Mary Lue Smith
April 5, 2021
Mary L. Smith, resident of Cantonment, FL, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the age of 92. She was born in Damascus, Alabama to the late Johnnie White and Maggie Stone White. She was a member of the Cottage Hill Methodist Church.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Louie Smith; parents; brother, Walter White; and grandchild, Ashby Smith.
She is survived by her children, Glenn (Betty) Smith, David (Jan) Smith and Theresa (David) Cook; grandchildren, Tonya (Dale) Morss, Autumn Altman, Chip (Nicole) Coleman, Debra (Brian) Hicks and Kara (Len) Bryant; fourteen great grandchildren; brother, Thomas White; and sister, Annie Laura DuBose.
Graveside services will be held at 2PM, on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cottage Hill Methodist Church, 229 Williams Ditch Road, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Worshipers Gather In Person For Easter Worship, Sunrise Services
April 4, 2021
Worshipers gathered in-person for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
At the start of the pandemic, Easter morning services were empty in 2020 as everything was virtual. At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty last year as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.
Easter morning 2021 was much different as services were open for in-person attendance, including sunrise services such as the Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium.
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured above and below: The 2021 Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Looking For An Easter Morning Church Service?
April 4, 2021
Area churches are returning to in-person services this Easter. A list of some of this morning’s services is below.
EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES
Molino/Cantonment
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino Morning worship will take place at 10 a.m. The church is located at 6915 North Highway 29, just south of the Highway 97 intersection.
- Highland Baptist Church in Molino will have an Easter Egg Hunt for kids and a family devotion at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Easter Services will be held at 10:45 a.m.
- Pursue Life Church Easter Services will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday in the Tate High School Cafeteria.
- Easter Sunday Service at Victory Assembly Of God will be at 10:30 a.m. at 1895 Victory Road in Cantonment.
- CrossFaith Church in Molino at 5701 North Highway 29 will have an in-person contemporary service, children’s church, ice cream treats, inflatable fun and 2,000 plus egg hunt for the kids beginning at 10:30 am.
- Harvest Christian Center at 1095 Muscogee Road will host Easter worship services at 9:15 and 11 a.m. Egg hunts and lots of fun are planned for the children in each service.
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Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church at 699 South Highway 95A will hold Easter Service at 10:00 a.m.
Walnut Hill/McDavid/Century
- Easter Services at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia will be held at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
- Walnut Hill Baptist Church at 5741 Arthur Brown Road will have Easter Morning worship at 10 a.m.
- Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century will hold Easter Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Nine Mile Road Area
- Hillcrest Baptist Church on Nine Mile Road will hold Easter Services at the Nine Mile campus at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Guidy Lane at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. for you to choose from, and the Spanish Trail Campus at the corner of Summit Blvd. and Spanish Trail Road which will meet at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
- St. Luke United Methodist Church at 1394 East Nine Mile Road will hold Easter Services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. A butterfly release will take place at 10:20 a.m.
- Bridge Church at 825 West Nine Mile Road will hold Easter Services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A free lunch will follow the service.
- Easter Services at NorthStone Baptist Church will be held at 10:30 a.m. at 2550 West Nine Mile Road.
- Northridge Church at 2075 East Nine Mile Road Easter Service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Pensacola
- Olive Baptist Church will hold an Easter Hymn Service at 8 a.m. Sunday. Morning worship services at the Pensacola campus will be held at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Services at the Warrington Campus will take place at 11 a.m.
- Easter Services will be held at 10 a.m. at the Pensacola and Beulah campuses of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
- Klondike Church at 201 Klondike Road will hold East Services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
South Alabama
- Flomaton First Baptist Church will hold Easter Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Missing, Endangered Cantonment Man Found Safe
April 4, 2021
UPDATE; The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that this missing man has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is search for a missing and endangered man last seen in Cantonment.
John Frenkel, 61, was last seen about 2 p.m. on Monday, March 29 in the 1500 block of Silver Ridge Drive, off Country Road 97, the ECSO said late Saturday night.
He was driving a silver 2014 Chevy Silverado with a Florida tag Z54FQX. Hie is described as 6-foot, 2-inches, 200 pounds and is bald. He may be in need of medical attention.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos Show Work To Repair the Pensacola Bay Bridge During 2021
April 4, 2021
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is currently expected to open the week of May 31, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
When it reopens, about the first mile or so out of Pensacola will only be two lanes.
The bridge has been closed since it was struck and damaged by multiple Skanska barges.
Initially the state had targeted March 22 to reopen the bridge, but that date was pushed to May or the first week in June after initial damage was found to a trophy piece, one of the piers that supports the roadway spans.
For photos that show the work on the Pensacola Bay Bridge repairs so far in 2021, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny For Monday
April 4, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 78. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
No License Needed Freshwater Fishing Today In Florida
April 4, 2021
Try your hand at freshwater fishing in Florida Sunday, April 4, without needing a freshwater fishing license.
“The first freshwater license-free fishing weekend of the year is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone to fishing for the first time,” said Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management Director Tom Graef. “Spend this weekend with family and friends enjoying the Fishing Capital of the World as you fish from a boat or shore.”
