Bratt Family To Appear Tonight On National TV Show ‘Survivalists’
June 29, 2021
A Bratt family will appear Tuesday night on a national TV reality show call “Survivalists” on the BYUtv network.
Parents Jacob and Sheena Carach along with their children — 18-year old Naudia, 17-year old Zach and 13-year old Tyler — spent a week at the end of November and December filming the episode in Moab, Utah, in hopes of winning $10,000. Survivalists is a BYUtv original series that features families participating in a three-day survival course in an effort to reconnect, unplug, and strengthen their family bonds while competing to win the cash.
Back in early November, Sheena heard about an opportunity for families to apply to compete on the show through a social media post and asked her family if they would be interested in her applying. Being a family that enjoys the outdoors and is always up for a challenge and new adventure, they all thought it sounded like an amazing and fun opportunity. Never thinking they would actually be selected, she applied and much to her surprise, they were contacted and asked to go through the interview process, ultimately being selected.
As Florida natives, the Carach family is used to high temperatures and flat ground. They are no strangers to camping, hiking and extreme outdoor activities, however, they say that what they faced in Moab was no walk in the park.
“The challenges for me were very hard physically, but the disconnection from the rest of the world was amazing,” said Zach Carach.
The views were breathtaking, the -10 degree temperatures while sleeping in a tent were harsh and the experience was definitely one of a lifetime”, says Sheena Carach.
The family says they were pushed to overcome fears and were at times pushed almost to their breaking points, but at the end of the day they put their frustrations to the side and worked together as a team to conquer each day.
“It was truly the most rewarding experience we have ever had. We are a close family but were able to strengthen our bond even further,” says Naudia Carach. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and do something amazing as a family, it was really fun and I am very glad we had the chance to be a part of it, even though I am scared of heights and one of the challenges involved heights,” said Tyler Carach.
Tyler is also known at the “Donut Boy”, irst gained notoriety after being featured on NorthEscambia.com in 2016 as a superhero that’s on a mission to thank law enforcement officers personally with doughnuts. That quest led him to share donuts in person with officers from all 50 states.
Survivalists is hosted by Colin O’Brady, a professional endurance athlete who is currently climbing Mt. Everest. He is a motivational speaker and an author, and works with kids to encourage positive thinking to help them overcome obstacles and the negative self-talk so many in that generation are struggling with. It is produced by Mark Koops (“The Biggest Loser” and “Masterchef”). This is the second season of “Survivalists” and includes 10 episodes released each Tuesday.
The Carach family appears on Survivalists episode 9, airing June 29th at 8 p.m. (CDT) on BYUtv and for free on byutv.org. (It can also be watched on DirecTV channel 374, AT&T U-Verse 567, HD 1567, and Dish Network 374). Viewers can download the BYUtv app for free on any smartphone or capable smart TV.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teen Shot During Cantonment Car Theft Facing Charges; Homeowner Won’t Be Charged
June 29, 2021
A 15-year old shot by a homeowner while allegedly stealing a car from a Cantonment neighborhood early Sunday is now facing several charges, while the homeowner will not face any charges.
A’kobie Gregory Fountain was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and burglary of a vehicle in connection with the incident in the 2500 block of Southern Oaks Drive.
The owner of the vehicle told Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies he was alerted by his video surveillance system about the theft. The victim armed himself with a firearm and ran toward his vehicle with Fountain inside. The victim pointed his gun and demanded Fountain exit the ca.
Fountain got out of the vehicle and tackled the victim to the ground, according to investigators. The victim then fired his weapon several times at Fountain, but was unsure at the time if he struck the suspect. Fountain ran from the scene.
ECSO deputies arrived at the home and began searching for Fountain. Lt. Stephen Hall heard screaming from a wooded area and located Fountain, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies also located two stolen guns taken from previous car burglaries.
Fountain was taken to a hospital and treated for gunshot wounds to his legs and abdomen. Once he was released from the hospital he was arrested.
