Marcus Lance Smith
June 24, 2022
Marcus Lance Smith of Cantonment passed away June 10, 2022. Lance was a graduate of Tate High School class of 2001.
Lance had several jobs after graduation but it wasn’t long before he found his passion in aviation. He started with Marianna Airmotive building doors on DC planes. He then moved with Danna to Indiana. Lance worked for AAR where he worked on a production line for Airbus. He made sheet metal repairs on nose cones. From there they travelled to Orlando to work on an F35 production line for Lockheed Martin. Finally, they made it back home where Lance worked as a Plane Captain for Dynacorp at Whiting Field. Lance found his true forever love when he met Danna. After being “friends” for 10 years they finally married in June 12, 2015. In August 2015, Lance and Danna moved out west to California. There Lance worked for PAE at Barstow Daggett Airport on Black Hawks & Huey helicopters.
Lance & Danna finally had enough of California and made their way back home the end of January 2022. Lance was at a crossroad trying to decide if he was ready for a career change. At the time of Lance’s passing he was working with a friend in a recreational business. Lance was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents William H. McKenzie & Peggy Booth McKenzie Jackson. His paternal grandparents Morris L. & Elizabeth Smith, his Aunt, Deborah Archer. Lance is survived by his wife Danna, son Jaden Lewis, step daughters Alexia & Courtney Smith & grandson Grayson. His parents Doug & Lydia Smith, Brothers, Lonnie Smith, Shawn (Courtney) Smith, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his beloved Baby Kane. We must mention some very special friends of Lance by name. Chris Slater, Daniel Goodwin, Shannon (Cornbread) Phillips, Randy Brasch, Dustin Ward & Pat Siemens. Each of these guys walked different roads with Lance. We are just thankful that one road led Lance & Danna back to us. Rest in Eternal peace Lance. You will be forever loved and missed. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The service will follow immediately after at 11:00 AM. Following the service, please join us at the Hadji Shrine Temple on 9 Mile Rd for lunch & fellowship.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL has been entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com
Northview Chiefs Go 5-0 To Win Emerald Coast FCA Tournament
June 24, 2022
The Northview Chiefs won the TeamFCA Emerald Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes 7 on 7 competition. The Chiefs went 5-0 in the tournament at Niceville. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mary Sue Beasley Day
June 24, 2022
Mrs. Mary Sue Beasley Day, born February 15, 1949 to the late Amon and Mable Hollinhead in Century, FL; passed away June 9, 2022in Brewton, AL. She was a member of Springhill Primitive Baptist Church.
She valued her time she got to spend with her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She enjoyed going fishing, camping, and being with her pets.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Mable Hollinhead, and one husband, JB Day.
She is survived by her two sons, David (Yvonne) Beasley, of Danville, KY; Michael (Wemberlee) Beasley, of Brewton, AL; seven grandchildren, Shea, Tabitha (Matt) Adam, Ethan, Darcy, Jacob, Emily, three great-grandchildren, Mason, Zoey, Zachary, other relatives and friends.
Memorial service along with Eastern Star service prior will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Flomaton First Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Harris officiating
Blue Wahoos Clinch First Half Title With 10-6 Win At Biloxi
June 24, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos clinched the First Half South Division title with a thrilling 10-6 win over the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
The Blue Wahoos are headed to the postseason for the sixth time in team history, their first time since 2019, and have claimed their first division title since 2017.
Zach McCambley (W, 3-4) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and allowed only two runs over 5.2 innings in a clutch performance. The Blue Wahoos scored five runs in the ninth, enough to withstand a four-run Biloxi rally in the bottom half, to lock in their playoff spot.
After four scoreless innings, the Blue Wahoos took a 2-0 lead in the fifth on an RBI single from Bubba Hollins and an RBI double from Devin Hairston against Nick Bennett (L, 3-6). They extended the lead to 5-0 in the sixth thanks to a two-run double from Paul McIntosh and a pivotal passed ball that brought home another run.
McCambley didn’t allow a run until the sixth, when Jakson Reetz hit a two-out, two-run single to bring the score to 5-2, but Anthony Maldonado entered and came through with a strikeout of Felix Valerio to keep the Shuckers at bay.
Biloxi threatened again in the eighth, but Jefry Yan escaped a jam with an inning-ending double play against Thomas Dillard to preserve the 5-2 lead.
