Michelle Mobley Names Escambia Employee Of The Month
June 11, 2023
Michelle Mobley has been named the Escambia County June 2023 Employee of the Month. She is an administrative claims specialist in the Human Resources department.
Mobley began her career with Escambia County in August 2000. Her duties as an administrative claims specialist include adjusting general and auto liability claims by initiating investigations, determining liability, and responding to claimants on the status of their requests. Michele is also responsible for preparing denial letters, coordinating repairs, rentals, processing claim payments, settlements, and preparing and obtaining releases. In addition, she recovers funds due to the county when county-owned property is damaged and regularly works with other departments to process claims or renew policies.
“Michele is a model employee who represents the county in a positive manner,” said Mark Bartlett, Risk Management Division manager. “She has compassion and care with professionalism and integrity. She is very detailed in her duties and completes tasks prior to the deadline. Her level of detail and professionalism is unmatched! We are so proud of her dedication to our mission and the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of her role with Escambia County, Michele is an active member at her church, where she regularly volunteers and teaches classes.
Seven-Run Eighth Lifts Blue Wahoos To 10-4 Win Over Biscuits
June 11, 2023
This has been quite the instant impact that Dalvy Rosario has delivered.
One night after his walk-off bomb, the newcomer outfielder blasted a 3-run homer as part of a seven-run eighth inning that helped ignite the Blue Wahoos past the Montgomery Biscuits 10-4, further delighting a sellout crowd Saturday on Fireworks Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
What a pyro prelude the Blue Wahoos produced.
Trailing 4-3 after the Biscuits got a pair of big hits for two runs in the top of the eighth, the Biscuits bullpen was lit up when the Blue Wahoos had their turn.
They used 12 batters, got six hits – three of those for extra bases – and kept circling the bases for a run fest into a rout.
The rally win completed a night with a crowd of 5,038 staying for the fireworks show sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank.
The win clinched a series win for the Blue Wahoos (35-21), putting them eight games ahead of the Biscuits and maintaining at least a six-game lead on second-place Biloxi, which began its game late Saturday due to a rain delay. The first-half race in the Southern League South division has only 13 games remaining.
The big inning started with first baseman Troy Johnston, who entered the game in the seventh, leading off with a double. Earlier Saturday, Johnston spent an entire morning in the hot sun helping make the day memorable for kids in the Fred Waters Clinic that was part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend at the ballpark.
Along with pitcher Brady Puckett, the two joined with a group of former Pensacola players who played in the major leagues as part of the youth clinic.
With Johnston on second, Griffin Conine reached on a catcher’s interference. Will Banfield followed with a perfect bunt that became an infield hit.
Cody Morissette then jumped on a high fastball inside for a two-run double to retake the lead. With one out, up stepped Rosario. And out of the ballpark went the second pitch from John Doxakis over the left field wall for a 3-run homer.
It followed his two-run, two-out, walk-off homer Friday after joining the team earlier that day from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate.
Reliever Cristian Charle pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to get the win. Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermudez was strong again, working six innings, allowing just two runs on four hits.
The Blue Wahoos first erased the Biscuits’ 2-0 lead in the sixth inning on Bennett Hostetler’s 2-run homer. Montgomery answered against Blue Wahoos reliever Zack Leban before the rally explosion in the bottom of the eighth.
The teams will close out their six-game series Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium with Miami Marlins pitcher Johnny Cueto as the starter on an injury rehab assignment.
Ciueto is now in his 16th major league season in a career that spans six different teams. He was once the ace of the Cincinnati Reds rotation and also a two-time All-Star.
Cueto will likely throw three innings in his start, then Luis Palacios is expected to take over. The Biscuits are using righthander Anthony Molina (2-4, 4.89).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Eddie Lane Peek
June 11, 2023
Mr. Eddie Lane Peek, age 51, passed away, Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Flomaton, AL. He was born, July 14, 1971, in Opp, AL; then moved to Century, FL; and has resided the past 20 years in Flomaton, AL. He worked at the Jay CO-OP for 17 years, then drove an 18-wheeler truck for Pitt Trucking Company and DJL Transport for many years.
Mr. Peek enjoyed spending time with his family, and having cookouts with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, especially going hunting, fishing, shooting guns and mud riding. He enjoyed visiting in Alaska to see his daughter. He loved hanging out with his friends and such an out going person that never met a stranger.
Mr. Peek is preceded in death by his father, Robert “Danny” Peek, grandparents, Robert Gaston (Mary Eve) Peek, Leon Jordan, Betty Jean Jordan and step-father, Robert Eugene Tyree.
He is survived by his mother, Patsy Tyree, of Flomaton, AL; loving wife of 30 years, Marie Peek, of Flomaton, AL; three daughters, Samantha (Skyler) Burgess, of Palmer, AK; Jamie Peek, of Flomaton, AL; Jessica Renee Peek, of Flomaton, AL; two brothers, Bobby (Kimberly) Peek, of Atlanta, GA; Chris (Natasha) Wood, of Flomaton, AL; two sisters, Tammy Jernigan, of Flomaton, AL; Riley (Eric) Tyree, of Flomaton, AL; four grandchildren, Peyton Burgess, Ezekiel Burgess, Ezra Burgess, Haiden Peek, one sister-in law, April Wood, aunt Rhonda Jordan, two special friends, Bryant Pace, Brent Wolfe, numerous aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. James Gay officiating.
Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Peek, Khrys Wood, Bobby Wood, Dustyn Wood, Jacob Jernigan, and Skyler Burgess.
Honorary pallbearer will be Rudy Gindl.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, Atmore, AL, is in charge of all arrangements.
Fire Destroys Hay Barn, Equipment At Bratt Dairy Farm (With Gallery)
June 10, 2023
Fire destroyed a large hay barn and equipment Saturday morning at a dairy farm in Bratt.
A neighbor was the first to notice smoke boiling from an approximately 6,250 square foot barn at the Sigafoose Dairy on Oakshade Road, behind Northview High School.. Firefighters arrived moments later to find most of the hay inside the barn fully involved in fire.
The fire reportedly caused damage to the building, damaged equipment including a combine, and destroyed the hay for the cattle.
It took several hours to fight the fire, and equipment was brought in to spread the smoldering hay so it could be fully extinguished.
Firefighters battled not only the fire, but also the heat and humidity as they worked to put out the fire.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County EMS were among the responding agencies.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Discusses Trump Indictment, Border Crisis, Farming At Jay Event
June 10, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz met with constituents in Jay Friday evening, discussing tops from the indictment of former President Donald Trump to immigration to the price of fertilizer.
Commerce Street in the heart of Jay was closed and bleachers were set up outside Scott’s Outdoors. Gaetz walked out of the store to chants of “USA, USA!” from the crowd on a muggy evening before he was introduced by Mike Scott, a third generation owner of the store.
“At Scott’s Outdoors, we stand for the constitution of the United States,” Scott said. “We stand for the right to keep and bear arms in this United States.”
“I never thought we’d be at this moment where America was at risk of looking more like a third world country than the greatest society that’s ever existed in all of human history,” Gaetz said. “This indictment against President Trump is not only factually unsound and legally unreasonable, it is explicit election interference. And I think everybody knows, if Donald Trump wouldn’t running for president again, and if he wouldn’t winning, this wouldn’t be happening. Joe Biden has had classified records in his house since 1974. I wouldn’t even born; I wouldn’t even a twinkle in my daddy’s eye.
“This is really an affront against us, against the people,” he said.
The Northwest Florida Congressman spoke out against debt limit increases and across the board cuts for every federal agency.
Instead, he said he wants to abolish the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor and make other targeted agency cutbacks.
“I tell them in Washington — alcohol, tobacco and firearms is just a good weekend in Northwest Florida, not a need for government agency,” he said to laughter from the crowd.
Gaetz said he wants to see term limits for the House and a balanced budget.
Wearing a “Keep America Farming” cap, the congressman said food security is national security as farmers face fertilizer costs up 40% and other financial challenges.
And he wants to see better decisions on the border.
“I am for legal immigration,” he said. “I believe that having the ambition edge on the rest of the world is a really important thing for the United States of America.But allowing people to come in without permission, without any sense of screening…we should be allowed to choose the people we want. Is that a bad thing to say? That we as a country should choose who comes and goes. In all of your homes, do you choose who comes and goes?”
Pictured: Congressman Matt Gaetz speaks to a crowd in Jay Friday evening. Images by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Gets 15 Years For Raping Woman After A Night Out
June 10, 2023
A Century man has been sentenced to the maximum of 15 years in state prison for sexual battery.
Demontra Johntra Mitchell, 29, was also designated as a sexual offender by Circuit Court Judge Linda Nobles.
On October 8, 2020, after spending the evening in downtown Pensacola, the victim and several others went to Mitchell’s house. In the early morning hours, the victim was sexually battered by an unidentified individual. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted DNA analysis. The tests showed Mitchell had sexually battered the victim.
“The defendant’s actions stripped the victim of all sense of personal security. His actions warrant the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison,” prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire argued at the sentencing hearing.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway In Cantonment
June 10, 2023
UPDATE: Organizers have updated this event to Tuesday, June 20 not June 13.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a drive-thru 10,000 pound food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, June 20 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Escambia Extension Small Farm Workshop Is Tuesday
June 10, 2023
Do you want to start a farm but are not sure where to start? Or just want to learn more about Florida programs that can help with your current operation?
Escambia Extension will hold a Small Farm Workshop for Emerging Farms on June 13 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Topics will include loan and cost share programs, soil fertility, agritourism, small ruminant livestock and marketing.
The cost is $15. To register, or for more information, click here. Lunch will be provided.
Scattered Showers Possible Tonight
June 10, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
License-Free Freshwater Fishing This Weekend In Florida
June 10, 2023
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites Florida residents and visitors to go freshwater fishing June 10-11 without a license.
The license-free fishing weekend offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the many fishing opportunities the Fishing Capital of the World has to offer. The FWC encourages everyone to take advantage of the weekend to spend time enjoying the beautiful Florida waters.
“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience Florida’s abundant fishing opportunities,” said Roger Young, FWC’s executive director. “License-free fishing weekends allow Floridians and visitors to get outdoors, connect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.”
During the license-free weekends, all bag limits, size limits and fishing regulations still apply. Anglers must also follow all other fishing rules, such as gear restrictions, seasons and closures. To help ensure a fun and safe fishing experience, the FWC encourages all anglers to review the regulations before heading out on the water.
Pictured: Fishing at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.