Molino Man Flees As State Trooper Attempts Traffic Stop
January 28, 2022
A Molino man was arrested after allegedly fleeing in his vehicle from a state trooper Wednesday afternoon.
Kevin Ashton Pippins, 25 was charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active, and driving while license suspended as a habitual offender.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop on Pippins’ vehicle on Highway 29 at North Tate School Road.
“The car fled,” FHP Lt. Jason King said. “For safety, our trooper decided not to pursue.”
King said Pippins was later located in the area of Filly Road and Kingsfield Road and taken into custody.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond on Thursday.
Several North Escambia Railroad Crossing Closures Planned For Next Week, Including Quintette Road
January 28, 2022
There will be temporary closures of several CSX railroad crossings beginning Monday in the North Escambia area.
The temporary closures will be at the railroad crossings as follows:
- Quintette Road (detoured to Highway 90)
- Barth Road
- Brickyard Road
- Cottage Hill
- Fairground Road
- Daffin Road
“The roads above will be temporarily closed at different times throughout the closure period depending on maintenance schedule,” according to a news release from Escambia County. Specific dates and times have not been provided.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
From A Mayor To A Sheriff, Guest Readers Help Celebrate Literacy Week In Escambia County
January 28, 2022
The Escambia County School District is continuing to celebrate Literacy Week with activities and events at schools across the district.
Many schools have had guest readers throughout the week.
Thursday, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell read to students at Byrneville Elementary School, where it was also “alien day”.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons and Commander Andy Hobbs read to a kindergarten class at Beulah Elementary School where students were celebrating the 100th day of school.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay High Gym Dedicated As ‘John Clarence Smith Gymnasium’ In Honor Of Legendary Coach
January 28, 2022
The Jay High School gym was renamed the “John Clarence Smith Gymnasium” during a Thursday night ceremony.
Smith, now 96-years old, is a legendary coach and an iconic figure in the community.
He coached the Jay Royals for 36 seasons, from 1951 to 1989, with 613 career wins.
Smith graduated from Jay High School as salutatorian in 1944. The World War II veteran was an educator in Santa Rosa County for 38 years.
In 1991, he was inducted as a charter member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
Players from four decades were on hand for the celebration.
Photos: The John Clarence Smith Gymnasium dedication ceremony Thursday night. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Helen Ann Nelson
January 28, 2022
Miss Helen Ann Nelson was called to her heavenly home on January 22, 2022. Miss Helen was known to her family and friends as Annie. She always had a smile and a memory like no one else. She was her family’s Angel from God. She valued her time with her family above all else.
She is preceded in death by her parents Lee and (Annie Lee Stokes) Nelson; one sister, Dorothy Lee Nelson Martin; one brother, Howard Paul Nelson; and her nephew Richard Leon “Ricky” McGhee, Jr.
Miss Helen is survived by Eloise Nelson (Harold) Peacock, of Atmore, AL; Joy Nelson (Pete) Smith, of Perdido, AL; Rhonda Kay (Melton) Kendrick, of Atmore, AL; EiaLeasha martin, of Atmore, AL; Latisha Smith (Jason) Hadley, of Perdido, AL; Melissa Kendrick (Brian) Davison of Atmore, AL; Stephanie Kendrick (Larry, Jr.) Paul, of Atmore, AL; Christine (Mark) McClure of Jacksonville, FL; Tiffany Jones (Brian) Benfield of Panama City, FL; Angela McGhee (Jamie) Mondaco of Atmore, AL; Anna (Alan) Evanoff of Pensacola, FL; and several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC, with Rev. Don Sanks officiating.
Burial was at Flomaton Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Larry Paul Jr; Brendon Rolin, Austin Kendrick, Brian Davison, Barry Etheridge, and Dillon Rolin.
Honorary pallbearers were Pete”Stink” Smith, Melton Kendrick, Harold Peacock.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
William Joseph “Bill” McMurphy, IV
January 28, 2022
William Joseph “Bill” McMurphy, IV, age 79, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in Pensacola, FL. He was born June 19, 1942 in Atmore, AL where he resided his entire life.
A graduate of Gordon Military College, Barnesville, GA, Bill served in the Alabama Army National Guard and farmed most of his life. He was co-owner of McMurphy Oil Company. He is preceded in death by his parents, William J. McMurphy, Jr., and Annie Lois Glass McMurphy.
