Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms For The Fourth Weekend
July 3, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Independence Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Where To Find Fireworks Shows On The Fourth (And The Third)
July 3, 2021
Here’s a guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows and events in the North Escambia area. Note that the Jay show is on Saturday, July 3, and the Flomaton-Century show was canceled.
JULY 3
Jay Fireworks
The annual Jay fireworks show will be at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Bray-Hendricks Park on Booker Street. Events will begin at 5 p.m. on the tee ball field with a Jay Elementary School Junior Beta Club cash only fundraiser for a Washington, D.C. trip. There will be a bounce house, glow items, face painting, boiled peanuts, drinks and cotton candy.
JULY 4
Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola
For the 32nd year, area Sertoma organizations are again coordinating and hosting the largest Fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Sunday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
The festivities are going to be different this year. Organizers decided to focus on holding the largest fireworks show ever for the Fourth. The celebration will return to the full day of festivities for 2022.
There will be live music on the main stage on Bayfront Parkway at Bartram Park, with Not Quite Fab taking the stage at 4:30 with their Beatles show and Still Standing from 6:30 until 9 p.m. with a tribute to Elton John.
The fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at 9 p.m. will be synchronized with music on CatCountry 98.7. You’ll need an actual FM radio — there is too much of a delay when using a device or app.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Sparks & Stars Performance
There will be a free performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring your blanket to enjoy the show on the lawn. This orchestra concert will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 92.3 / AM 1620, on BLAB-TV and in Wahoos Stadium from 7:30 until 9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Fireworks show will be at 8:30 p.m. Sunday along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The best viewing spots are from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Downtown Milton Riverfest
Celebrate the 4th of July along Willing St. in Milton. in Historic Downtown Milton from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a family-friendly event featuring the Firecracker Bike Show, car show, food and retail vendors, live entertainment, and the Great Mill Town Duck Race. The night will end with a firework display over the Blackwater River at sundown.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
FWC’s Operation Dry Water Targets Boating Under The Influence This Weekend
July 3, 2021
FWC’s Operation Dry Water promotes education, enforcement for boating under the influence this weekend
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement will be promoting awareness and conducting heightened enforcement targeting boating under the influence as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign this weekend.
FWC officers will be enforcing Florida’s boating under the influence laws and educating boaters about safe boating practices, which includes boating sober.
The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays all over the U.S., including here in Florida. In 2020, the month of July had nine fatalities and 53 people injured due to BUI related boating accidents.
Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher — the same as it is to operate a vehicle.
“If you are boating and choose to operate while impaired, you are endangering not only yourself, but your family, friends and other boaters on the water,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “FWC officers will be actively patrolling statewide looking for boaters who show signs of impairment. One of our primary missions is to ensure the safety of all those enjoying the state’s vast and diverse waterways. That is why the FWC is joining other states and agencies across the country to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing accidents related to boating under the influence.”
Alcohol is a leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths and a major contributor to accidents. Last year in Florida, 23% of fatal accidents were related to alcohol or drug use.
If a person decides to take alcohol on their voyage, it is important to designate an operator who isn’t drinking alcohol and will remain sober to ensure everyone gets home safely. The FWC encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season to its full extent by boating sober, wearing a life jacket and taking a boating education course.
The national Operation Dry Water weekend will take place July 2 through July 4. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to prevent alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.
Former Fountain Correctional Officer Trainee Sentenced On Federal Drug Charges
July 3, 2021
A former corrections officer trainee has been sentenced on federal drug charges.
Tarrence Dramon Tolbert, 40, of Brewton, Alabama, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Tolbert was a corrections officer trainee at Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore on February 24, 2020, and a supervisor observed that he was stopped on the side of the road at about 8:30 p.m.
The supervisor stopped and asked Tolbert if everything was okay, and Tolbert replied that he was waiting on a relative. The supervisor was suspicious about these circumstances, and left instructions to have Tolbert and his belongings searched when he arrived for his shift.
Investigators conducted the search as instructed, and discovered methamphetamine ice, marijuana, earbuds, a phone SIM card, cigars, two bottles of liquor and two knives, which Tolbert intended to smuggle into the prison and deliver to certain inmates.
