Unoccupied Home Near Davisville Burns To The Ground
January 31, 2025
An unoccupied home near Davisville burned to the ground Thursday morning.
Escambia County Fire Rescue was called to the 5000 block of Sandy Hollow Road, just south of West Highway 4 about 5:18 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find that the home had burned to the ground.
The home reportedly had not electricity or gas service.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no injuries.
The Walnut Hill, Molino, and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Today Is The Congressional Special Primary Election. Here’s Who Is On The Ballot.
January 28, 2025
Today is the Special Primary Election in the race to replace Matt Gaetz in Congress.
The 2025 Special Primary Election is for Republican voters only. The State of Florida holds closed primary elections, meaning only registered Republicans will be eligible for the 2025 Special Primary Election There is only one Democratic candidate, Gay Valimont so there is no Democratic primary. Today’s primary winner will face Valimont and write in candidates during the general election on April 1.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., midday, and 4:00 p.m. until polls close.
A completed Vote By Mail ballot cannot be returned to a precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. today. If you requested a Vote By Mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, we request that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be cancelled.
Joseph Braxton Thomley
January 28, 2025
Joseph Braxton Thomley, Sr., age 85, of Perdido, AL, passed away on January 24, 2025, in Mobile, AL. He was born on December 4, 1939, in White House Fork, AL to William Benjamin and Freida Lezeita Rider Thomley. He was a heavy equipment operator with Gulf Equipment and served in the United States Army. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents; his son, William Timothy Burl Thomley and his brother, Rev. Angelo Thomley.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Weeks Thomley; his son, Joey (Sherry) Thomley of Perdido, AL; his daughter, LaDonna (Randy) Carpenter of Perdido, AL; his brothers, George (Retha) Thomley of Tensaw, AL and Dwayne (Judy) Thomley of Baraga, MI; his sisters, Billie (Roy) Foster of Pineville, FL, Betty Joan (Conny) Brady of Mobile, AL and Neita (Dewayne) Hall of Lottie, AL along with his six grandchildren, Hayley, Adam, Alex, Danielle, Timothy, Donyel; his eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 5 p.m. until service time at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Splinter Hill Holiness Church.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Splinter Hill Holiness Church in Perdido, AL with Bro. James Peacock and Bro. David Baggett officiating.
Interment will follow in Bryars-McGill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Joey Thomley, Hayley Thomley, Adam Thomley, Camron Ganey, Brandon Rolin and James Bryars.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hayden Thompson and Hunter Ganey.
Paula Jean Langford
December 30, 2024
Paula Jean Langford of Molino, Florida; beloved wife, mother, and grandmother; passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024. She was born in Pensacola on August 6, 1954, to Paul and Geraldine Houston.
In 1971 she married the love of her life, Collen Langford Jr. During their 53 years together, they had the tremendous honor and opportunity to travel and serve in many duty stations throughout Collen’s Navy service. During this time Paula and Collen raised their two wonderful sons. She served for many years as a teacher’s assistant and office aide for Escambia County Schools and later she retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office where she worked alongside her husband.
Paula was active in her church, the Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church. Her love and light will be greatly missed by the congregation. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that Paula was at peace in her relationship with the Lord; she wanted all of her friends and family to know that as she enters the gates of heaven “I’ll be young again when I get over there. No more illness or pain. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul.”
She is survived by her loving husband Collen; her sons, Dennis (Christina) Langford and Collen III (Jodie) Langford; her four beautiful grandchildren, Dominick, Allison, Sadie, and Jack; sister, Sue Hill; and brothers, Patrick and Randall Houston.
A service will be held to honor Paula on December 30, 2024, at The Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church 2690 Jacks Branch Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 at 12:00 pm, followed immediately by a reception and celebration of her life in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paula’s name to The Lathram Chapel.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements
Molino parade
November 30, 2024
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
November 3, 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:
- U.S. 98 Road Closure for Pensacola Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival – Motorists will encounter a temporary road closure on Bayfront Parkway from 9th Avenue to Government Street from 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1 through 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 for the Pensacola Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions, Monday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 7, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., while crews perform concrete work at the following locations:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
- Gregory Square westbound outside lane closures near North Tarragona Street.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, Nov. 3, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street near North Pace Boulevard, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Thursday, Nov. 7, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary traffic shift.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Nov. 3:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Beginning the week of Nov. 4, U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard), between Rudolph Street and Green Street, will reopen to four travel lanes (two travel lanes in each direction). Resurfacing construction activities will continue through the end of the year and drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and to allow crews to remove low-profile barrier walls. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- S.R. 289 (9th Avenue) and S.R. 291 (North Alcaniz Street) Routine Railroad Maintenance – Motorists may encounter road closures at the railroad crossing near East Wright Street starting 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4 to 5 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 for routine railroad maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) Coring Operations from U.S. 90 to South of Clear Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Nov. 6, Thursday, Nov. 7 and Monday, Nov. 11 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- 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, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 8, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Property Tax Bills Are In The Mail, And There Are Available Discounts
November 2, 2024
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, has announced the collection of the 2024 real estate and tangible personal property taxes is underway. This year’s rolls include 185,133 accounts totaling over $464 million. Bills were delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing.
