Atmore Movie Theater, Hardware Store Being Restored As Cultural Center
February 9, 2020
An old movie theater and hardware store will have new life in Atmore thanks to a community group.
At the time the Strand Theatre on Main Street closed, the local chamber of commerce said it was oldest continuously operated theatre in Alabama.
The last movie to be shown at the Strand Theatre was in November 2013 - a first-run film “Free Birds” about two turkeys that traveled back in time to save Thanksgiving. Now, the Atmore community has come together to save the theater and take in back in time to its glory days of the 1920s.
The theater was a regional attraction in its heyday, drawing moviegoers not only from Atmore but from the North Escambia area in Florida and several Alabama counties.
The Pride of Atmore was formed to do the legwork needed to restore not only the 99-year old Strand, but also the 122-year old building nextdoor that housed the Atmore Hardware Store. The price tag to restore both buildings comes in over $3 million.
In recent days, the needed demolition work on the theater has started, with interior walls separating the lobby and the main theater removed, and even the old silver screen is down.
The Strand Theatre will undergo a complete interior and exterior renovation with a new lobby, theater area and marquee. Plans are to use it for community gatherings, live music, short term rentals and movies – second run, independent and classics.
The old Atmore Hardware building will also be renovated into a community space for live music, events and rentals. There will also be a recording studio in a portion of the upstairs area, while the remainder will be used for other arts and cultural programs.
The Pride of Atmore has raised funds through grants and donations from foundations and businesses, but is still looking for donations. For more information, email prideofatmore@yahoo.com or donate using PayPal. Contributions are tax deductible.
Pictured top: The outside plans for the Strand Theatre and Atmore Hardware buildings in Atmore. Pictured below: Demolition work inside the theater is now underway. Pictured bottom. The theater in February 2016. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
This Week’s Traffic Delay Spots To Watch
February 9, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (State Road (S.R.) 10 / U.S. 90A)– Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts the week of Sunday, Feb. 9.
- Detroit Boulevard will be closed west of U.S. 29 at the railroad tracks from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 to 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 for railroad reconstruction. Detroit Boulevard between Untreiner Avenue and U.S. 29 will be open to local traffic only. All other traffic will be directed to Hannah Street, Untreiner Avenue, and Broad Street.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating lane shifts as crews construct the new southbound bridge.
- U.S. 29 traffic between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road may experience alternating lane closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Pensacola Bay (U.S. 98) Bridge Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 9.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
- S.R. 97 Routine Maintenance from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line- The outside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 as crews replace pavement markers.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 - New Market Street will be closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10 as crews perform drainage work. These operations are anticipated to take seven to ten days to complete. Traffic will be detoured to Parkside Street and Milestone Boulevard. Signs and variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and alternate route.
- · I-110 Striping Operations from Gregory Street to Davis Highway- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10 through Wednesday, Feb. 12 as crews stripe and place pavement markers along the roadway.
- · Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10 / U.S. 90A) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – The far-right portion of the I-10 off ramp that connects to Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can still access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp and will be in place for through March 2020.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road/C.R. 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)– Crews continue paving operations and median work. Drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane restrictions. Motorists are reminded to watch for crews and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
- · Hanks Road Bridge Replacement over Breastworks Creek- Crews continue roadway earthwork and preparations for base material. The roadway remains temporarily closed. Drivers on Hanks Road, west of the bridge, are detoured to C.R. 99 and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will utilize Pine Barren Road. The project is anticipated to be complete spring 2020.
- C.R. 168 Bridge Replacement over Unnamed Branch in Northwest Century- Traffic has been transitioned to the new bridge. Crews are working on grading, concrete ditch pavement, and removal of the temporary acrow bridge. Watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Stewart Street (S.R. 87) Road Closure from Raymond Hobbs Street to Elva Street for Parade- Stewart Street will be closed between Raymond Hobbs Street and Elva Street in Milton from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 for the Mardi Gras Parade.
- · U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures at the following locations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb 9.
- · U.S. 90 Corridor (Pace) Management Improvement Project- Crews are currently working on drainage improvements. East and westbound lane closures at Bostic Lane will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · U.S. 98 Safety Improvement from Villa Woods Circle to Ortega Park Drive- Construction activities continue at the following seven locations: Villa Woods Circle to Marble Court, Oriole Beach Road, Grand Ride Circle to Fordham Parkway, El Rito Drive/College Parkway, American Avenue, Alpine Avenue, and west of Ortega park Drive. Crews continue curb and gutter, traffic separator, roadway work, and irrigation repairs. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- · S.R. 4 Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements from the Escambia River Bridge to Market Road (C.R. 87A) in Jay- There will be shoulder closures throughout the project limits for roadway and utility work.
