Klondike, Mobile Highway Crash Claims Life Of Man FHP Says Ran Stop Sign
May 24, 2021
A wreck Sunday morning at Mobile Highway and Klondike Road claimed the life of a 30-year old man.
The Florida Highway Patrol said he was headed south on Klondike Road in a Corvette about 10:15 a.m. when he failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled into Mobile Highway. His vehicle was hit by a Dodge Ram driven westbound by a 37-year old Pensacola man.
The driver of the Corvette was airlifted to Baptist Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The pickup truck driver was not injured.
Florida Gas Prices Decline Slightly; Escambia Averages A Dime Higher
May 24, 2021
Florida gas prices are declining slightly in advance of the Memorial Day weekend.
Floridians are currently paying an average price of $2.87 per gallon. That’s 2 cents less than a week ago and 4 cents less than the highest price so far this year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was a dime higher at $2.97. In Cantonment, gas was at a low of $2.89 at stations, while the lowest in Pensacola was $2.80 at two warehouse clubs.
“Unless pump prices suddenly rise this week, holiday travelers will find gas prices that are slightly below what they paid on Memorial Day 2018,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “While expectations of strong holiday fuel demand can carry the potential for causing higher pump prices, wholesale gasoline prices dropped 5 cents last week. That means gas prices could drift lower as the weekend approaches, but things can change quickly in the fuel market.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Warm And Dry Weather Pattern Continues
May 24, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Tuesday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Memorial Day: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Steve Kenney Named Escambia County Employee Of The Month
May 24, 2021
Sgt. Steve Kenney was named Escambia County’s Employee of the Month for May. He is an environmental enforcement officer in the Natural Resources/Environmental Enforcement Department. He has worked with the county since January 2014.\
Kenny’s main duties and responsibilities, besides working his own cases and managing several other officers, are conducting field investigations, communicating with citizens and conditional use permit holders, gathering pertinent information, preparing written reports and analyzing and interpreting the applicable codes and land use decision conditions.
Gene Douglas
May 24, 2021
On Saturday May 22, 2021 our loving husband, father, brother, and Pawpaw, Gene Douglas, went home to be with our Lord and Savior. Gene was born on July 31, 1940 in Pensacola Florida to the late Earl and Amanda Douglas. Gene served our country in the United States Army from 1964-1966, in which time he proudly served in the Vietnam War. Gene went on to retire from International Pape after 21 years. He continued to work for several years, and especially enjoyed his time as “the produce man” at Grocery Advantage in Cantonment.
Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, camping, fishing, and simply just getting in the car and going!
Gene was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Earl Jr., Johnny, and Buddy. He is survived by his wife Ellen, whom he loved dearly, they were married for 53 years. He is also survived by his children Ronnie Douglas (Teri), Jason Douglas (Tammy), Mike Douglas (Lorrie), Geno Douglas, and Cyndi Orrill. His grandchildren Taylor Pody (Ben), Cortney Douglas, Maddy Douglas, Jackson Douglas, Josh Douglas. His brother Carl Douglas, sisters Florence Guthrey, Dale Foshee, Elaine Kleinschmidt, Glenda Thompson, and Joyce Melvin, as well as a host of relatives and friends who loved him very much. Funeral Services will be held at Faith Chapel North. Visitation will be Wednesday May 26 from 6-8. Services will be Thursday May 27 at 2:00. Pastor Keith Mott will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Sam Daniel, Jerry Daniel, Johnny Daniel, Jackson Douglas, and Josh Douglas.
In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made in his honor to Covenant Care Hospice. You can donate at choosecovenant.org/donate-now
Burdick Stays Hot In Wahoos Series Finale Win Over The Trash Pandas
May 24, 2021
This season had gotten off to rough start at the plate for Peyton Burdick, so the Blue Wahoos outfielder returned to a past approach.
“Just getting back to doing what I normally do as a hitter and staying the other way with it,” he said. “Seeing the ball and reacting to it.