Dr. Jim Robertson
July 3, 2021
Dr. Jim Robertson was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He was an only child but never lacked for friends as they explored all that Miami Beach had to offer. After graduating from Miami Jackson High, he headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Quite a weather change for a Florida cracker but when applying to Dental school he went south again.
Jim was able to get a Florida Health Department full scholarship to the Medical College of Virginia Dental School in Richmond, Virginia.
He married Carolyn Spell in 1963 and they headed to Fort Meade, Florida to pay back his scholarship by providing dental care in a rural community. Over the 58 years of marriage, they had 3 children and nine grandchildren and have lived in four different cities.
His faith in Christ was very real and his love of the church was great. He was an elder in Mcllwain and Circle PCA almost all his adult life.
Dr. James A. Robertson is survived by his wife,
Carolyn Spell Robertson; son, Craig Allan Robertson and wife, Lina Montoya Robertson, their children, Katie, Kinsey and Cameron Robertson and Manuela and Sebastian Montoya. Daughter, Tracy Robertson Black and husband Bruce A. Black, their children, Robert and Leslie Black; son, Arthur B. Robertson and wife, Janel K. Robertson, their children, Nelson and Stroud Robertson.
Dr. Jim’s niece, Kelli Spell Williams sent this remembrance of her Uncle Jim which describes him so well. “I know he is with the Lord but I miss him. He was the gentle spirit I always knew as a child and the smart kind man I knew as an adult. All those mornings he stood with his coffee looking out over the ocean at the beach house. My heart is broken.”
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Covenant Care, 5041 North 12th. Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 or www.choosecovenant.org. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North entrusted with arrangements.
Escambia Reports 105 New COVID-19 Cases In Last Week
July 3, 2021
There were 105 new COVID-19 cases reported Escambia County over the last week by the Florida Department of Health.
FDOH has moved from daily to weekly reports and removed the COVID-19 dashboard. The state is now releasing a weekly report with local data limited only to number of cases and positivity rate; the number of deaths by county or cases by local cities and communities has been removed.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 33,244 (+105)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 5.3%
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,675 (+114)
Positivity Rate Last Week: 9.1%
Statewide cases:
Florida resident cases: 2,337,613 (+15,978)
Case positivity rate: 3.8%
Deaths: 37,772 (+44)
Tate Lady Aggies Hold Annual Softball Camp (With Photo Gallery)
July 3, 2021
The Tate Lady Aggies recently hosted their annual softball camp for participants age six to eighth grade.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Francis Philip Kelly
July 3, 2021
Francis Philip Kelly passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021 after a recent stay at Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola, FL.
Mr. Phil as most knew him, was a lifelong resident of Byrneville, FL. He was an active member and deacon at Bratt First Baptist Church. Mr. Philip was a 1958 Century High graduate and enlisted in the United States Army until 1961. Most of his military career was in Italy. On August 31, 1961 he married the love of his life, Wanda Sue Reid. Mr. Phil was a millwright for over 30 years and retired from Masland Carpets in Atmore, AL. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking, but most of all he loved his family and friends
Mr. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvestus and Mamie (Barrow) Kelly, three brothers, Foy (Elmer) Kelly, Robert (Maxine) Kelly and Herman (Shelia) Kelly.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Wanda Sue Kelly, two daughters, Lynn (Mark) Hendricks and Amanda (Keith) Holland. There are six grandchildren, Keegan (Mallory) Lambeth, Samantha (Josh) Daugett, Rebecca Calloway, Leigha Holland, Hillary (Jesse) Floyd and Abby Hendricks. The absolute joy of his life was five great grandchildren, Lawson Lambeth, Harper Daugett, Walker Lambeth, Cason Daugett and soon to be baby girl Lambeth, with many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 5, 2021 at 1:00 Pm at the Petty-eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC.
Burial will follow at Byrneville United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 5, 2021 at 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC.
Pallbearers will be Billy McCann, Matt Carter, Mark Carter, Danny Fuller, Mike Hanks and Bobby Holland.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bratt First Baptist Senior Sunday School Class.
