Joyce Lanell Bryar
August 31, 2024
Mrs. Joyce Lanell Bryars age 82, passed away, Friday, August 23, 2024, in Pensacola, FL. She was born November 25, 194l, to Robert Agee Jeter and Daisy Bell Davis, and has been a lifelong resident of Mineola. She was a member of Little River Holiness Church and enjoyed attending church services so much. She retired from Vanity Fair Mills with 44 years of service.
Mrs. Bryars enjoyed quilting, cooking and spending time with her family, along with traveling to the mountains. Christmas time was also her favorite time of the year. Watching westerns and wrestling was something that she enjoyed doing in the afternoons.
She is preceded in death by her husband, O.W. Bryars, and one daughter, Renea Pitts.
She is survived by her two sons, Franklin (Angelia) Bryars, of Bay Minette, AL; Timmy (Jackie) Bryars, of Perdido, AL; one daughter, Tammy Bryars, of Mineola, AL; one brother, Robert “Bo” (Lynn) Jeter, of Mineola, AL; four sisters, Louise Jeter, of Mineola, AL; Frances (Cecil) Willis, of Goodway, AL; Shirley (Sam) Hill, of Mineola, AL; Shelby (Jerry) Hayles, of Mineola, AL; Margaret (Tony) Richerson, Bay Minette, AL; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10: 00 AM at Little River Holiness Church with Rev. D. L. Harvell, Rev. Tony McMillian, and Rev. Mike Skipper officiating.
Burial will follow at Mineola Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Little River Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Jason Bryars, Dakota Bryars, Randall Christiansen, Aaron Hadley, Austin Jennings, Danny Jeter, Jarod Richerson, and Matthew Jeter.
Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Jeter, Keith Hadley, and Agee Jeter.
$90 Million Proposed For Indoor Sports Facility At Ashton Brosnaham Park And Bay Center Upgrades
August 30, 2024
An indoor sports facility costing up to $60 million could be coming to Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and the Pensacola Bay Center could see a $30 million upgrade funding with tourism tax dollars.
Those ideas were pitched to the Tourist Development Council Thursday afternoon, but decisive action was not taken on either item.
Ashton Brosnaham Indoor Sports Facility
A proposal for an indoor sports facility at the county-owned Ashton Brosnaham Park calls for a building that’s 100,000 square foot, including 73,000 square feet of open floor space that would be large enough to host eight basketball courts that could be converted into 16 volleyball courts with support space, or it could be used as large exhibition hall for other types of events.
Other key takeaways on the proposed facility:
- 14 acres of the park is flat, open, undeveloped and already zone for recreation
- 700+ paved parking spaces in the current design
- Primary support for hardwood sports and related events
- Open common areas would include meeting spaces, viewing areas, vendor space, concessions, retail space
- Second floor walking track and viewing area
- Open to the public for recreation, will also host tournaments and events
- Collaboration with Escambia County Public Schools on access and utilization
- Community use of facility on non-tournament dates
- Projected operating deficit offset by ~$37 million in economic impact per year
- Projected new tax revenues of ~$2.7 million per year
- Total project cost range: $48 – $61 million
“It’s a tried and proven location; it doesn’t get any better than the SEC,” Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said The Park has hosted the 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament and will host it again this year on November 3-10. “We are willing to grow that, and we want to grow that and make that (Ashton Brosnaham Park) the true sports destination in Escambia County. Which we feel it’s already one its way.”
Rhodes said the school district has expressed a willingness to provide property for second roadway into the facility that would also benefit current soccer programs that have 700-800 youth players annually.
“It’s in a growing area in our community,” Rhodes added as he touted Ashton Brosnaham of 10 Mile Road as the perfect location. “This project can be a win-win for everybody…and this is something that will stand the test of time.”
A feasibility study funded by Pensacola Sports came in at 155 pages, but TDC members only saw a 12-page presentation Thursday.
Pensacola Bay Center
A plan to spend $43 million, with $30 million coming from a bond issue by the TDT, was also presented.
The upgrades would modernize the aging facility and add more seating for events like concerts.
What’s next?
TDC member Jim Reeves made motion to approve a $90 million bond issue for the sports facility and Bay Center, but no vote was taken. A substitute motion by council members Mitesh Patel called for special meeting on both proposals.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council makes recommendations for final decisions by the Board of County Commissioners.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional Inmate Gets Life For 2021 Fatal Stabbing Of Another Inmate
August 30, 2024
A Century Correctional Institution inmate has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing another inmate in 2021.