“And there is no better feeling than putting the ball on the barrel. I think once you start feeling that more often, then your body naturally syncs up with your swing.”
Burdick was back in harmony Sunday, capping a big week and helping the Blue Wahoos to a 7-4 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas in a series finale that put the exclamation on Pensacola’s six-game performance at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A capacity crowd (5,038) was entertained with another fast start, then stellar relief pitching in the final innings.
“Our bullpen, are starters have been absolutely shoving,” said Burdick, the Miami Marlins’ No. 12-rated prospect by MLB Pipeline.com, who went 2-for-5 with a triple, double and RBI. “They always give us a good start and give us a good chance to win. It was nice to see the bats come through.
“We have been sort of spotty in the lineup, and today we started syncing up one hit at a time and taking what the game was giving up.”
The Blue Wahoos (11-7) took five of the six games against Rocket City (8-10) putting a gap in a first-place, divisional lead among a twin set of four teams in the Double-A South.
Burdick was one of three players with multiple hits. Right fielder Lorenzo Hampton, the son of the former Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins running back, went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Devin Hairston went 2-for-4.
Connor Justus drove in three runs with a home run and a sacrifice.
The Blue Wahoos followed Saturday’s early-inning production with an even better offense Sunday.
They loaded the bases in the first inning on a leadoff triple by Burdick, followed by a walk to JJ Bleday and Nick Fortes reaching when hit by a pitch.
With one out, Tristan Pompey coaxed a bases-loaded walk for the first run.
Hampton followed by lacing a two-run single to right. Justus’ sacrifice fly scored Pompey and gave the Blue Wahoos a 4-0 lead.
In the second inning, after Hairston led off with a single, he scored on a Burdick’s double into the left field corner. In the series, Burdick also hit three home runs.
“I think what started clicking for me was our last game of our series at home,” he said. “I think I had a couple lineouts the other way and that’s when I felt my body and my swing started to sync up a little bit and just being able to drive the ball the other way. It just opens everything.”
The bats were matched by a solid start from Jose Mesa Jr., who worked the first three innings, struck out three, walked none and the only run was a home run.
Brian McKenna earned his second win by pitching scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh. Colton Hock earned his third save in the ninth.
The game ended a two-week, 12-game homestand for the Blue Wahoos. They went 2-4 against the Birmingham Barons a week ago.
The Blue Wahoos have Monday off, then will travel to Biloxi, Miss. for a six-game series starting Tuesday against the Biloxi Shuckers, the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate.
Just like Friday and Saturday, the Sunday crowd created a special atmosphere. And the fifth-inning “Roach Run” that Burdick gets to witness as a left fielder was filled with hundreds of kids.
“It just reminded me of when I was a little kid,” Burdick said. “You just want to get out there and see what the other guys see. All those little kids, you see their smiles when they are running. It’s just great seeing the energy from the fans. They create a lot of energy in the game. It’s a great environment to play in.”
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Steven Anthony Dennis
May 24, 2021
Steven Anthony Dennis, 61 went to be with his Heavenly Father, May 21,2021 at his home in Cantonment, FL. Born in Pensacola, FL, he was the cherished son of Marjorie F. Mathews, loyal Brother to Ellen Dennis Griffin (Jim) and Stephanie Dennis Pitts. He was the loving husband of Jamie Dennis, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Kristine Moore (Brian) and Kelly Dennis. But perhaps his favorite title he carried was being a Grandpa (aka Baba) to Landon Gene and Lawson Anthony Moore. His favorite place to be was at the beach. He enjoyed fishing, watching sunsets at Fort Pickens, camping and most of all spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his love and devotion to his Girls and Grandsons. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that credit him for many wonderful childhood memories, Michael Griffith (Wynde), Terry Ollervides Jr, Ben Griffith (Kim), Jamie Fielding (Danny), Sarah Jack (Dave), Ryan Ballard, Tina Ballard and Amy Ballard. His fun and loving spirit will remain deep within our hearts as we continue his legacy. Special thank you to Dr. Nicholas Drake and his oncology staff, Fresenius Kidney Center (Nine Mile) and Covenant Hospice for all of their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held at 3PM, Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Minister Ken Tackett officiating.
