Monday Night Low Dipping Into The 30s
November 27, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Cora ‘Voncile’ Peters
November 27, 2023
Mrs. Cora “Voncile” Peters, age 91, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Atmore, AL. She was born November 22, 1932 in Mobile, AL; and a native of Semirah Springs, and Uriah area before moving to Atmore area the past 10 years. She was 1st Tribal Elder Princess in 2014-2015. She attended Unity Baptist Church and was a member of Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church, the Order of Eastern Star, Huxford, AL; and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Mrs. Peters loved spending time with family and friends. Her passion was doing yard work especially tending to her flowers and loved going fishing. She loved traveling, anywhere from Idaho, South Carolina, Japan and across the United States. Once retiring she spent a lot of time traveling with the tribal seniors, she was always ready to go when they were.
She is preceded in death by her parents, W G (Cora Lee Woods) Murphy, two husbands, Jake Peters, Len Hyles and one brother, James “Buddy” Murphy.
She is survived by her one son, Chief (Linda) Peters, of Atmore, AL; four daughters, Sissy (Melvin) Wiggins, of Goodway, AL; June (Derris) Gregg, of Atmore, AL; Wanda (Johnny) Martin, of Stapleton, AL; Cathy (Greg) Pons, of Myrtle Beach, SC; one sister, Rita Ikner, of Frisco City, AL; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Semirah Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 10:00 AM until service time at 11: AM at Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Scotty McGhee, Kyle Wiggins, Mike Hughes, C.J. Smith, Jarod Martin, and Justin Martin.
Family would like to say Thank You, to Southern Care Hospice, special friends, Frank Williams, Donna Hicks, Raven Tucker, Charles and Rosie Tucker, for all their help and support they showed to our mother.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Rita Gail Gilliam
November 26, 2023
Rita Gail Gilliam, 64, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023. Gail was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee in 1959. She lived in several places while growing up as an Army brat. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Gail spent over 4 decades as a nurse. She worked for almost 30 years at Baptist Hospital on the Oncology floor. She then transferred to the Woodlands Medical Specialists.
Gail loved nursing. She always wanted to help people and comfort them. Over the years, she also gave that love and comfort to those she worked with and befriended. If you ever needed help or advice, she was always there to support you. She had a calm presence that always made you feel loved.
Gail was devoted to her church, Harvest Christian Center. She took attendance at services and knew almost everyone by name (except the visitors). She was always happy to be among the fellowship for services and events. She supported missions, ministries, and other causes that she felt strongly needed support.
Gail is preceded in death by her mother, Charlene Gilliam.
Gail will be greatly missed by her siblings, Jennifer and Jason. She has been like a second mother to them over the years. She will also be missed by anyone whose life she touched in work, in church, and in life.
Visitation services will be held from 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, FL 32533).
Funeral services will take place, Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor William Strickland officiating.
Gail will be laid to rest at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
November 26, 2023
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt is open again this year with tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display three years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There are always plenty of “oohs and awes” over the goats in pajamas and a mini donkey.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small footbridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions are available, and only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4951 Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open each Thursday-Saturday in December from 5:30 until 9 p.m. The gate closes at 8:30 p.m., and the last hayride is at 8:15 p.m. each night.
Pictured: A recent night at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: First Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade
November 26, 2023
The First Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon, complete with a visit from Santa.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from entry fees were donated to a local family in need in coordination with Jim Allen Elementary School.
Photos by Megan Zornes, Kristi Barbour and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Killed In I-65 Crash Near Atmore
November 26, 2023
A two vehicle crash on I-65 near Atmore claimed two lives early Saturday morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:16 a.m. Saturday and claimed the lives of a Texas man and a Georgia man. Augustine R. Beene, 29, of Livingston, Texas, was fatally injured when the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder he was driving collided head-on with the 2023 Kia Niro driven by Antonio L. Minniefield, 49, of Decatur, Georgia.
Both Beene and Minniefield were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash occurred on I-65 near the 51 mile marker, approximately three miles south of the Jacks Springs Road exit.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
File photo.
Escambia School Choice Application Deadline Is December 8
November 26, 2023
The school choice application deadlne in Escambia County is fast approaching.