Florida Statutes provides discounts for early payments as follows:
- November payments are discounted 4%
- December payments are discounted 3%
- January payments are discounted 2%
- February payments are discounted 1%
- March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2025. Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
Many options are available:
- online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com – Pay by eCheck. There is never an extra fee. Once your payment has posted, proof of payment may be printed online.
- 24–hour drop box
In addition, help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Lunsford also encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Payment Installment Plan. By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one lump sum payment. Each quarterly bill will receive a different discount for early payment as prescribed by Florida Statutes. The quarterly payments are due by the last day of June, September, December, and March. The Installment Payment Plan application deadline for 2025 property taxes is April 30, 2025.
Property owners can apply online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Lunsford said, “The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time.”
Find more information on the installment plan by clicking here.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – $226 million
- District School Board – $165 million
- City of Pensacola – $32.3 million
- Sheriff MSTU – $15.3 million
- Escambia Children’s Trust – $12.4 million
- Library MSTU – $11 million
- Northwest Florida Water Management – $683,200
- Downtown Improvement Board – $839,200
- Town of Century – $55,000
MSBU collections are detailed as follows:
- County Fire Protection – $21.3 million
- City Stormwater – $4.8 million
- Other MSBUs – $1.9 million
If you do not receive your tax bill by November 12, visit, EscambiaTaxCollector.com for the amount due or to print a copy. You can also call (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252.
Molino and Cantonment Head Start Fall Festival -Thursday
October 23, 2024
Ouida Louise Troutman McGill
October 23, 2024
Mrs. Ouida Louise Troutman McGill, age 88, passed away, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Atmore, AL, surrounded by her family. She was a native of Atmore, and a dedicated member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with a bright spirit that reflected her love for life. She retired as a telephone operator for Southland Telephone Company with many years of service.
Mrs. McGill enjoyed tending to her yard, where her hard work showed in the beautiful lawn she maintained. Watching her sons and grandchildren play sports brought her great joy, and she cherished quiet moments with a good book and her favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune and Brenda Gannt Cooking. Known for her delicious cooking, she made the best cornbread, lima beans, pound cake, and biscuits, and she never missed a chance to prepare a special cake for her family’s birthdays. With her morning coffee in hand, she also loved cheering for Alabama football and softball. Above all, Mrs. McGill adored spending time with her family, embodying the warmth and charm of a true Southern lady.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl (Maggie Mason) Troutman; husband, Lowell Stephen McGill, Sr; two brothers, Fredrick “Shorty” Troutman and Leon Troutman; and three sisters, Margaret Lockwood, Mary Mayson and Doris Cooper.
She is survived by her three sons, Lowell Stephen “Steve” (Janet) McGill, Jr; of Atmore, AL; Mark (Suzanne) McGill, of Atmore, AL; Bryan Wade (Farrah) McGill, of Atmore, AL; six grandchildren, Whitney Maholovich, Jordan Jones, Amanda Strawbridge, Haden McGill, Rease McGill, Wade McGill; seven great-grandchildren, Grady Jones, Will Strawbridge, Corbin Strawbridge, Thatcher McGill, Molly Jones, Jase Maholovich, Norah McGill; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Tim Tew officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Rease McGill, Haden McGill, Will Strawbridge, Jacob Maholovich, Lewis Jones, and Marion Cooper.
Clifton Herman Dunsford
October 18, 2024
Mr. Clifton Herman Dunsford, age 79, passed away, Friday, October 18, 2024 in Century, FL, surrounded by his family. He was born January 14, 1945, in Jay, FL, and has resided most of his life in Century. He was a retired supervisor with Wayne Dalton Doors with many years of service.
Mr. Dunsford was a man of many passions. He loved fishing and hunting, often spending his weekends outdoors, enjoying nature. As a skilled boat mechanic, he spent countless hours tinkering with engines and fixing up boats, which brought him a lot of joy. Gardening was another one of his favorite activities; he found great pleasure in planting and nurturing his plants. Most importantly, Mr. Dunsford cherished the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories together in the great outdoors.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Richard (Euceder Simmons) Dunsford; wife, Barbara Holley Dunsford; son, Christopher Allen Dunsford; three brothers, Wade Dunsford, James Dunsford, and Gene Dunsford; two sisters, Mollie Dunsford and Sadie Burkette; daughter-in-law, Sherry Dunsford.
He is survived by a daughter, Becky (Jamie) Cobb of Century; sister, Josie Driver of McDavid; four grandchildren, Marc Dunsford, Mitch Dunsford, Kolbi Cobb, and Kendal Payne; seven great-grandchildren, Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, Wesley Dunsford, Boe Payne, Jeremiah Dunsford, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Glenn Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Joey Gunter, Roger Burkette, Doug Dunsford, and Stephen Flowers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, and Wesley Dunsford.