Alex Vega, 26, was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury on Thursday. Circuit Court Judge Coleman Robinson subsequently imposed the life sentence.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2021, when Vega used a homemade weapon to attack and kill a fellow inmate at the correctional facility. At the time, Vega was already serving a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges stemming from a 2018 Miami-Dade conviction in a 2015 case.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation, and Assistant State Attorney Alvin “Trey” Myers prosecuted the case on behalf of State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida.
EREC Plans Power Outage For Wallace Substation In North Santa Rosa Beginning Tonight
August 30, 2024
Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) has announced a scheduled power outage for late Friday night into early Saturday morning, impacting customers in parts of northern Santa Rosa County.
The outage is set to begin at 11 p.m. and is expected to last approximately four hours, with a projected end time of 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. It will impact cooperative customers served by the Wallace substation (depicted on the map in blue, click to enlarge.). This includes customers along and near portions of Willard Norris Road, Chumuckla Highway, Tidwell Road, and Quintette Road.
“We expect the outage to last about 4 hours, though we’re hopeful it will be shorter. We chose this timing to minimize disruption to schools, businesses, and daily activities, ” EREC Manager of Communications Courtney Owens said.
EREC will relocate service for the Wallace substation to a portable substation to facilitate an upgrade to the existing Wallace substation.
“Which will improve reliability and support future growth,” Owens added. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
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Ascend Volunteers Pitch In to Clean Up At Roy Hyatt
August 30, 2024
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center (RHEC) recently received a helping hand from a group of dedicated volunteers from Ascend Performance Materials’ Pensacola Plant. Over two days, these volunteers tackled a variety of tasks, contributing to the overall health and beauty of the Escambia County School District educational center in Cantonment.
The volunteers cleared 120 acres of trails, trimmed gallberry holly from pitcher plant areas, and pressure washed various structures, including pavilions, sidewalks, and the entryway. Additionally, they weeded the butterfly garden, blazed a new trail, and assisted with troubleshooting pond pump issues.
RHEC officials expressed their deep gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work and dedication. “Their continued support is invaluable to our mission of preserving and protecting our local environment,” RHEC said.
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Northview NJROTC Cadets Explore Coast Guard Sector Mobile
August 30, 2024
Cadets from the Northview High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) on Thursday had the opportunity to explore the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile.
The field trip provided the cadets with a firsthand look at the diverse operations of the Coast Guard, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, navigation, and port security.
During the tour, the cadets were able to board the Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin and explore other parts of the facility.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Is Tonight’s High School Football Schedule, Thursday Scores
August 30, 2024
Here are this week’s North Escambia area football games.
This year, we will publish this list on Thursday and Friday each week. Most Florida schools will play at least one Thursday night game this season (and there’s at least one Saturday game). On Fridays, we’ll run the schedule along with scores from Thursday nights.
All kickoff times are 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
FLORIDA
Thursday August 29
- Jay 34, Freeport 6
- Pensacola 16, Milton 7
Friday August 30
- Tate at Gulf Breeze
- Northview at Opp (AL)
- NHS game will be played at Channel-Lee Stadium 301 Jeffcoat Ave, Opp
- West Florida @ Washington
- Escambia at Niceville
- Pace at Pensacola Catholic
- Central at J.U. Blacksher (Uriah, AL)
- Daphne (Ala.) at Pine Forest
- Choctaw at Navarre, 7:30 p.m.
ALABAMA
Friday, August 30
- Flomaton at Chickasaw
- Flomaton game will be at Joh Dotson Park, 320 Thompson Blvd, Chickasaw
- Straughn @ T.R. Miller
- W.S. Neal at Excel
- Escambia Academy @ Jackson Academy
- Monroe County @ Escambia County (Atmore)
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge
Mack’s Blast Ignites Blue Wahoos Rally, Comeback Win
August 30, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
It’s been a while since the Blue Wahoos had an inning, or a home rally, quite like they staged Thursday.
And it’s only fitting that catcher Joe Mack was the centerpiece of the production.
Mack attacked the first pitch he saw in the sixth inning from knuckleball thrower David Fletcher, blasting a 3-run homer that tied the game, lit up the crowd, energized the home dugout and led to Pensacola’s 8-7 victory Thursday against the Mississippi Braves at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“He’s got the knuckleball and that’s pretty much the only pitch he’s going to throw,” said Mack, who has now hit 22 homers this season, second-most in the Southern League.
“So, I was just trying to put myself in a good spot to hit that pitch and hit (the ball) on the barrel and whatever happens, happens.
“And I was ready for it. And (the pitch) looked good for me and I just went and I ended up tying the game. Going around those bases it was awesome hearing the crowd cheer and I wanted to help my team win as much as possible and do anything I could.”
Pensacola trailed 5-1 entering the sixth inning. The M-Braves had built their lead against starter Evan Fitterer, who yielded nine hits and four earned runs in five innings.
