Darral Ray Walker
October 27, 2023
Darral Ray Walkera age 65, passed away, Monday, October 23, 2023, at his home in Marrero, LA. A native of Atmore, AL; and a resident of Marrero the last 29 years.
Mr. Walker was an avid fisherman, who also enjoyed building and remodeling houses. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan and New Orleans Saints Fan.
Mr. Walker is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Willard Walker, mother, Jewell White Amerson, step-father, Jessie Amerson, and one son, Darral Ray Walker, Jr.
He is survived by his one daughter, Dianna Walker (Keith) Brooks, of Uriah, AL; two brothers, Keith (Kaylee) Amerson, of Katy, TX; Jody (Felicia) Amerson, of Katy, TX; two grandchildren, Natalie Brooks, Nathan Brooks and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Sister, Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be friends of the family.
Alexander “AD” Owens Jr.
October 27, 2023
t is a sad day to announce the passing of Alexander “AD” Owens Jr. Known for his unwavering dedication to his family, and his profession, AD left a legacy of love, mentorship, and an enduring legacy.
AD lived his 82 years of life between Monroeville, AL and Destin FL. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Emily Owens; two daughters, Anita Dienes (JP Dienes) and Maria Owens-Wicker (Brian Wicker); grandchildren, AJ Dienes, Erica Dienes, Jayden Wicker, Abigail Wicker, Torey Morphew (Justin Morphew), Destiny Embry (Neal Embry); 2 great-grandchildren; beloved nieces, nephews and many cousins that he loved very much.
During his working years, AD was a fixture in the Destin community for over three decades prior to his retirement, where he became known as the passionate little league baseball coach. His commitment to the young athletes was unparalleled, instilling not only a love for the game but also life lessons that extended far beyond the baseball diamond. He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor and a role model who helped shape the character of countless young players.
His professional life was equally distinguished. AD was a brilliant mathematician who dedicated 37 years to serving his country through his work with the Department of Defense. His contributions to national security were immeasurable, and his dedication to excellence set a high standard for all who worked alongside him.
AD overcame many challenges in his life, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength. His journey inspired those around him, showing the power of determination and the capacity to conquer any obstacle.
As a mentor, AD was a consummate example. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, and share his vast knowledge and experience. His influence extended beyond the workplace, as he consistently nurtured the growth and success of those who had the privilege of working with him.
In his later years, AD may have been a little ornery, but those that knew him understood he has no issue standing with you in the face of adversity. Friends and family knew he had a kind heart underneath the tough exterior that was AD. He treated everyone he met like an old friend, making instant connections with his warmth, humor, and genuine interest in their lives.
The world may be a little dimmer without AD’s presence, but the impact he made will shine on in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on through his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched and the wisdom he shared.
Alexander “AD” Owens will be forever missed but never forgotten. As we remember the laughter and wisdom he brought into our lives, we find solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
A celebration of AD’s life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 10am. Service will be held at 11am.
A celebration of life service will also be held at Angels Assisted Living Connerton in Land O’Lakes, FL on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 3:30pm.
Plans Approved For Escambia County’s First Wawa Store At Nine Mile, Beulah Road Intersection
October 26, 2023
Wawa is headed to Beulah.
Plans were approved this week by the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
The popular convenience store chain submitted plans for a 6,119 square feet location at the corner of Beulah Road and Nine Mile Road.
Initial plans were filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee for the store to be located on 17.37 acres. Plans show limited access only from westbound Nine Mile Road and full access from Beulah Road.
Another store is planned this year for HIghway 98 at North Blue Angel Parkway. Wawa said there are three or four additional locations in Escambia County still under consideration, with a goal of 6-10 locations by 2025.
Last April, Wawa announced they were actively looking for potential sites for new stores in the Pensacola area, along with Panama City, Tallahassee and Mobile. Current plans are for Wawa to open up to 40 stores in these markets beginning in 2024.
In 2022, Wawa marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first Florida store. The store opened July 18, 2012, in Orlando across from SeaWorld. Since then Wawa has expanded rapidly throughout the state and opened its 250th store in Florida last year. Today, Wawa employs almost 10,000 associates across the Sunshine State.
