Pedestrian Killed While Crossing Davis Highway
January 13, 2020
A pedestrian was struck and kill on Davis Highway near West Florida Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 17-year old Mason Rivkin of Pensacola was traveling north about 6 p.m. on Davis Highway in a 2012 Toyota Camry when a pedestrian wearing black clothing crossed the roadway outside a crosswalk. Rivkin was unable to see 61-year old Verlinda Jackson in time to stop the vehicle.
Jackson was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Rivkin and his 15-year old passenger were not injured.
No charges were filed.
Correctional Officers In Century Assaulted In Three Separate Incidents
January 13, 2020
Correctional officers in Century were recently assaulted by inmates in three separate incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
On January 2, Century Work Camp inmate Phillip Reynolds assaulted officers by kicking them in the jaw and striking them in the arm.
On January 3, Century Correctional Institution inmate Gage Eastburn assaulted an officer by biting their left hand. Medical staff examined the officer and noted injuries.
Then on January 6, Century CI inmate Tyller Heyen assaulted an officer by pinning his hand between a door and door jamb.
In all three cases, FDC said staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade Set For Monday, January 20
January 13, 2020
The 14th Annual Cantonment MLK Parade will roll at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 20.
“This parade is held in regards to the kids and the adults that are unable to attend the Pensacola MLK parade as well as the joy it bring to the entire community,” founder and coordinator Mary Floyd said. “I will need your help in making this a successful MLK parade for the Cantonment and surrounding communities.”
There are no entry fees required, but it is required that entries have plenty of candy or trinkets for children, and organizers are asking that each car or float display a symbol or picture that pertains to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Participants are asked to line up beginning at 3 p.m. at the Carver Park at 208 Webb Street. Floats, cars, horses and motorcycles are welcome.
For more information, call Floyd at (850) 390-1912.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Zebedee Nicholson
January 13, 2020
Elder Zebedee Nicholson, 87, of Pensacola, a former Century resident, transitioned early Saturday morning, January 4, 2020, at Baptist Hospital after a brief illness. Elder Nicholson was born to Matthew and Essie Kate (Scott) Nicholson, their ninth child, on March 31, 1932, in Nichburg, AL. He came to Christ and was baptized at an early age.
Growing up, he attended school in Conecuh County Alabama and Pensacola Junior College to attain his GED. He also attended courses at Liberty School of Theology.
He worked at and retired from Monsanto (Solutia) Corporation with 32 years of service; the University of West FL with 30 years of service; and the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church after serving 37 years was Pastor. He was also a security guard at Baptist Hospital for 10 years.
Past Moderator of the West Florida Alabama Louisiana Primitive Baptist District Association (20+ Years President of the Emancipation Proclamation Black History Scholarship Committee, Inc. (25+ Years) Miracle Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Home Board Member Monsanto/Solutia Retiree Organization Baptist Ministerial Alliance Member Chaplain for the International Benevolent Society (IBS) Lodge #497.
He was predeceased by his parents, eight siblings, his wife, Mary M Nicholson (March 9, 2018) and youngest daughter, Lauretta.
Elder Nicholson was committed to serving. He supported a number of organizations, especially to help education and encourage young people. He fed the masses, was a highly sought out toast master, comedienne, singer, encourager and cheerleader.
He is survived by his children, Esther (Philip) Richard of Pensacola, FL, Gwendolyn (Ricky) Tucker of Collierville, TN, Zebedee (Rosetta) Taylor of Milton, FL, Lutina (Darryl) Grant of Boston, MA, Reverend Trent (Juanita) Thomas of Charlotte, NC, many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, one great-great grandson, Jayce Williams of Pensacola, FL, brother, Reverend Jeff (Shelby) Leonard of Seattle, WA, Goddaughters Linda McCall, Mary Jay, Serita Scott,God-grandson D. J. Grant of Boston, MA, father figure to many in the ministry, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.
Celebration of Life was held Friday, January 10, 2020, at Joe Morris Funeral Home.
Homegoing services were held Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Zion Hope P. B. Church, in Pensacola.
Penny Kay Ayers
January 13, 2020
On January 3, 2020, Penny Kay Ayers, loving wife, devoted mother, and treasured friend, passed peacefully in her sleep at her Pensacola, Florida home at the age of 47.