The mood was glum.
And then more Mullet Magic happened.
This comeback win when taking on the team’s alternate identity on Thursdays as the Pensacola Mullets pushed the team’s record to 9-2 when wearing the Mullet uniforms. It’s the difference in the Blue Wahoos having a winning record at home, now 32-28.
The latest one kept the Blue Wahoos (64-57 overall, 26-27 in second half) continuing a push in the three-team battle for the second-half playoff spot in the Southern League’s South Division. They’re now 3.0 games behind Biloxi, who lost to Montgomery, with 15 games to play.
“This win is big and finishing this week and the upcoming week… these games are very important and we’ve got to do our best to put ourselves in a spot to succeed,” Mack said.
Nathan Martorella led off the sixth inning with a power shot over the right-center wall to cut the score to 5-2. Graham Pauley singled and Jared Serna walked with none out to set the table for Mack.
After his homer, Johnny Olmstead hit a two-out single to keep the inning alive. Cody Morissette followed with a run-scoring double.
The Blue Wahoos then tacked on two more runs in the seventh on Serna’s RBI double and a bases-loaded walk to Olmstead.
“I am really proud of these guys for not giving in during these games and just going with their best,” Mack said. “We did a great job hanging in there, locking in and getting the job done,” he said.
The M-Braves got a run back in the eighth inning, then had the tying run on second base when Blue Wahoos reliever Woo-Suk Go got a ground out against Geraldo Quintero to end the game.
It was Go’s second solid appearance this week and continued his own comeback. He lost a three-run lead and the game in a previous homestand against Montgomery, but has found success in the last two weeks.
“Woo is a great pitcher and he just needed to find some things that would give him a little cue here or there,” said Mack, who was behind the plate when the game ended. “He’s got really, really good stuff and we got with him and started working with him more and more and developed a plan for him that we use to help him do his absolute best.”
Blue Wahoos reliever Adam Laskey, who followed Fitterer, picked up the win with two scoreless innings. Tyler Eckberg got his first hold.
The series continues Friday with the Blue Wahoos sending righthander Jacob Miller on the mound against the M-Braves’ Ian Mejia.
Partly Sunny, 50/50 Chance Of Rain Today
August 30, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Labor Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Martha Diane Gay
August 30, 2024
Martha Diane Gay passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 16, 2024, in Orange Park, FL, at the age of 74.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 56 years, Jerry Gay; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael Gay (Mary); her daughter, Kelly Gay; her beloved grandchildren, Ella, Gavin, Mallory, and Avery; her sisters, Charlotte Dennis, Darlene Havard (Tommy), Sheila Carnley, Deborah Davis (Jay), and Sharon Hock (Ray); her sisters-in-law who were like sisters, Shirley Hales and Darlene Moye; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Leanell Carnley; her mother, Jeanette Carnley; her sisters, Brenda Blackmon and Sue Carnley; and her brother, Gary Carnley.
Diane was blessed with 7 sisters and 1 brother. She was taught her hard work ethic at an early age while working in the family-owned restaurant, Carnley’s BBQ. She met the love of her life, Jerry at the age of 16 at Molino Summer Recreation. After graduating from Tate High School, she married her best friend on October 8, 1968, in Molino, FL. They moved to Lubbock, TX while Jerry was stationed serving in the US Air Force. They eventually returned to Molino, where they lived and raised their 2 children. She was the most devoted Mom anyone could ask for. She never missed a game or an event and she showed her kids the meaning of a mother’s love. Diane and Jerry re-opened Carnley’s BBQ in 1990 alongside her parents. She was a successful restaurant owner for many years. Many family members and friends worked for her over the years. She always had a position for anyone that wanted it. In 1995 Jerry and Diane relocated to Orange Park, FL. She worked as the cafeteria manager for Grove Park Elementary for 15 years where she was loved by all the kids and staff. From 2004-2014 her pride and her joys were born and they became the loves of her life. Ella, Gavin, Mallory, and Avery were her biggest blessings. She was the best Nana to them and never missed an opportunity to show them how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. Just like her children, they were blessed with the best.
Michael, Mary and Kelly, and their children would like to once again thank their dad and Papa for taking such great care of Nana over the last 10 years. He never left her side and was always there to take care of her and to advocate for her until her last breath. He has shown us all the definitions of true love.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Hwy 29 Cantonment, FL 32533. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. before services. Burial will follow in Highland Baptist Cemetery, Molino, FL.
A special thank you to her nephew, Bobby Wyatt for lovingly presiding over the funeral.
Pallbearers will be her nephews; Rodney Havard, Chris Vickery, Brad Gohagin, Cody McDowell, Chad Cregar, and Nicholas Moye.