Drought Changes Little; Severe to Extreme Intensity Holds Strong Across The Region
October 26, 2023
The central Gulf coast continues to be in the grips of high intensity drought. The local area sees severe to extreme drought conditions with points to our west, over southwest MS and much of the state of LA, seeing exceptional drought. The latest drought information information is in the graphic above.
Much of the local area experienced no change in the drought intensity compared to the past week.
Many local streams/rivers remain in low flow and stage at below or much below normal levels. Typically, deeply submerged objects will likely be closer to the water’s surface or in some cases exposed presenting a waterway hazard for recreational boating and
commercial navigation.
The risk of significant wildfire remains above normal
Increase in air-borne allergens likely to create problems for respiratory sensitive groups.
Sunny, Middle 80s For Highs Into The Weekend
October 26, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Emergency Evacuation Drills To Continue Friday Evening at International Paper
October 26, 2023
International Paper in Cantonment is conducting their annual Emergency Mill Evacuation Drill Friday evening
On Friday, alarms will sound at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue will take part in the exercises.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Friday Night Football Schedule
October 26, 2023
Here is the schedule of high school football games from around the North Escambia area Friday night.
FLORIDA
- Tate at Escambia
- Pine Forest at Washington
- Walton at Pensacola,
- Jay at Wewahitchka
- Gulf Breeze at Navarre
- Milton at Pace
- West Florida at Pensacola Catholic
- BYE: Northvew
—
- Monroe County at Flomaton
- Fort Dale Academy at Escambia Academy
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Orange Beach
- T.R. Miller at St. Michael Catholic
- Excel at W.S. Neal
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
State Senator Suggests De-Chartering Century, Letting Escambia County Take Over The Town
October 26, 2023
Thursday night, Florida State Sen. Doug Broxson told interim Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. that the town may need to to consider de-chartering and letting Escambia County take over.
Broxson’s comments came during a meeting of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation — Sen. Doug Broxson, State Rep. Alex Andrade and State Rep. Michelle Salzman — Thursday night in Pensacola. Gomez had addressed the delegation, thanking them for millions in state funding that has gone to projects in Century, including a bridge replacement, wastewater treatment plant repairs and repairs to a failed water well serving the state prison.
‘I’ve been dealing with Century for 14 years,” Broxson told Gomez. “I know you’ve had tremendous challenges there. Your tax base is very low, and your needs are very great. I can tell you this delegation has doubled down on trying to help Century.”
“We are praying for you, we know you have a big challenge, we want you to do well,” Broxson continued. “But we know you are in tough circumstances. I would hope that at some point if things continue where it’s a challenge to meet your budget, that you would consider de-chartering Century so you could come under the umbrella of Escambia County and let them take their resources and help you with some of your major problems. I’ve watched it, “I know you’ve tried, but we really need a bigger hand to help you get to where you need to be.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
International Paper Conducting Emergency Evacuation Drills Friday Evening
October 26, 2023
International Paper in Cantonment is conducting their annual Emergency Mill Evactional Drill Thursday and Friday.
There will be alarms that sound Thursday at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Friday, alarms wlll sound at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue will take part in the exercises.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Jon Eric Seamon
October 26, 2023
Jon Eric Seamon, 80, of Cantonment, FL passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, at home inCantonment, FL. He was born to Eugene and Virginia Seamon on August 17, 1943, in Natchez, MS. Jon proudly served his country in the United States Army. He earned ranking as an Expert Riflemanand was in the Army Security Agency (ASA) as a Morse code intercept operator affectionately known as “ditty- boppers”. Less than one half of one percent were assigned to this career field. After being honorably discharged from military service Jon had a long career at the Monsanto Corporation as an industrial engineer working in the nylon development research department and retired in August of 1999. He was an avid fisherman and a huge fan of NASCAR, and especially the late, great Dale Earnhardt.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years Veronica (Frazier) Seamon; sons, Eric Seamon and Ryan Seamon; sisters, Sandra (Dave) Schultz and Sherry (Mike) McRann; brothers, Larry (Delaine) Seamon and Kevin Seamon; multiple nieces and nephews; his two lifelong best friends and fishing buddies, John Yuknis and Bob Aaron.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 28 th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL 32533).
The funeral service will be held at Faith Chapel North on Monday, October 30 th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A procession to Barrancas National Cemetery for interment will follow for those who wish to attend. The internment will be a 15-minute ceremony at the shelter area and will include military honors. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.