Century Mayor, Council Member Going To Hollywood (Florida, That is)
August 7, 2024
A Century council member and the mayor are going to Hollywood (Florida, that is.)
Tuesday was a night of rather ordinary business for the Century Town Council with approval of travel and a couple of contracts.
The council unanimously approved travel expenses for Council member Shelisa McCall-Abraham to attend the Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials (FBC-LEO) annual breakfast in Hollywood, Florida on August 16. The town will pay up to $1,200 in travel and lodging expenses for August 1-16. The FBC-LEO has covered her cost of registration, according to the town.
The council also unanimously approved travel expense not to exceed $1,400 for Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. to attend the same Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials annual breakfast in Hollywood, followed by the 2024 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference August 15-17, also at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.
The council also voted to enter into a $16,375.80 contract with Accurate Control Systems, Inc. to provide automated mailing equipment services in the amount of $272.93 monthly for 60 months effective August 27, 2024. The town said a quote was also obtained from Pitney Bowes. The new deal is expected to save the town about $1,680 over the life of the contract.
The mailing equipment is used to primarily prepare and send utility bills. It will replace a system that has not been updated in “many years” and offers faster processing of 110 letters per minute.
The Century Town Council also voted to renew a contract with the Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) for planning services to manage items related to their comprehensive plan, land development code, development review. ERRC will bill the town an hourly rate for personnel, ranging from $64 for a planner III, to $80 for a planner IV or a GIS coordinator, to $100 for a community and economic development director.
The council meeting followed their first budget workshop for the next fiscal year.
Pictured: The Century Town Council Tuesday night approved travel for Council member Shelisa McCall-Abraham (above) and Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. (below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Law Firm Namesake, Who Grew Up In Cottage Hill, Passes Away At Age 104
August 7, 2024
Patrick Emmanuel, one of the namesakes of the law firm Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon , has passed away at the age of 104. He grew up in Cottage Hill in North Escambia.
Patrick was born in Pensacola on January 25, 1920, to George Joseph Emmanuel and Mary Josephine Gibney Emmanuel.
He grew up in Cottage Hill, and attended a two-room schoolhouse, the Cottage Hill Grammar School, which allowed him to skip two grades.
Upon graduation from St. Michael’s High School, Patrick commenced his studies at the University of Florida at age 16. In 1940, he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Since he was too young to accept his Army ROTC commission, Patrick began his legal studies at the University of Florida College of Law. After two years of law school, Patrick served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He was assigned to the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion which was primarily attached to the 28th Infantry Division, the “Keystone” Division.
Patrick’s unit entered the war in Europe on July 24, 1944, when it landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. On August 29, 1944, the battalion marched down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe in the parade celebrating the liberation of Paris. That afternoon, they took up front line positions and were again fighting the Germans near St. Denis. His unit helped liberate France, Belgium and Luxembourg. During the battle of Hurtgen Forest, his unit experienced “‘some of the most intense warfare known to man.” Patrick’s unit helped hold the Vossenack Ridge. In this fierce struggle, the Germans began calling the Keystones the “Bloody Bucket” and from that time, the 28th Infantry Division was nicknamed the “Bloody Bucket” Division.
Starting on December 16, 1944, the battalion fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes, one of the major battles of WWII. The unit also fought at Colmar and the Ruhr Pocket. They continued fighting in France and Germany until V-E Day on May 8, 1945. In July of 1945, the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion was redeployed to the U.S. Patrick was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged from the Army with the rank of Major upon the conclusion of WWII in Europe.
Patrick completed his L.L.B. (predecessor to J.D.) at the University of Florida College of Law in 1946. Upon graduating, Patrick returned to Pensacola and joined the law firm of Holsberry and Holsberry. In 1947, he was made partner, and the firm’s name was changed to Holsberry, Holsberry and Emmanuel. It later became Emmanuel, Sheppard and Condon, which is celebrating its 111th anniversary this year.
Patrick concentrated his legal practice in real estate, corporate, banking, healthcare law, construction law, wills and estates, and business litigation. He served on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar from 1968 to 1974, and was reelected in 1982. He served as Florida Bar President-elect from 1984-1985 and as President from 1985-1986. He was President of The Florida Bar Foundation from 1971-1973. He served on the Federal Judicial Nomination Commission of Florida as Chairman and Member from 1974-1981. In 1987, he was awarded The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award. In 2001, The Florida Bar Foundation awarded Patrick its Medal of Honor. Patrick was AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and the American Bar Association. Patrick retired from the practice of law on May 2, 2014, at the age of 94.
