Century Water System Experiences Lower Pressure After Contractor Hits Water Main
June 27, 2023
A large part of the Town of Century water system experienced a drop in water pressure Tuesday after a contractor hit a water main on the north side of town.
Century Water Supervisor Heath Burkett said the contractor hit a water main on State Line Road that goes to a booster pump, lowering the pressure.
The water department was able to valve-off the area, restoring pressure by early afternoon.
Burkett said the pressure did not drop low enough to mandate a boil water notice; the water remained safe to drink.
Mayor Ben Boutwell praised the department for their quick response while working in Tuesday’s extreme heat.
Reminder: District 5 Cottage Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Wednesday
June 27, 2023
Residents of Cottage Hill will have the opportunity to dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge on Wednesday, June 28 during a District 5 Neighborhood Cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. The collection area is east of Highway 95A, between the side streets north of McKenzie Road to Eden Road and to the east of Williams Ditch Road (see map above).
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 5,898 tons (11,796,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Cantonment Man Charged With Hitting Woman In The Face With A Laptop
June 27, 2023
A Cantonment man is accused of hitting a woman in the face with a laptop computer.
Adam Hassan Houssini, 42, was charged with felony aggravated battery misdemeanor obstruction of justice.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a reported disturbance at a Cantonment home to hear a man and woman inside fighting and both yelling for help. Due to the circumstances, the deputy kicked the door open to find Houssini approaching and yelling, asking if the deputy was going to shoot him, according to an arrest report. The deputy had his service weapon drawn at the low ready position.
“Houssini ignored multiple commands from all officers on the scene to turn around, put his hands behind his back, and quit resisting, per the report. Houssini closed the door again before deputies kicked the front door again.
Houssini continued to resist multiple deputies, before he “was assisted to the ground while being tased”, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
During an argument over finances, Houssini grabbed a laptop and hit the woman across the face,” the report states. Deputies said the woman suffered multiple facial injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
Houssini was released from the Escambia County Jail with a $8,500 bond.
Heat Advisory Continues Into Wednesday
June 27, 2023
A heat advisory continues. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Local Hams Take To The Airwaves For Amateur Radio Field Day, Practicing Emergency Communications
June 27, 2023
Local ham radio operators at two locations in Escambia County took part in the 2023 American Radio Relay League Field Day this past weekend.
ARRL Field Day was an opportunity for about 40,000 amateur radio enthusiasts throughout the U.S. and Canada to set up temporary communications stations and make contact with like-minded people. Licensed radio operators, often called “hams,” spent the weekend practicing community outreach, emergency preparedness and technical skills.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association operated continuously from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday at Ashton Brosnaham Park off East 10 Mile Road.
“After Hurricane Ivan in Escambia County, we were the only thing talking for the 36 hours,” said amateur radio operator Gene Bannon, call sign KB4HAH. “Sheriff’s deputies couldn’t talk to each other; the fire departments couldn’t talk to each other. We were the communications source for the first 36 hours, and by then they brought in the satellite trucks and all the other stuff. That’s one of the reasons why we like to think amateur radio exists.”
Club member set up their amateur radio equipment — ranging from old 1980s radios to modern digital gear and satellite communications. With a generator, solar panels and portable antennas, including a wire antenna spanning half a soccer field, they were soon communicating with ham operators across the United States and Canada.
The goal was to reach other ham operators in as many Canadian provinces and U.S. states as possible, including Alaska and Hawaii. The Hawaii contact was checked off by about 4 p.m. Saturday.
“Amateurs are out here doing what we’re doing out in the parks, out in the fields, out in the woods,” he said. “Trying to make as many contacts as we can,” Bannon said.
During our visit to Ashton Brosnaham Park Saturday afternoon, a digital scan of the 10-meter amateur radio band showed just one other weak signal, but they were able to make contact with the operator in Venezuela.
The Southern Amateur Radio Union (SARU) participated from Travis Nelson Park on West Highway 4 in Bratt, near Northview High School. Club members from both Escambia counties (Alabama and Florida) participated from noon Saturday until noon Sunday. The equipment in Bratt was a bit simpler including handheld radios to reach a nearby repeater. Operators would carefully tune radios, repeat their call sign and see who would answer from where.
“Sidney, Australia, mate,” the radio boomed at Travis Nelson Park Saturday evening. Contact had been made from some 9,000 miles away from a picnic table in Bratt.
Local hams participate in providing emergency communications during hurricanes and other disasters when normal communications can be knocked out of service.
The amateur radio operators have their own equipment inside the Escambia County Operations Center, ready to provide needed communications during local emergencies. That room is being named for Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, a ham operator that passed away in May 2021.
For a photo gallery from both field day sites,, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
He Shot Himself In The Leg. Now He’s Looking At Up To 30 Years In Prison.
