Local Moonshiner’s New TV Show ‘Alabama Shine’ Premieres
August 25, 2022
A couple of years ago, a Flomaton man competed on national TV with his old McDavid moonshine recipe, and now he’s back on television co-starring in his own show.
Johnny Griffis competed on Moonshiners: Master Distiller on the Discovery Channel in 2020. In the end, his “old school corn liquor moonshine” took second place.
“Since the show aired I have had much success,” Griffis told NorthEscambia.com Wednesday.
His new television series “Alabama Shine” premiered Thursday night exclusively on The Country Network (TCN). It showcased Griffis in Flomaton and Jimbo Bray in Carbon Hill, Alabama. Bray won the very first episode of Master Distiller on Discovery.
“I had an old timer from McDavid that had many years experience in moonshine teach me how to do it,” Griffis said said. “He gave me his old school family recipe.”
“The show is about moonshine and music,” he said. We will have a special musical guests each week.”
On the premiere episode, guests were country rocker Jelly Roll, singer and songwriter Steve Oliver, and Nikki Nelson from the group Highway 101.
Jelly Roll has been at No. 1 n the Billboard Emerging Artists chart for the past two weeks and recently performed his song “Son of a Sinner” on Jimmie Kimmel Live.
Watch “Alabama Shine” Thursdays at 7 p.m. or on demand later at tcntoday.com.
Rain, Rain Just Won’t Go Away
August 25, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. High near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%
Woman Accused Of Embezzling $165K From Church, Bible College
August 25, 2022
A church secretary is facing charges for allegedly taking over $160,000 from her employer.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents arrested Lisa Michelle Hively, 55, on one count of organized scheme to defraud and one count of grand theft, both first-degree felonies. She was secretary at Faith Baptist Church and Faith Bible College from 2008 to 2021 where her husband was an assistant pastor, according to court documents.
The investigation began in February 2022 when FDLE agents looked into allegations of potential embezzlement by employees of a local church. Investigators conducted forensic audits of the church’s finances and interviewed Hively.
According to FDLE, Hively embezzled approximately $164,716 from her employer between 2015 and 2021.
The investigation showed that Hively, whose duties included writing checks to pay church bills, would write checks from the church or Bible college and deposit them into her personal bank account. FDLE said approximately 232 checks were made out to Lisa Hively or her husband, Christopher Hively. Investigators say that she then altered the church’s financial ledger to disguise the checks as payments for services rendered to the church.
Hively surrendered at the Escambia County Jail and was released on a $30,000 bond.
Blue Wahoos, Biscuits Rained Out in Pensacola
August 25, 2022
Rain forced the postponement of Wednesday’s game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Montgomery Biscuits at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The contest will be made up as part of a single-admission doubleheader on Thursday, August 25, with first pitch of game one beginning at 4:05. Both games will be seven innings, and gates will open to all fans at 3:30.
Fans with tickets to Wednesday’s game may exchange them at the Blue Wahoos box office for tickets to a future 2022 Blue Wahoos regular season home game, subject to availability.
Elise Drinkard
August 25, 2022
Elise Drinkard, a devoted wife, loving mother, Mimi and sister, stepped into heaven on August 24, 2022. Elise was born April 26, 1961 to Norma and Robert Belvin, Sr. She was a graduate of Woodham High School class of 1979. Elise was part of the A. Downing Gray and Company family for 39 years where she worked with some of her dearest friends. She was a member of Olive Baptist church and enjoyed fellowship and Bible study with the SHE Group and also teaching 4th grade Sunday school.
To cherish her memory is the love of her life of 39 years, Robert Drinkard. Also surviving their mother are her children, Lauren Hinote (Bryan) and Ashley Drinkard. Elise was active in her children’s lives taking on leadership roles in the PTA, East Hill School Board, cheer coach and professional dance mom. Elise is survived by the apple of her eye, her granddaughter, Ava. She was the most fabulous Mimi and Ava was her heart. Elise is survived by her siblings, Robert Belvin, Jr. (Cecilia) and Jo Ann Adams (Gary). “Lisee” adored her siblings and treasured time spent with them. She also coveted time with her bonus siblings, Cheri Parda, Elizabeth Vinson (Kevin) and Ginny Guelzo (Dan). Elise is also survived by many nieces, nephews, adopted children and grandchildren and beloved friends.
Elise’s loved ones will receive friends and celebrate her at a visitation on Friday, August 26 from 5-7pm at Faith Chapel North. Funeral services will be held Saturday August 27 at 2pm at Faith Chapel North. A graveside service will be held on August 29 at 11am at Victoria Community Cemetery in Victoria, AL.
In lieu of flowers, Elise would love for you to consider a donation to The Charis House and Foster Families Group associated with Olive Baptist Church.
