Regi Burkett
August 22, 2022
Mr. Regi Burkett, age 62, passed away, Saturday, August 20, 2022 in Century, FL; at his home surrounded by family at his bedside. He was a lifelong resident of Century, FL. He was employed with Westinghouse for many years.
Mr. Burkett valued his time he got to spend with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed fly fishing, and refurbishing reels. He always enjoyed planting a vegetable garden every year. He was a “Florida Gators Fan”. He was a big fan of Nascar Racing especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and loved collecting old fire extinguishers. He was a member of Century Vol. Fire Department, Station 5, for 39 years, where he served as Chief from 1987-2017. He was the most influential person on building of the current fire house and the stations as of today.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carrie B. (Mary Lois Ray) Burkett, and one sister, Donna Jo Way.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ann Burkett, of Century, FL; one son, Ryan (Mariah) Burkett, of Century, FL; one daughter, Casey (Stephen) Roach, of Grand Ridge, FL; three brothers, Roger (Katie) Burkett, of Century, FL; Todd Burkett, of Century, Fl; Trent (Marjorie) Burkett. of Troy, AL; five grandchildren, Benjamin Roach, Reagan Roach, Samuel Roach, Carlton Roach, Liz Kelley, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be David Adams, Gary Johnson, Mark Way, Ron Harrison, and Stephen Roach.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Slover, Carl Gandy, Glenn Gavin, Lesley Barnes, Jay Reynolds, Steve McNair, Jimmy Brantley, Donnie Waters, and Terry Bush
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
August 22, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work on resurfacing. All other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts Sunday, Aug. 21 through Saturday, Aug. 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 23, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime and nighttime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, as crews adjust manholes and pedestrian fencing.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access sidewalks on the opposite side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Aug. 21 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Aug. 21 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews clean the roadway and place high friction surface treatments on the following ramps:
- Davis Highway ramp to I-110 southbound.
- I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound.
- I-10 eastbound ramp to I-110 southbound.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26 for placement of a watermain.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. The closures will allow crews to place base material for construction of new paved shoulders
- I-10 Bridge Replacement over Elevenmile Creek Bridge just West of Nine Mile Road (Exit 5 U.S. 90) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction actives.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts Sunday, Aug. 21 through Saturday, Aug. 27 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 23, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 26 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard is closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. This closure will remain in effect med-September. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime and daytime lane closures the week of Monday, Aug. 22 for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction at Rosewood Avenue – Motorists can expect intermittent outside westbound lane closure Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for construction of turn lanes.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Hitting Pregnant Woman With A Stick
August 22, 2022
A Cantonment man is accused of hitting a pregnant woman with a stick as he chased her down the road.
Jarvarez Charles Weaden, 25, was charged with second degree felony aggravated battery and offender knew or should have known the victim was pregnant.
Weaden became involved in a verbal altercation with a female relative at a home on Cedartown Road, grabbed a Weed Eater and threatened to hit her with it, according to an arrest report. The victim, who said she is four months pregnant, ran down Cedartown Road with Weaden chasing her. He picked up a stick and struck her in the back with it, the report continues.
A witness said Weaden was intoxicated.
Weaden claimed his accuser picked up a brick and hit him in the knee, but deputies noted no marks whatsoever on him.
Weaden also had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on two counts of criminal mischief. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning without bond due to the failure to appear charge.
Infants Sabrina Grace Rhamstine And Dagan Alexander Rhamstine
August 22, 2022
Infants Sabrina Grace Rhamstine and Dagan Alexander Rhamstine passed away peacefully in the arms of their parents on August 20, 2022. Sabrina and Dagan were born on August 20, 2022 to Alexander and Stephanie Roach Rhamstine in Pensacola, FL. They are loved deeply by their family and friends. They are preceded in death by their great grandparents, William Coon and Mary Coon.
Sabrina and Dagan are survived by their father and mother, Alexander and Stephanie Rhamstine; their grandparents, Valeria Slevin (David Bowling), Timothy (Carrie) Rhamstine and Raymond “Eddie” and Kathryn Roach; their great grandparents, Barbara Rhamstine, Thomas (Maria) Rhamstine and Athalia Cherry, and their uncles, Avery Rhamstine and Pierce Rhamstine.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, FL with Bro. Joel White officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Florida Gas Prices Decline For 10th Straight Week, AAA Says
August 22, 2022
Florida gas prices fell an average 11 cents per gallon last week. The state average has now declined for 10 consecutive weeks, dropping a total of $1.36 per gallon since mid-June.
Sunday’s state average price for gasoline was $3.54 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since March 1.
The average in Escambia County was $3.46. Sunday night, a North Escambia low of $3.26 on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while a low price of $3.21 a gallon could be found in Pensacola.
“Gas prices are still falling, but not quite as fast as they did in recent weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The state average was previously declining at a rate of 15-17 cents per week. Last week, however, the state average dropped 11 cents. This could be a sign that pump prices could soon begin to level out. Oil prices are currently trading at levels we saw in February, before Russia invaded Ukraine. During that time, the state average was in the $3.40s, which could be where pump prices eventually plateau.”
Alex Lorinza “Buster” Hollinger
August 22, 2022
Mr. Alex Lorinza “Buster” Hollinger, age 90, passed away, Sunday, August 21, 2022, in Century, FL. He was a lifelong resident of Uriah, AL. He was a member of Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church and Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He was also a very skilled “Handy Man.” He served in the United States Army with many years of service.
Mr. Hollinger enjoyed going camping on the sandbars. He enjoyed riding four wheelers, fishing, and playing gospel music. He had a very vibrant and bubbly personality, that he never met a stranger. He traveled many different places spreading the gospel with his gospel music.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex (Lillie Mae Heathcock) Hollinger, two wives, Patricia Ann Woods Hollinger, Yvonne Johnson Hollinger, two brothers, Dennis Cee Hollinger, Adam Lavon Hollinger, three sisters, Lucille Turk, Ernestine Lundy, Anna Jean Hollinger, and one grandson, Denver Shuttlesworth.
He is survived by his four sons, Phil (Serena) Hollinger, of Uriah, AL; Gary (Tara) Hollinger, of Uriah, AL; Jarrell (Angel) Hollinger, of Uriah, AL; Darrell (Sandy) Hollinger, of Uriah, AL; one daughter, Brenda (Michael) Helton, of Atmore, AL; eight grandchildren, Tiffany (Brian) Marshall, Brandy (Clint) Lassiter, Austin Shuttlesworth, Alexis Hollinger, Dawson (Maggie) Hollinger, Colby Hollinger, Jarrell Hollinger, Jr; Anna Grace Hollinger, five great-grandchildren, Lydia Marshall, Tripp Lassiter, Brooklyn Marshall, Kade Marshall, Ryleigh Marshall, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Buddy Williams, Rev. Waylon Stuckey and Rev. Clifton Buchanan officiating.
Burial will follow at Semirah Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Clint Lassiter, Pate Robinson, Dawson Hollinger, Brian Marshall, Austin Shuttlesworth, Alexis Hollinger, Colby Hollinger, and Anna Grace Hollinger.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Williams, Dale Gilbert, Jessie Bohannon, Faron Hollinger, Ronald Cochran, Waylon Stuckey, George Lundy, Arnold Tuberville,and David Gorum.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
González Grand Slam Leads Blue Wahoos To Doubleheader Split
August 22, 2022
After a rain-filled weekend, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos wrapped up their series against the Mississippi Braves with a doubleheader split on Sunday afternoon. Game one saw the Blue Wahoos prevail 7-3 in eight innings, while the Braves held on for a 4-3 win in game two.
In game one, A.J. Ladwig (W, 7-3) squared off against Mississippi starter Roddery Muñoz. Neither team scored until Thomas Jones blasted a solo homer in the sixth to give the Blue Wahoos a 1-0 lead. Ladwig was one out away from a seven-inning complete game shutout before Riley Delgado hit an RBI single in the seventh to force an extra eighth inning.
Jones delivered again with a go-ahead RBI double against Justin Maese (L, 1-6). Nasim Nuñez added some insurance with an RBI infield single to stretch the lead to 3-1 before Norel González capped a six-run frame with a mammoth grand slam to right-center field. Justin Evans allowed a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning, but struck out Jordan Cowan to end the game.
In game two, Jefry Yan (L, 1-4) struggled as the first of four Pensacola pitchers in a bullpen game. Drew Lugbauer hit a long two-run homer in the first, and Jalen Miller followed with a two-run single in the second to put Mississippi ahead 4-0.
The Blue Wahoos managed just one run in six innings against Mississippi starter Nolan Kingham (W, 1-0), but put up a fight against Justin Yeager (S, 4) in the seventh and final inning. Marcus Chiu hit a two-run homer, his first at the Double-A level, to draw the score to 4-3 before Kingham secured the final out.
After an off day on Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game home series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday.
Written by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Margie Brown McGhee
August 22, 2022
Margie Brown McGhee, age 81, of Poarch, AL passed away on August 21, 2022. She was born on December 10, 1940 in Geneva, AL to Jack and Polly Davis Brown. She was a Dispatcher with Poarch Police Department until retirement. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chief Houston Lee McGhee; her daughter, Jacqueline McGhee Hadley; her great grandson, Robert Everett “Rhett” Hadley and her siblings: Danny Brown, Larry Brown and Paula Hall.
She is survived by her daughter, Valerie L. McGhee (Nicky Hadley) of Poarch, AL; her grandchildren: Valisa (Lee) Lambert, John (Amanda) Chance, Shane (Jessica) Hadley and Kelley (Matt) Cotton and her great grandchildren: Nevaeh Hadley, Mikenna Mattheiss, Hunter Chance, Easton Cotton, Weston Cotton, Lane Chance, Dalton Hadley and Oaklynn Cotton.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ray Ward officiating. Interment will follow at New Home Cemetery in Poarch, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Tyler McGhee, Kyler McGlothren, Thunder McGhee, Brent Bell, Robbie McGhee and Daniel McGhee. Visitation will be held Thursday, August
Escambia County Unemployment Rate Falls Slightly
August 21, 2022
Escambia County unemployment decreased slightly last month, according to newly released data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County was 2.9% in July, down from 3.1% in June. That represented 4,489 people out of work out of a county workforce of 152,204. One year ago, Escambia County’s unemployment rate was 4.8%, or 7,171 people.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Pensacola area’s private sector employment increased by 4.2 percent over the year, representing 6,800 jobs gained. The local industries gaining the most jobs over the year were professional and business services, increasing by 2,300 jobs, and leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,300 jobs.
The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were professional and business services (+2,200 jobs), and trade, transportation, and utilities (+2,000 jobs).
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in July 2022, down 0.1 percentage point from the June 2022 rate, and down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in July.
Over 13,000 Early Votes Were Cast In Escambia County
August 21, 2022
Early voting concluded Saturday with more than 13,000 ballots cast in Escambia County in 10 days.
There were 13,292 votes cast during the early voting period in Escambia County, and there were 17,353 mail in ballots returned by Saturday night.
With 30,648 total ballots cast, turnout for the 2022 Primary Election is at 13.87% so far in Escambia County.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.