United Way Announces Nearly A Half Million Dollars In Grant Awards
July 6, 2022
United Way of West Florida recently awarded nearly a half million dollars in grants to 25 local nonprofit agencies in support of 29 programs through the organization’s Community Investment Process. Programs operated by these agencies provide critical services to individuals and families across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the areas of education, financial stability, and health.
The $480,000 in grants were awarded through a competitive process. Community volunteers spent months reviewing applications and listening to presentations from applicants before making recommendations to United Way of West Florida’s Board of Directors for final approval.
“I appreciate all the volunteers who worked so hard during this process,” said Todd Phillips, chair of the Community Impact Committee and manager, Mortgage Loan Operations and Real Estate Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “While we wish we had the funding to give grants to all the programs, we have to make tough decisions every year. Our community is fortunate to have so many incredible nonprofits.”
“This year was especially tough,” said Laura Gilliam, United Way of West Florida president and CEO. “We’ve seen a decline in fundraising revenue, made worse by the pandemic. We are very thankful for the organizations and individuals who continue to support United Way of West Florida, whose generosity makes these grants possible.”
Grants were awarded as follows:
EDUCATION AWARDS – $163,563
Autism Pensacola
Kids for Camp Summer Learning Lab
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
Beyond Walls
Serving Escambia County
Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
Academic Success
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers
Behavioral ABCs
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Children’s Home Society of Florida
teenspace
Serving Escambia County
Council on Aging West Florida
Foster Grandparent Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
James B. Washington
Tutoring Towards Tomorrow
Serving Escambia County
Pace Center for Girls
Girls Earning Diplomas (GED) Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
ReadyKids!
ReadingPals
Serving Escambia County
YMCA
Yreads
Serving Escambia County
FINANCIAL STABILITY AWARDS – $101,106
Bright Bridge Ministries
His Place Shelter
Serving Escambia County
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Emergency Assistance Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
FavorHouse of Northwest Florida
Financial Stability Program for Domestic Violence Victims
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Mobile Pantry Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Legal Services of North Florida
Independence for Dependent and Homeless Youth
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Legal Services of North Florida
Veterans Legal Assistance
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
HEALTH AWARDS – $215,331
The ARC Gateway
Pearl Nelson Center Early Intervention
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Bright Bridge Ministries
Hot, Healthy Meals
Serving Escambia County
Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers
Essential Health Access
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Council on Aging of West Florida
Nutrition Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Council on Aging of West Florida
Senior Companion Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Ecomfort Inc.
Soup Kitchen
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Gulf Coast Kid’s House
Advocacy for Victims of Abuse
Serving Escambia County
Health and Hope Clinic
Access to Care
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Lutheran Services Florida
Sexual/Physical Abuse Treatment Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Northwest Florida Community Outreach
Supporting Our Seniors (SOS)
Serving Escambia County
OASIS Florida
Mobile Outreach Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Santa Rosa Kid’s House
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Serving Santa Rosa County
Valerie’s House
No Child Grieves Alone
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Cantonment Man Charged After Alleged Road Rage Incident
July 6, 2022
A Cantonment man is facing charges after an alleged road rage incident.
Marvin Eugene Darby, 27, was charged with second degree felony throwing deadly missiles at an occupied vehicle and first degree misdemeanor criminal mischief.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was sitting at the intersection of Pensacola Boulevard when he observed a Chevy Trax driven by Darby and a pickup truck sitting nearby. The trooper said Darby exited his vehicle and began hitting on the hood of the pickup truck. Darby was taken into custody by FHP and turned over to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim said he was traveling to church with his 5-year old daughter and exited I-110 onto Airport Boulevard. At the intersection of Airport and Palafox Street, Darby allegedly threw an object which struck the pickup truck’s passenger door, near where the child was sitting. Darby continued to drive aggressively, forcing the pickup in to the median, an arrest report states, before Darby thew another object at the truck which hit the passenger window.