“We encourage people to lock their doors, but just because a car is left unlocked does not give anyone the right to take it. A criminal broke into his car. A criminal stole his car. A criminal physically attacked him. A criminal got shot. We have no intention of charging the homeowner,” said Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons.
The ECSO is still looking for two other suspects in this incident. Anyone with information about their identities or locations is to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Typical Scattered Afternoon Thunderstorms For Tuesday (And Maybe A Great Rainbow)
June 29, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
his Afternoon: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Pictured: A rainbow over Gibson Road in Molino Monday afternoon. Photo by Linda Huber for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway In Cantonment Today, Another Food Giveaway In Century Too
June 29, 2021
A 10,000 pound food giveaway will be held Tuesday afternoon in Cantonment, and a food giveaway will also be held in Century.
In Cantonment, the Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a 10,000 pound food distribution beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street. Line up on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
In Century, a food giveaway will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Century Business Center (old Carver Middle School) at 400 Pond Street. The event is open to the anyone.
Pictured: The Jennie V. Dortch Foundation, Vincent Dortch Ministries and Century Mayor Ben Boutwell held a food and merchandise giveaway earlier than expected Monday afternoon. Another giveaway of food items will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputy County Attorney Leaving For Job As Pensacola City Attorney
June 29, 2021
Escambia County Deputy County Attorney Charles Peppler is leaving the county to become the city attorney for Pensacola.
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson announced Monday that Peppler is taking the position being vacated by Susan Woolf as she becomes the University of West Florida’s general counsel in August. Peppler’s first day with the city will be sometime in September.
“I’m very excited. I think he’ll do an incredible job as city attorney, and I think he would fit right in,” Robinson said.
“I appreciate the confidence you placed in me to be the city attorney,” Peppler said during a Monday press conference with Robinson. “We’re really looking forward to working with you mayor, and the city council and with the people of the city of Pensacola to provide them the best legal services and legal advice possible>”
Mallory Kenneth “Bud” Waters
June 29, 2021
Mallory Kenneth “Bud” Waters, beloved husband, father and paw-paw passed away peacefully on June 27, 2021 at the age of 83.
Bud was born on July 8, 1937, in Pensacola, Florida to Velma Marie Waters and Francis Eugene Waters. Bud grew up in the community of Brownsville as a “Brownsville Boy,” and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1957. That same year, he began working at Southern Bell Telephone company and met the love of his life, Eleanor “Faye” Davis, who he married on June 23, 1959. Bud worked at Southern Bell Telephone Company for the next 39 years until his retirement in August of 1996. During his 39-year tenure at Southern Bell (and then Bell South) he would connect the people of Pensacola via phone and work all over the city, taking in everything Pensacola had to offer.
Bud personified the “old” city of Pensacola and was a true southerner. He loved to play baseball in his younger years, mullet-fish, and tend to his gardens, which he did all his life. He also loved watching Alabama football with his grandchildren. Although what he loved most, besides his family, was raising and showing chickens, specifically Black Rosecomb Bantams. He was renowned for his Black Rosecombs, travelling all over the country and winning countless poultry shows. He also acted as a judge on multiple occasions. He was a lifetime member of both the American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association and was a longtime exhibitor/judge in the poultry show at the Pensacola Interstate Fair.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Francis Waters along with nine siblings. He is survived by one sister, Joyce Waters Pierce; his devoted wife of 62 years, Faye Waters; daughter, Dina Place (Stephen); daughter, Wendy “Kym” Fuqua (Talmadge); son, Kenneth Waters (Annette); six grandchildren, Ryan Brown (Krissey), Dylan Brown, Derek Waters (Lauren), Audie Waters (Kayla), Mallory Davis (Chris), Casey Fuqua (Jenna) and eight great-grandchildren.
Bud never met a stranger or judged a soul. No matter how long it had been, right when he saw you, you were in for a “well, hello there!” like no time had gone by. He never forgot a face or the specific nickname that he had given you, as there were many. There are some people that the world cannot handle because they are larger than life. And as the great John Wayne, someone Bud admired, once said about himself, “I am the stuff men are made of.” So was Bud. He will be missed forever and longer.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Pine Forest Road in Pensacola, Florida.
