Man Beaten By Angry Mob Following Fatal Pedestrian Crash In Atmore Has Died
August 10, 2023
The man beaten by an angry mob following a fatal pedestrian crash last weekend in Atmore had died.
Authorities confirmed Wednesday night that 45-year old Kenneth Elbert Harrison of Silverhill, Alabama, passed away.
Alabama State Troopers said Harrison was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe that struck 24-year old Hannah Annette Martin on Highway 31 at The Tavern of Atmore about 11:50 p.m. Saturday. The Atmore Police Department said they arrived to find Martin with severe injuries. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased
Following the crash, APD said Harrison was assaulted by an unknown number of people in the parking lot and was found severely injured and transported by helicopter to a trauma center.
Alabama troopers are continuing to investigate the crash, and the Atmore Police Department is investigating the homicide.
File photo.
Beulah Master Plan Open House Set For August 24
August 10, 2023
District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh will host a Beulah Master Play Plan open house on August 24.
During the open house, staff will showcase a presentation for the Beulah Master Plan and discuss methodology for the plan. Attendees will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentation. Comment forms will be available at the door.
The open house will take place from 6-7 p.m. at Beulah Middle School, 6001 West Nine Mile Road.
The Beulah Master Plan is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the RESTORE Act program
It’s The First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 10, 2023
Thursday is the first day of school in Escambia County. Drivers are reminded to use extra caution in school zones and be aware of school buses back on the roadways. Pictured: Teachers and staff at Byrneville Elementary School ready ready to welcome students back to class. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Property Values Up $5.2 Million; Tax Increase Of 290% Proposed. But That’s Not As Much As It Sounds, Town Says
August 10, 2023
Property values are up over $5 million in Century over the past year, which will lead to increased revenues for the town at the same property tax rate, according to Mayor Ben Boutwell. A proposed tax increase of 290% is on the table, but that’s not as much as it sounds, according to the town.
The town says property values increased $5.2 million — from about $49.5 million last tax year to $54.7 million this year.
“We expect property values to continue to increase year over year. As areas to our south are moving north, we are preparing our infrastructure for future growth,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said, adding that’s good for Century and for the property owners.
Boutwell said the town’s millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year will hold steady at 0.9204 mills for the eight consecutive year, and that will generate extra revenue for the town due to the increased property values.
According to the state, the steady property tax rate is a 290.66% increase over the rolled back rate of 0.3657. The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and must be advertised as such.
Even so, according to the town, the individual burden won’t be as bad as 290.66% sounds. That’s because only a small portion of a resident’s property tax bill is for the Town of Century.
Last year, the town generated $45,399 in property tax. This next fiscal year the combined tax burden divided total for all residents is expected to be $50,307 — an increase of $4,908.
Boutwell said the additional revenue will be used to improve streets — such as pothole repairs — and enhance other areas of the town.
The property tax rate must still be approved by the town council during a future meeting.
Hannah Annette Martin
August 10, 2023
Hannah Annette Martin, 24, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on August 6, 2023.
Hannah was a daddy’s girl and her mother’s world. She had a beautiful spirit and a smile that would light up any room. Hannah loved spending time with family and friends and travelling to new destinations. She was the ideal big sister and best friend. She was independent, fearless, and strong. Above all, Hannah was self-less, always putting the needs of others before her own. In her twenty-four years, Hannah touched more lives than can be counted. From the elderly she cared for to her godson and nephew, she lived to make others happy. Although Hannah was never on time, you could always count on her to be there when she was needed.
Hannah was a 2017 “Top 10” graduate of Escambia County High School. She earned her CMA license in 2022, and was recently pursuing a degree in business from Columbia Southern University. Hannah was not only a scholar, but also an athlete. All throughout school, she was active in cheerleading as well as softball. As an adult, Hannah was an active player and coach for NAYO and NASA softball.
Most recently, Hannah worked as the Patient Access Specialist for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians First-Generation Clinic. Previously, Hannah worked as Adult Services Case Manager for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians from 2019-2022. Prior to that, she was a server at David’s Catfish House from 2014-2019.
