Anthony Tyrone Matthews, Sr.
December 26, 2024
Funeral services for Anthony Tyrone Matthews, Sr., will be held at noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Emmanuel Faith Center, 701 East Ridgely Street in Atmore.
Public viewing will be held on Friday January 3, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home in Atmore.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2024
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s a story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
First Responders Put On Christmas Light Show For Children’s Hospital Patients (With Gallery)
December 25, 2024
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
He will bring us goodness and light.
For the fifth year, local first responders gathered outside the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Christmas Eve night. Children and families inside watched as the first responders gathered outside waving, every emergency light flashing. A few minutes to say they care about the children inside and shine a little light for those who can’t be home this Christmas.
The Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia County Fire Rescue and more made Christmas a bit brighter for those in the children’s hospital.
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Merry Christmas! Showers Possible Tonight
December 25, 2024
Here is your official NorthEscambia.com area forecast:
Christmas Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Santa And Mrs. Claus Take Last Minute Trip Through Century, Byrneville
December 25, 2024
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a last-minute trip through Century and Byrneville on Tuesday morning thanks to the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Santa made stops to visit good boys and girls at the Byrneville Community Center and on Hecker Road. The Jolly Old Elf also stopped by the Century Center for Health Rehabilitation to visit with the residents.
Pictured: Santa and Mrs. Claus travel through Century on a fire truck in Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Shop With A Cop’ Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children
December 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop provided Christmas for over 50 children.
ECSO partnered with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation and Walmart to bring holiday cheer.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
ECSO deputies shopped for these kids based on a special list they each submitted. The kids then visited the ECSO special winter wonderland party, where they received all of their gifts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Create Special Moment In ‘My Wish’ Day for Young Boy
December 25, 2024
by Bill Vilona
Nine-year-old Dalton White had never held a hockey stick, put on a helmet or attended an Ice Flyers game. The young local boy, who is battling through an illness, got to experience all of that recently through Covenant Care’s My Wish program.
The day served as a heartwarming reminder of how sports can create unforgettable memories and bring joy to those who need it most. For White, what started as a simple wish to experience hockey turned into an extraordinary day filled with surprises, smiles, and the warmth of the Ice Flyers family.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Putting all of the usual game day preparations aside, the Ice Flyers organization dedicated the entire morning to making sure White’s wish was nothing short of extraordinary. The second he entered the arena with his mother, Laura, he started the journey of being a high-profile player signing with the team.
The day began with White meeting Team Owner Greg Harris and receiving a warm welcome from the staff, who captured the special moments with photos and video. White then visited the office of Head Coach Gary Graham, and then signed his official contract, becoming the youngest Ice Flyer in team history.
“These special charity moments, especially when they involve kids, those are the ones closest to my heart,” Graham said. “You get a chance to really have a one-on-one impact with someone. Dalton really got the limelight on him, so it was incredible to see how he handled it.”
After signing his contract, he checked in with the team equipment manager, Jim Chesnut, to get his team-issued gear. Chesnut cut down his sticks to size for him to use before walking him into the locker room to meet his fellow teammates. The team welcomed him with open arms as they introduced themselves before showing him his stall where his very own Ice Flyers jersey with his last name and his number 17 was on display, as well as his own team helmet and gloves.
His day did not stop there. He was then escorted to the team’s media room where he took photos and videos for “marketing content” just like all new players do. White and his mother then got to visit the team’s merchandise stand to pick out some swag before heading to the team’s press conference room for his official signing interviews.
Joined by Paul Chestnutt from Fox 101.1 FM, Ice Flyers correspondent Bill Vilona, and recently retired WEAR 3 ABC Sports Director, Dan Shugart, White began his press conference by announcing he would keep his helmet on for the interviews.
White said he was introduced to hockey by watching Tampa Bay Lightning games with his uncle. That led him to decide to have his My Wish Day be one with a hockey team and the Ice Flyers happily stepped up to make his day special.
“I have been on skates before, but I’m not really good at it,” said White, sheepishly, as he smiled through the press conference. “Getting my own jersey (with his chosen number 17), a stick signed by the players and helmet… it’s cool. It’s fun.”
From receiving his own personalized jersey to being “signed” by Coach Graham, every moment was crafted to make Dalton feel special. The genuine enthusiasm from the players, staff, and especially Coach Graham, transformed what could have been a day in the hospital into a day of magic and wonder for this brave nine-year-old.
“This is exactly what My Wish is about—giving Dalton a day away from illness and pain,” said Aaron West, vice president of the Covenant Care Foundation. “We couldn’t make wishes come true without donors and incredible partners like the Ice Flyers. They went above and beyond, creating an amazing experience and capturing moments that will become cherished memories for Dalton and his mom.”
Later that night, he performed the ceremonial puck drop and watched the Ice Flyers game – his first time seeing professional hockey up close in an arena setting – with his mother, along with other family members sitting right on the glass.
“When I was first contacted by Aaron and Angela at the Covenant Care Foundation regarding Dalton’s wish, I knew instantly that I wanted to get the entire organization involved and make his day with us like no other he’s had or we have had,” said Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris. “Being a part of days like these makes you take a moment to truly think, and if you’re in a position to do something for someone, you do it. This day with Dalton will hopefully last a lifetime for him, but the other side of it is that it will definitely last a lifetime for all of us a part of this day.”
As White and his family headed back to their hotel that evening, they carried with them memories that will last a lifetime. His journey from watching Tampa Bay Lightning games with his uncle to becoming an honorary Ice Flyer showcases the beautiful way sports can touch lives and create magical moments that transcend the game itself.
George Stone Students Fabricate Unique Christmas Tree
December 25, 2024
Welding students at George Stone Technical College fabricated the most unique of Christmas trees.
The daytime and evening welding classes worked together to make a metal Christmas tree.
For over 55 years, George Stone Technical College has been preparing individuals for rewarding careers and providing local businesses with a highly skilled workforce. The Escambia County School District provides over 25 career and technical eduation programs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com Teams With NORAD To Track Santa Live
December 24, 2024
NorthEscambia.com is teaming up with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track the progress of Santa Claus around the world. (In times of peak usage, you may need to give the tracker a few moments to load.)
Merry Christmas from NorthEscambia.com to you and your entire family!
House Ethics Releases Scathing Report On Matt Gaetz
December 24, 2024
The House Ethics Committee has released their report on Matt Gaetz following a yearslong investigation that Gaetz was involved in a range of illegal conduct. He has repeatedly and vehemently denied the allegations.
The Committee conclude that Gaetz “violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress”.
The allegations against the former Congressional representative included that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, which in Florida would be a felony.
“There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl,” the Committee found. “The Committee received credible testimony from VictimA herself, as well as multiple individuals corroborating the allegation.” The Committee found that there was no reason to doubt the alleged victim’s credibility. Gaetz denied the allegation but refused to testify under oath.
The reported found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid women to have sex with him, including the underage girl in 2017, during his first term in the House.
The report included the following charged the Committee said summarizes payments made by Gaetz to women and Joel Greenberg, a one-time friend of Gaetz that is now service an 11-year prison sentenced after pleading guilty in 2022 to sex trafficking.
Last week, Gaetz wrote in a post on X that was fully exonerated by the Department of Justice.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court.”
To read the full report, click here.