On May 15, 1948, Patrick married the love of his life, Olivia Bobe Cooke. They were married for 74 years. Patrick worked hard to support his family and was able to send his seven children to college. Patrick and Olivia enjoyed traveling, with multiple trips to Chicago, New York, California and Europe. Patrick and Olivia were gracious southern hosts who enjoyed entertaining with many dinner parties in their home. They also enjoyed sitting side-by-side reading their latest books and magazines.
Patrick was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. For many years, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His church awards included the “Knight of St. Gregory” bestowed by Pope John XXIII in 1960. He twice was honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and 2000. He was also named an honorary member of the religious order of the Daughters of Charity in recognition of his service and contributions to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Throughout his life, Patrick was extensively involved in civic activities in the Pensacola community. At the 43rd annual PACE Awards in 2002, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce gave Patrick its “Spirit of Pensacola” Award. The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola and the UWF College of Business awarded Patrick its “Ethics in Business” Award in 2004. For many years, Patrick served on the Board of Directors and as pro bono legal counsel for Northwest Florida Children’s Home, and on the Advisory Board of Sacred Heart Hospital.
Patrick is preceded in death by his wife, Olivia Bobe Emmanuel; his parents, George Joseph Emmanuel and Mary Josephine Gibney Emmanuel; his three siblings, Mary Catherine Emmanuel Towery, George Joseph Emmanuel, Jr. and Joseph Brunaugh Emmanuel; and two daughters, Mary Josephine Emmanuel Hanover and Suzanne Emmanuel.
He is survived by six children, Deborah Emmanuel, Patrick G. Emmanuel, Jr. (Christy), Robert Emmanuel (Karen) – all of Pensacola, Barbara Emmanuel (Bernie) of Atlanta, Stephen Emmanuel (Susan) of Tallahassee, and John Emmanuel (Patty) of Tampa; son-in-law, Dennis Hanover in Fort Collins, CO; and his 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“We are eternally grateful for the legacy left by Patrick Emmanuel. He was an inspirational leader and force in the Pensacola community. We wish comfort and peace to Mr. Emannuel’s family during this time,” the firm said in a statement release Tuesday.
Police: Century Man Facing Charges After Running From Arranged Drug Deal In Flomaton
August 7, 2024
A Century man is facing drug charges after meeting an undercover cop in Flomaton buy drugs, according to the Atmore Police Department.
Brandon Jackson, 38, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and attempting to elude an officer.
Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann said an undercover agent contacted Jackson to arrange to purchase narcotics, and they agreed to meet in Flomaton.
McMann said Jackson fled when police exited their vehicle in uniform. He was taken into custody and was in possession of over five grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale, APD said.
Jackson was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton without bond.
Waterfront Rescue Mission Opening Shelter Program For Homeless Women
August 7, 2024
The Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola is opening “Hope for Her,” a shelter program dedicated to supporting homeless women in Escambia County.
The facility will provide overnight shelter for up to 49 single women each night, including access to restrooms, showers, clean clothing, laundry services, warm beds, meals, and support from chaplains and other Mission personnel.
“Hope for Her,” is a dedicated program to support homeless women in Escambia County.
“The need for dedicated services for homeless women in Escambia County has never been more urgent,” said Clay Romano, President of Waterfront Rescue Mission. “With ‘Hope for Her,’ we aim to provide the shelter, care, and resources these women desperately need. Most importantly, the women who stay at Waterfront will be safe and secure from the dangers of sleeping on the streets.”
In recent years, the issue of homelessness among women in Escambia County has grown significantly. According to the Florida Council on Homelessness Annual Report, the number of homeless individuals in Escambia County surged by 61% from 2022 to 2023. Women, who make up an average of 29% of the homeless population nationally, are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as economic instability, domestic violence, and the lack of affordable housing.
“This marks a monumental step forward for our community. The opening of the overnight women’s shelter by the Waterfront Rescue Mission is a testament to their unwavering commitment to compassion and service. This shelter is desperately needed, offering safety and support to those who have faced unimaginable challenges. The community is grateful to the Waterfront Rescue Mission for their dedication to making our community a place where
everyone can find hope and refuge,” added. Florida District 1 Rep. Michelle Salzman.
Friday Night: Meet The Chiefs; Tate Crimson And Gray Football & Fish Fry
August 7, 2024
High school football is returning, with special events this Friday night at both Northview at Tate high schools.
Tate High School
It’s good food, good friends and good football with the Tate Aggies Crimson and Gray game and fish fry is this Friday at 6:30 p.m.
It’s $15 for a fish plate with all the fixing and admission; $10 for a fish plate only, $7 for admission with no fish plate, or $3 for a student entrance only ticket.
Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite for this event only by clicking here. Regular season game tickets will once again be sold on GoFan.
Northview High School
The annual Northview High School will be at 6 p.m. Friday in Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium. It’s free admission to meet the Northview Chiefs football players, coaches, cheerleaders, and band. Local youth football players and cheerleaders will also be introduced.
Admission is free.
Heat Advisory: Sunny, Upper 90s Today
August 7, 2024
There is heat advisory in effect for Wednesday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 105. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 105. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. West wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 95.
Wahoos Beat M-Braves 7-3
August 7, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos picked up right where they left off on Tuesday night, following last week’s offensive outburst in Chattanooga with a 7-3 win over the Mississippi Braves in the opener of a six-game series.
Braves knuckleballer David Fletcher (L, 1-4) wasn’t fooling anyone in his fourth start against the Blue Wahoos in the span of two months. The converted position player surrendered 14 hits and six runs over 5.0 innings while striking out only one batter.
14 of Pensacola’s 16 hits on the night were singles. One notable exception was Jacob Berry’s two-run homer in the second inning, giving the Blue Wahoos a quick 3-0 lead.
Additional RBI singles from Graham Pauley, Cody Morissette and Joe Mack helped provide cushion for Patrick Monteverde (W, 2-2), who allowed three runs, two earned, over 5.1 innings while striking out eight batters.
Mississippi’s only damage came in the second, as an infield error opened the door for an RBI double from Keshawn Ogans and two-run single from Bryson Horne. Monteverde ran into more trouble in the sixth, but Adam Laskey stranded two runners and contributed 2.2 scoreless innings of relief before Matt Pushard shut the door in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos kept pace behind the first-place Biloxi Shuckers, who won 6-3 in Montgomery to maintain a 3.0-game lead in the South Division with 35 games remaining in the regular season.
The series in Mississippi continues on Wednesday. First pitch from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT
Emily Christine (Black) Truesdell
August 7, 2024
Emily Christine (Black) Truesdell, age 95, passed away on August 5, 2024, at her home in Bogia, Florida, not far from where she was born on December 14, 1928. Christine trusted Jesus as her Savior as a young girl & continued her walked with the Lord faithfully through the years by reading her Bible & praying every day as she enjoyed her morning cup of coffee. She was a devoted, life-long member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she willingly assumed the responsibility of any role that needed filling at the church, some of which included Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, choir member, & clerk. The last few years of her life, she impacted the congregations of 2 other churches with her talkative personality, Flag Chapel Baptist Church & Pensacola Baptist Temple.
Christine was a pillar of her community. Her legacy of involvement extends beyond her personal life. For many years, she was an active member of the McDavid Sew & Sew Club. She & her late husband, Raymond Truesdell, were members of Gideons International. They travelled the States with the church in their RV, conducting backyard Bible clubs. They also enjoyed travelling with the Good Sam RV Club. She was a talented lady, showcasing her ability as a model in a fashion show at Pensacola Junior College & singing in the county-wide choir long ago. Through the years, she enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting lessons, growing plants, & fishing.
After raising her family, her professional life included a short time at the Vanity Fair Sewing Factory, after which she pursued a career in nursing. She received her Practical Nursing License & worked for many years as a bed-side nurse at Brewton Memorial Hospital, Tuberville Memorial Hospital in Century, & finally retiring at University Hospital in Pensacola. Even after retirement, she continued to be active serving her community as a volunteer nurse at the Health & Hope Clinic in Century.
Christine loved her family & was proud of them. Though many passed before her, she enjoyed spending time with her friends for as long as she was able. Many who know her well, will tell you she never wanted you to bring her chocolates, preferring instead any hard, colorful candy & she loved sharing them with others.
Perhaps her most enduring legacy of love will be the care she & Raymond gave to numerous foster children down through the years. Their home was always open to anyone, family or stranger, no matter the need. She will be remembered for the caring, hardworking, & capable lady she was & for the hospitality she administered to so many.
She is survived by her daughter, June Capps, & her son, Rev. Dexter Truesdell (Laura), both of Bogia, Florida; son-in-law, Bobbie Robbins & brother-in-law, Fred Petty, both of central Florida; 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; & many nephews, nieces, & cousins around the country. She is proceeded in death by her husband of 65 years, Raymond Truesdell; her parents, Rupert & Idell Black; her brother, Rubert Black Jr (Buddy); her sister, Joan Brooks; her daughter, Jane Baker Robbins; & her son-in-law, Andy Capps.
The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for making it possible to care for their mother & grandmother at home till the end.
