Fire Burns Wooded Area, Pickup Truck Near Davisville
November 9, 2022
Firefighters from multiple departments battled a fire that burned a wooded area and a pickup truck Tuesday afternoon near Davisville.
The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. in the 6000 block of West Highway 4, just east of Highway 97.
Responding firefighters from the Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue, and the Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department knocked down about two to three acres of the woods fire. The Florida Division of Forestry plowed a line around the remaining fire and contained about three-quarters of an acre.
The pickup truck was a complete loss.
The cause of the fire was under investigation. The fire did not threaten any structures, and there were no injuries reported.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
George Richard (Dick) Lastinger
November 9, 2022
George Richard (Dick) Lastinger, 80, of Pensacola, Fl. went peacefully to be with Jesus on November 4, 2022. Dick was born in Pensacola, Fl. on October 28, 1942 to Donald and Mildred Lastinger. He was married to Betty T. Lastinger for 34 years.
Dick grew up in the East Hill area of Pensacola, attending East Hill Baptist Church, where he was saved and baptized. In 1955, he moved from town with his parents to establish Hillcrest Baptist Church. Dick was the last surviving charter member of Hillcrest. He enjoyed serving with the First Impressions Ministry where he drove a golf cart and greeted people. He and Betty were also members of the Carl Mock Sunday School class, where they had many close friends.
Dick attended J M Tate High School. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard for many years. Later he became a truck driver with his trucking buddy, Don Brakefield. Many colorful stories were told by these two from their cross-country trucking adventures.
Dick also volunteered his time with the Escambia Search and Rescue as a boat captain.
One of Dick’s greatest passions in life was fishing. Not only did he learn to wet a hook from his Grandaddy Lee, but he learned early on that great relationships were made while fishing. Like his Grandaddy, he had numerous fishing buddies and knew how to tell epic fishing stories. His joy of fishing was made complete by inviting his family and friends to enjoy his famous fried fish and hush puppies.
Upon his retirement, Dick became a gardener. It was a hobby that he enjoyed with his neighbor and brother-in-law, Joel. They planted more than seeds. They grew a bond that was as close as any brothers could be. Dick loved being able to share the fruits of his labor with his family and friends.
Of course, Dick’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a faithful husband, devoted son and loving father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. You always knew his door would be open and anyone would be welcome to come have coffee with him.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Bro. Don and Milly Lastinger, his sister, Betty Lastinger Davis, and his brother, Donald L. Lastinger Jr. (Sonny boy).
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty T. Lastinger, daughter, Kristi Lastinger Reid; Granddaughters, Melissa Parker (Matthew), Samantha Hamrick (Jacob); Great granddaughters, Faith Reid, Aubree Reid, and Charlotte Parker; Brother-in-law, Joel Davis (Chris); Sisters-in-law, Dorothy Cone (Frank), Carolyn Zimmer (Dave), and Marylan Miller.
Nieces, Donna Adkison (Tony) and Becky Davis; Great Nephews, Chad Adkison, Brandon Moorhead (Samantha) and Drew Moorhead; Great niece, Amy Kohn (Josh)
Numerous close cousins and special friend, Don Brakefield.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 10 at 12:30 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, FL. 32533, officiated by Rev. Jim Locke.
Family will welcome friends one hour prior to service.
Burial will be at Bayview Cemetery following the service.
The family invites everyone to join them for a reception at Heritage Hall, Hillcrest Church, immediately following the services.
Pallbearers will be Don Brakefield, Chuck Brown, Lee Carnley, Brad Dennis, Robert Kennedy, Carl Mock, Roy Whittle and Roy Wiggins.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the men of Carl Mock’s Sunday School Class.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Hillcrest Disaster Relief Fund.
The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to West Florida Progressive Care and ICU units and Select Specialty Care for their compassionate care of Dick and his family.
Louise Ann Long
November 9, 2022
Mrs. Louise Ann Long, age 87, passed away, November 1, 2022, in Pensacola, FL. She resided most of her life in Canoe, AL; and a member of Corinth Baptist Church. She retired from Standard Furniture with many years of service.
Mrs. Long enjoyed spending time with family and going to church. She was a very hard-working southern lady, who really enjoyed cooking, and canning vegetables. She also enjoyed all the family get togethers.
Mrs. Long is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas (Carrie Snow) Harrison, husband, Joe Long, one son, Andy Long, two brothers, Charles Harrison, Mark Harrison, and one sister, Lou Ella Emmons.
She is survived by her two sons, Scotty Long, of Canoe, AL; Jerry (Christine) Long, of Canoe, AL; one daughter, Jo Ann Long (Tem Moye) of Jay, FL; one sister, Nell House, of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, Thomas Long, Richard Long, Melody Boutwell, Douglas Rebel, seven great-grandchildren, Triston, Cameron, Alyssa, Aleigha, Logan, Mary Jane, Deanna, one great-great grandchild, Derrick, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Bro. Gene Freeland officiating.
