Fields of Faith: Community Worship Service Wednesday Night At Northview
October 8, 2019
Northview High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host their sixth annual Fields of Faith at Northview High School Wednesday night at 6:00 in Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Admission is free; the public is encouraged to attend.
Fields of Faith is national student-led initiative. “Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together,” according to national organizers.
Pictured: Last year’s Fields of Faith at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Proposes Minimum Teacher Salary Of $47,500
October 8, 2019
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing an increase in the minimum starting salary for teachers across the state.
The governor’s proposed 2020 budget recommendation will include a pay raise for more than 101,000 teachers in Florida by raising the minimum salary to $47,500. The starting salary in Escambia County for new hire teachers is $37,800, according to the district website.
According to the National Education Association, Florida ranks 26th in the nation for starting teacher pay at $37,636. With this investment of over $600 million, raising the minimum salary to $47,500 will rank Florida second in the nation for starting teacher pay.
“We are experiencing a teacher shortage in Florida,” said DeSantis during an announcement at Middleburg High School in Clay County.
“With a strong economy and plenty of jobs available in other fields, unfortunately too many college graduates are unwilling to enter the teaching profession. My proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers to $47,500 will help alleviate this shortage and elevate the teaching profession to the level of appreciation it deserves. This is long overdue, and I look forward to working with the legislature to make this a reality,” DeSantis said.
“Getting a great teacher in front of every child is the number one proven way to get great outcomes for students,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Today, Governor Ron DeSantis is elevating Florida’s teachers like never before and is making a statement nationally that Florida is the Education State and he is the Education Governor. Florida going from number 26 to number 2 in the nation in starting pay sends a clear signal to Florida’s teachers and our entire education family that we are ready to celebrate our teachers and foster lifelong success for our students.”
Jim Allen Elementary Holding Book Fair; Family Night Is Tuesday
October 8, 2019
The annual Scholastic book fair is underway through Friday in the Jim Allen Elementary School media center. Family night will be Tuesday from 2:45 until 6 p.m. All profits benefit Jim Allen students. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Hosting Community Heroes Story Time
October 8, 2019
The Molino Branch Library is hosting a Community Heroes Story Time series during October.
Last week, participants had the opportunity to meet a forest ranger and Smokey Bear.
On Wednesday, October 9, children can learn how deputies train their K-9 partners and work as a team to keep the community safe. On Wednesday, October 16, children can meet local firefighters and see a fire engine. Both programs begin at 10:30 a.m.
Pictured: Smokey Bear visited the Community Heroes Story Time last week at the Molino Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Service, Vehicle Registration Event Returns To Century Next Month
October 8, 2019
Mobile driver’s license and vehicle registration services will return to Century on Tuesday, November 5, for a single day event.
Thee Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office will be in Century from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Citizens can renew vehicle registrations up to three months and driver’s licenses up to 18 months in advance of expiration.
Citizens using the FLOW services are encouraged to visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com and click the “What Do I Bring” button for information on what is needed for these services. Staff from the tax collector’s office will be on hand to answer all FLOW service questions and questions concerning all other tax collector services such as property tax, business tax receipts, concealed weapons licensing, etc. Citizens also can drop off property tax payments (checks only).
Pictured: Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) provided motorist services such as driver’s license renewals in Century in early August. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dawson C. Smith
October 8, 2019
Dawson C. Smith, 83, of Jay, Florida went to his Heavenly Home on Monday , October 7, 2019. He was born to Hubert and Leila Mae Smith on November 16,1935 .
Dawson retired from the State of Florida and the Department of Transportation after 25 years of service in 1996.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Thelma P. Smith ,his parents ,Brothers Clealtous Smith , Truman Smith ,Redford Smith ,sisters Faye Taylor, Euretha Enfinger , Sharon Ann Smith.
He is survived by two daughters Deborah (Richard)Hawthorne, Rhonda (Philip) Marshall. Three grandsons Dr.Richard(Serda)Hawthorne , Jonathan (Shelby) Marshall , Joshua (Kaitlin) Marshall. Six great grandchildren Alexis, Eli
,Tessa Hawthorne. Brady , Brooks Marshall and Jasper Marshall . One special brother Tommie Smith . One special niece Jane Salter and other nieces and nephews .
The family will receive visitors at Jay Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, October 9,2019 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. with funeral to follow .Rev. Bobby Carnley and Rev. Adam Peterson officiating . Burial to follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery .
Pallbearers will be Richard Hawthorne, Philip Marshall, Jonathan Marshall ,Joshua Marshall , Kevin Smith and Stephen Jackson .
The family extends a special thanks to The Terrace at Ivey Acres and the nurses and staff of Jay Hospital. A special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kelly
John David Andrews
October 8, 2019
John David Andrews passed away on September 28, 2019 in an inpatient Covenant Hospice facility in Pensacola, Florida. He was born on February 24, 1962 in Flomaton, Alabama.
John attended Byrneville Elementary in Century, graduated from Escambia Academy High School in Canoe, Alabama and then as an adult attended the University of South Florida, majoring in Psychology. After attending USF, John returned to Pensacola and completed his bachelors of science degree in Business Management from the University of West Florida. He also worked as a self-employed contractor in the flooring industry. John was a lover of music, and possessed a green thumb. He also loved to care for fish aquariums. John loved his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Douglas Andrews; maternal grandparents, Harold & Eva Mae McCurdy; paternal grandparents, Roy & Myrtle Andrews; niece, Stephanie Macks; great nephew, Adam Knowles; Special aunts, Jane McCurdy, Sue Lamb, and Lonnie Mae Beasley; and special friend Larry Smith.
