, and Briar Norton.
A heartfelt thank you to Covenant Care Inpatient Hospice at Sacred Heart Hospital for all the care you gave to Carol.
John (Johnny) Thomas Winfree
April 30, 2021
John (Johnny) Thomas Winfree left this world to live eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 27, 2021, at the age of 69. Johnny was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, Pop Pop, and friend.
Johnny was born in Wilmington, NC to Darlene Dowell Bryant on June 14, 1951. As a teenager he and his family moved to Panama City, FL. Johnny was a 1969 graduate of Rutherford High School, where he was a talented football player. He worked a fulfilling career as a heavy equipment operator with Gulf Power Company – Plant Crist before retiring; however, his most revered accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Helen (May) Winfree on May 9, 1987. After several years of prayer, God blessed them with a son, Bryan Lee Winfree. Together with his wife, Johnny led a life of devotion to their community, church, and family. They volunteered with North West Florida Panhandle Search and Rescue for many years and have been dedicated, long time members of CrossFaith Church in Molino, FL. Enjoying the simplicity of life, Johnny was a devoted family man, a proud dad and a doting Pop Pop to his beloved grandchildren. He literally beamed with excitement and joy when he spoke of Levi, “his buddy” and Kynlee, “his baby girl”.
First and foremost, Johnny was a man of honesty, integrity and genuineness. One of his most endearing qualities was that he was always true to himself. You never had to wonder how Johnny felt about something because he would not mind sharing his views on anything. One of the special things about Johnny was that he “beat to the sound of his own drum.” Blessed with the ability to make others laugh, Johnny was also one to lend a helping hand or listen to someone who simply needed his unconditional love or wisdom. Johnny loved working with his hands and was masterfully skilled at many things, including woodworking, building, working on automobiles, and working in the yard. He was rarely idle and thrived on staying busy.
He was the treasured husband of Helen May Winfree, the loving father of Bryan Winfree (Heather Winfree), the adored Pop Pop of Levi and Kynlee Winfree, the cherished brother of Lee Bryant and Lisa (Bryant) Sears, and the loving uncle of Amanda Sears and Ashley (Bryant) Whitham. Johnny was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Darlene and Willis Bryant, who loved him dearly.
Johnny’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Please join Johnny’s family and friends as we all share our memories of him and celebrate his life at CrossFaith Church 5701 Hwy 29 North Molino, FL on Monday May 3, 2021. Visitation will start at 9:30 A.M. with the service to follow at 10:30 A.M. Interment following the service will be held at the Milton Historic Cemetery 6683 Berryhill Road Milton, FL 32570.
Escambia School District Will Now Allow Live Audiences At Performances And Events
April 29, 2021
The Escambia County School District will now allow in-person audiences for fine arts performances and events, according to Superintendent Tim Smith.
The change comes after district policy that was in place since the beginning of the school year forced the cancellation of in-person performances of a Tate High School Drama production. Parents and students took their concerns to NorthEscambia.com and the Escambia County School Board. Most of the complaints centered around why sporting events could have live audiences but fine arts performances and other events could not.
“The new change is that ECSD schools are now able to be hold student events following the same guidelines as athletic events. This includes allowing 50% capacity of audience attendance,” Smith said. His decision came Monday but was not immediately announced as he communicated with the high school and middle school principals in the county.
In addition to the 50% capacity, the same as sporting events, there are a few caveats.
“These activities, such as fine arts performances, must be voluntary for all with no impact on student grades,” the superintendent said. “If someone is uncomfortable performing or attending, they should not come to the event. Schools also may explore options for virtual ways to share these events whenever possible, either live or by posting video recordings.”
The events must also adhere to the district’s requirements for the use of masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing.
When possible, schools are being encouraged to hold events outside. Each school will review their calendar and notify parents of updates.
Athletics were allowed to have restricted audiences all school year due to Florida High School Athletic Association rules.
Former Oklahoma Detective Gets Life In Prison For Killing His Police Chief At Pensacola Beach
April 29, 2021
A former small town Oklahoma police detective was sentenced Thursday afternoon to life in prison for killing his police chief during a law enforcement conference on Pensacola Beach in 2019.
Michael Patrick Nealey, 50, was found guilty of second degree murder for the death of Mannford Police Chief Lucky Miller.
It took a jury about two hours Wednesday to return the guilty verdict. Nealey will be sentenced on April 29.
Prosecutors said the murder was the result of an alcohol-fueled night. Prosecutors say the medical examiner determined Miller was beaten and strangled or suffocated to death.
Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Names New EMS Manager
April 29, 2021
Escambia County has named a new EMS manager.
David Torsell, III will take over on June 1. He joins Escambia County with more than 23 years of experience as a firefighter, paramedic and emergency management director.
As the Escambia County EMS Manager, Torsell’s duties will include supervising EMS staff, managing expenditures to the approved annual budget, developing goals and objectives for the division, planning, conducting research, and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.
“I’m very excited to be a part of Escambia County Medical Services,” said Torsell. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with county administration, the Board of County Commissioners and the EMS team to provide the best care possible to Escambia County residents.”
Torsell currently serves as a district chief for Alachua County Fire Rescue and previously served as a paramedic for Florida Hospital Memorial. He earned an associate degree in emergency medical services with coursework from Daytona State College and Columbus State Community College.
Torsell was selected from a pool of 41 applicants, and the selection committee narrowed the list down to four candidates, ranking Torsell as the top candidate. The selection process included several interviews
Publix Opens The First Grocery Store In Beulah
April 29, 2021
The residents of the fast growing Beulah area now have a grocery store in their community.
The new Publix at Nine Mile Crossing opened Wednesday.
“We are excited to see the new Publix Supermarket open in District 1’s Beulah community today. We welcome them,” Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “This shopping center — to include what will eventually be nine additional out parcels on the property with multiple restaurant and retail options for our area — will be a fantastic addition to the community.”
The 48,387 square-foot store features the standard departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy.
“We are very excited for the opening of our newest location in the Nine Mile Crossing Shopping Center. Publix Super Markets has a long and cherished history with the community of Pensacola, and we look forward to continuing to provide premier service and quality products our customers have grown accustom to,” said Chris Norberg, Publix Jacksonville Division community relations manager.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three People Shot In Three Days In Atmore
April 29, 2021
Three people have been shot in three days in Atmore.
Tuesday night, the Atmore Police Department responded to 200 block of 4th Avenue where male stated he had been shot, according to Chief Chuck Brooks. ”
“According to a witness at the scene, the male victim left his residence for a short time, and when he returned, he told the witness he had been shot,” Brooks said. The victim was transported to Atmore Community Hospital for treatment.
Atmore Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call APD at (251) 368-9141.
On Sunday, 28-year old Scottie Dale Robinson of Atmore allegedly shot his brother and another man in the 100 block of 6th Avenue. He was arrested Tuesday afternoon after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase from Cantonment to I-65 near Evergreen, Alabama, where he crashed.
Robinson is facing attempted murder charges for shooting 33-year old Gregory Lavon Robinson, and 19-year old Oneius Cotz White.
RELATED STORY: Attempted Murder Suspect Leads High Speed Chase Across Two States
Pictured below: Attempted murder suspect Scottie Dale Robinson of Atmore crashed on I-65 near Evergreen, Alabama, Tuesday afternoon following a high-speed chase that started in Escambia County, Florida. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fog Tonight, Chance Of Rain For Friday
April 29, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy dense fog after 1am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Patchy dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Light northwest wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.