Burial will follow at Canoe Freewill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Long, Triston Long, Cameron Long, Mike House, Darrell Holsonback, and Will Cottingham, Jr.
Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Merita Faye Tipton
November 9, 2022
Merita Faye Tipton,74, left us on November 5, 2022 with her children by her side.
Faye was born August 31, 1948 here in Pensacola to Jack and Jeanette Jordan.
Preceding in death was her husband, Doug Tipton in May 2014
Faye is survived by her daughter Tammy Tipton Dannelly (husband Blake), her son, Larry Tipton, her brother David Jordan (wife Susan), 4 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Faye’s journey in life as a wife and mother involved working at(then) Monsanto then onto hospitality at Holiday Inn. She was that mom who was always there even after long hours of work. She was that mom who continuously transported her children to ballgames, practices, and other events throughout her children’s lives all with love. She was a provider; a supporter; a devoted mother. And Those who knew Faye well, knew that she was talker with a smile and never met a stranger.
In early adult years, Faye enjoyed going to beach, fishing off a bridge at Pensacola Bay, spending time with family, and playing card games. The latter years she continued that love of games by being a part of a ladies’ group and played Bunko once a month. She also enjoyed her standing weekly Friday lunch dates with her brother, uncle, and cousins.
Eventually she started attending Gulf Coast Baptist church. There she rededicated her life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For Christmas one year she requested a large print Bible and strived to read, pray, and worship.
Although she is no longer physically with us now, we still have her memories. Now, she can walk, take a breath without struggling, and of course talk with Jesus while in heaven.
Her family would like to extend their gratitude to all relatives, friends, and attendees who have come to honor their mother, Faye.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida. Visitation will be prior to service from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. * There will not be a graveside service or post reception following.
Betty Jean House
November 9, 2022
Mrs. Betty Jean House, 81 years of age, passed away, Monday, November 7, 2022 in Grand Bay, AL. She was born, February 8, 1941 and resided most of her life in Mobile, AL. She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church and she retired from J C Penny.
Mrs. House enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially gardening of both her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed Alabama Football, dancing, and going to the beach. She enjoyed sitting on her back porch swinging and talking with the neighbors.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Winston (Irene Johnson) Williams, husband, Charles House, two sons, Michael House, and Dereck House.
She is survived by her one son, Jeff (Tina) House, of Mobile, AL; one daughter, Marlene White, of Mobile, AL; five grandchildren, David Ward, Rady Ward, Michael House, Nichole House, Shawn White, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Friday, November 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Poplar Springs Church with Rev. Winfred Smith officiating.
Burial will follow at Poplar Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 11, 2022 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Poplar Springs Church.
Pallbearers will be Jake House, Brett House, and Shawn White.
Horse Found Shot And Killed In Molino Pasture; ECSO Investigating
November 8, 2022
An investigation is underway after a horse was shot and killed in a pasture behind a Molino home.
The horse was found dead Sunday in a pasture behind a home near the Don Sutton Ballpark on Crabtree Church Road.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s, the horse had suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.
The 27-year old horse had been seen the night before by the homeowner, who was boarding the horse for the owner.
“He has been with me almost my whole life so I could not believe when I heard it,” the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told NorthEscambia.com.
The ECSO said their crime scene unit was called to investigate, and Escambia County Animal Control also responded Sunday afternoon.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 433-STOP or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured: This horse was found shot twice Sunday in a Molino pasture on Crabtree Church Road. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
SEC Soccer Tournament Sets Attendance Records, Provides Local Economic Boost
November 8, 2022
The SEC Soccer Tournament held at Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park had far exceeded expectations by the time South Carolina upset the No. 1 seed Alabama Crimson Tide Sunday afternoon.
The bleachers were full of fans, aisles in the bleachers were full of fans and the areas around fences were standing room only. It was absolutely packed inside the stadium off 10 Mile Road, as were the parking lots.
According to the SEC, there were 3,025 in attendance — the largest crowd for a game in the 37 years of SEC women’s soccer. The overall tournament also set a SEC record with 10,450 total fans.
By Monday, Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes was meeting with his staff to determine how to handle larger crowds next year; Escambia County will host the SEC Soccer Tournament through 2024,
And officials were taking stocking of what are expected to be long-range economic benefits for Escambia County and Pensacola for the tournament that aired live on the SEC Network.
“The heads and beads is absolutely invaluable; we’ll be able to put a price tag on what kind of economic impact that brings,” Rhodes said. “But sometimes what you can’t put a price tag on is the nine games of live coverage on the SEC Network…showcasing Pensacola and Escambia County.”