Funeral service will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Ralph, Reverend Dexter Truesdell and Reverend Wesley Enfinger officiating.
Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 9, 2024 from 9:30 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Scott Capps, Travis Truesdell, Nathan Truesdell, Trew Ralph, Johnny Brooks, and Lance Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Teddy Toop, David Huggins, Grey Welch, Dalton Steadham, Bill Welch, Basil Petty, and Jimmy Malone.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, inAtmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Updated: Report Details Child Neglect, Cruelty Charges Against Fired Deputy
August 6, 2024
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report details the allegations against an ECSO deputy that was fired after he and his wife were arrested on child neglect charges.
Christopher George Turney, 40, and Leandra Childers Turney, 39, were each charged with two counts of felony child neglect without great bodily harm and two counts of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor by failing to require school attendance, Christopher Turney was also charged with one felony count of cruelty toward a child.
The alleged abuse occurred between May 2022 and August 1, 2024.
Christopher Turney was released from jail on a $17,000 bond, and Leandra Turney was released on a $14,000 bond. Both mugshots were exempt from release by Florida law (F.S.S. 119.071).
The following allegations were made, according to an ECSO arrest report obtained Tuesday by NorthEscambia.com:
The investigation began after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Beulah Baptist Church were one of the children had threatened self-harm due to physical and mental abuse at the hands of the Turneys.
The child told deputies that Christopher Turney is historically physically abusive to him and has punched him in the face, causing bruising. He stated that he was fearful of telling his story because he thought “no one would believe me because (he) is a cop.” The child stated that he started walking to Beulah Baptist Church and finally told a preacher of the abuse of was afraid to return home.
The child stated that he had not had formal education since his adoption in 2017 and made money by mowing about 20 lawns a month and earns $20-$0 each. He stated that all of the money earned is immediately taken by Christopher Turney who uses it to purchase groceries.
Both children were forensically interviewed at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House.
The female child stated that she moved to Florida from Alabama in 2019, and that they are homeschooled, working on school assignments about one or two hours per day. She said she reads books, tells what it was about and receives a passing grade. She stated that she was unaware what grade level she was in. The child stated that Leandra Turney was responsible for school assignments and oversight, but she is often out of town on business and not able to provide the supervision.
The female child stated she does not have a primary care physician and has only seen a doctor when sick. She denied ever witnessing abuse in the home.
The deputy not that the decay on her front teeth was obvious, with photographs depicting four front teeth that are black from decay and a large pit on one tooth.
She said “she doesn’t brush her teen because she does not have toothbrush. (She) said (redacted) Christopher was ’saving up money’ to get a new toothbrush and fix her teeth,” a deputy wrote in the report.
The male child told deputies that he would rather be “homeless” than return home, and that he suffers abuse weekly. He said Christopher Turney “choked him out” as recently as July 27, 2024, and he was unable to breathe. He said he took photos of the bruising and skin irritation and provided four photographs of what appeared to be discoloration and bruising of his face and chest.
He stated that he enjoys reading but does not do so as an educational assignment.
During an interview with an ECOS investigator, Christopher Turney, accompanied by a defense attorney, stated that he was ultimately responsible for the children’s care and hygiene. He stated that the female had an upcoming dental appointment in Alabama this September, and that a relative is a dental provider and has provided the family with dental care in the past. The family member told the ECSO that he works as a dental hygienist but has not provided or assisted with any dental care since 2018, which was before one child was born in 2019. She stated she has provided the family with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and basic supplies for daily care.
Christopher Turney stated that Leandra Turney is often out of town, and while she is the primary contact for the children’s homeschooling, he often assists the children with their work assignments.
Christopher Turney admitted that he “spanked” a child about seven years ago with no physical discipline of any kind since then, instead opting to “talk things out” with the child. He denied causing any marks or bruising, claiming his worst form of reaction is to yell.
The report states that the Turney’s have not provided documentation or proof of compliance with state statutes of homeschooling children.
The male child often breaks things at home, Christopher Turney said, and the lawn care money is used to replace the items.
Resurfacing Project Nearing Completion On Highway 196
August 6, 2024
A resurfacing project on a portion of Highway 196 near Molino is nearing completion.
The roadway is being resurfaced over about two miles from Highway 29 to Country Road 95A.
According to Escambia County, crews are expected to finish the paving operation as early as Tuesday, weather permitting.
There will be incidental work performed in the days to follow, such as shoulder work to seed and sod, concrete driveways to finish and final striping after pavement cure time.
Pictured: Highway 196 between Highway 29 and Highway 95A as seen on Saturday, August 3. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