Penny was born to Lowell and Joyce Ayers on May 19, 1972 in Biloxi, Mississippi and as a child moved to Pensacola with her parents and sister. She graduated from Tate High School and went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice from The University of West Florida. In 2008, Penny started Coastal Cleaning and worked tirelessly to build a satisfied customer base and successful business. Penny married the love of her life, Randy Ayers, on July 29, 2017, who then joined her in growing the business. They faithfully attended Hillcrest Baptist Church, where Penny was a member.
Penny was energetic and passionate in all her endeavors, but this was most evident in the love she had for her children, husband, family, and friends. With a kind and compassionate spirit, Penny was a caregiver to all and loved cooking for her family, helping her children with homework and navigating middle and high school. She dearly loved her first horse Beauty and her show horse Comanche. She loved riding horses and caring for many animals. Quick to lend a helping hand or sympathetic ear, Penny was a fierce advocate for people and animals alike. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel comfortable, welcome, and special.
Penny is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Smith Ayers and father, Lowell Edward Ayers.
She is survived by her loving husband, Randy James Ayers; children, Sidney Claire McDonald, Chase Thomas McDonald, and Callie Jordyn Chum; sister, Kimberly Jeaneen O’Connor; Uncle Tommy Ayers (Connie); brother-in-law, Paul Michael Hatfield; sister-in-law’s, Billie-Sue Hatfield and Lisa Ann Chum; niece, Abigail Louise Harrell (Logan Brown); nephew Thomas Edward “Teddy” Harrell (Erin); great nieces Ave Mae Harrell and Jamie Ella-Joy Brown. Cousins, Shanda Ayers O’Bryan and Lunden Ayers Roberts.
Memorial service was held Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Faith Chapel North. Bro. Pat Mobley of Hillcrest Baptist Church officiating.
Penny Kay was laid to rest with her parents at Riverside Cemetery in Marianna, FL.
New 448 Area Code Coming To The 850. Here’s When It Happens.
January 12, 2020
A schedule to roll out the new 448 area code for Northwest Florida has been announced.
The current 850 area code will run out of available phone numbers in early 2022, and state regulators late last year approved the addition of the 448 area code to alleviate the number crunch. The new area code would cover the same area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.
Phone companies will begin network preparation and customer education about the new area code on February 22, 2020.
During a permissive dialing period beginning August 22, 2020, phone subscribers may dial local calls within the overlay area on either a 7-digit or 10-digit basis, but will be encouraged to dial 10-digits. After the permissive period ends on February 20, 2021, all calls must be dialed using 10-digits.
The earliest date someone may receive a number with the new 448 area code will be March 20, 2021.
All existing customers will retain the 850 area code and would not have to change their telephone numbers, according to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Warm, Chance Of Rain For The Week
January 12, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 74. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 58.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Cantonment Woman Facing Multiple Drug Charges After Window Tint Violation Traffic Stop
January 12, 2020
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony drug charges after a traffic stop for illegal window tint.
Angel Diane Maroone, 22, was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (Xanax), possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Davis Highway and University Parkway on a vehicle that appeared to have window tint that was too dark.
The deputy tested the window tint, which allowed on a 12% light transmission, darker than the legal limit of 28%. The deputy observed Maroone to be nervous, smoking two cigarettes in six minutes.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy located a pink bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine, a “very large chunk” of methamphetamine, and a clear plastic bag containing Xanax. When Maroone was booked into the Escambia County Jail, corrections staff found a a plastic bag containing cocaine inside a body cavity, according to an arrest report.
Maroone remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
High Winds Damage Agricultural Shed Near Walnut Hill
January 12, 2020
High winds Saturday afternoon damaged an agricultural shed on Highway 97 near Pelt Road near Walnut Hill. There was a wind advisory and severe thunderstorm warning in effect at the time. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Continues Mountain Dulcimer Classes
January 12, 2020
The Molino Branch Library is continuing weekly classes were you can learn to play the mountain dulcimer.
The “Molino Melodies” class is held at 6 p.m. each Thursday at the library. The class is free, and no experience or materials are required. Dulcimers are provided for class use.
Pictured: A mountain dulcimer class at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