The victim could not identify the objects thrown at his vehicle, but described them as “large and black”. A deputy noted small dents and scratches to the passenger door of the victim’s truck.
Darby told the deputy that it was his accuser that threw objects at his Chevy Trax. The deputy observed pre-existing damage on Darby’s vehicle that had touch-up paint on it.
Darby was released on a $7,500 bond.
Ray Ladon ‘Uncle Ray’ Singleton
July 6, 2022
Mr. Ray Ladon “Uncle Ray” Singleton, age 77 passed away, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Canoe, AL. He was a native of Atmore, AL; and has resided in Fort Deposit, AL; for the past 18 years. He was in Retail Sales in hardware for 35 years and was the best in matching paint colors. After semi retiring, he would farm with some local farmers and he also would drive a semi-truck for some of his local friends.
“Uncle Ray” valued his time he got to spend with his wife, family, and grandsons. He was the greatest Daddy and loved his daughter and friends dearly. He enjoyed telling good ole stories and making people laugh. He enjoyed football and always loved a good concert. He had the biggest heart and would help people out any way he could.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Sudie Gilmore) Singleton, Edward Singleton, Lenard Singleton, Earl Singleton, Bernard Singleton, Carlos Singleton, Thelma Barnes, Sue Kniseley, and one brother in-law, Newton Weaver.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Elaine Singleton, of Fort Deposit, AL; one daughter, Ladonna Young, of Bay Minette, AL; one step-daughter, Summer (Clay) Brogden, of Greenville, AL; two brothers, Barney (Pat) Singleton, of Atmore, AL; Albert (Carolyn) Singleton, of Robinsonville, AL; one sister, Laura Weaver, of Canoe, AL; two grandsons, Tristan Young, of Hoover, AL; Jack Brogden, of Greenville, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center with Pastor: Cornelius Phillips officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday July 8, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at McCullough Christian Center.
Pallbearers will be Troy McKinley, Sammy Singleton, Jack Brogden, Chris Singleton, Sam Lee, and Johnny Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Holland, David Womack, Clay Helton, Jr; Nic Johnson, Terrell Singleton, and Larry Singleton.
Florida Gas Prices Drop A Dime On Average Over The Fourth Weekend
July 6, 2022
Florida gas prices declined a dime over the Independence Day holiday weekend, according to AAA.
The average price for gasoline in Florida was $4.54 per gallon on Tuesday. The state average has declined a total of 35 cents through the past three weeks.
In Escambia County, the average gallon of gas was $4.44. A low of $4.26 could be found in North Escambia Tuesday night at a station of Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, at least three stations were at $4.10.
“Gas prices are being dragged lower by falling crude oil prices, which suffered steep losses Tuesday, on worries of a global economic slowdown,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If these futures price drops hold, drivers could see Florida gas prices drift back below $4.10 per gallon. However, this is still an extremely volatile fuel market, and we’ve seen oil prices rebound so many times in the past several months.”
On Tuesday, the price for U.S. crude oil plummeted, falling below $100 a barrel for the fist time in eight weeks. Tuesday’s closing price of $99.50 per barrel is nearly $9 (16%) less than the week before, and the lowest daily settlement since April 25, 2022.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
As Fireworks Boomed, Volunteers Read Books To Animal Shelter Cats And Dogs
July 6, 2022
While the fireworks were booming across Escambia County for Independence Day, the canines and felines at the Escambia County Animal Shelter were enjoying the company of volunteers and a good book.
The 2022 Tales for Tails event saw volunteers spend Monday night reading or just chatting with the dogs and puppies and cats and kittens who were comforted by a good story. Or just hearing someone that took the night to talk to them, show them that they care.
They were not alone as the sky booms echoed. They were not afraid. They were brave, thanks to their friends.
The words didn’t necessarily matter, but a “good boy” or “good girl”…wow, that means the world to a shelter resident.
