Holley ‘Rex’ Crews
October 21, 2022
Holley “Rex” Crews was born to Versie and Willie Mae Crews on January 18, 1941, in the Holland Town community, where he grew up with his siblings and cousins. Rex began working on his uncle’s farm at a young age and was driving a tractor by the age of 8. As he got older, he began working with a builder where he learned some of the skills that would help build his career.
He met the love of his life, Lottie “Nell” Day at a school dance in July of 1958, and they were married June 27, 1959. They welcomed their first son, Danny, in 1961, followed by their youngest son, Rocky, in 1962.
1962 was a big year for Rex, as he also started his flooring business “Rex Crews Flooring.” He loved making his customers happy and making sure that he left a job that he was proud of. He learned his trade well and could nail a floor faster than most other floor men all the way up until the day he retired. With this determination and perseverance, and most importantly God’s help, he and Nell built a strong business that provided well for their family and then their sons’ families for 45+ years and left a legacy of quality service for the Gulf Coast community.
If you ever got to speak with Rex about his life, he would tell you he was very blessed. He was a member of Springhill Primitive Baptist church where he faithfully attended and helped with church upkeep as much as he could. He loved having his wife by his side from his morning cup of coffee throughout the day until he could kiss her good night. It was rare that you ever saw them apart. He also loved being outside tending his yard, helping his sons with various projects, showing his grandkids things in the woods, or just enjoying the beauty of God’s creation while relaxing on vacation. He was a cancer survivor of almost 30 years. He always counted it a great blessing to be able to sit down to a good meal, especially when it was finished up with a big bowl of soft serve ice cream or one of Nell’s famous desserts. These meals were even more enjoyable to him, when he could be surrounded by his sons, grandkids, and great grandkids. He loved being able to share time with them.
Jesus called Rex home to be with Him in Heaven on October 17, 2022. He is preceded in death by his father, Versie Crews; his mother, Wille Mae (Nelson) Crews; his brother, Heston Crews; and his sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Doyle Wolfe.
His memory will be cherished and carried on by his wife of 63 years, Nell; his two sons Danny (Wendy) Crews and Rocky (Connie) Crews; his four grandchildren Jennifer (David) Brooks, Joe (Sarah) Crews, Heather (Jordan Dunlap) Crews, and Ethan (Hayley Wilson) Crews; ten great grandchildren; sister Kathleen (Wayne) Pierce; brother John David Crews; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 PM- 7PM. Services will be Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 AM at Faith Chapel North, with Elder Michael Johnson and Elder Gerald Manning officiating. Interment will follow immediately afterwards at Springhill Primitive Baptist Church in Flomaton, AL.
Pallbearers will be Joe Crews, Ethan Crews, David Brooks, Chuck Booth, Kenny Ogwynn and Phil Richards. Honorary pallbearers are is Mike Hawk and David Rogers.
Here Is Tonight’s High School Football Schedule
October 21, 2022
Here is the North Escambia area football schedule for Friday
FLORIDA
- Northview at Marianna
- Gulf Breeze at Tate
- Pine Forest at Escambia
- Lighthouse Christian at Pensacola High
- Washington at Choctaw
- Pensacola Catholic at Munroe
- Milton at Crestview
- Pace at Navarre
- Graceville at Jay (Thursday, canceled)
- Bye: West Florida
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy at South Choctaw Academy
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Orange Beach
- Flomaton at Monroe County
- St. Michael Catholic at T.R. Miller
- W.S. Neal at Excel
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Bicyclist Shot And Killed In Molino
October 21, 2022
A bicyclist was apparently shot and killed Thursday evening in Molino.
It was first reported that a bicyclist had been struck by a vehicle about 5:40 p.m., but first responders arrived to discover that he had been shot, according to Morgan Lewis, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened on Cedartown Road southwest of Jahaza Road, near a bridge over Wilder Branch.
Lewis said the adult male suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The man’s death on the is being investigated as a homicide. There were no suspects in custody at last report from the ECSO.
The area were the man was on a remote stretch of the road with no nearby homes.
This developing story will be updated with any additional information.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For Molesting Child
October 21, 2022
An Escambia County man was convicted Thursday and sentenced to life in prison on child sex charges.
Oscar Javier Amador was convicted of sexual battery of a victim less than 12, lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim less than 12, and four counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority. Immediately following the verdict, Amador was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Coleman Lee Robinson to life in prison on all counts and was designated as sexual predator.
Testimony during the trial showed Amador sexually abused a child over a period of five years, from about age 10 to 15.
“This defendant was a predator that took advantage of an innocent child that should have been able to trust him. This sentence provides some much-needed closure to the victim and their family while further protecting any other innocent children,” said Carrie Gilmer, prosecuting attorney.
911, Communications Outages Reported In Escambia And Santa Rosa Counties
October 20, 2022
Officials in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are saying that a due a state or regional communications outage for some carriers, some residents may have difficulty reaching 911.
In Escambia County, callers unable to reach 911 can:
- Call Escambia County Emergency Communications at (850) 471-6310 or (850) 471-6300.
- Go to their nearest fire station to report the problem.
“The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office has received information that telecommunication carriers are experiencing a major outage in the southern region of the US. Currently, our dispatch is not receiving calls consistently,” Jillian Durkin, public information office for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, said.
In Santa Rosa County, if 911 does not work, residents can call (850) 983-1131 for non-emergencies.
