John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr.
July 18, 2021
John Francis (Jack) Murphy Jr. was born on March 14th, 1936, in Albany, NY to Marion Margaret Brand and John F. Murphy.
He served 3 years in the Army as an engineer including 10 months in a combat zone in Korea where the cease fire was signed while he was on a troop ship headed for the war zone with the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion. He returned to the U.S. to complete his enlistment and later returned to Albany. He eventually went to work for Niagara-Mohawk Power Company.
Jack and his first wife Helene Jane Van Beusichem were married on April 12, 1958 and settled in Claverack, NY. They adopted three children, Thomas John (Kelly), Linda Jean Turner (Bruce), and James Matthew (Jayne). Jack served his community as a member and leader of several organizations including the A.B. Shaw Fire Company, St. John’s and St. Thomas’ Lutheran Churches, the Hudson Elks, VFW, American Legion, Hudson Power Boat Association, and Hudson Whalers Pop Warner Football. He also served 10 years as a member of the Hudson City School District Board of Education including two years as president and liaison to the NY State Schools Boards. Jack retired from NiMo as the superintendent of transmission and distribution for the Hudson service area after 35 years.
His wife Jane preceded him in death in August 1986. Jack remarried Joan Steineke and they later retired in North Fort Myers, FL, where he remained active in civic organizations. After many years in Florida, Jack returned to the Hudson, NY, area. After his second wife passed away, he met his second “soul mate” in Rose (Betty) Taylor and they split time between Crossville, TN, and East Greenbush, NY. Betty passed away in 2019 and Jack moved to Pensacola, FL, and was a proud member of American Legion Post 240 where he was the eldest of four generations of Post and Sons of the American Legion members, the youngest being his great grandson, Seamus.
Jack loved his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers and their wives, Kenneth Pleat (Clarice) and George Pleat (Georgette).
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Summer Vista assisted living facility (particularly Kerrianna, Danielle, and Holly) and Vitas Healthcare (particularly Stephanie, Jasmine, Ellen, and Kelly). Jack requested his family have “a big party” instead of a funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. or the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.
Concealed Weapons Licenses Available In Molino, Warrington; Soon In Marcus Pointe
July 18, 2021
Concealed weapons licenses are available at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Molino and Warrington offices, and will be coming soon to Marcus Pointe, according to Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
The concealed weapons licenses will be issued at the Marcus Pointe office, located at 6451 North “W” Street, beginning July 26.
Appointments will be required for concealed weapons services at the Marcus Pointe location. Applicants may visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com to schedule an appointment.
In most cases, applicants renewing their concealed weapon license will be able to receive their renewed card the same day upon successful submission of their application. While renewed licenses will be printed in the office, new applications will be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for final approval. The statutory turnaround time for this process is within 90 days.
Applicants for a concealed weapon license should visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com for a list of document requirements.
William “Mike” Burkett
July 18, 2021
William “Mike” Burkett passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Molino, FL. He was born July 12, 1952, in Atmore, AL. He was raised in Walnut Hill and resided in Molino, FL prior to his death. He was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Victory Assembly of God. He loved his family and put them first in providing everything they could need and want.
He was married to his beloved wife, Cindy for forty-one years. He was a dedicated father and role model for his son, Justin, and the most loving grandfather to his grandkids, Blake, Norah and Colt. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He had a love for coaching and playing sports and was active in city and church softball leagues. One could also find him enjoying a game of pick-up basketball with friends. He was influential in the lives of many youth when he also coached his son, Justin, and his friends in little league. He enjoyed taking trips and going on vacations with his wife. Some of their favorites included visits to Tennessee, Alaska, and our very own Gulf Coast beaches. Mike served on a missionary trip to Haiti in the summer of 2012. Mike worked at International Paper, formerly known as Champion Paper, for 42 years until he retired. Some may even remember when he was a fire fighter when his son was a baby. Mike will always be remembered for his great smile, love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and his tireless work ethic.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Burkett and Mary Ethel Entrekin Burkett McElvoy.
Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy Burkett; sister, Charlotte (Edward) Giddins; brother, Randall (Denise) Burkett; son, Justin (Mona) Burkett; grandkids, Blake, Norah and Colt; nieces, Carmen (Stephen) Gindl, Autumn Burkett and Jennifer Gray; nephews, Chad Giddins, Michael Jordan and Timothy Jordan; many, many great nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Pallbearers will be Rocky Coffey, Stephen Gindl, Adam Gindl, Jason Dixon, Riley Dixon and Bobby Cutler.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan McGlothren and Daren Smith.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Service will be at Victory Assembly of God on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 12:00 PM. Pastor Glenn Vaughn and Pastor Avon Fowler will be officiating.
Larry W. Blum, Sr.
July 18, 2021
Larry W. Blum, Sr.
June 18, 1941 – July 11, 2021
Larry W. Blum, Sr. was born on June 18, 1941 in Pensacola, FL. A lifetime resident of Pensacola, he graduated from Escambia High School. After 36 years of service with Monsanto, he retired, enjoying many years on his farm in Davisville. His interests included raising cattle and peacocks, cars, tractors and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Henry Blum; mother, Edna Blum Dover; sisters, Louise Kane and Barbara Butler; and brother, Earl Blum.
He is survived by his son, Larry W. Blum, Jr. (Margaret); daughter, Lugina “Gina” Lee (John); sisters, Carolyn Small (Bill) and Paulette Dover; brother, Albert Blum (Faye); four grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Faith Chapel North at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Ted Bridges officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, July 16, 2021. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Larry W. Blum, III, Jeremy W. Hughes, Gary Small, Chris Favorite, Stephen Rushton, and Earl “Skip” Tarbes.
Here’s How To Join Escambia County’s 200th Anniversary Celebration Today
July 17, 2021
Florida’s Territorial Bicentennial and Escambia County’s 200th anniversary is being celebrated Saturday at the Historic Village Museum Plaza near 330 South Jefferson Street in Pensacola.
At 10 a.m., a formal program will take place in Museum Plaza, exactly 200 years after the exchange of Spanish and American flags. Remarks will be made by the following dignitaries in this order:
- Collier Merrill, Chairman, UWF Historic Trust
- Dr. Judy Bense, Committee Chair
- Reverend Freddie Tellis, Allen Chapel Church
- Chief Dan “Sky Horse” Helms, Santa Rosa Creek Indian Tribe
- Dr. Martha Saunders, UWF President
- U.S. Senator Rick Scott
- Captain Timothy Kinsella, Commanding Officer, NASP
- Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee
- Florida Senator Doug Broxson, District 1
- Florida Representative Michelle Salzman, District 1
- Florida Representative Alex Andrade, District 2
- Escambia County Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender
- City of Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson
After remarks, Caitlyn Moore from Sacred Heart Cathedral School will read her winning essay, “What it means to me to be an American.” Dr. Leo Day will sing “America! The Beautiful | God Bless America.” UWF Bands will play “The Star Spangled Banner,” and there will be a reenactment of the exchange of flags from the Spanish flag to the American flag concluding with a Navy flyover. Immediately after the event will be an unveiling of a historic marker by Robinson and Bender. A time capsule will be stored safely with UWF Historic Trust which will be reopened in 25 years.
Pensacola Village will be open to the public at no charge. Visitors can jon reenactors dressed in period attire throughout the Historic Pensacola Village on Saturday, July 17 to learn about historic events such as the 1812 exchange of flags, the War of 1812 and First Seminole War. Battle reenactments will occur in Fountain Park at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Aux Arc will be open for tours at Seville Harbor Marina from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional programs and performances taking place throughout the Village can be found at West Florida Days Living History Weekend event. Group Folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance program, will perform at noon on Saturday at Museum Plaza. Ayoka African Drum and Dance will perform on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the stage at Museum Plaza. At 1 p.m. on Saturday there will also be a scavenger hunt, and the winner will be announced at 2 p.m.
For more information click or tap here.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the event. Limited seating will be available.
Growth Will Mean Redistricting In Escambia County, But When Remains To Be Seen
July 17, 2021
Escambia County’s five district boundaries could be redrawn this year, but for now officials are waiting on census data.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford said he has not yet received the 2020 census data; he told the Escambia County Commission this week that he expects to see the raw data by the middle of August. That will allow the commission to start discussion on new district boundaries by late August or early September, if they choose to work on an accelerated schedule.
Florida law dictates districts must be drawn in an odd year; elections are typically held in even years. The board will be required to complete redistricting by December 31, 2021, or wait until 2023.
District lines are drawn based upon population, not registered voters. Stafford expects districts will average about 64,000 voters each, a growth rate of about eight percent.
Those Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms Continue Through The Weekend
July 17, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Alabama’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Is Underway
July 17, 2021
Alabama’s 16th annual back to school sales tax holiday is underway.
With schools and colleges back to in-person learning in the fall, more Alabama parents are expected to take advantage of the savings associated with the state’s back-to-school sales tax holiday.
Until midnight Sunday, the state waives its four percent sales tax on school-related supplies and clothing. More than 325 cities and counties throughout Alabama will waive their local taxes as well.
Escambia County, Alabama, will not participate, but Atmore, Brewton and East Brewton will waive city tax. Baldwin County and the cities in Baldwin County will waive taxes.
Exempt items include:
- Clothing priced at $100 or less per article;
- School supplies valued at $50 or less per item;
- Books that cost $30 or less per book; and
- Tablets, laptops, computers and printers with a selling price of $750 or less.
For a more complete list of exempt items from the Alabama Department of Revenue, click or tap here.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate Increases
July 17, 2021
The unemployment rate in Escambia County increased last month, according to data recently released by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 5.6% in June, up from 4.8% in May. That represents 8,576 people out of work out of a county workforce of 153,520. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was 8.8%, or 12,571 people.
The area’s private sector employment increased by 4,800 jobs over the year, an increase of 3.1 percent. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year include professional and business services, increasing by 1,400 jobs; leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,000 jobs; and education and health services, increasing by 1,000 jobs.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in June 2021, up 0.1 percentage point from the May 2021 rate, and down 6.6 percentage points from a year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was 5.9 percent in June.
Blue Wahoos Fall 4-0 To Chattanooga
July 17, 2021
In his first start back from the Futures Game, Jake Eder produced another quality start but was not backed by the offensive production he needed as Pensacola was defeated 4-0 by Chattanooga Friday night.
Eder pitched six complete innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits to fall to 3-3 on the season.
The Blue Wahoos did not have a hit until Demetrius Sims’ infield single in the sixth inning. Peyton Burdick and Galli Cribbs Jr. picked up a hit a piece but the Wahoos struggled with runners in scoring position.
Mac Sceroler pitched four hitless innings for the Lookouts and Randy Wynne (W, 2-4) tossed a clean fifth inning to secure the win.
The series continues tomorrow with RHP Zach McCambley (2-5, 4.48) getting the start for the first time in Pensacola.