John Lawrence Welk
December 26, 2022
John Lawrence Welk, 86, passed away on December 17, 2022, at HCA West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, after a very short battle with cancer.
He was born August 25, 1936 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to Lawrence and Anna Welk. As a young man, his family relocated to the Pensacola area where he graduated from Pensacola High School. He attended Auburn University obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he spent over 20 years in the Navy, including time in active duty and as a reservist. After active duty, he went to work full-time for St. Regis Paper Company first in Pensacola, then in Kansas City, Missouri, where he kept the presses moving and retired after the age of 70. He returned to Pensacola to enjoy his later years playing golf, enjoying the outdoors, building anything, and spending time with various family and friends.
John is survived by his wife Belle Sanchez Welk, and their two children David (Viko) residing in Jakarta, Indonesia, and his daughter Dana (Chad) residing in Kearney, Missouri. His youngest daughter, Anna (Chris) of Puyallup, Washington, preceded John’s death. Further, he had three grandchildren, Kayla (Brad), Colton (Drew), and Alex residing in the Kansas City area; and one great granddaughter, Kendall; two sisters Lois Karcher(Hendersonville, NC) and Ruth Welk (Pensacola). John was also loved by numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues.
John will be buried in the Barrancas National Cemetery in a private ceremony. In the summer of 2023, his immediate family will host a celebration of his life on a date not yet determined.
Oscar W. Pittman
December 26, 2022
Oscar W. Pittman, 87, of Pensacola, died Monday, Dec. 19.
He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. For more than 50 years he was a licensed land surveyor. He also served as an adjunct professor at Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. Through teaching and running his business, Pittman & Associates, he became a mentor to a score of younger surveyors. He was an avid hunter and angler, often competing in field trials for bird hunting dogs. He was born on a farm outside Marianna.
His father, Daniel, died when Oscar was only 8, and his mother, Gussie, had to turn to sharecropping to support him and his four sisters. In 1954 he went to work for the Escambia County surveyor and discovered he liked the profession, in part because it was outdoor work. He earned his own surveyor’s license in 1961 and became the Escambia County surveyor himself in 1971. He opened his own business in 1975 and ran it until he retired in 2000. He served in the Florida National Guard for nine years. He was a former deacon of Pine Haven Baptist Church, a current member of Plainview Baptist Church and a former board member of the Lion’s Club and a 32nd Degree Mason.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lou (Grubbs); his son Craig Pittman of St. Petersburg;; and two grandchildren.
He will be interred at Bayview Memorial Park. A Visitation will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Funeral Service will start at 2:00 pm. Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2022
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s a story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Christmas Morning Wreck Claims Three Lives In Escambia County
December 25, 2022
A tragic wreck early Christmas morning claimed three lives and critically injured two others in Escambia County, according to troopers.
The traffic crash happened about 12:15 am. Sunday in the area of Gulf Beach Highway and West Sunset Avenue.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 20-year old man driving a 2004 Honda car was traveling west on Gulf Beach Highway when he lost control, ran off the side of the road, and overcorrected. The Honda crossed back into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into a 2019 Ford SUV.
The 20-year old man, his 19-year old passenger and a 41-year old passenger in the SUV were all pronounced deceased at the scene.
A 19-year old male passenger in the Honda and the 35-year old female driver of the SUV were critically injured.
All of the victims were from Escambia County. Their names have not been released.
Sunny, Christmas Day High About 40; Another Hard Freeze Christmas Night
December 25, 2022
Merry Christmas! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Christmas Day: Sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
EREC Sees Highest Power Demand Ever Due To Christmas Eve Cold
December 25, 2022
A bitterly cold Christmas Eve morning prompted the highest-ever energy usage by Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers.
With single-digit wind chills and lows in the teens, EREC’s whole power supplier, PowerSouth, reached a higher winter peak than any other time in its history.
PowerSouth set a new all-time peak demand of 2,675 megawatts, exceeding the previous record set in 2018 of 2,458 megawatts by 10%. Peak usage remained above 2,600 megawatts for three straight hours. EREC experienced a few outages on Christmas Eve, but the cooperative said none were related to the cold weather.
“This weekend’s cold snap put a strain on several utilities across the southeast,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO for EREC. “Cold weather increases demand as people turn up the heat, especially overnight and in the morning during freezing temperatures, combined with the regular use of other large appliances. Fortunately, we were able to meet the historic demand in our area.”
During this cold snap, EREC is encouraging members to keep costs low and keep flowing reliably to everyone this Christmas season by following these steps.
- Lower thermostats by just one or two degrees to keep your home comfortable while saving energy.
- Turn off lights, devices and electronics that are not in use.
- Delay household chores like laundry or washing dishes, especially during peak times when it is very cold, if possible.
“Anything our members can do to help lower energy use helps our entire community as we continue to bring dependable power to you,” said Campbell.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary First Graders Make The Cutest Ugly Christmas Sweaters
December 25, 2022
First grade students at Bratt Elementary recently made the cutest ugly sweaters.
The students invited their parents and other special guests to visit the school for a fun activity making the arts and crafts ugly Christmas sweaters.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employees Deliver Smiles For Christmas
December 25, 2022
Navy Federal Credit Union employees made the holidays a little brighter for 115 local families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this year through their annual Project Neighbors: Holiday Giving Program. Team members use paid volunteer hours to shop for items, wrap them and deliver gifts to families.
“Navy Federal helped me in a way that I didn’t know was possible,” one recipient said. “I am very grateful for this company.”
Project Neighbors is part of Navy Federal’s flagship School Partnerships Program, which partners with local public schools and nonprofit organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Arc Gateway and Boys and Girls Club, to identify families in need during the Christmas season.
“Being able to help families have a happy holiday brings my team and I such joy,” said Elizabeth Haymans, project coordinator at Navy Federal. “To deliver gifts, to show others this community cares, to ensure so many children get to experience the joy of the season, it really fits our mission of service.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa And Mrs. Claus Made Christmas Eve Run Through Century
December 25, 2022
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a quick run on a cold Christmas Eve morning through Century and Byrneville, thanks to the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue. They traveled through several neighborhoods on a fire truck, made several roadside stops, and visited with residents at the nursing home. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com Teams With NORAD To Track Santa Live
December 24, 2022
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NorthEscambia.com is teaming up with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track the progress of Santa Claus around the world. (In times of peak usage, you may need to give the tracker a few moments to load.)
Merry Christmas from NorthEscambia.com to you and your entire family!