Pen Air Plans New Branch In Beulah
January 26, 2023
Pen Air Credit Union will break ground Thursday on a new location in Beulah.
The 1,200 square foot branch will be located on a one acre lot near the southeast corner of 9 Mile Road and Beulah Road, next door to McDonalds amd in front of Publix. Plans show a two-lane drive-thru behind the main building.
The plans have not yet been approved by the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Annie Lois “Peggy” Godwin Lail
January 26, 2023
Annie Lois “Peggy” Godwin Lail,, age 76, of Jay, Florida transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, January 21 st , 2023. Peggy fought a good fight battling cancer and never wavered in her
faith.
Peggy was born on October 14 th, 1946, in Brewton, Alabama to the late Mose and Bernice Godwin. At a young age, Peggy and her family moved to Flomaton, Alabama. Peggy was affectionately known as “Maw Maw” to her
grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly and adored. There was never a time that Peggy’s kitchen wasn’t filled with the favorite foods of her grandchildren. She would always say “Now you feed those
babies.” Cooking was a passion for her and a way of sharing her love. Peggy also enjoyed fishing with friends and family. But maybe her favorite thing was to be taking care of others whether it be in her in her home, church, or
the community. Peggy truly had a servant’s heart.
Peggy gave her life to her Lord and Savior in 1999 and was an active member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. She loved serving her church and loved her church family. Peggy was often found in the kitchen at New Bethel and
even in her last few days she was still concerned with making sure things were taken care of at the church. The Lord was so near and dear to Peggy’s heart and it was evident in her daily walk with Christ.
Peggy is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 35 years Leonard “Ronnie” Lail, her parents, brother Tommy Godwin, sisters Faye Williamson and Judy Godwin, and niece Regina Strickland.
Those left to cherish Peggy’s memory include daughter Tammy Enfinger (Joe Cook) and sons Doug (Karen) Godwin, Doyle Godwin (Tammy Kilpatrick), Ronald Lail and Chris Lail. Grandchildren: Derek (Robyn) Enfinger, Alesia
(Damon) Frady, Jake Godwin, Blake (Lindsey) Godwin, Justin (Dana) Godwin, Rachel (JJ) Scott, and Hailey Vavao. Great grandchildren: Tucker Sheppard, Tambrey Frady, Ryleigh Enfinger, Trace Frady, Reagan Enfinger, Rhett
Enfinger, Miller Ann Godwin, and Hunter Godwin. Sister Darlene Nelson, brother Donald (Faye) Godwin and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends who were so dear to her.
Pallbearers will be Derek Enfinger, Damon Frady, Jake Godwin, Blake Godwin, Justin, Godwin and Douglas Stewart. Honorary pallbearers Joe Cook, Marcus Godwin, Jeremy Bocabella, John Hughes, Roy Allen, and Jamie
Sanders.
The family would like to express gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Oncology Center at Ascension Sacred Heart and Covenant Hospice for the care and kindness extend to Peggy and to the family.
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, at New Bethel Baptist Church, visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. with service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Peggy will be laid to rest at Pine Level Cemetery.
Volunteer Wanted For West Florida Public Library Board of Governance
January 26, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking county residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance.
The duties of the board include establishing policy and overseeing the management of Escambia County library services and making recommendations to the BCC regarding the annual budget according to the purposes and authority set forth in resolutions, interlocal agreements and other agreements, as well as state and federal laws. These duties also include establishing an annual plan of service and the long-range strategic planning of library services.
West Florida Public Libraries provides service to all of Escambia County, with the board typically meeting on the fourth Monday of the month from 4-6:30 p.m.
Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 9. Resumes should be submitted to Todd J. Humble, Director, West Florida Public Libraries, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, FL, 32502 or by email to tjhumble@mywfpl.com.
Resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Falling Temperatures Ahead; Low Tonight In The 30s
January 25, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 54 by 5pm. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 65. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 72.
Three Airlifted After Multi-Vehicle Crash On Highway 97 In Molino
January 25, 2023
Three people were airlifted to an area hospital with critical injuries following a multi-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on Highway 97 in Molino.
The crash happened about 3 p.m. on Highway 97 just north of Sunshine Hill Road.
Three people were declared “trauma alerts” and flown to the hospital by three different medical helicopter services — LifeFlight, Medstar Air Care, and Shandscair — from a landing zone set up at Molino Park Elementary School. At least two of the victims were males in their 60s, according to reports.
At least one other person was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered critical.
The vehicles involved in the wreck included a GMC Hummer, a pickup truck and a passenger car.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released the cause of the crash, which closed down Highway 97 and detoured drivers.