“I think the opportunity for Pensacola and Northwest Florida to be showcased on the SEC Network as a partner with ESPN is huge for our community,” Pensacola Sports CEO Ray Palmer said. “We hope this gives us the opportunity to show people Pensacola and give them a reason to come back for something else, like world class beaches, history and downtown.”
And there’s another benefit from the tournament, the parks director said. Now that the tournament is packed up and gone for a year, upgrades to the facilities at Ashton Brosnaham remain to benefit local residents. There’s new turf on the stadium field, enhancements on the practice field, new fencing around the perimeter of the field along with other improvements.
“We made a lot of enhancements to brighten the facility. The SEC is here one week out of the year, but for 365 days a year our job is to serve the residents and the soccer community, Rhodes said. “We know they (local players) are going to be proud, and they’ll always be able to say that they’re playing at the venue that the SEC Soccer Tournament was held at.”
RELATED:
- South Carolina Upsets No. 1 Seed Alabama For SEC Tournament Title (With Photo Gallery)
- Ole Miss Shuts Out LSU; Mississippi State Tops Texas A&M. And Escambia County Wins In SEC Tourney Day One
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
It’s Election Day. Here Are Quick Tips To Know Before Heading To The Polls.
November 8, 2022
Today is 2022 General Election, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Here are some voting tips, from Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford:
- Several polling locations have changed since the 2020 elections. For a list of the changes, click here.
- If you are unsure of your registration status, check EscambiaVotes.gov/am-i-registered, e-mail soe@escambiavotes.gov, or call (850) 595-3900.
- Photo and signature ID is required for all voters – if you do not present one of the 12 approved forms of photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
- Be sure to review your sample ballot in order to familiarize yourself with all of the contests and bring it with you to the polls. A sample ballot was mailed to voters.
- Remember to make only one selection per contest on your ballot.
- All ballots have contests on both sides – front and back.
- Registration books closed on October 11. New registrations for this election may not be made at the polls.
- You may not return your completed vote-by-mail ballot to your precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
- If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, it is requested that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be cancelled.
- Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., mid-day, and 4:00 p.m. until polls close.
- “Over-the-counter” vote-by-mail ballots can be picked up by voters (or their designees) in the SOE office on Monday. Affidavits are required.
- Early voting ended Saturday, November 5, and early voting sites will not be open on Election Day. If you have not yet voted and did not request a vote-by-mail ballot before the deadline, you must go to your designated precinct on Election Day.
- If you voted-by-mail, you can visit EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot for the status of your ballot.
Paradigm Parachute & Defense To Double Local Operations With New Jobs
November 8, 2022
Paradigm Parachute & Defense, a disabled-veteran-owned small business, is expanding their manufacturing operations in Escambia County, according to the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance.
The military parachute manufacturer received a grant through the Industry Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF) under a partnership between FloridaWest and the University of West Florida. The fund was established by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and UWF to help Northwest Florida businesses grow, innovate and thrive.
Aaron Nazaruk, CEO of Paradigm, says the project is expected to create and sustain at least 28 new manufacturing and technical jobs over the next five years.
“The leadership from the FloridaWest team and UWF was invaluable to the success of being awarded this grant, which means we’ll be able to serve even more important endeavors around the world,” said Nazaruk. “Their hard work will allow us to effectively double our operations here in Pensacola.”
The FloridaWest team has been working with Paradigm on this grant since 2020.
“Paradigm’s mission critical products are deployed around the globe in the service of commercial, military, humanitarian, government and space operations,” said Scott Luth, FloridaWest CEO. “It will be rewarding to see this partnership lead to the growth of this amazing company.”
Paradigm is located on Ashland Avenue just north of West Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Walnut Hill General Store’ In The Works On Highway 97 By Ernest Ward Middle
November 8, 2022
Plans are in the works for a new general store in Walnut Hill.
Aptly named, the Walnut Hill General Store would be located in an existing building on approximately 0.85 acres at the corner of Highway 97 and Highway 99A, next to Ernest Ward Middle School.
The building was constructed in 1940 as the former Bryan’s Grocery and Hardware and has been closed for several years.
A pre-application plan has been filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee by Sandy Creverling.
In early 2021, a development company filed plans to construct a Dollar General store on the corner, razing the current block building and including the neighboring parcels. After minor public backlash against the Dollar General there due to the location in a curve on Highway 97 and its proximity to the middle school, the store did not move forward as Dollar General eventually constructed a new store that just opened about a mile away.
The Walnut Hill General Store is in pre-application status before the Escambia Development Review Committee, which meets next on November 9. Multiple additional steps in the review and permitting process will be required, and the applicant could choose to never complete the project.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Click the site plan drawing below to enlarge.