Hannah was preceded in death by grandparents Bobby Martin and Johnny and Deborah Madison, and brother LaDalvin Hixon.
She is survived by parents Haley and Antywon Madison and Lamarlen Hixon; brothers Noah (Reini) Martin, Isaiah Madison, Janagen Grace, Jakhiryn Hixon; sisters LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, and Jalia Lassiter; Grandparents Bobby (Donna) Milstead, Annette Hixon Frye, and Scottie Dixon; nephew Baylor-Hayes Lavon Martin; godson Brady Joe French; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Homegoing service will be August 14th at McCullough Christian Center at 2 p.m.. Repast will follow at the McCullough Christian Center gym.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 13th at McCullough Christian Center from 6-9 p.m. for friends.
Pall bearers: Noah Martin, Isaiah Madison, Winston Barron, LaDarius Willis, Triston Knott, Tadd Huskey, Gavin Snow, and Janagen Grace.
Honorary pall bearers: LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, Alia Snow, Lexi Huskey, Trista Barlow, Jazmine Norman, Kiah Parker, Michelle Barron, Kennedy Green, and Saniyah Hixon.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Blue Wahoos, Lookouts Rained Out In Chattanooga
August 10, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Chattanooga Lookouts saw their Wednesday contest at AT&T Field postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Thursday. Thursday’s regularly scheduled game will be played approximately a half hour after the completion of game one.
First Day Of School: Hot And Muggy, Slight Chance Of Rain
August 10, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect for Thursday, the first day of school in Escambia County.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 80. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 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 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Thomas O. ‘Tom’ Norris
August 10, 2023
Thomas O. (Tom) Norris was born October 7, 1938, in Andalusia, Alabama, and passed away August 7, 2023 in Pensacola, Florida.
Tom was one of 11 children. He graduated from Florala High School in 1957. From there he went into the transportation industry for 43 years serving with the L and N railroad, National Airlines, where he ascended from Ramp Agent to management, and retired from management with greyhound bus lines.
He loved gardening and watching things grow as well as listening to gospel music. He was active with the Council On Aging calling bingo and serving where he could. Tom was an avid Alabama football fan and spent every football Saturday enjoying a game with his brother David.
Tom had a special love for his church, Gonzalez Baptist Church. There he served as deacon, the Manna and food for help food distribution ministries, choir, landscaping and anywhere else there was a need.
Tom was dedicated to his family. He took care of and provided for any that had a need. He would freely give good advice to all, especially to his nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Dalton Norris and Rosa Odessa Sauls; daughter, Jamie Suzanne Norris; son, Anthony (Tony) Ladon Norris; as well as 9 brothers and sisters.
Tom is survived by wife, Nancy Nobles Norris; daughter, Tracy Harris; granddaughter, Carrie Longmire Fisk, (Byron); great grandson, son, and buddy pal, Adrien Phillips; son in law, Paul Swafford; brother, Quitman David Norris; several nieces and nephews
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Gonzalez Baptist Church. Pastor Mike Mashburn will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the roof fund at Gonzalez Baptist Church or your favorite charity.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
$1.58 Billion Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Florida
August 9, 2023
One ticket sold in Florida was the sole winner of Tuesday night’s $1.58 billion Mega Millions drawing.
The jackpot winning quick pick ticket was sold at a Publix in Neptune Beach in the Jacksonville area. The jackpot prize winner has the option of receiving their winnings in 30 annual installments or as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $783.3 million.
The winning numbers for the August 8 drawing were 13-19-20-32-33 and the Mega Ball was 14.
The retailer will receive a $100,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
In addition to the jackpot prize, Tuesday’s drawing also produced one $2 million Florida winner from a ticket matching all 5-of-5 white balls. The $2 million winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Stop in Hollywood.
Two People Found Dead In Murder-Suicide At Cantonment Home
August 9, 2023
An investigation is underway after two people were found shot to death in a murder-suicide Tuesday night in Cantonment.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were called to a shots fired disturbance at 10:09 p.m. on Joshua Drive in the Bristol Parka area off County Road 97.
A man and woman were found deceased inside the home, and the ECSO says it has been ruled as a murder suicide.
Additional details, including names, have not been released.