Flags Ordered To Half Staff Today For Naval Air Station Pensacola Remembrance Day
December 6, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday ordered flags to half staff Monday in Florida in Honor of Naval Air Station Pensacola Remembrance Day.
“On December 6, 2019, a horrific act of terrorism was committed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, taking the lives of three U.S. Navy sailors and injuring other heroic victims,” DeSantis said Sunday when issuing the proclamation.
The proclamation orders all state and federal flags to be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, December 6, at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds in Florida.
The attack claimed the lives of Ensign Joshua Watson, Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Mohammed Haitham and Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Cameron Walters.
Editor’s note: Since the original publication of this story, flags across the nation were ordered to half staff Monday by the president through December 9 following the death of U.S. Senator Bob Dole. Flags are also at half staff on Tuesday due to Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Escambia Paramedic John Penrose Retires After 30 Years Of Service
December 6, 2021
Escambia County recently recognized paramedic John M. Penrose who retired after 30 years of service.
Penrose began his career with Escambia County Emergency Medical Services January 31, 1991, as a relief EMT, progressing to relief paramedic, paramedic field training officer and EMS shift training officer.
Throughout Penrose’s years with Escambia County, he worked on many projects and events to promote safety and education for citizens and visitors. He represented Public Safety throughout the community with his excellent skills and service. He worked during numerous emergency activations, as well as other local disasters affecting the citizens of Escambia County.
“We are losing a generation of paramedic that we can never get back,” said Escambia County Emergency Medical Services Chief David Torsell. “I feel John has been such an integral part of our operations. We are where we are, and we continue to move forward in the direction we’re going because of people like John. He has spent the majority of his life in the service of others. I’m very proud to say that I’ve had the opportunity to know and work with John.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Falling After Crude Price Plunge
December 6, 2021
Florida gas prices are slowly adjusting to the recent crude oil price plunge. Sunday’s state average has slipped to $3.30 per gallon, after declining 4 cents during the past week. That downward trend is likely to continue this week, unless oil prices suddenly rebound.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County Sunday night was $3.22. A low of $3.08 could be found at two Cantonment stations, while several Pensacola stations were under $3.
Crude oil prices plummeted after Thanksgiving, on concerns about how the omicron variant could impact global fuel demand. The price of US crude dropped 13% after Thanksgiving and remained down all last week. Friday’s closing price of $66.26 per barrel is 15% below the price on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It’s also 21% below the 2021 high of $84.15/b – which was recorded nearly four weeks ago.
“An oil price drop of that magnitude, if sustained, could potentially drive the state average back below $3 a gallon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But it won’t happen overnight. Florida pump prices are falling at a rate of 1-cent a day. Unless that rate accelerates, it could take a few more weeks before pump prices fully adjust.”
William “Billy” Sims Jr.
December 6, 2021
Mr. William “Billy” Sims Jr, age 81, passed away, Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. He has been a lifelong resident of McDavid, FL.
Mr. Sims valued the time he got to spend with his family and friends. He enjoyed tending to his livestock, both raising and selling them. He enjoyed setting up the miniature pony rides for several local festivals.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Thomas “Buck” (Annie Lou “Booboo”) Sims, wife, Dorothy Sims, and daughter in law, Kim Sims.
He is survived by his four sons, Wayne (Deborah) Sims, of Century, FL; Greg (Jessica) Sims, of Bratt, FL; Josh (Karen) Sims, of Atmore, AL; Wes (Kelly) Sims, of Century, FL; one daughter, Tina (Greg) Therrell, of McDavid, FL; two brothers, Eugene (Carol) Sims, of Pace, FL; Ronnie Sims, of Century, FL; twenty-two grandchildren, Travis, Zachary, Hollie, Seth, Jeremy, Haley, Dak, Jake, Kameron, Courtney, Ashton, Kelsey, Nathan, Caleb, Sallie, Will, John, Lane, Laurel, Layton, Lawyer, Landry, twenty-eight great- grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Glenn Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Crary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday December 6, 2021, from 6:00 PM until service time on December 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Petty Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Griffis, Travis Sims, Zachary Sims, Dak Sims, Will Eubanks, and Lane Sims.
Honorary pallbearers will be Darryl Fore, Winston Brown, Bernard Conway, Melvin Johnson, Paul Walston, Richard Nisewonger, and Jerry Wiggins.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Bell Ridge Subdivision, Patrick Lane
December 6, 2021
UPDATE: This boil water notice has been lifted.
A broken valve on a 16-inch water main led to a low or no water pressure Sunday in the Nine Mile Road area near the Navy Federal Credit Union campus and led to a precautionary boil water notice for some residents.
The boil water notice is in effect for the Bell Ridge subdivision and homes along Patrick Lane, including Bell Ridge Drive, Forest Ridge Drive and Bell Ridge Trail.
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Susie “Mickey” Johnson
December 6, 2021
Mrs. Susie “Mickey” Johnson, age 79, passed away, Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Flomaton, AL. She has resided most of her life in Flomaton, AL.
She valued the time she got to spend with her family. She loved to sew, crochet, dance, and listen to music. She was a people person and caring for others, she was an excellent care taker.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson (Edna Louisa Roberson) Burkett, husband, Teddy Lee Johnson, one son, Teddy Lavon Johnson, two brothers, Odell “Shine” Burkett, Cyril “Skinner” Burkett, and one sister, Louise Moye.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Jeff) Bell, of Brewton, AL; three brothers, Raymond (Leola) Burkett, of Louisiana, Jim (Linda) Burkett, of Flomaton, AL; Doug (Anna Bell) Burkett, of Kentucky, two sisters, Elaine Gorum, of Louisiana, Virginia Mason, of Tennessee, two grandchildren, Allen (Holly) Bell, Aaron (Ashley) Bell, five great- grandchildren, Callie, Ella, Clayton, Carter, Lila Bell, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. J P Lambert officiating.
Burial will follow at Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Bell, Allen Bell, Roger Burkett, Ronnie Burkett, Dewayne Burkett and Taylor Proctor
Gunfire Exchanged Between Two People Inside Century Convenience Store
December 5, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says gunfire was exchanged between two people inside a Century convenience store Saturday night.
It happened about 5:55 p.m. at the Century Kwik Stop on North Century Boulevard, just south of Whataburger.
“A white male and a black male were inside the store and an argument ensued,” ECSO Sgt. Melanie Peterson told NorthEscambia.com. “The white male pulled a gun, the black male pulled a gun, and shots were fired between them. Neither one was hit.” She said the black male may have been a juvenile.
One of the individuals fled the scene, while the other remained behind to tell his side of the story to deputies. The store clerk was not involved and was not injured.
As of late Saturday night, Peterson said no arrests had been made.
The two individuals were reportedly less than 25 feet apart when the shots were fired.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Beulah Celebrates With Second Annual Christmas Parade (With Photo Gallery)
December 5, 2021
Large crowds turned out for the Second Annual Beulah Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon.
The parade included numerous units from Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and well known locals including Sheriff Chip Simmons, Escambia County School Board Member Kevin Adams, Rep. Michelle Salzman, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warm And Sunny Today, Chance Of Rain The Rest Of The Week
December 5, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday:Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Photo Gallery: Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 5, 2021
Crowds lined the streets for the annual Flomaton Christmas Parade on Saturday.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
The winning float was “Jesus – Sweetest Name I Know” from Beulah Chapel Assembly of God in Byrneville. The float was dedicated to the memory of a church member that passed away unexpectedly. For that story, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
