Beulah Master Plan Public Meeting Set For February 29
February 8, 2024
A Beulah Master Plan Public Meeting will be held in late February.
The meeting will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 29 at Beulah Middle School, 6001 West Nine Mile Road.
Escambia County staff and the consultant team will reveal the charrette results and a draft of design approaches taken for the Beulah community through collaborative community efforts.
Woman Gets Life In Prison For Setting Store Clerk on Fire
February 8, 2024
On Wednesday, an Escambia County woman was sentence to life in prison to attempted first degree murder for setting a store clerk on fire.
The charge stems from an incident at a Circle K on North W St. on March 30, 2022, where McFadden poured gasoline on a store clerk and set her on fire.
Life in prison, as imposed by Judge Linda Nobles, was the maxium allowed setence.
Ransom Middle School Announces Students Of The Month
February 8, 2024
Ransom Middle School has announced their January Students of the Month.They are eighth graders Isabelle Eden and Issac Dillard. Images for NorthEscambia.ocm, click to enlarge.
Judith Noblin Brown
February 8, 2024
Mrs. Judith Noblin Brown, a resident of Vero Beach, FL died February 3, 2023, after a brief illness. Mrs. Brown was born in 1936 to Mr. and Mrs. James F. Noblin of Geneva, A.L. Mrs. Brown was the widow of Dr. Harry E. Brown. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mrs. Mary Nelle Johnson.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, James E. Brown (Brenda) and their daughter Jessica Brown of Charlotte, N.C. and a daughter Lynn Kiefer (Mike) of Vero Beach, FL and their children Jackson Kiefer, Casey Mitten (Justin), Christin Chapman (Joe), Caitlin Davis (Wyatt) and Chelsea O’Conner (Ryan) along with eleven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Franklin J. Noblin (Mary Ann) of McMinnville, T.N., her sister Saranne Northrop of Florence, A.L. and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Century High School, Century, FL, Mrs. Brown graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Home Economics Education. She taught home economics in Florida schools, worked for Auburn University Extension Service, and before her retirement, taught Culinary Arts with Montgomery Public Schools for 25 years.
She held memberships in the American Culinary Federation, Alabama and National Education Association, and Montgomery Retired Teachers. She was a past member of Altrusa International, and Delta Kappa Gamma Education honorary. She was a member of First Methodist Church of Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, FL at 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Mrs. Brown’s last request was that you take the time to be kind when you feel like being mean, that you tell those you love how much they mean to you and that each new dawn gives you pause to cherish the day. Also, remember sunflowers are the “happy flower”.
A celebration of life will be held at First Methodist Church, Vero Beach, FL on March 2, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Ledonia Pearson Wise
February 8, 2024
Ledonia Pearson Wise was born November 29, 1940 in Pine Hill, Alabama to Vagara and Mable Lee Pearson. Ledonia was the youngest of six siblings. She loved her family, Alabama football, dominoes and being outdoors. She often said she had a space between her toes because of the Alabama mud that squished through her bare feet when she was a kid.
Ledonia graduated from Pine Hill High School in 1959. She then attended Livingston State College (now University of West Alabama) where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree as an English major. She then taught English in Marietta, Georgia and Pine Hill, Alabama.
In 1969 she moved to Pensacola, Florida with her two children, Delaine (4) and Jeff (1). She began teaching at Beggs Vocational Center where she taught for 17 years. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1984. She taught academics to the high school boys who were enrolled in the automotive paint and body vocational class. In 1986 she began teaching at Tate High School where she taught until she retired in 1995. Shortly after moving to Pensacola, Ledonia met the love of her life, Robert J. (Bob) Wise. They were soon married and she became step-mother to Debbie (12) and Mike (11).
At the age of 12 Ledonia accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. This commitment never wavered throughout her life. She and Bob were active members of Olive Baptist Church for many years. Ledonia and her dear friend, Sarah Jane Mitchell, were instrumental in beginning the Single Adult Ministry at Olive. Much time was spent preparing and overseeing special events and weekly lessons for this group. After she stepped away from the singles’ ministry, she became an active member in Sunday School where she prepared beautiful bulletin boards to correspond with seasons or special activities of the Church. She was also a member of the choir where she kept an eagle eye on her kids during the service.
In the late 1990’s, Bob and Ledonia joined Marcus Pointe Baptist Church where they quickly became involved in Sunday School and enjoyed spending time in fellowship with friends there. Ledonia joined the choir and was a faithful volunteer for many years in the Music Ministry Office where she helped with various activities. Ledonia remained an active part of Marcus Pointe as long as her health allowed.
Bob and Ledonia loved to travel, especially to the mountains. They took many trips and saw a lot of beautiful scenery. The trip that meant the most to them, however, was a trip to The Holy Land in 1982. There they were able to see where Jesus walked and even spent time alone together praying in the empty tomb. This was the highlight of her life.
Ledonia is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Robert J. (Bob) Wise; her parents, Vagara and Mable Lee Pearson; brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Myra) Pearson; sister and brother-in-law, Annie Jean (Glenn) Duncan; sister and brother-in-law, Emmie Lou (Billy) Autry; brother, Jack Pearson; sister-in-law, Rosalee Pearson; her step-son, Michael J. Wise; and son-in-law Robert A.. Bush.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Delaine (Brad) Sirmon; son, Jeffrey L. Wise; step-daughter, Deborah J. Bush; grandchildren, Josh Bush, Justin Bush, Ashley (Rob) Hilbun, Jessica Wise (Justin Burdette), Dakotah Wise; great-grandchildren, Bethany, Levi and Samuel Hilbun, Ryleigh Wise and Owen Burdette; sister-in-law Carole Pearson and brother, T.E. Pearson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Staff of The Blake of Pensacola for the kindness and compassion shown to Ledonia and her family during the past six months. We were truly overwhelmed by the level of care she received from all of the staff, but especially her nurse, Danielle. We also would like to thank Vitas Healthcare, specifically Rachel Schwartz. She was kind and patient and we felt she truly cared for Ledonia.
Pallbearers include Wallace Duncan, Rob Pearson, Eddie Pearson, Rob Hilbun, Josh Bush, and Justin Bush. Honorary Pallbearers include The TEAM Sunday School Class of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center or Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Missions Program.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
John Edward Nettler
February 8, 2024
John Nettler, 68, of Pensacola, Florida, died unexpectedly on January 30th, 2024.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1955 to Harry and Helen Nettler. John attended Mercy High School before going into the newspaper business.
John was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister, Helen (nee Nettler) Wiegert, and is survived by his wife, Judy; his three children, Emily (Daniel) Sunderlin, Danny (Brittany) Nettler, and Eric (Teresa) Nettler; as well as nine beautiful grandchildren. Julian, Jameson, Owen, Oliver, Ozzy, Olsen, Orellia, Hendrix and Hazel are proud to be the “J.O.H.N/S”. Though he loved coaching his children, umpiring baseball, and music, John’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Pop-Pop.
John will always be remembered for his love of storytelling and the way he cared for family and friends. He never failed to make a friend and lend a helping hand. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “I have to make one more stop”. John was a two-time cancer survivor and even through treatments, he maintained his positive attitude. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Florida viewing is Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
John will have a second viewing and funeral in St. Louis, Missouri and his final resting place will be Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center (https://gifts.mdanderson.org) and/or Feeding America (https://give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate) would be greatly appreciated.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Thomas Calvin ‘TC’ Jordan
February 8, 2024
Thomas Calvin “TC” Jordan, age 85, a native of Flomaton, AL and resident of Byrneville, FL, passed away on January 31, 2024. He was born August 7, 1938 to Daniel E. and Eunice Hall Jordan and was of the Christian faith. He was a graduate of Flomaton High School. TC had a passion for family history and genealogy and was a proud great-grandson of a Confederate Veteran. TC also spent time working with the local historical society on various projects, including the “Old 100” Sawmill train. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish. TC spent years working as a taxidermist, as well as became an accomplished scuba diver. In 1991, working in research and development as an ink resins application chemist, TC began work to develop more environmentally friendly methods for the manufacture of ink and resins. His successful discoveries resulted in the issue of multiple patents.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Veronyka “Vicky” Jordan; and two grandchildren, T.J. Jordan and Leanne Jordan.
He is survived by his sons, Thomas A. (Lori) Jordan of Byrneville, FL and Dennis E. (“Doodle” Anniece) Jordan of Byrneville, FL; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Escambia Receives Second $20 Million Offer For OLF-8 Property
February 7, 2024
Another firm has submitted an offer for Escambia County’s OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.
The new offer was submitted by Ryan Bell of Kinetic Realty Services and Pensacola Bay Realty broker Bryce Burch on behalf of Precision Capital.
“As members of this community with many families and friends who are also a part of this community, we believe in a Community First Vision for this Development. We believe in creating a complete and thriving Urban Development for this rapidly growing community. Complete with parks, shopping, a school, a place of worship, high end restaurants, entertainment, and career-oriented jobs to establish a future for their families and yes housing. A home is the fundamental gathering place for all families and friends,” the proposal states.
Precision Capital is offering $20 million — the same dollar figure as a Beulah Town Center offer received last week, but there are several differences in the scope of the offers
Beulah Town Center did not plan to develop any single family homes, but Precision Capital is proposing up to 900 single family home sites over a 40-year period, which they say would generate about $126 million in annual tax revenue.
The Precision Capital Offer proposes the purchase of 537 acres, with a portion of the green space given back to the county for a park and a school. Beulah Town Center’s offer is for about 290 acres, with the county retaining 250 acres to be used for job creation.
“For this project to succeed we need people. Restaurants need people. Entertainment needs people. Employers need people. People need homes. This plan starts with Housing to bring the people in, the people then are able to spend money at shops, restaurants and entertainment. These shops, restaurants and places of entertainment bring quality of life to the whole county. This quality of life will both attract tourism as well as fortune 500 companies,” the Precision Capital offer states.
Both the Precision Capital and the Beulah Town Center proposals are set for discussion by the Escambia County Commission at their next meeting on Thursday, February 8.
Pictured top and inset: Precision Capital plans for OLF-8. Pictured below: Plans from Beulah Town Center. NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
ECSO Seeks Burglary Suspects In Attempted Business Burglary
February 7, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three suspects that attempted to burglarize a business in the 4100 block of North W Street.
During the burglary attempt, the entrance to the business was shot at in order to break the lock, ECSO said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Cool Tonight, Back Near 70 Tomorrow
February 7, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 58. Southeast wind around 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.