June 27, 2023
An Escambia County man who shot himself in the leg last year is facing up to 30 years in prison.
Kopelyn Gerard Gildon, 52, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The State Attorney’s Office will pursue habitual felony offender status against him.
Gildon was in possession of a firearm when he shot himself in the leg on May 12, 2022. But he tried to convince the jury that he had no knowledge of the firearm, and that the firearm was accidentally discharged. His testimony conflicted with the testimony of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement firearm analyst’s testimony that the particular handgun, a 107 Military 22 semi-automatic handgun, could not discharge without a trigger pull.
He will be sentenced in August.
Man Facing DUI, Drug Charges After Police Say He Was ‘Talking To Himself’ Parked By Road
June 27, 2023
Police arrested an Escambia County, Florida, man after he was reportedly found parked by the road talking to himself.
Ryan Rais Green, 29,was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Atmore Police said Green was sitting in a vehicle parked next to the roadway in the 1800 block of South Main Street, just north of the Florida state line. Police said Green was talking to himself as an officer approached, and “he seemed to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics”.
Police reported finding Cathinone pills (a controlled substance according to the DEA) and a glass pipe with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Green was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Joseph Adam ‘Joe’ Richards
June 27, 2023
Joseph Adam “Joe” Richards passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. He was born September 30, 1938, in New Orleans, LA. Joe worked in Retail Management and retired from Sears. Joe was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. He loved his family, hunting and fishing.
Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Mary Constantine Richards; parents, Herman and Gertrude Richards; brother, Herman Richard, Jr.; and sister, Ruby Richards Watson.
Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Richards, Jr., Mike Richards (Rochelle), Steve Richards (Tonya) and Scott Richards (Leslie); grandchildren, whom were his pride and joy, Hannah, Emily, and Sophie; sister, Mary Ann Richards Guidry; many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, at 11 a.m.
Inurnment will be Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., in Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS, Pensacola, FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements
Boots (Olga Irene Stacey) Martin
June 27, 2023
Mrs. Boots (Olga Irene Stacey) Martin passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Our precious Boots was born on December 1, 1934 to Hubbard and Lucille Stacey. From a young age, she found her love for dance, playing the piano by ear and simply making others happy. She was a graduate of Pensacola High School and used her love of dance to become a teacher for her lifelong friend, Berniece Burlingame. A majority of her life was spent at Bernice’s Dance Studio and then at Starr Steps Studio, owned by Bernice’s daughter, Starr. She later became the founder and instructor for the Daughter of the Nile Shimron Temple #133 Dancers, a position she held for almost 50 years. You can also remember her as the sampler for Chick-fil-A at Cordova Mall and your wonderful Givenchy fragrance model.
On December 10, 1954, Boots married the love of her life, Big Jim Martin and they were married for 65 years and raised 3 children. Their home was filled with love, many friends, great food and always a good time, so many wonderful memories.
Boots was preceded in death by her parents, Hub and Lucille Stacey, her husband, Big Jim Martin, and grandson, Daniel Bradshaw. She is survived by her children, Kim Bradshaw (Chuck), Jim Martin, Jr. and Sue Martin, and Stacey Dees (Gerald); 9 grandchildren, Chase Bradshaw (Trish), Colby Bradshaw Miezejeski (Vince), Shaye Martin (Jeffrey), T.J. Martin (Jordan), Madelynn Martin, Luci Martin, Ally Dees, Holly Dees White (Matt), Trey Dees; 4 great-grandchildren, Taylor, James and Alanna Miezejeski, Liam Waters. Sister and husband, Dr. Don and Linda Radomski and her brother Hub Sta- cey and Donna Stacey; and many nieces and nephews that she deeply loved.
Friends will be received on Thursday, June 29, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Echo Life Church 3880 N. Davis Highway with the memorial service to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 1, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Hub Stacey’s 312 E. Government Street.
Bootstrap loved flowers but would also appreciate donations made in her honor to the Echo Life Church.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Adam, Kate, Mandy and Jason of Emerald Coast Hospice. Your love has filled our hearts. And a very special thank you to Tammy, Ashley and Harmony. The love and care you so selflessly gave to our mother will be remembered the rest of our lives.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
Marsha Corley Green
June 27, 2023
Marsha Corley Green, age 76, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away on June 23, 2023 in Pensacola, FL. She was born on October 9, 1946 to William Harrison Henry Corley and Yvonne Turk Corley. She was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church. She was a Plant Nursery Manager and enjoyed working in the nursery most of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, William “Bart” Green of Bratt, FL; her daughters, Rachel Pickett of Bratt, FL and Kimberley Starker of Killeen, TX; her sisters, Margaret Jackson, Patricia Dortch and Beverly Corley; nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with funeral expenses.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.