Emuel Gerald Morgan
March 13, 2018
Mr. Emuel Gerald Morgan, age 71, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Morgan was a native of Walnut Hill, Florida and had resided in Perdido, AL for the past 14 years. He was a member of the VFW and employed with Dowdle Gas Company.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Diane Morgan of Perdido, AL; two sons, Daniel Ray (Kim) Morgan of Bay Minette, AL and Kristofor (Leslie Jarman) Laird of Atmore, AL; two daughters, Tonya Lynn Morgan of Sacramento, CA and Melisa (J.R.) Godwin of Atmore, AL; two brothers, Billy (Elaine) Morgan of Robinsonville, AL and Ronnie Reggie (Linda Gail) Morgan of McDavid, FL; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Monday, March 12, 2018, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Escambia County Receives Restore Act Funding For Three Projects
March 13, 2018
Escambia County received grant awards for three RESTORE Direct Component Pot 1 projects from the U.S. Department of Treasury as part of the county’s RESTORE Multi-Year Implementation Plan. These planning projects include the Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Revitalization Plan, the Universal Public Access Plan and the Eleven Mile Creek Basin Stormwater Ponds Plan. All three projects are expected to begin in the spring.
- The Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Revitalization Plan will develop a master plan to enhance the environmental and economic resilience of the watershed. An environmental assessment will identify the causes of legacy environmental impairments to Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar. A master plan will be developed, based on stakeholder input, to identify comprehensive restoration and recreational opportunities within the watershed. Approximately $1,308,000 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation.
- The Universal Public Access Plan will evaluate public infrastructure, including facilities, in Escambia County for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Standards to identify enhancement opportunities to meet the needs and desires of citizens with disabilities by upgrading existing infrastructure and facilities. Citizens, specifically disabled citizens, will provide input to identify amenities and priorities for future implementation by Escambia County and partner community organizations. A total of $360,000 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation.
- The Eleven Mile Creek Basin Stormwater Ponds project will plan and design two new stormwater ponds in the Eleven Mile Creek basin that will provide flood attenuation, improve water quality, expand and/or improve adjoining floodplains/wetlands, and positively impact coastal areas of Escambia County that border Perdido Bay. These pond and stream restoration sites in the Eleven Mile Creek basin have been evaluated in a recently completed due diligence report performed by the county. This application will design and permit two stormwater ponds out of 14, along with an associated drainage conveyance system. A total of $268,800 has been contributed from the RESTORE Pot 1 allocation. [Previous story...]
About the Multi-Year Implementation Project
The MYIP prioritizes eligible activities for Direct Component Pot 1 funds awarded to the county through the Deepwater Horizon Settlement and RESTORE Act, or the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. The MYIP also seeks to obtain broad-based participation from individuals, businesses, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations.
The county’s MYIP includes 10 projects selected by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for a total of $8,638,650 of the funds available in Escambia County’s allocation in the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. The approval comes after a three-year process that included diligent efforts from the RESTORE Advisory Committee, along with a 45-day public comment period for citizens to give input on the projects.
Willis Letcher Gibson
March 13, 2018
Willis Letcher Gibson, age 83, of Molino, was called home Thursday, March 8, 2018. He was born March 7, 1935, in Pensacola, FL to the late James and Doshia Gibson. Willis was known as a family man that enjoyed the simple things in life. He retired as a truck driver from ECUA after many years of faithful service.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Wanda Gibson Owens and several siblings.
He is survived by his sons, Jonnie Gibson, Sr., Glen Gibson and Kenneth Gibson; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several siblings; and a host of extended family and friends.
Services were held graveside on Monday, March 12, 2018, at Whitmire Cemetery with Rev. Bill Flannigan as officiate.
Pallbearers were Will Cawthon, Jonnie Gibson, Jr., Clayton Miller, Jordan Miller, Brian Freeman and CJ Walker.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
New Traffic Signal Now Active From I-10 To Highway 29
March 12, 2018
I-10 westbound drivers destined for Highway 29 north toward Cantonment and Highway south to Pensacola are now using the new “Exit 10″. A new traffic signal on Highway 29, located at the bottom of the ramp, was activated early Monday morning. The light will manage traffic exiting I-10 to Highway 29 south as well as Highway north and southbound traffic. The old I-10 “Exit 10A,” will be permanently closed. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Shooting At His Cottage Hill Neighbor
March 12, 2018
An Escambia County man was arrested Sunday after allegedly shooting at his neighbor.