Alton Ray Calloway
July 3, 2021
Mr. Alton Ray Calloway, age 75 of Brewton, AL, passed away at a Pensacola, FL health care facility.
Mr. Calloway was born and lived much of his life in Century, FL before moving to Brewton, AL in 1975. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and later worked as a heavy equipment operator for a land clearing company. He enjoyed gardening, tending to his yard, and riding motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred W. Calloway and Lila Cofield Calloway; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis Ray Calloway and Sandy Marie Calloway; and a sister, Shirley Waters. He was a member of Moyeville Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Edwina Calloway of Brewton, AL; two brothers, Floyd (Jackie) Calloway of Century, FL, Freddie (Tami) Calloway of Century, FL; two sisters, Sharon (Barnie) Jones of Century, FL, Renee (Ronnie) Marshall of Century, FL; two grandchildren, Christopher Andrew (Jessica) Calloway of Atmore, AL, Dennis Dylan Calloway of Flomaton, AL; two great-grandchildren, Jason Calloway and Hannah Calloway, both of Atmore, AL; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Moyeville Baptist Church on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Mike Hutto officiating. Interment will follow in Moyeville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Moyeville Baptist Church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M.
Chinea, Bleday Power Blue Wahoos To Win
July 3, 2021
The ball rocketed off his bat and for a brief moment Blue Wahoos catcher Chris Chinea thought of a rare career moment for any player.
He had already homered, doubled and singled Friday night in his first three plate appearances before a sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Amid a tie game in the eighth inning, as he factored into the Blue Wahoos’ winning rally for a 7-4 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers, Chinea sent a line drive into right field.
Could it be? Hitting the cycle for the win?
“Definitely enters the mind,” said Chinea, smiling afterward. “But I don’t have many triples in my career. I’m not the fastest guy.
“The ball has to hit off the wall in a funky way. But it definitely enters the mind when I hit it. I’m like. ‘Oh man get down the line, I’m going to shoot three (bases) no matter what.’ But it got the job done.”
For sure.
His one-out liner allowed Riley Mahan to tag up and move to third. The Blue Wahoos had runners on the corners when shortstop Galli Cribbs, laced a run-scoring single that turned into two runs when the ball was misplayed by the Shuckers rightfielder.
Peyton Burdick followed with a two-out, RBI single for a three-run lead.
Relief ace Colton Hock retired the three batters he faced in the ninth to record his 12th save. He now leads all minor league relievers for the most saves.
Just like that, the Blue Wahoos (31-21) had another late-inning win. This one followed a 52-minute rain delay to start the game.
It also happened one night after four Biloxi pitchers combined on a one-hitter in a 3-0 win to snap a nine-game losing streak. On Friday, the Blue Wahoos collected 12 hits.
It’s why Chinea reminded afterward that keeping the right perspective in baseball is so essential.
“It’s one of the days where it’s a good day and you gotta flush it (out of mind) at midnight, but I’m happy it happened,” Chinea said. “Now move on to the next page which is (Saturday).”
With the Blue Wahoos up 3-1 in the homestand, the series continues Saturday (6:05 p.m.) with a special Fourth of July weekend fireworks show to follow.
Once the game began Friday, the Blue Wahoos erased Biloxi’s 1-0 lead on Chinea’s two-run homer in the second inning.
“I was looking for a pitch to drive, kinda stay right-center with it and he threw me a fastball up-and-in and it was kinda reaction,” Chinea said. “All that (batting) cage work and (batting practice) stuff (to help) and you just got to let it happen in the games.”
From that point, Blue Wahoos starter Jeff Lindgren stayed sharp. He allowed a solo home run in the fourth inning, but worked into the seventh inning and recorded a career-high eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings.
Josh Roberson followed in relief and Hock closed out the ninth.
“Give credit to Jeff (Lindgren),” said Chinea. “Jeff ckept us in the game and pitched his butt off.
Blue Wahoos outfielder J.J. Bleday had his first multi-hit game since June 17, going 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in fifth inning. Burdick also went 2-for-5. Eight of the nine batters in the starting lineup had at least one hit.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer