Theme Is ‘Light Up The Night’ For Friday’s Northview Playoff Game
November 29, 2022
The theme for this Friday night’s Northview Final Four playoff football game will be “Light Up the Tigers”.
Fans are asked to wear necklaces, bracelets or anything that lights up.
Northview (12-0) will host the Fightin’ Tigers of Union County High (8-2) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 and are available at GoFan.co.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Severe Storms Possible Through Wednesday Morning
November 29, 2022
Severe storms are possible from late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The main threats with these will be damaging winds, a few tornadoes, and quarter-sized hail.
Here is the detailed official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some storms could be severe, with heavy rain. Low around 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a chance of showers between 9am and noon. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 58 by 5pm. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Escambia Man Gets 15 Years For Attempted Murder, Robbery, Grand Theft
November 29, 2022
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison on multiple charges including attempted murder.
Ernest Lamar Finklea, 20, previously pleaded guilty to attempted second degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, grand theft auto, grand theft of a firearm and criminal mischief for the 2021 incident.
Finklea punched and stabbed the victim before telling him “I will kill you”, according to persecutors. He smashed the victim’s phone and electronic watch, and stole his handgun, wallet and car keys.
After being released from the hospital and getting his phone repaired, the victim discovered that Finklea’s social media account was logged in on the victim’s phone. The victim was able to view messages sent by the Finklea as well as videos of him driving the stolen car and with the stolen gun.
Deadline Is Wednesday For Discount On Real Estate, Tangible Property Taxes
November 29, 2022
A 4% discount on payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends Wednesday, November 30, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
To receive the 4% discount, payments must be:
- mailed with a November postmark;
- left by midnight, November 30, in a 24-hour drop box available at all locations; or
- made online by midnight, November 30, at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit our virtual office at EscambiaTaxCollector.com to pay online 24 hours a day. Online services allow customers to pay their taxes, search records, print receipts, renew vehicle and vessel registrations and many other services. There is no additional fee to pay current taxes by eCheck. Customers who decide to visit tax collector offices can drop off their payment in the drive thru or in a dropbox.
To check the status of your taxes, pay online or print a receipt, visit the payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the tax collector’s office by email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com or by phone with any questions.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector Office in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Fourth Inmate Death Of The Year At Century Prison Under Investigation
November 29, 2022
The death of an inmate at the Century Correctional Institution is under investigation — the fourth inmate death reported at the facility this year.
“We can confirm the Office of Inspector General is currently investigating an incident which resulted in the death of an inmate at Century Correctional Institution on Friday, November 25,” the Florida Department of Corrections told NorthEscambia.com in an email.
FDOC would not specifically confirm if the death was believed to be the result of foul play, but did say that “inmates who cause harm to others are held accountable for their actions”.
The name of the inmate and additional details were not released due an ongoing investigation.
Other inmate deaths were reported this year on April 17, May 14 and July 14. The cause of death remains pending in each, and names have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
George ‘Skip’ Gibson
November 29, 2022
George “Skip” Gibson, 72, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
A visitation and service will take place on Saturday, December 3rd at Faith Chapel North at 1 pm, followed by a gathering of family and friends. Please contact Bonnie Gibson for more information.
Skip was born in Cantonment, Florida on November 8, 1950 to his parents George Gibson and Betty Curran. He attended Tate High School, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, and then Chipola Junior College where he starred as a multi-sport athlete. He married Bonnie Gibson, the love of his life, on November 18, 1978 in Pensacola, Florida and they were married 43 years. He served in the US Navy on the Submarine USS U.S. Grant from 1970 to 1974. After his service in the Navy, he was a Senior Officer at the Juvenile Detention Center in Pensacola for 20 years. He was passionate about playing and watching sports, particularly baseball, football, and later in life, golf. He also loved music, especially southern rock and blues. His dogs Princess, Socks, Amy, Bailey, China, and Brees were like family and he enjoyed watching them around the house. His greatest joys came from spending time with his children and grandchildren and watching them experience life. He loved nature and to travel to the Smoky Mountains.
Skip is preceded in death by his father, George Gibson; his mother, Betty Curran; and brothers, Robert Curran and Bill Curran.
Skip is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue; his strong sons and daughters-in-law, Dion and Jenny Gibson, Jeremy and Krystal Gibson, and Matthew and Lindsey Gibson; his spoiled grandchildren, Mason, Jackson, Oliver, and Birdie Gibson; his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Cheryl Gibson; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Machelle and Ron Waters and Jennice and Larry Soley; and many nieces and nephews.