Jason Bradley Waggoner, 36, was booked into the Escambia County Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill. He was arrested following the 11:30 a.m. incident on Highway 95A near Stacey Road. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
During a dispute with his neighbor, Waggoner allegedly fired a handgun at the neighbor but missed, according to Major Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. There were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
FDOT Suspends Construction Along Spring Break Routes
March 12, 2018
To facilitate traffic for the thousands of travelers who converge on the state of Florida for spring break, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office is suspending highway construction projects on major roadways along spring break routes across Northwest Florida. There will be no work on state roads requiring lane closures through Sunday, March 25. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over spring break, existing work zones will remain in effect. Motorists are reminded to use caution as construction workers, reduced speed limits, equipment and temporary traffic configurations may remain in place.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and online at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area. For more information, follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.
Wreck Near Flomaton Claims Life Of Brewton Woman
March 12, 2018
A single vehicle wreck just northeast of Flomaton claimed the life of a Brewton woman.
Alabama State Troopers said 47-year-old Sylvia Ann Gacek was the passenger in a 2002 Ford Explorer that left the roadway and overturned about 7 p.m. near the intersection of Oil Well Road and Wolf Log Road. She was pronounced dead on scene.
The driver of the vehicle, 52-year old Sharon Ann Strength of Flomaton, was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. A second victim who has not been named by state troopers was also airlifted to Sacred Heart in a second medical helicopter.
The victims were trapped in the vehicle before being extricated by firefighters.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
The Flomaton and Friendship fire departments, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia (FL) EMS, Brewton EMS, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Flomaton Police Department also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
March 12, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings for the week of March 12-16:
Monday, March 12
Marine Advisory Committee – 4:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Tuesday, March 13
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Board of County Commissioners/School Board Joint Meeting – 5 p.m., 30 E. Texar Drive, Pensacola. To watch the meeting live, click here.
Escambia County Housing Finance Authority – 5 p.m., 700 S. Palafox Place
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., 420 W. Chase St.
Wednesday, March 14
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (Agenda)
Thursday, March 15
Community Redevelopment Agency – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place (Agenda)
BCC Agenda Review Session – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Public Fourm – 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place
High Five Fridays: Correctional Institution Officers, Elementary Kids Trade Encouragement
March 12, 2018
Corrections officers from Century Correctional Institution and students from Jay Elementary School traded lots of high fives Friday.
The Jay Elementary School PTO started High Five Friday to connect students with uniformed officials and rescue heroes from the community. It’s an effort to keep kids enthusiastic and energized about learning.
The uniformed officials stop by on Friday mornings and give the students high fives and words of encouragement.
Pictured: Students from Jay Elementary School and corrections officers from Century Correctional Institution trade high fives during last week’s High Five Friday. Courtesy photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Northview Weightlifters Win Districts, Team Takes Second Overall
March 12, 2018
Two Northview High School weightlifters won district championships as the Chiefs placed second overall.
During the District 1-1A weightlifting meet at Baker High School, two Chiefs claimed district championships. Senior Justin Helton won the unlimited division and sophomore Trent Kite won the 129-lb. division.
- 3rd Place: Colton Dockens (SO – 154-lb. class)
- 4th Place: Logan Bryan (FR – 119-lb. class
- 4th Place Dalton Hadley (SR – 139-lb. class);
- 4th Place: Jarius Moorer (JR – 154-lb. class)
- 4th Place: Aunterio Minor (SO – 169-lb. class)
- 4th Place; Ray’von Bush (JR – 183-lb. class)
- 4th Place Jojo Parker (SO – 199-lb. class)
- 5th Place: Lance McLaughlin (JR – 199-lb. class)
- 6th Place: Tyler Ray (FR – 129-lb. class)
Next for the Chiefs, all 11 individual placers will advance to the 2018 FHSAA Region 1 weight meet, to be held at Baker High School on Saturday, March 24.
Pictured top: Trent Kite (left) and Justin Helton won district weightlifting championships for the Northview Chiefs. Pictured below: The Chiefs team placed second overall. Pictured bottom: Helton and Kite on the podium. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