“If you are experiencing an emergency, please continue to call 911,” Durkin said.
Escambia Man Charged With Bank Robbery
October 20, 2022
An Escambia County man has been arrested for the robbery of a Pensacola bank on Tuesday.
Dwayne Carlton McDonald, 48, was charged with first degree felony robbery with a firearm and use of a firearm during a felony.
Investigators said McDonald was the man that walked into the Hancock Whitney Bank on Creighton Road near Davis Highway on Tuesday wearing a black ski mask, red jacket and a pair of sunglasses. He walked to the counter, said “this is urgent”, placed a gun on the counter, and demanded cash, according to an arrest report. The cash was placed in a white trash bag with a red drawstring.
He then allegedly walked to a maroon van parked nearby and fled.
Witnesses said McDonald is a regular customer at the bank, and they recognized both his “northern” accent and the Town Country van.
Wednesday, deputies conducted a traffic stop on McDonald as he was leaving his residence and found a white plastic trash trash bag with red drawstring, and he appeared to be wearing the same shoes as the bank robbery suspect.
Based upon information obtained during an interview with McDonald, deputies located a white trash bag in a dumpster at a liquor store in the 7400 block of Pine Forest Road. The bag contained the red jacket, black mask, gray t-shirt and black pants seen in the bank’s surveillance video.
Investigators later found the gun used in the robbery and recovered cash, an arrest report states.
McDonald remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $75,000.
Century Blackcats Look To Change Playbook From Football To STEM Education
October 20, 2022
As their season comes to an end, the Century Blackcats youth football program is looking to change their playbook from football to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. It’s a super idea, according to two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant.
“We believe that if we want to transform the lives of young people and our community, we have to bring about tangible changes. So, we seek to ensure that our young people acquire these skills,” coach Tony Robinson of the Century Blackcats said.
Wednesday night, members of the Blackcats football team and their parents got a look at computer programming from two University of West Florida students, including a quick introduction to the Python programming language that the players will have a chance to learn.
They are hoping that computer programming will be just one of the things that will keep the Blackcats engaged when the football season ends.
“This will allow them to successfully compete in the world. That’s becoming more and more technologically connected and more competitive,” Robinson said.
“You have a choice to take what you have, your abilities, and you can either put them in a hole or you can use them,” local pastor and coach Kris Chancery said during a Biblical lesson. “That’s what your reward is going to be.”
“You guys have Coach Robinson and Coach Kris. Those men are trying to pour something in you,” Pleasant told the players. “They want to see you be successful; they want to see you be productive young men.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured top: Two-time Super Bowl champion and Century native Anthony Pleasant addresses the Century Blackcats Wednesday night. Pictured below: The team learned about STEM activities. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Rent In Century Building Ends For Startup Transportation Company. Now It’s $1 A Month.
October 20, 2022
A six month rent-free ride for a startup transportation company in a building owned by the Town of Century comes to an end Thursday as their rent increases to $1 a month.
In late April, the council approved a zero dollar, three month lease for space in the Century Business Center with Metro Rapid Transport and their for-profit non-emergency medical and other transportation service business. That lease was set to expire July 20.
Then in July, the council extended the agreement by three months to October 20. At that time, the council said they would renew the lease before it ended and consider future options. Metro Rapid officials requested the additional three months as they continued to work toward a positive cash flow.
This week, Metro Rapid officials told the council that they are continuing to work on building their business while serving the town. But, they said there have been delays and difficulties in receiving payment from Medicaid and Medicare for services already rendered.
Expressing a desire to help the local business succeed while noting the town has no other paying tenants in their Pond Street complex, the council opted to extend the Metro Rapid lease for three months at $1 a month. They will revisit a fair rent before the end of the term.
During their use of the town’s building, Metro Rapid is responsible for utility costs. Under the lease, Metro Rapid accepted the premises “as is” with the town having no responsibility for any repairs or alterations.
Metro Rapid also has non-exclusive right to use the paved parking surfaces and driveway. The lease also allows the company to use a portion of the property to the east of the Century Business Center as a bus parking area, but the buses and other vehicles are not allowed at the Century Business Center at any time. Their use is limited to overnight and temporary parking of less than 12 hours. They are not allowed to make any repairs or service the vehicles on the property.
ECSO Receives $549K Grant For Mental Health Services
October 20, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has received a $549,000 mental health grant.
The grant will fund three deputies that will work with mental health clinicians from Lakeview Center, forming two co-responder teams. The teams will work alongside mental health professionals for mental health-related calls, and to provide immediate care and resources for community members in their time of need.
This will not only provide individuals with mental health-specific responses, but it will also free patrol deputies to answer other calls for service, according to the ECSO.
The Sheriff’s Office applied for the grant earlier this year as part of ECSO Mental Health Wellness Unit, led by Colonel Mindy Von Ansbach Young. The unit provides support to employees at the ECSO and works in conjunction with local mental health providers. The co-responder unit is the latest addition to the ECSO’s mental health initiatives.
“Utilizing crisis-based services in combination with law enforcement responses will expedite care and minimize the likelihood of law enforcement arrests, baker acts, and marchman acts,” Young said.
The $549,000 will not only be used to train deputies but will also fund the employees’ salaries for three years.
Great Sunny And Cool Weather Continues
October 20, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 40. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 48. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 75.