Danny Darrell Wallace
November 29, 2022
Danny Darrell Wallace, a resident of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on November 24th, 2022, in the presence of his children. Danny was born on February 21, 1961, in Piedmont, Alabama to John David and Gladys Mae (Young) Wallace. He worked most of his life as a Collision Repair Specialist. Naturally, as he gained more knowledge in the industry, he became a mentor to many, including his three sons. The impact that he made on those lives and many others is immeasurable.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys; four brothers, Roger, Jerry, Tony and Larry; a sister, Joyce Hart.
Danny is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Michael (Heather), Ashley, Heath (Loni), Cody (Myranda), Kendra (Nigel), & Katie; sister, Juanita Springer and 14 grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be prior to service from 9:00am until 10:00am. Burial will be at Oliver Pugh Cemetery.
Frank Pelmer ‘Pelt’ Wilkinson
November 29, 2022
Frank Pelmer “Pelt” Wilkinson, age 82, passed away November 20, 2022, at his home in Cantonment, FL, surrounded by family and friends.
Born to JD and Mattie Ruth Johnson Wilkinson, he was the middle brother of three boys. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Judge Elmer Wilkinson and Hugo Wilkinson, and wife Jerelda Wilkinson.
Born in Clio, AL, Frank grew up in and around Ariton, AL. His childhood was simple, and he was taught at an early age how to work on the farm and work hard. He continued his hard work by working most of his career with Southern Prestressed Concrete and later with Florida Mining and Materials. He traveled with SPC for many years as the foreman of the construction/erection crew. He was a favorite in the family. Fondly referred to as ‘Uncle Pelt’ by many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of his siblings. Adoringly referred to as ‘Pelt’ by his chosen children in the neighborhood where he lived for many years in Coosada, AL.
Frank enjoyed being around family and friends, having a cup of coffee and Little Debbie snacks on the front porch and spending time with his dogs Coco and Shelby on the back porch. Despite any obstacles in his life, he lived it to the fullest and with a smile. He loved working in his shop, creating various woodworking and welding artwork for close family and friends.
Frank “Pelt” Wilkinson is survived by his sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren of his siblings, bonus daughter, step-daughters and their families, and special friend Ms. Debbie. We are grateful to know that Frank is finally at
peace and no longer in pain.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jerry Fleming officiating. All are welcome.
Fourth North Escambia FPL Solar Farm Planned South Of Bratt Road
November 28, 2022
Florida Power & Light is proposing a fourth solar farm in North Escambia.
The “Mitchell Creek Solar Energy Center” would be located on 1,282 acres between Camp and Cox Roads, just south of Bratt Road and the Escambia County Road Department North Camp, according to plans obtained by NorthEscambia.com.
The proposed location is just northwest of the First City Solar Energy Center, located along Holland, Cox and Roach roads in McDavid. It is on track to go into operation in early 2023. The site will have more than 223,000 photovoltaic panels with a planned output of 75 megawatts.
The 300,000 solar panels at the Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center on Bogia Road near McDavid have been in operation since early 2022 and were officially dedicated in March. It produces. enough electricity to power about 15,000 homes.
The Sparkleberry Solar Energy Center is fully permitted for 553 acres south of the end of Pilgrim Trail. According to FPL, over 200,000 solar panels will generate nearly 75 megawatts — enough energy to also power 15,000 homes.
The new Mitchell Creek Solar Energy Center is just entering the Escambia County permitting process.
Pictured top: Map of the proposed Mitchell Creek Solar Energy Center NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge. Pictured below: Construction is at about the halfway point for the First City Solar Energy Center in McDavid. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Collect $58K Each For Fantasy 5 Tickets Sold In Davisville, Pensacola
November 28, 2022
Two people have cashed in winning Fantasy Five tickets bought in Davisville and Pensacola on November 15. The tickets were worth $58,371.34 each.
William H. Stinson of Saraland purchased his winning ticket at the State Line at the State Line Gift Shop at 11208 Highway 97 in Davisville, in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center. Joseph Edward Bush of Chipley purchased a second Escambia County winning ticket at the Publix at 1100 East Cervantes Street in Pensacola.
A third winning ticket was sold in Miami.
The 326 tickets matching four numbers won $86.50 each. Another 8,424 tickets matching three numbers are worth $9 each, and 77,584 ticket holders won a free ticket for picking two numbers.
The November 15 winning numbers were 10-18-20-22-24.