These Are The Names For This Year’s Tropical Storms, Hurricanes
June 1, 2022
Today, June 1, is the first official day of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. There are this year’s names.
DeSantis Seeks 400 Members To Join Florida State Guard, One Director To Run The Force
June 1, 2022
Gov. Ron DeSantis is looking for 400 people to join the Florida State Guard, and a director to run the force.
The newly re-established Florida State Guard (FLSG) is the state’s civilian force that will assist in supporting state emergency response.
The state is seeking an individual with a strong background in military operations and culture to lead the men and women of the FLSG. The Director of the FLSG will be in charge of the 400 guard members and will oversee recruitment, training and mobilization of the force in the event of an emergency. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in military style operations, emergency management, leadership and problem solving, according to DeSantis. You can apply to be the Director of the FLSG here.
To be a member of the FLSG, Florida is looking for individuals between the ages of 18 and 60, to volunteer and train to ensure that the Guard is ready to step in when emergency strikes.
“If you love the state of Florida, have a desire to help your community, and have skills beneficial to protect the state from a disaster, we encourage you to apply to join the FLSG. Skilled Floridians with emergency response, law enforcement or military training are encouraged to apply,” according to a statement from DeSantis’ office. You can apply to be a part of the Florida State Guard here.
- Florida resident between the ages of 18 and 60, with a desire to serve the state.
- Willingness to work in a team.
- Tactical or emergency response knowledge.
- Ability to pass a physical.
- Ability to participate in annual weekend training.
- Ready to be a part of history.
Two Inmates Accused Of Assaulting Century Correctional Institution Officers
June 1, 2022
Two Century Correctional Institution inmates assault correctional officers in separate incidents recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate David Garland (pictured left) assaulted an officer, according to the state. Garland is serving a life sentence for two counts sexual battery by a juvenile on a victim under 12 out of Leon County in 2001. His sentence also includes time for a 2001 sexual battery and 2008 convictions for robbery, grand theft auto and other charges.
On April 16, Inmate Jimmy Graham assaulted an officer, according to the department. He is serving three years and four months for convictions in 2017 and 2019 for battery by a detainee.
“Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued,” FDC said in both instances.
Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Is Now Open
June 1, 2022
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners through July 1. The program is limited to Escambia, Santa Rosa and 42 other northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
“Pine forests are one of the most vital natural resources for Florida’s ecosystem – from clean air and water to sequestering carbon and providing home goods and other wood products,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Sixty-five percent of Florida forests are privately owned, so supporting our landowners is critical to not only reducing the risk of forest pest outbreaks but protecting livelihoods and protecting a natural resource that protects and provides for us every day.”
“Southern pine beetles are one of the most destructive insects in southern pine forests,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Southern pine beetle activity is currently relatively low in Florida. We can keep it that way by taking preventative measures now.”
Scattered Pop-Up Showers Becoming The Daily Norm
June 1, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
onight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Jerry Wayne Mathis
June 1, 2022
Mr. Jerry Wayne Mathis “Gator”, age 67, of Milton, FL; passed away, Saturday, May 28, 2022 in Milton, FL. He was born in Century, FL; and resided in Brownsdale most of his life. He was a mechanic for many years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan. He enjoyed going fishing, hunting, and he loved playing Bingo and going to the Casino’s.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James O Pete (Mary Helen Moore) Mathis, his wife Shelia Dunsford Mathis.
He is survived by his two sons, Marcus (Cindy) Mathis, of Byrneville, FL; Jamie (Jennifer) Mathis, of Pace, FL; one daughter, Gidget (Jeremy) Dortch, of Flomaton, AL; one step-daughter, Kendra Bonner, of Century, FL; two brothers, James O Dooley (Vivian) Mathis, of Century, FL; Johnny Mathis, of McDavid, FL; five sisters, Mildred (Danny) Higdon, of Flomaton, AL; Evelyn (Bill) Cozart, of Jay, FL; Peggy McDonald, of Century, FL; Gayle (Chuck) Aldridge, of Century, FL; Kathy Simmons, of Jay, FL; eight grandchildren, Shae Dortch, Cody Mathis, Ryan Reeves, Zoey Bonner, Zakiah Lowery, Addie Mathis, Brynnlee Mathis, Piper Mathis, one great-grandchild, Josie Lynn Mathis, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Cozart officiating.
Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Cody Mathis, Danny Taylor, Michael McDonald, Randy Cozart, Daniel Higdon, and Wesley Simmons.
Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Mathis, Chuck Aldridge, and David Cozart
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
Didder, Blue Wahoos Walk Off Shuckers, Reclaim First Place
June 1, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos overcame an early deficit to defeat the Biloxi Shuckers 5-4 in 10 innings on Tuesday night, snapping a four-game skid and helping reclaim first place in the South Division.
Paul McIntosh hit a game-tying homer in the eighth, Griffin Conine tied the game again with a single in the bottom of the tenth, and Ray-Patrick Didder ended the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly.
The Shuckers took an early lead in the second inning against A.J. Ladwig, turning four consecutive hits into three runs. Tristen Lutz hit a two-run double and Gabe Holt added a sacrifice fly to put Biloxi ahead 3-0.
Jefry Yan, Dylan Bice and Andrew McInvale combined for 5.2 one-hit innings of scoreless relief to keep the game in reach, and the Blue Wahoos slowly chipped away at the deficit against the Biloxi bullpen. Conine hit a two-out RBI double in the third to get the Blue Wahoos on the board and José Devers circled the bases after a walk in the fifth before McIntosh’s game-tying homer in the eighth.
Colton Hock (W, 3-2) allowed a Lutz RBI single in the top of the tenth to score Biloxi’s automatic baserunner, but prevented further damage to keep the score 4-3. Troy Johnston led off the bottom of the tenth with his third hit of the night against reliever Nash Walters (L, 2-1), putting runners at the corners. McIntosh was retired, but Conine grounded an RBI single up the middle to tie the game and Didder lofted a fly ball to center that was deep enough to score Johnston for the winning run.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos have pushed 0.5 games ahead of Biloxi and Mississippi in the South Division with 23 to play in the first half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their homestand against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Whaoos
Sandra Faye Mason
June 1, 2022
Mrs. Sandra Faye Mason, age 76, passed away, Monday, May 30, 2022 peacefully at her home in Atmore, AL; with her family at her bedside. She was a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. She worked at Escambia Farm and Seed for many years. She also worked several years for Diamond Gasoline and Dr. Frances Delaine Salter.
Mrs. Mason valued her time she got to spend with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, going to church, and playing Bunco with friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Herman (Carrie Smothers) Phillips, husband, Benny Mason, one infant daughter, and one sister, Patricia Wooten.
She is survived by her two sons, Josh (Sirissa) Mason, of Grand Bay, AL; Judd (Michelle) Mason, of Atmore, AL; one brother, Rodney “RP” Phillips, of Huxford, AL; three grandchildren, Michael Shawn Mason, Kari Nicole Mason, Jarren Matthew Mason, one great-grandchild, Aidan Reese Caraway, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Dr. Larry Beauchamp officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Steven Wooten, Joey Coker, Kenny Coker, Quence Caraway, Joshua Milstid, and Brad Adams.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.