- · S.R. 87 Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair Over Yellow River- Motorists may encounter daytime southbound lane closures as crews continue expansion joint work.
- · S.R. 87 Turn Lane and Median Modifications at South Lynn Road- Operations are taking place in the median. Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the Graffiti Bridge.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Jay Lady Royals Win 1-1A Basketball Championship (With Complete Tourney Scores)
February 9, 2020
The Jay Lady Royals claimed the District 1-1A championship with a 59-56 win over Paxton in overtime.
The Lady Royals advance to the regional semifinals Thursday night at Jay against Ponce de Leon.
Complete District 1-1A tournament scores were as follows:
Quarterfinals
Central 52, Laurel Hill 46
Northview 47, Baker 30
Semifinals
Paxton 68, Central 39
Jay 51, Northview 11
Championship
Jay 59, Paxton 56
Flood Warning: Escambia River Expected To Fall Below Flood Stage On Sunday
February 9, 2020
There is flood warning in effect until at least Thursday morning for the Escambia River near Century.
The river was at flood state of about 17 feet Sunday morning and expected to begin falling late Sunday. At 17 feet, considerable flooding of lowlands occurs.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Levon McKinley
February 9, 2020
Levon McKinley, age 75, went to join his loved ones in heaven on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
He struggled many years with heart problems and passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Levon McKinley was born on November 15, 1944, in Atmore, AL, to Bessie Mae Browning, age 40, and James Thomas McKinley, Sr, age 42. He had four brothers and four sisters, and spent his early years living in Atmore, AL. He was the first and only child to graduate from Escambia High School in 1962 and decided to join the military in 1964. He left on a bus for Mobile, AL. Although he didn’t qualify, he saw a lovely lady who was also looking to join the military. She dropped a dime, he picked it up, and the rest was history. He met his future wife, Carol Ann Latimer that day, and they married on April 10, 1964 in Bay Minette, AL. The new family settled in Gulfport, MS in 1965 and their first son, William James “Jimmy” McKinley was born in February 4, 1969. Then on January 15, 1977 Misty Kay McKinley was born. He traveled all over the country working as a truck driver. He was known for his love of good southern food, wearing his overalls, and cheering for his Alabama Crimson “Roll Tide!” He was happiest fishing at the beach front on the gulf coast, sitting in his recliner watching sports, or listening to church sermons on the radio.
Levon was preceded in death by Carol, his father, James, his mother, Bessie, his infant brother, his older sisters Pauline, Christine, Irene, and his older brothers Clarence “Bo,” James “Bud,” and Kenneth. He is survived by his two children, Jimmy McKinley and Misty Reyes, his sister Margie Wasson, his two grandchildren, Kayla and Khristian Reyes, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will celebrate his life from 12:30 – 1:30pm Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Petty Funeral Home.
Glenda Elizabeth Gulsby Hamilton
February 9, 2020
Glenda Elizabeth Hamilton passed peacefully on February 7, 2020 at the age of 79.
Glenda was born on April 29, 1940 to Aubrey Cecil (Peck) and Margaret Elizabeth (Pinky) Gulsby. She grew up in the Pensacola and Molino area and even spent some time in Mobile. In 1956, at the age of 16, she met and fell in love with a handsome young man in an Air Force uniform and later married him becoming Mrs. Charles Hamilton. After Charles became ordained to preach, Glenda served as Pastors wife for over 30 years. Over the years she became a mother to five children and then became Nana to 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Glenda loved music, especially anything by Elvis. Her favorite gospel song was “Turn Your Radio On” and her favorite big band song was “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller.
Glenda’s favorite color was purple and of course anything shiny or sparkly. She had a beautiful alto voice and loved to sing. I’m sure she is singing in heaven’s choir as we speak.
Glenda had been a resident at Specialty Health and Rehab on Pine Forest Road, where she was loved and cared for by the wonderful staff who became a part of our family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles Hamilton; parents, Aubrey Cecil Gulsby and Margaret Elizabeth White; and half- brother, Jerry Gulsby. Glenda will be greatly missed by her son, Craig Hamilton (Robin), daughter, Dorinda Nelson (Larry), daughter, Alicia Trevino (Ed), daughter, Regina Hamilton, son, Brian Hamilton (Barbie), and half-brothers, Steve Gulsby and Loy Gulsby; half-sister, Donna Watters; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 10:00-11:00 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00, with Rev. Charles Mitchell officiating. Burial will be at Morgan Cemetery with Rev. Chip Barbas officiating.
Pallbearers are Nathan Gross, Justin Gross, Loy Gulsby, Kenneth Trevino, Bill Gulsby and Steve Gulsby.
Helen Stacey Houck Courtney
February 9, 2020
Helen Stacey Houck Courtney, 86 of Atmore, AL, passed away February 8, 2020, in Atmore. She was born on February 16, 1933, in Canoe, AL, to the late J.D. Curtis and Nettie Louise Smith Stacey. She worked most of her life as a certified nursing assistant. She was of the Baptist faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lewis Houck, siblings Curtis Stacey, Eloise Ellis, Maedell Bartley.
She is survived by her son Larry (Betty) Houck and daughter Martha Floyd both of Atmore, AL; four brothers Elvin (Carolyn) Stacey of Pensacola, FL, Ronald (Lola) Stacey of North Carolina, John Stacey of Houston, TX, and Doyle (Bonnie) Stacey of Houston, TX; two sisters Vivian Faye Havers of Houston, TX, And Linda (Millard) Peacock of GA; grandchildren LaDonna (Mike) Dervin, Bridgette Houck and Craig (Katie) Kast and four great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Bratt-Godwin Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Atmore Nursing Home and Comfort Care Hospice for the special care that was given to their mother.
John Dawson Hendricks
February 9, 2020
John Dawson Hendricks, 84, of Jay, Florida, went to his heavenly home on February 5, 2020.
John D was a lifelong resident of Jay. He was a graduate of Jay High School, Class of 1954. After high school, he went to work for Chemstrand and Solutia during his 34 year tenure at Monsanto. When he wasn’t at Fort Morgan fishing, you could find him atop his John Deere tractor, or wielding a weed eater at Mount Carmel Methodist Church where he was a lifelong member and Trustee for many years.
John D is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Mamie Hendricks; his former wife, Martha Hawsey Hendricks; a daughter, Ramona Hendricks Rhode; a daughter-in-law, Nell Hendricks; and his sisters, Mabel Campbell, Mildred Golden and Lula Belle Hendricks.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Susan Hendricks; a daughter, Melinda Madison (Paul); a son, Howard Hendricks; and step-daughter; Kristen Sorrells (Phillipp); grandsons, Eric Rhode, Stephen Rhode, Will Madison, Tristen Sorrells, and Tylen Sorrells; granddaughters, Mariah Rollins (Scott) and Brooklyn Sorrells; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Flora Cole, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, and Annie Lord (James) of Chumuckla; and three brothers, James (Mary Frances), Barnett (Mary Evelyn), Donald (Rachael) and Billy (Opal), all of Jay.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. Burial will follow services in the church cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home of Milton directing.
Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.
Active Pallbearers: Eric Rhode, Stephen Rhode, Scott Rollin, Tristen Sorrells, Tylen Sorrells, and Ivan Hendricks.
Honorary Pallbearers: Charlie and Elsie Kimbrell, Bill Patrick, Tony Payne, Dot Davis, and his Sunday School class members.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Debbie Godwin, Terry Shaner, Staff members at Terrace at Ivey Acres, Dr. David Smith and Jay Hospital Staff, Cassandra Staffer with Covenant Hospice, and many family and friends for their love and support.
Morris B. Stone
February 9, 2020
Morris B. Stone, age 49, died peacefully and entered God’s Kingdom called Heaven on Feb 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Morris was born on June 4, 1970 in Pensacola, FL to Marcus Stone and the late Gloria Stone.
Morris was a graduate of Tate High School and worked in management at Walmart until he medically retired in 2010. He loved the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Dallas Cowboys, fishing, bowling and a big dip of Copenhagen.
Morris is preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Stone; and his brother, Kenneth Morgan Stone.
He is survived by his father, Marcus Gene Stone; brothers, Mark (Wendy) Stone and Roy (Joan) Stone; sister, Susie (Dave) Hill; and also a big family that loved him dearly.
Morris passion for life started early for him when his preliminary checkup to start kindergarten revealed that he had a blood disease called leukemia. The fight was on and as he had done his whole life he fought bravely and courageously and after being in and out of remission for several years he was approved for a “experimental procedure” at the time called a bone marrow transplant. We moved our family 3,000 miles away from home to Seattle, Washington and with the odds stacked against him, Morris won his battle with leukemia and in a rare occasion with this deadly disease was diagnosed as cured. Unfortunately, out of the 12 beautiful children there at the same time battling this horrible disease, Morris was the only one to survive. Morris went on with life! Bound by the side-effects of years of chemo he persevered and touched many lives.
He played sports at the Cantonment ballpark, where many lifetime memories and friends were made. Morris went Tate High School where he never let his health become a obstacle in his joy of life and he shared that joy with many, many friends that he loved and who also loved him dearly. In high school Morris took up bowling and became an avid and very good bowler. He enjoyed competing in youth and adult leagues at Deluna lanes. He loved those weekend family bowling nights and especially the nights he got to school his big brothers and Yes, it was often!
Morris also invested in the lives of many young men through coaching football at Ensley ballpark for many years. There is no doubt he made a profound and positive difference in many of the young lives that God put in his path. Morris worked at Winn Dixie for a short time after high school before taking a job at Walmart where he worked his way up into management. After years of working with his Walmart family, who also loved him dearly, scars from the battle for life some 30 years in the past returned. The large amounts of chemo it took to save his life as a child had also caused his organs not to develop fully causing him to have a series of strokes in 2009 that left him unable to speak and paralyzed on his right side. Through all this Morris still never lost his grit and determination for life and he continued to touch the lives of those who loved him. In Oct. of 2016 Morris was diagnosed with colon cancer and stage 4 liver cancer and was giving 2 months to live.
God had a different plan! Morris blessed the lives of family and friends for another 3 yrs. This is the reason his cancer doctor simply called him “Miracle Morris”. Morris fought to the end with the same passion and love for life that he did in the beginning. The strength and resilience that he showed in every battle that life put in his path made him a inspiration to all who knew him. Morris, with his contagious smile and big warm heart that could knock the chill out of the coldest of rooms, will surely be missed by us all.
Funeral services will be held at 4PM on Sun., Feb. 9, 2020 with visitation beginning at 2PM prior to services.
Burial will be held at 11AM on Mon., Feb. 10 at the Andalusia Memorial Cemetery in Andalusia Al. Pastor Wes Alvarez will officiate.
Woman Charged With Stealing Thousands From Ransom Middle School Choral Booster Club
February 8, 2020
The former treasurer and president of the Ransom Middle School Choral Booster Club has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from the organization.
Leslie Marie Davis, 36, is charged with organized scheme to defraud, a second degree felony.
An internal Escambia County School District investigation found $16,519.20 in “regular” purchase believed to be irregular and missing deposits.
The Ransom Middle Chorus planned a trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall in late April 2019. Money was collected from students and families to pay for the trip, but it was canceled in early April due to a financial shortfall. Refunds were issued to families using booster club funds supplemented by school district funds.
Davis was treasurer of the booster club from February 2018 to October 2018 when she was named president. The booster club was dissolved at the request of the Escambia County School District in June 2019. As of late January 2020, Davis has not provided any club financial records in her possession as requested by the district, according to court documents.
Debit cards were issued to Davis, and she signed all checks beginning February 9, 2018, the report states.
The school district investigator found $16,519.20 in irregular purchases that were described as more personal in nature, affidavit states. Those transactions included ATM withdrawals, cash withdrawals and purchases made with cash back; Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Amazon, Lowes, salon and spa, and Navy Federal Credit Union cafe purchases; gaming app purchases; purchases at Tom Thumb, Shell, Raceway and Murphy Gas; grocery store, restaurant, and other food related purchases; Facebook donations; and pet-related purchases.
The investigator said she purchased food, cosmetics, cigarettes, clothing, pet food, pet items, vehicle oil changes, tires, gift cards and Christmas presents usings Ransom Middle School Choral Booster Club funds. The personal purchases by Davis resulted in the club bank account being overdrawn. There were 28 overdraft charges totalling $1,008, of which $108 was refunded by the bank.
The investigation also found booster club deposits were short of the correct amount. Specifically, a State Attorney’s Office affidavit states:
- In a fall 2018 coupon book fundraiser, the vendor said sales amounted to $10,185, but the amount deposited was $8,378, a difference of $1,807. After a spring 2019 coupon book fundraiser, the vendor documented $3,000 in sales, while the amount deposited was $2,605, a $395 difference.
- An audit of the planned New York City trip found $21,960.65 was reported as collected for the trip but only $17,221.61 was deposited, a discrepancy of $4,739.04. Of that difference, $2,689 was recorded as deposits and posted to student accounts in accounting software used by the club, and $1,936 was reflected as “not posted” in student accounts and not actually deposited in the bank.
- The school district investigator also reported two $500 check payments were recorded for Davis’ son, but the investigator was unable to verify the funds were actually deposited. The accounting software recorded an attempt by Davis to delete the $500 payments. In May 2019, Davis signed a refund request and later deposited a $736.89 check from the school district.
- Court documents indicate a total of $4,000 in refunds using booster club funds were issued to parents , but the district could not identify any checks were issued from the club.
Davis was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.