The Molino, McDavid and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with multiple Escambia County EMS units and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Photos by Melody Johnson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lane Closures Planned For Two Highway 29 Bridges Between McDavid And Century
January 25, 2023
Delays are possible on two North Escambia Highway 29 bridges the next few days for routine bridge maintenance.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, motorists may encounter intermittent land closures on the Highway 29 bridge over Mitchell Creek between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday. The bridge is located just north of Highway 164 and the McDavid Fire Department.
There will also be intermittent lane closures on the Highway 29 bridge over Canoe Creek between 8 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday. The bridge is just north of Roach Road.
Bratt Elementary Cuts The Ribbon On A New Book Vending Machine
January 25, 2023
Bratt Elementary School kicked off Celebrate Literacy week by cutting the ribbon on a new book vending machine.
Students will read to earn tokens that can be used to “purchase” books. Monday, top accelerated reader scorers in each grade level were the first to use the new book vending machine.
“A love for books is one of the greatest ways we can instill in our children a lifelong desire to learn and grow,” Principal Amy McCrory said. “We want their world to be enlarged even after they leave our school by this love for books that was first planted in their minds here at Bratt Elementary . It is our hope that this book vending machine will be an innovative tool to spark this love.”
The vending machine was funded by the Bratt Elementary School PTA and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
After 15 Months, Escambia Emergency Rental Assistance Program Closes
January 25, 2023
After accepting applications for 15 months, the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program has officially closed.
The application portal opened on October 18, 2021, to assist eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Residents who have already submitted an application or an additional funding request for emergency rental assistance before January 24, 2023, will continue to have their application or request reviewed.
“However, there is no guarantee applications will be funded due to a lack of funds,” the county said. For more information, contact the ERAP help desk at 850-403-6044 or email erap@myescambia.zendesk.com.
Emergency rental assistance was available to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Were financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Had total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Were at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Had received any other rental assistance for the requested months.
Both the renter and the landlord were required to submit an application, and reimbursements were paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. The program provided for up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County.
Santa Rosa School Resource Officer Charged With Lewd and Lascivious Behavior
January 25, 2023
A school resource officer in Santa Rosa County was arrested Tuesday for lewd and lascivious behavior.
The arrest of Santa Rosa County Deputy David Daniels came after an official report of misconduct was made to the Department of Children and Families.
Immediately after receiving the report, the SRCO Major Crimes detectives began to investigate the reported incident. Due to the nature of the claim and Daniels’ position as a SRO at High Road School of Santa Rosa, he was immediately removed from his position at the school and replaced with another deputy.
According to SRSO, the incident happened in January 2016.
“Due to this information, and other details of our investigation, we have no reason to believe that any misconduct occurred while Daniels was on duty or school premises,” Jillian Durkin, SRSO public information officer, said.
Daniels was placed on administrative leave and was ultimately released from his employment with the SRSO upon his arrest.
“Unfortunately, today we had to arrest one of our own. This is another case of an individual that has tarnished the badge. Once we were made aware of it, we responded appropriately, arrested him, and terminated his employment. At the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, we put our citizens first and any deputy who breaks the law will be immediately held accountable,” Sheriff Bob Johnson said.
Daniels’ mugshot was exempt from release under Florida law.
Attorney General Honors Local FHP Troop For Rescuing Human Trafficking Victim
January 25, 2023
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody today presented a Back the Blue Award to Florida Highway Patrol Troop A for rescuing a human trafficking victim. Troop A’s area includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Troopers recovered a minor trafficked by a known gang member after a car pursuit. The investigation uncovered that the defendant transported the victim across the state and coerced the teenager into sex work and child pornography. In addition to the Back the Blue Award, Attorney General Moody presented a resolution to FHP Troop A recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in a Florida Cabinet meeting.
“I’m proud to present this Back the Blue Award and Cabinet Resolution to the courageous law enforcement officers in FHP Troop A—they are true heroes who rescued a minor from a dangerous human trafficker. Ending this atrocious crime is one of my top priorities and I’m grateful for our law enforcement in Florida who work daily to help us achieve this lofty goal,” Moody said.
Troopers rescued a human trafficking victim following a car chase involving the trafficker, a known felon and gang member. The perpetrator fled the scene, and troopers discovered the female minor. The investigation uncovered that the trafficker transported the minor from South Florida to Okaloosa County to coerce the victim into sex work and the creation of child pornography.
Attorney General Moody honored the following Troopers for rescuing the victim: Corporal Jacob Moore, Trooper Ethan Ellerbee, Trooper Matthew Davis and Trooper Ronald Khune.