Tails wagged in the doggie kennel, and there were more than a few purrs in the shelter’s Catnip Café. It was good for the animals, whether they were of the cat, dog or human species. You could tell by the smiles; it was a great way for animal lovers to celebrate the night of the Fourth. If you looked, you could see the smiles on doggie and kitty faces too.
And then there was Mallory McIver. She captured the night with her drawings of sweet resident pups.
Drawings that may become the cover of the next storybook as the shelter animals become part of someone’s family. It’s next chapter in this tale for tails that all hope to hear.
Photos courtesy Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
William Amos “Bill” Spear
July 6, 2022
William Amos “Bill” Spear, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Bill was born on May 7, 1926 in Bainbridge, Georgia to Amos Allen Spear and Christine Lunday Spear.
He lived in Pensacola for most of his life. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He was onboard ships in the Pacific as a gunner’s mate throughout the war. He was part of The Greatest Generation. Bill retired after 20 years in the Navy. He was stationed onboard aircraft carriers for most of his service as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He also spent 3 years working for the Department of Defense in Vietnam during that conflict. He was most proud of obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was honored in 2015 by the upcoming CPO class at NAS Pensacola at a special ceremony where they presented him with a Navy Working Uniform. Bill was a hard working man who loved to build things. He built homes and businesses all over Pensacola and the Southeast.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was still gardening in his 90’s at his assisted living facility.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Christine Spear, his sister Eunice Brisch (John), brother Perry Allen Spear, and son David Allen Spear. He is survived by two sons: Billy Spear (Gail) and Scott Spear (Kahly); two daughters, Susan Rawls (Don) and Christie Harris, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, John Gavin.
Visitation will be on Monday July 11 at 10:30 am at Faith Chapel (South) with the service following at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Toys for Tots.
Woman Held Vehicle Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint After He Stole $2 Lighter, ECSO Says
July 5, 2022
A Molino man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a $2 lighter from a vehicle at a Cantonment home.
Devin Brandon Swicegood, 25, was charged with felony vehicle burglary and misdemeanor petit theft .
Swicegood allegedly took a cigarette lighter from an unlocked vehicle parked at home in a rural area of Highway 29 in Cantonment. As he rummaged through the vehicle, a woman at the residence was alerted by her dogs and held Swicegood at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to an arrest report.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy noted in his report that Swicegood “appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance based upon his movements and manner of speech”.
The $2 lighter was recovered by deputies and returned to the victim.
Swicegood remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Tate Lady Aggies Hosting Annual Softball Camp On July 12
July 5, 2022
The Tate High School Lady Aggies will host their annual Summer Softball Skills Clinic on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $50. For more information or to register, click or tap here.
Pictured: The 2021 Tate High School Summer Softball Skills Clinic. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Same Weather Routine: More Showers And Storms For Tuesday
July 5, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Marbled Mugs, MESS Hall, Chess Club And Lego Night: This Week At North Escambia Libraries
July 5, 2022
Here are events scheduled this week at the North Escambia library locations in Molino and Century:
Nail polish isn’t just for painting nails. Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library, patrons can make their own unique marbled coffee mug. All materials will be provided. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Family story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Molino Branch Library and simultaneously at the Century Branch Library with stories, songs and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers but open to everyone. At the Century Library, local state park rangers will present a special story time.
The MESS Hall will be at the Molino Library on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Patrons can join representatives from Pensacola’s MESS Hall to explore the math, engineering, and science of the oceans. They can also embrace curiosity at interactive exploration stations. All ages are welcome.
Thursday will be Lego night at the Century Branch Library at 5 p.m. There will be a variety of Lego bricks and challenges. Duplo bricks will be available for little builders.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network will present a program about underwater archaeology in your community and an interactive activity on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Century Branch Library. All ages are welcome.
Chess Club at the Century Library will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Learn how to play chess, improve your skills, or challenge yourself with a friendly against a new opponent. The library will provide all chess boards and pieces.