Flood Watch In Effect Through Thursday Night
August 24, 2022
A flood watch is in effect through Thursday night for the entire area.
Additional rounds of locally heavy rain are expected across the region through Thursday. A very moist airmass is in place and with slow storm motions expected and storms likely training over the same area another 3 to 5 inches of rain will be possible. With the already saturated soils this could quickly lead to runoff and flash flooding of low lying and poorly draining areas.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Low around 71. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 82. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Fire Sparked By Clothes Dryer Damages Cantonment Townhome
August 24, 2022
An early morning fire damaged a townhome in Cantonment.
The fire was reported at 3:44 a.m. at the Pine Forest Oaks Townhomes in the 3300 block of Pine Forest Road. Firefighters arrived to find light smoke coming from the roof of one of the quadplexes and entered to find a fire in the laundry room of one unit.
The fire caused extensive damage in the laundry room and adjacent hallway. The fire caused a water pipe to burst, causing additional damage to an adjacent townhome. The occupants of both townhomes were displaced by the damage and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Escambia County Fire Rescue said the fire was caused by the clothes dryer.
There were no injuries reported.
The Ensley, Cantonment, Bellview, Osceola and Brent Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with Escambia County EMS.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Salzman Easily Defeats Hill In House District 1 Republican Race
August 24, 2022
Incumbent Michelle Salzman easily defeated challenger Mike Hill in the Florida House District 1 Republican primary on Tuesday. She will now face Democrat Franscine Mathis in the November general election.
Salzman received 65% of the vote to Hill’s 35%, or a margin of about 6,200 votes.
“It was a great victory for Northwest Florida,” Salzman told NorthEscambia.com from her victory party Tuesday night. “All across the board, the right people won. We are going to pick up the pieces and head toward November and continue the momentum.”
Salzman defeated Hill in the 2020 GOP primary by about 1,000 votes — five percentage points. In her campaign, Salzman highlighted the fact that Hill failed to get any bill that he sponsored passed or any appropriation approved during his previous time in the Florida Legislature.
Sheriff Chip Simmons Addresses Molino Neighborhood Watch Group
August 24, 2022
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons spoke to the Molino Mid-County Neighborhood Watch about fighting crime in their neighborhood Monday evening.
The Molino Mid-County Neighborhood Watch group is scheduled to meet again on September 26 at the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Primary Election Recap: Here’s Who Won The Primary Election, Local Results
August 24, 2022
Florida Governor
Democrat Charlie Crist defeated challenger Nikki Fried to face Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis in November.
U.S. House 1st Congressional District
Republic incumbent Matt Gaetz defeated challengers Mark Lombardo and Greg Merk. He will face Democrat Rebekah Jones in November. Jones defeated Peggy Schiller in the primary Tuesday.
State Senate District 1
Republican incumbent Doug Broxson received 76% of the vote Tuesday to win the primary over John Mills. He will face Democrat Charlie Nichols in November.
Florida House District 1
Incumbent Michelle Salzman won the Republican primary with 65% of the vote over Mike Hill with 35% of the ballots cast. Salzman will face Democratic Franscine Mathis in the general election in November.
Florida House District 2
Republican incumbent Alex Andrade beat Greg Litton Jordan Karr. Andrade will be up against Democrat Carollyn Rabeca Taylor on November 8.
Escambia County Judge Group 1
Scott Richie was elected as Escambia County judge Tuesday with 64.5% of the vote to 35.5% for Paul Hamlin.
Escambia County Commission District 2
Mike Kohler, a retired Navy captain, defeated Kevin Brown and Chance Walsh for the Escambia County Commission District 2 seat. Incumbent Doug Underhill did not seek reelection.
Escambia County Commission District 4
Incumbent Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender garnered 78.6% of the vote, beating Stan McDaniels. He will face Democrat Myra Van Hoose in the general election.
Escambia County School Board District 1
With nearly 72% of the vote, Escambia County School Board Chairman Kevin Adams retained his seat with a landslide victory over his challenger, Connor Mann.
Escambia County School Board District 2
Paul Fetsko, with 45.6% of the vote, and Ray Guillory, with 35.4%, will be in a November runoff. A third candidate, Kells Hetherington, received 18% of Tuesday’s vote.
Escambia County School Board District 3
Incumbent Laura Edler was defeated by former Pensacola High School principal David Williams.
Pensacola Mayor
D.C. Reeves was elected as Pensacola’s next mayor with 51.44% of the vote, defeating Jewel Cannada-Wynn (19.67%), Steve Sharp (16.06%) and Sherri Myers (12.83%).
Pensacola City Council District 2
Charles Bare (41.19%) and Char Powell (26.05%) will be in a runoff in November.
Pensacola City Council District 6
Allison Patton (42.70%) and Ann Hill (35.27% will be in a runoff in November.