All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/License. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
“Florida has long been known as the Fishing Capital of the World and Florida fishing helps to support many industries that impact the state’s economy, including retail, research and tourism,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Now is the time to get out on the water and an even better time to introduce someone you know to fishing – all you need is a rod and a reel.”
Pictured: Fishing at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Advisories
April 4, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Underground Utility Operations at Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) intersection – Motorists can expect intermittent northbound lane closures from 8 p.m. Monday, April 5 to 5 a.m., Tuesday, April 6 as crews raise valves within the travel lane.
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - The intersection of North 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway will remain closed until spring 2021 as construction continues the new 17th Avenue interchange. The Visitor’s Center and adjacent boat launch remain accessible from 17th Avenue. Also, the ramp from 17th Avenue to East Gregory Street remains open. Eastbound drivers on Bayfront Parkway should use North 14th Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) as a detour route.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass.
- North Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- The north and southbound left lanes of Ninth Avenue over Carpenters Creek will be closed as bridge replacement work begins. The right lanes will remain open. Traffic is expected to continue in this configuration through late April.
- · West Cervantes Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project- Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on West Cervantes Street, between Dominguez Street and A Street beginning Monday, March 29. The lane closures are required to perform median construction work. One lane in each direction will be maintained at all times. The median work and lane closures will begin on the west end of the project, near Dominguez Street, and will progress eastward until the end of the year. Also, be advised that the speed limit will be reduced to 30 m.p.h.
- · I-10 Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation over Perdido River Bridge – Motorists will encounter lane closures and pacing operations beginning Monday, April 5 at 6 a.m. Traffic will be temporarily slowed to a safe speed by a pilot vehicle during construction activities.
- · N. Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) Underground Utility Operations from W. Strong Street south to W. Gadsden Street and from W. Gadsden Street south to W. La Rua Street- Motorists will encounter lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6 as crews perform underground utility work.
- · Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Utility Operations near Baldwin Avenue- There will be intermittent westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7 to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 8 as crews install a new power pole.
- · S.R. 268 (West Michigan Avenue Utility Operations at Valley Escondido Drive– There will be intermittent lane closures at the intersection of W. Michigan Avenue. and Valley Escondido Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 7 as crews replace light poles.
- · North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Utility Operations near Heritage Apartments- Traffic will encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 8 to 5 a.m. Friday, April 9 as crews perform utility operations.
- · U.S.29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Hwy (S.R. 97) – Motorist will encounter intermittent north and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations. This will include work at Muscogee and Becks Lake roads and Morris Avenue intersections, as well as the CSX Railroad crossing.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive- Early construction activities are beginning in preparation for the widening and improvements of the 4.25-mile section of U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, excavation, and drainage improvements. As part of the upgraded drainage system, the project includes the construction of five stormwater ponds. Clearing and excavating of areas for the stormwater ponds are currently underway. There are no traffic impacts associated with the construction of the ponds, but nearby residents and businesses may experience some noise. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times. Major roadway construction activities on the $70.4 million project are anticipated to begin in summer 2021.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The bridge remains closed.
- U.S. 90 Maintenance Operations between Santa Rosa Drive and Summerdale Drive – The westbound outside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, April 5 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 6 as crews perform routine maintenance activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
FDOH Reports Three Additional COVID-19 Deaths In Escambia County, Another 24 Cases
April 4, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVES STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
On Saturday, the Florida Department of Health reported three new COVID-19 deaths and another 24 cases in Escambia County.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 34,950 (+24)
Non-Florida residents: 3,619
Recovered: 34,152*
Total deaths: 669 (+3)
Long-term care facility deaths: 280 (+1)
Current hospitalizations: 24
Number of tests reported last day: 539
Percent positive reported last day: 3.6%
Percent positive reported last week: 4.5%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 26,071 (+17)
Cantonment: 3,145 (+2)
Century: 1,173 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 485
McDavid: 209
Bellview: 57
Walnut Hill: 53
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 17,805 (+24)
Non-Florida residents: 229
Total deaths: 278
Long-term care facility deaths: 81
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 858*
Number of tests reported last day: 325
Percent positive reported last day: 6.3%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,487 (+9)
Navarre: 3,674 (+4)
Gulf Breeze: 3,307 (+10)
Pace: 1,430
Jay: 544
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,077,032
Florida residents: 2,038,204
Deaths: 33,652
Hospitalizations: 85,678
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Florida Forest Service Warns About Wildfire Risk
April 3, 2021
As northwest Florida is starting to reach the peak of its year-round wildfire season, officials with the Florida Forest Service are asking residents to be careful if they choose to burn yard debris.
“This cold front has brought cooler temperatures and lower humidity into the area,” said David Smith, operations administrator for the Blackwater Forestry Center. “That combination can dry vegetation out very quickly and allow fire to spread despite the fact we have had rain recently.”
Spring often is a great time to get the yard in shape and that leads people to pile and burn limbs, brush and other materials. With cold, dry weather in place for the next several days, it could lead to a dangerous situation. Residents are asked to follow the required setbacks and be extra cautious as low humidity and higher winds can cause a fire to escape quickly. Always keep a charged water hose handy to douse any fire that might flare up, never turn your back on a fire, don’t go inside “just for a minute,” and be sure your fire is dead out before leaving it unattended. If your fire does escape, call 911 immediately so firefighters can respond quickly.”