The Blue Wahoos exploded for five runs in the ninth against J.T. Hintzen, highlighted by another two-run double from McIntosh to take a 10-2 lead. Colton Hock allowed four runs on five hits in the ninth, but struck out Jason Lopez to end the game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Friday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
FHP Seeks Possible Witness To Fatal Highway 29 Wreck In Molino
June 23, 2022
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking a possible witness to a fatal crash that happened on Highway 29 in Molino about 12:40 p.m. on June 10.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver lost control as his southbound Ford F150 pulling a utility trailer crossed over the median and overturned multiple times, coming to rest into the northbound lanes of Highway 29 between Highway 196 and Chance Road. Lance Smith, age 39 of Cantonment, was ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County EMS. A 16-year male passenger from Molino was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
Troopers said they are looking for a man that possibly witnessed the crash but did not call 911 or stay to provide a statement to law enforcement.
“He is NOT in trouble, we would just like to speak with him about what he observed that day,” FHP Lt. Jason King wrote in an email Thursday morning.
The possible witness was driving a dark colored (possibly black) Dodge Ram four door pickup truck with what appeared to be tinted windows, and possibly with a tool box in the bed. The actual truck is pictured above.
The driver was described as being about six-feet tall, about 250-300 pounds with short hair that is gray or salt-and-pepper colored. He is about 40-50 years old. Troopers believe is is familiar with the area of the crash and is possibly from the local area.
“This person is under no investigation. We would just like to speak with him as to what he observed that day,” King stressed.
Anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at (850) 484-5000 and ask for, or leave a message for, Corporal A. Roeber or Corporal C. Knowles.
Pictured: A fatal crash on Highway 29 in Molino the afternoon of June. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Aggravated Assault, Robbery For Allegedly Snatching A $3 Lighter
June 23, 2022
A Cantonment woman is facing felony charges after she allegedly pulled a knife on a woman and stole a lighter worth just $3.
Sandra Renee Lewis, 58, was charged with second degree felony robbery by sudden snatching with a weapon, and third degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Lewis accused the victim of stealing her cigarettes and lighter.
The victim was walking on Lake Street in Cantonment when Lewis approached. She then pulled a pocket knife, showed the blade and threatened to harm the victim, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Lewis then reached and snatched the lighter from the woman’s waistband, the report continues.
Deputies were able to recover the lighter from Lewis, which was valued at $3, and return it to the victim.
On the way to the jail, Lewis made several statements about physically harming and killing the victim when she gets out of jail, according to the ECSO.
She was released on a $20,000 bond.
Jay’s Bray-Hendricks Park Closing July 1 For $4.5 Million In Improvements
June 23, 2022
The Bray-Hendricks Park in Jay will close July 1 for a $4.5 million renovation and improvement project.
The project will include a central concession stand encircled by four baseball and softball fields, two t-ball fields, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, soccer fields, a multi-use football field and amphitheater. New restrooms
and picnic pavilions will also be added to the sports complex.
The current playground and outdoor fitness court facilities will remain.
The park will be closed to the public on July 1 to begin demolition and disposal. Construction is estimated to be completed in one year.
The park project will be funded by the State of Florida, Santa Rosa County, Town of Jay and grant sources.
The Town of Jay will not host a fireworks show this year due to the construction and fireworks show cost.
High Today Around 101; Slight Chance Of Isolated Thunderstorms
June 23, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 106. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. West wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 110. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Local First Responders Are On A Doughnut Strike For Manna. Here’s How To Help.
June 23, 2022
Local law enforcement agencies and fire departments are on strike through Friday — from doughnuts.
The first responders have vowed not to devour a single doughnut until they finish work on their goal to collect truckloads of food for Manna food pantries.
First responders will be accepting grocery donations from the public as follows:
Thursday, June 23 | 3 to 6 p.m.
- Winn-Dixie, 1550 South Highway 29, Cantonment
- Publix, 2180 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Publix, 9251 University Parkway, Pensacola
- Winn-Dixie, 4751 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola
- Winn-Dixie, 7135 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola
- Winn Dixie, 4224 Highway 90, Pace
- Walmart Neighborhood Market, 334 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze
Friday, June 24 | 3 to 6 p.m.
- Winn-Dixie, 1550 South Highway 29, Cantonment
- Publix, 8684 Beulah Road, Beulah
- Sam’s Club, 1250 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola
- Walmart, 2650 Creighton Road, Pensacola
- Winn Dixie, 4224 Highway 90, Pace
- Publix, 852 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze
Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
Man Arrested For Damaging Two ECSO Vehicles
June 23, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has now arrested the man they say damaged two ECSO vehicles last week.
As we first reported, it happened at an apartment complex in the 8000 block of Pine Forest Road on June 15
Ceth Gates, 25, is charged with criminal mischief property damage and burglary. His bond was set at $70,000.
