Lee Bernice Purvis
March 26, 2024
Lee Bernice Purvis of Bratt, FL passed away on March 15, 2024 in Jay, FL at the incredible age of 100 years. Mrs. Purvis was born on March 23, 1923, in Tallahatta Springs, AL, to a family with extraordinary historical significance to the states of Florida and Alabama. Her father, Occie Phillips, a farmer native to Clark County, AL, resided in Escambia County, FL, for 62 years and was honored with a road named after him in the Walnut Hill area; and her mother, Shady Lee Williams, was part of the Williams family who owned a supply shop around the small settlement of Williams Station and later became the modern-day City of Atmore. Mrs. Purvis served during World War II at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola assembling airplanes to be used in combat. Mrs. Purvis married Raymond Purvis on October 18, 1942, and together began their farm after the war focusing on dairy farming and then expanded to row-cropping until her husband’s retirement.
Mrs. Purvis is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Purvis; her son, Steve Purvis; her sister, Mable Gantner; two brothers, J.E. Phillips and W.V. Phillips, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Fillingim Purvis.
Mrs. Purvis is survived by her sons, Gary (Ginger) Purvis of Bratt, FL and Mike (Cathy) Purvis of Blountstown, FL; her grandchildren, Gary Wayne (Monica) Purvis, Sharon (Mark) Delmar, Brad (Nicole) Purvis and Ashley (John David) House; her daughter-in-law, LaVonne Purvis Swindel; her sister, Margaret McCullough of Walnut Hill, FL; her great grandchildren, Nicholas Delmar, Brandon (Mallory) Purvis, Colton (Hannah) Purvis, Barrett Purvis, and Harper House; her great-great grandchildren, Adaline and Oliver Purvis along with many other special family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12 Noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 12 Noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Kenneth “Ken” Ward
March 26, 2024
Charles Kenneth “Ken” Ward, age 75, passed away on March 18, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL. Ken was born on December 20, 1948 in Megargel, AL and was the beloved son of the deceased Charles and Louise Ward. Ken was raised in Molino, FL with his sister Sheri.
Ken was a class of 1966 graduate from Tate High School. He later attended and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1971. He was a dedicated Air Force veteran who achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He became a flight navigator and served overseas during the Vietnam War. Ken went on to work in the private sector as an Air Traffic Controller before becoming a Clinical Engineer at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. From there, he retired in 2008 after 22 years. For most of his life, his most enjoyable pastime was golfing and he was always a huge fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. (Roll Tide!) He also loved classic country music and playing his guitar.
Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years Chin Chih “Jeannie” Ward, his son Marvin Ward, his daughter, Alana Madson, her husband, Joe Madson and their children, Kaden, Ethan, and Micah, his sister, Sharon “Sheri” Hundley and her husband, Walter Hundley, their daughter, Christine “Christi” Powell, her husband Christopher Powell and their children Caden and Chase, and his uncles David and Gilbert Johnson.
Prior to his passing, Ken was renovating the house that he and his grandfather, Jesse “Big Daddy” Johnson, built in 1957. This was where he lived until moving out on his own. His mother and father remained there until they passed away. Ken planned to go home and live in his childhood home once the renovation was complete.
He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30am Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
ECSO Mourning Loss Of Deputy
March 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own, Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber.
Deputy Kalber passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with illness.
“Since 2013, Deputy Kalber provided dedicated service to the citizens of Escambia County. He had a positive impact on all of those who he came into contact with. He will be greatly missed by our Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family. Please join us in keeping his family, friends, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the ECSO said.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 25, 2024
The 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning before continuing to Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line shortly after sunrise Monday morning. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch from south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Chamber of Commerce with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For more photos, click or tap here.
An additional leg of the torch run Monday was set to travel from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to Palafox Pier. Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Pensacola Police Department, Special Agents from the FDLE and U.S. Department of Homeland Security were scheduled to participate in the second part of n the run.
Each year, over 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the state carry the flame to the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The torch will travel over 1,500 miles, through Florida’s 67 counties to the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games with the law enforcement “Guardians of the Flame.”
Pictured: The 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century Monday morning and continued south in Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School FFA Prepares 54,000 Meals of Hope
March 25, 2024
Tate High School and other students worked last week to package 54,000 meals for the community through the Meals of Hope program.
Volunteers included current students in Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Tate Student Council, Tate Yearbook, and Tate FFA Alumni.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” said Austin Courson, Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. “It’s important to FFA and other local organizations to partner together and help fight food insecurity for many within the Pensacola region. This gives our students hands-on experience while encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of our community.”
They exceeded their goal of feeding 50,000 with the Meals of Hope project by packaging the meals in under three hours.
All the packaged meals will be distributed to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “It’s gratifying to see our students giving back to the community that’s contributed to Tate High School throughout the years.”
Photos by Tate High Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Mid County Historical Society Donates To Escambia Search And Rescue
March 25, 2024
The Molino Mid County Historical Society recently donated $600 to Escambia Search and Rescue at their monthly meeting. The donation is to help with ESAR’s continuing efforts to respond to any emergency when called upon by our local fire and law enforcement agencies. Pictured: Wayne Rhodes from ESAR and Sarah Jenness from the historical society. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged In Deputy-Involved Shooting In Escambia County
March 25, 2024
An Escambia County man is jailed following a deputy-involved shooting late Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to to North “L” and Avery streets shortly before midnight.
During the investigation, a zTrip taxi driver said he picked up a man, later identified as 24-year-old Je’Teris Damon Peaks, in the 500 block. of Paula Avenue, taking him to a Family Dollar at 1717 North. Pace Boulevard. The driver stated that Peaks refused to pay for his fare.
The zTrip driver followed Peaks around the block where Peaks fired a shot at the driver, shattering the back window. The driver then turned the corner and observed a deputy who also heard the gunshots. The driver provided a description of the suspect and the area he was last seen in. Deputies then located Peaks who then fled from and pointed a firearm at them.
Deputies fired at Peaks, striking him. Peaks was arrested after being treated and released at a local hospital.
Peaks was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement office and possession of a firearm by convicted felon and resisting arrest. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
No deputies or the zTrip driver were injured in the incident.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Storms, Winds Up To 70 MPH Possible By Tuesday Morning
March 25, 2024
Gusty winds to 40 mph or more will continue into the evening ahead of a cold front and storms by daybreak Tuesday. As the line of storms approaches during the 6-11 a.m. timeframe Tuesday, damaging winds up to 70 mph are possible.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A slight chance of showers between midnight and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Windy, with a southeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 75. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 43. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Motorcyclist Killed In Crash After Fleeing From Traffic Stop
March 25, 2024
A 59-year-old Escambia County man was killed in single motorcycle crash late Saturday night while exiting I-10.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the Pensacola Police Department attempted to stop the motorcyclist who was traveling at a high rate of speed. He fled the traffic stop, and PPD did not pursue him.
The motorcyclist later lost control on the exit ramp to Davis Highway and struck a concrete barrier wall and signpost before continuing into a wooded area. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
March 25, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts near the I-10/Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5):
- The left (inside) lanes of Nine Mile Road, between the I-10 on-and off- ramps at Exit 5, will be closed Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform median work.
- Traffic on I-10 near Exit 5 is shifted to the outside (right) so crews can begin bridge construction work. The shift will be in place until spring 2025.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers on Scenic Highway, between I-10 and Davis Highway, may encounter nighttime alternating lane closures Sunday, March 24 through Thursday, March 28 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 as crews perform earthwork, concrete, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, March 24, through Friday, March 29, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, March 25 through Thursday, March 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.