Burial will follow in Roberts Cemetery.
Joyce Harrison Mayo
May 24, 2021
Joyce Harrison Mayo, born April 27, 1948 in Jackson County, Florida passed away on May 21, 2021 in Pensacola, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James T. Mayo; maternal grandparents, William Gordon “Jake” Powell and Fannie Irene Grice Powell; paternal grandparents, James Allen Harrison and Lucy Ann Evans Harrison; parents, Odis Harrison and Bronnie Powell Harrison.
Joyce is survived by daughter, Marti C. Tabora of Pensacola, Florida; sons, Rickey T. (Rebecca) Mayo of Texas and Rodney D. (Bobbie) Mayo of Alabama; one grandson, Jake Harrison Brown of Pensacola; three granddaughters, Whitney (Jamie) Ripper and Marley Rae Mayo both of Texas, and Cassie Rae Mayo of Ohio; two great grandsons, Cameron Harrison Brown and Jameson Howard Ripper; one great granddaughter, Emery Lou Mayo; brother, who was so special to her, Robert (Donna) Horton of Washington Co., Florida; and sisters-in-law, Polly, Macklyn and Linda.
A special thank you to Dr. Hilliary White and Nadia who took such good care of Joyce. Joyce always said that Dr. White listened to her, understood her, and always made her feel better and Nadia who was always so caring and sweet. Also, D.J. with Covenant Hospice who was so kind to help Joyce to understand her medications and what they were for.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Dixonville Community Cemetery, 9851 Travis Road, Brewton, AL 36426.
Hieu Van Nguyen
May 24, 2021
Hieu Van Nguyen was born in Cantho, Vietnam on October 14, 1967. This was where he met his loving wife, Kim Tuyen Ngo and eventually moved to the United States to have 2 daughters named Lauren and Kelly. Hieu passed away on Sat, May 15th 2021 at the age of 53.
Hieu was a hard worker and a natural handyman. If anyone needed help, he was there to lend a hand.
Hieu was preceded in death by his parents and a few siblings in Vietnam.
Hieu is survived by his wife Kim Tuyen Ngo and his daughters, Lauren Tram Nguyen and Kelly Ann Nguyen.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Project Vietnam Foundation, a non-profit program of the American Academy of Pediatrics providing hygiene, medical and educational facilities in Vietnam.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Carolyn McGhee Rackard
May 24, 2021
Carolyn McGhee Rackard, age 69, passed away May 17, 2021 in Atmore, AL. She was born on August 11, 1951 in Atmore, AL to the late Kinzy and Ethel McGhee. She was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She served eleven years on the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Election Board and was an Elder Benefits Assistant retiring after sixteen years of service.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lonnie Lee Rackard and her siblings, Joe Frank McGhee, Raymond McGhee and Willie Lois Fore.
She is survived by her sons, Jason (Mary) Rackard of Atmore, AL and Jeremy (Jasmine) Rackard of Loxley, AL; her grandchildren, Kinzie Rackard, Dallon Rackard, Destiny Ingelmon, Khalia Inglemon, Jackson Rackard and Macey Rackard; her siblings, Mary Gibbs of Atmore, AL and Betty Sheppard (Gene) of Dothan, AL along with her two fur babies, Zoey and Posey.
Homegoing Service will be held Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Alton Lister, Bro. Jason Sims, Speaker Arthur Mothershed and Speaker Jackson Rackard officiating. Interment will follow at New Home Cemetery in Poarch, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Chet McGhee, Ken McGhee, Eddie Rolin, Cecil Corey, Jared Carlton, Robert Hollingsworth, Kevin White and Michael Woods.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gilbert McGhee, Jake Carlton, Johnnie Hughes, John Reed, Slick Corey, Eddie Fore, David McNair, Chad White, Larry Flurnoy, Charles “Bo” Bray
and David Gibbs.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson- Quimby Funeral Home.