Active Pallbearers will be Derek Waters, Audie Waters, Casey Fuqua, Christopher “Chrissy” Davis, Wendell South and Kirk Waters.
Finally, the family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Ascension Sacred Heart for the wonderful, around-the-clock care provided to Bud.
Farm Hill Utilities, Town Of Century Both Cancel Boil Water Notices
June 28, 2021
Monday, both the Town of Century and Farm Hill Utilities canceled unrelated boil water notices after satisfactory bacteriological sampling.
Farm Hill Utilities issued a boil water notice following a water main break last Thursday. The boil water notice has been rescinded for the west end of River Annex Road, the intersection of Beulah Road and Muscogee Road and all of Beulah Road including the side roads.
Town of Century Utilities issued a boil water notice after a truck broke a fire hydrant at the Food Giant Friday night. The notice has been rescinded for Backwoods Road, Shady Lane, Stateline Road, Bass Road, Benauer Road and Green Street.
Local Hams Take To The Airwaves For Amateur Radio Field Day To Practice Emergency Communications
June 28, 2021
The Five Flags Amateur Radio Association will hold their annual field day this weekend during “Amateur Radio Week” in Escambia County.
“Field Day started out as kind of a civil defense thing back in the early, early days,” said ham operator Gene Bannon, call sign KB4HAH. “And then it kind of mushroomed it into an operation, practice drill, and a now it’s a contest. The whole goal for the amateurs is to basically go out where you normally don’t have your towers and equipment all set up and run on preferably emergency power.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
And for 24 hours this pst weekend, they did just that at Ashton Brosnaham Park.
Club member set up their amateur radio equipment — ranging from 1960s tube radios that literally glow in the dark to modern digital gear and satellite communications. With a generator and portable antennas, including a wire antenna running some 300 feet through the trees, they were soon communicating with ham operators across the United States and Canada. The goal was to reach another ham operator in Canadian province and U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
“You just basically practice emergency communications of course, and, by the way, make a contest out of so people will actually do it. Give them something to look forward to, even if it’s nothing more than bragging rights. Nobody gets a brand-new car out of the deal or anything.”
There were six amateur stations operating this year. Last year, during COVID-19, there were nine.
Local hams participate in providing emergency communications during hurricanes and other disasters when normal communications can be knocked out of service.
The amateur radio operators have their own equipment inside the Escambia County Operations Center, ready to provide needed communications during local emergencies. That room is being named for Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, a ham operator that passed away May 29.
“He was a major instrumental factor to amateur radio from the mid 80s to the early 2000s. He was the coordinator for a lot. He was one of the instrumental people when Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast — Mississippi, Alabama, South Alabama, South Mississippi and North Florida. He combined people together who could go over to Louisiana and help.”
For more information, visit the Five Flags Amateur Radio Association webpage.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff Adds Additional Patrol Deputies To Molino, Perdido Precincts
June 28, 2021
In February, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons opened precincts in Molino and Perdido with the intent to upgrade patrol in both communities.
“The reason we reopened the precincts was to bring more resources to specific areas,” Simmons told NorthEscambia.com.
“We didn’t just want to reopen them; that was phase one. Now I’ve been able to hire enough deputies to have two deputies for the Molino and Perdido precincts on a flex schedule. It was not just an empty promise, but an actual plan, an effort. We wanted to increase our enforcement in those areas.”
“We really want to go our best to get the resources where we need it,” the sheriff said.
Pictured: Inside the recently reopened Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Molino Precinct. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
District 5 Commissioner Barry To Hold Town Hall Meeting In Molino Tonight
June 28, 2021
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry will host a town hall meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Molino Community Center.
Residents are invited and encouraged to attend the open forum event.
The Molino Community Center is located at 6450 Highway 95A.
Pictured: Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry at February 2019 town hall meeting at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