He is survived by his mother, Mary McCurdy Andrews; sisters, Sandra Andrews Greenwell and family and Anne Andrews Powell and family; brother, Steven Douglas Andrews; special friend, Michael Vincent; and many other family and friends.
A private memorial service was held on Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at Pensacola Beach.
The family requests instead of flowers or gifts, that consideration be given to donate to research for liver and lung diseases.
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
Michael Woodrow “Crow” McCrory
October 8, 2019
Michael Woodrow “Crow” McCrory, 52 of Atmore, AL. passed away October 6, 2019, Andalusia, AL. He was born in Monroeville, AL on April 12, 1967 to Cylas Clifton and Alice Faye Davison McCrory. He worked at Holman Prison as a Prison Guard. He is preceded in death by his father, step-father; Thomas Heathcock, grandparents; Bill and Eugene Davison and Claude and Nellie McCrory.
He is survivored by his Mother, Alice Faye Heathcock of Atmore, AL. Two Daughters: Noel McCrory, Ashleigh (Anthony) Quinn and a Son Drake Strickland all of Bay Minette, AL. Two Sisters; Teresa (Danny) Dabbs of Saucier, MS. Jeanne (Cecil) Corey of Poarch,AL. A Brother; Tommy Darrell McCrory of Atmore, AL. Grandchildren; Carter and Cayson, Anzleigh, Ayden, Ace, and Presley Strickland. His girlfriend, Amy Boan of Andalusia, AL. and five Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday October 9, 2019 at 2PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dorcy McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in Excel Cemetery. Active Pallbearers; Steve Kennedy, Johnny Elliott, Cody Nall, Richard Tippie , Richie House, Connor Burt, George Laurie and Scott Everette.
Visitation will be held Wednesday October 9, 2019 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1PM until service time at 2PM.
Driver Trapped After Dump Truck Crash On Barrineau Park Bridge
October 7, 2019
A driver was trapped in his overturned dump truck about an hour and half this morning before being airlifted to the hospital.
The driver lost control of his loaded dump truck at the Barrineau Park Bridge that spans the Perdido River between Alabama and Florida. The truck overturned on the Alabama (western) end of the bridge. The driver was pinned by the wreckage and a guardrail.
First responders from both states, including a special operations team from Escambia County, worked feverishly to remove the driver during an extensive extrication process.
The adult male was airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital. An update on his condition was not available.
At 12:30 p.m., the bridge remained closed due to the overturned truck and spilled load of dirt.
Further information has not been released as Alabama State Troopers continue their investigation.
The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Rosington and Gateswood volunteer fire departments from Baldwin County, MedStar EMS, Escambia County EMS, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were among the responding agencies.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Local Farm Named Florida’s Outstanding Tree Farm Of the Year
October 7, 2019
The Russell Brothers Farm near McDavid has been named the 2019 Florida Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year.
The annual award recognizes private landowners that have done a remarkable job of sustainably managing forests on their property. Russell Brothers’ Farm exemplifies a legacy of family forest managed not only for wood that may one day be harvested but for water conservation, wildlife habitat and primarily to create a sense of place in honor of the Russell Family, according to the Florida Forest Service.
The farm was originally purchased by Jay and Clara Russell in 1946. Since Jay and Clara have passed on, the name on the deed has changed, but it remains family land that plays a central role in keeping the family together.
John Russell lives on the property, managing it for the family, and hosting a large family gathering each Thanksgiving. They enjoy hayrides together hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife and marvel at the growth of young longleaf pines.. Other times of year the Russell’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren hike down to Pine Barren Creek in the north part of the property to explore and play in the water.
The 109-acre property off Highway 164 has seen some changes over the years. Former row crop land is now a young but rapidly growing longleaf pine stand. A mature natural longleaf stand that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 has been replaced by younger pines with native grasses and wildflowers. A hay field separates the pine stands.
Pine Barren Creek has always cut across the northern boundary of the property and is surrounded by a variety of hardwoods many of which are more frequently seen in areas north of Florida.
John works hard to keep up the property, hoping it will still be enjoyed by Russells in another hundred years. He maintains three miles of trails and is continuing a battle against invasive privet.
He has become a certified prescribed burner in order keep up with the burning on the property. The two young longleaf stands were planted by John and his brother, Keith. These stands are burned on a two-year rotation to encourage a low and diverse ecosystem.
John is rewarded not only by a sense of accomplishment for what he is doing for the land and his family, but also with sightings of wildlife during quiet morning walks. Through his diligent and careful management, he has noted an increase in wildlife of all kinds.
“One family’s healthy forest is a community benefit and John does his part. Not only does he hope a younger generation of Russells are inspired to continue the legacy of caring for the land, but he tells stories of other children who have come to the property as family friends or in school groups, some who have never been in rural settings. He is pleased that these children leave in wonder at what they have seen and is happy the property can be used to spark their imaginations and educate them on the value of forest ecosystems, the Florida Forest Service said in announcing the award. “John has shown leadership in sustainability and legacy. The Russell Brothers Farm is a gem in the Oak Grove community where evidence of good forest management is readily seen.”