The middle and high school open enrollment period, which runs from October 30 – December 8, 2023. The open enrollment period for elementary schools runs from January 29 – March 8, 2024.
or questions about open enrollment, please contact Chris McFarland, Coordinator of Enrollment Services at (850)469-5580. For questions about career academies, contact Steven Harrell, Director of Workforce Education, at (850)469-5357. Families are encouraged to apply while attending the School Choice Expo, as technology to apply will be made available.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Tryouts Coming Up In December
November 26, 2023
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host a tryout on Saturday, Dec. 9 and 16 for individuals looking for a challenging, rewarding and exciting job with a starting pay of $18.35/hour.
The tryout will take place at the University of West Florida Aquatic Center, located at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 72. Applicants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early and to bring all relevant certifications to the tryout event.
Position requirements for employment include the following:
- Able to swim 600 yards in a pool in 10 minutes or less
- Able to run 1.5 miles on a track in 12 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
Attending and passing a tryout is required to be considered for employment. If you pass the physical tests in the allotted time and meet all of the other requirements, you will be scheduled for an interview. If selected to be hired, you will receive paid training. Training includes but is not limited to, successfully passing 80 hours of open water training and emergency medical training.
For more information, please email lifeguards@myescambia.com or call Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood at 850-554-4302.
Bid On Your Favorite Tree In The WSRE Festival Of Trees (With Photo Gallery)
November 25, 2023
WSRE Festival of Trees is going on at the the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola through Sunday. Holiday trees and wreaths, decorated by local designers, will be on display and available for sale and online auction bidding in support of the WSRE-TV Foundation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Auction bidding is taking place in an online shop at wsre.org. Purchased items can be picked up at the Museum of Commerce on Sunday, Nov. 26, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and tree delivery will be available for a fee.
The 2023 Festival of Tree supports WSRE’s public television programming and educational services.
Photos for NorthEscabambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments Open Escambia RESTORE MYIP; Potential Projects Include Cantonment Community Center, O.C. Phillips Bridge
November 25, 2023
The open comment period for Escambia County’s RESTORE Act Draft Multi-Year Implementation Plan Amendment 3 is only open for another week.
Visit MyEscambia.com/MYIP to view the amendment and submit your comments before Friday, December 1.
MYIP Amendment 3 proposes alterations of two projects and the addition of eight new projects. The two alteration projects include the Escambia County Workforce Development program and Little Sabine Bay Restoration program. The eight new projects include:
- Perdido Key Public Beach Access – Property Acquisition and Construction
- Pensacola Bob Sikes Fishing Pier – Rehabilitation
- Cantonment Community Center – Construction
- Palafox Complete Street – Construction
- South Navy Boulevard Improvements
- Bayou Grande Watershed Management Plan
- O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement
- Carpenter Creek Headwaters – Carpenter Creek Watershed Management Plan Site 16
The U.S. Department of Treasury serves as the administrator of the RESTORE Act Direct Component, one of five funding streams through the RESTORE Act. In Florida, RESTORE Direct Component projects are selected and implemented by the 23 Gulf Coast counties, contingent on compliance with the RESTORE Act and acceptance by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
To ensure projects are consistent with the RESTORE Act and obtain broad-based participation in the project selection process, Treasury requires submittal and acceptance of a Multi-Year Implementation Plan. The U.S. Department of Treasury approved Escambia County’s Initial MYIP on Oct. 20, 2017, which included 10 projects selected by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
The first amendment to the MYIP was approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury on June 16, 2020, which included modification to three projects included in the Initial MYIP and the addition of eight new projects. The second amendment to the MYIP was approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury on Aug. 16, 2021, which proposed the addition of funds to one existing project and the addition of a new project.
The RESTORE Act and the U.S. Department of Treasury require the county to complete a 45-day public comment period to obtain broad-based participation from the public prior to the submittal and approval of MYIP Amendment 3. Escambia County will take all public comments under advisement and reflect those comments in the public comment section of this document following the public comment period closure.
For questions or more information, email. restore@myescambia.com.