He is survived by his sons, Turner McMurphy, Pace, FL and Justin (Nicole) McMurphy, Santa Rosa Beach, FL; two brothers, William Joseph “Joe” (Toni) McMurphy, III; and John Douglas McMurphy, both of Atmore.; two grandchildren, Lauren and Luke McMurphy, nieces and a nephew.
A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date with the Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating.
The family extends special thanks to family friends, Janet McLeod and Hunter Mosley; caretaker Denisha Lee; niece Sandi McMurphy for her attentive care; and the staff of Sacred Heart Hospital and Covenant Care Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice.
Florida Dept. Of Environmental Protection Fines Town Of Century Over Fuel Tank Violation
January 27, 2022
The Florida Department of Environmental (FDEP) has fined the Town of Century for failing to follow Florida statutes and code regarding two fuel storage tanks.
A February 2021 inspection found that leak detection gauges were damaged on two above ground petroleum storage tanks at the town shop on Alger Road. In addition, the department found the town failed to conduct annual operability testing of the devices. One tank contained 2,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline, and the second tank contained 2,000 gallons of vehicle diesel fuel.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, on behalf of FDEP, conducted the inspection and sent the town a letter explaining the findings and requesting a response within 15 days. The town did not respond, according to state documents, and the case was referred to FDEP for formal enforcement action.
According to an October 13, 2021, letter from FDEP, actions were completed to bring the tanks into compliance, but the department proposed $3,000 in civil penalties plus $250 for costs and expenses with payment in full due by November 5, 2021.
In January 2022, FDEP reduced the proposed civil penalties to $750 plus $250 for costs and expenses.
“The Respondent (Town of Century) requested a reduction in the penalty based on good communication with the Department (FDEP), urgency resolving the violations after discovery, and the low-income status of the municipality which owns and operates the facility. The facility has also implemented a system of calendar alerts for annual and periodic regulation requirements to prevent the violations from occurring again,” according to a FDEP letter to the town.
The Town Council, told that the fine was due to a lack of communication, approved paying the $1,000. Payment in full is due by February 8.
On January 20, NorthEscambia.com made a public records request to the town for “the documentation referenced in the discussion Tuesday night (during a council meeting) about a state fine regarding a town fuel tank, including the settlement agreement and notice(s)”. The public records had not been received as of this story’s publication the morning of January 27. NorthEscambia.com instead obtained documents from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for this story.
Pictured top: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has fined the Town of Century for faulty leak detection gauges on two fuel storage tanks located at the town shop. The photos below, according to FDEP, show damaged gauges on the fuel tanks. Photos courtesy FDEP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Forms New Tri-City Children’s Choir For Century, Flomaton, Jay
January 27, 2022
The Tri-City Children’s Choir (TCCC) has been formed as regional initiative of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.
TCCC will welcome young singers in grades 2-6 who reside in the Century, Flomaton, Jay and surrounding area.
The choir will be under the direction of Holley Driver, a Century-based music teacher.
“I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our community because locally, not driving a great distance, or driving to the city, or going downtown Pensacola, but locally, they will receive cultural, academic, and social growth fostered by participating in a choir with like minded peers and they will be exposed to a high quality level of musical training and musicianship,” Driver said.
Singers will meet weekly on Thursdays, with the spring session March 3-May 12 from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. at Century First United Methodist Church, 530 Church Street. TCCC is a tuition-based program and costs $5-$15 per week. Families may choose the weekly amount that works best for their household finances, and scholarships are also available.
Alex M. Gartner, artistic and executive director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, said making music with others provides children with an opportunity for immense personal and social growth.
“By studying music, participating in rehearsals, and sharing performances with the community, singers learn invaluable lessons in responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy, and confidence,” Garner said. “In this, TCCC not only strives to inspire talented young musicians, but to mold them into assured individuals and powerful contributors to their community.”
For more information on joining the choir, or make a contribution, visit www.tricitychoir.org. Registration officially opens February 1.
Driver taught music in the Escambia County School District for over 15 years, served as the choral director at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino for nine years, and teaches in her own studio.
Jim Allen Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
January 27, 2022
Jim Allen Elementary school has named students of the month. They are Layana Perry and Daniel Mack. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Increasing Clouds, Low Around 40 Tonight
January 27, 2022
Another cold front will mean a big chill by the weekend. By Saturday, highs will only be in the middle 40s with overnight lows in the middle 20s. A sharp north wind will mean weekend wind chills in the teens across the area.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Friday: Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 44. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 67.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 56.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%.