Update: Wanted Alabama Fugitive Now In Custody
February 17, 2022
UPDATE: This was taken into custody Thursday evening in the Lottie community, about eight miles northwest of Atmore.
Authorities are searching an Alabama fugitive that may be in the North Escambia area.
Andrew Hubbard, age 52 of Bay Minette, is wanted for several release violation warrants for burglary and theft of property first degree.
Hubbard is known to frequent the Phillipsville Road area of Bay Minette and the Atmore and Poarch areas of Escambia County, Alabama, according to the BCSO.
He is described as being 6-foot 3-inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 937-0202.
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Chance Of Severe Storms Tonight
February 17, 2022
Strong to severe thunderstorms will affect the area late Thursday night, bringing potential for damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes.
Strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts are expected Thursday into Thursday evening. Sustained winds up to 25mph gusting frequently to 40mph can be expected. This may make driving difficult for high profile vehicles and any loose objects should be secured.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3am, then a slight chance of showers. Low around 46. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Washington’s Birthday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.
Century Sells Public Land To Former Employee Without Accepting Bids
February 17, 2022
The Century Town Council has approved a the no-bid sale of a piece of town property to a former employee.
Alicia Johnson, who served as water and wastewater superintendent until her resignation in March 2019, approached the council recently and offered $4,950 for a 1.5 acre lot in the 90 block of Bradley Street, directly adjacent to her home. The $4,950 is the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s assessment value for the property.
On a motion by council member James Smith, the council voted 5-0 to sell the property to Johnson for $4,950 without obtaining an appraisal.
The vote was contrary to advice offered by the town attorney and the town clerk that it might be best to put the public property out for bid due to optics.
“She is a former employee and neighbor to the mayor, a friend of mine,” Town Clerk Leslie Howington told the council. “It may save the appearance of impropriety to put it out for bid.”
Attorney Matt Dannheisser, according to a council agenda item, advised that while it was not legally required, declaring the property surplus and putting out for bid would be wise to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Council president Luis Gomez, Jr. agreed.
“I think that was the way things have been done in the past, and I don’t want to give the look that we are showing favoritism,” Gomez said. “I don’t even know if that’s fair market value, that $4,950. But the council decided to put it up for motion.”
“I’d rather put it out there for bids, but it’s been motioned and properly seconded,” Gomez added.
Dannheisser also advised that obtaining an appraisal was not required, and he cautioned that an appraisal typically costs 20% of the property value and may not be worth it.
The town council never declared the property as surplus, as requested in an agenda item.
The property was deeded to the town in 1996 for $10 for the construction of Front Street, which now bisects the 1.5 acres.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphic, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Not Filing State Sales Tax For Bakery
February 17, 2022
A Cantonment woman has been charged with not filing sales tax returns.
Carmina Balderas Colorado was charged with three felony counts of failing to file state sales tax returns.
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, Colorado failed to file six consecutive returns or remit payment for taxes that were collected.
A state investigator said Colorado filed sales tax returns and paid the taxes from March through May 2017 and then again from January through August 2018 for the Panaderia Bakery at 41 West Nine Mile Road. She did not file sales and use tax returns or make payments for the period September 2018 through February 2020. The business has since closed.
A tax warrant for $20,814.34 was filed against Colorado and a final judgment was issued in Escambia County Circuit Court in February 2020.
According to an arrest report, the Department of Revenue made numerous attempts to obtain a response from Colorado, including certified mail that was delivered.
Colorado was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
New Members Inducted Into Northview High Beta Club
February 17, 2022
New members were inducted Wednesday into the National Beta Club at Northview High School.
- Luke Bridges
- Colton Criswell
- Riley Dawson
- Mayson Edwards
- Jamison Gilman
- Aubree Jordan
- Madison Levins
- Jaquez Moorer
- Heath Parker
- Colby Pugh
- Ally Richardson
- Tyler Riggs
- Wesley Sanders
- Lauren Stinson
- Brian Yoder
- Reagan Abbott
- Erich Amerson
- Sarah Bailey
- Carsyn Dortch
- Drake Driskell
- Weslyn Dunn
- Raleigh Gibson
- Kaylie Glick
- Maggie Godwin
- Ava Gurganus
- Leah Hetrick
- Sarah Long
- Elianna Morales
- Chase Pugh
- Alana Shelly
- McKenna Simmons
- Jessica Stabler
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Blake Yoder
The National Beta Club’s purpose is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and service among elementary and secondary school students”.
Pictured: New Beta Club members at Northview High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Sawmill Day Festival And Car Show Will Return In May
February 17, 2022
After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, organizers have announced that the Sawmill Day Festival and Car Show will return to Century on May 7.
The day will include entertainment, free history museum tours, grilled hamburger meals, crafts, free exhibits and more.
The event is free, and vendor space is also free.
There is a $25 registration fee for the car show, which includes lunch.
For more information, to enter the car show or for vendor space, contact Jerry Fischer at (850) 256-3980.
For 2019 Sawmill Day photos, click here.
For 2019 car show photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
D1 Commissioner Bergosh To Hold Town Hall Meeting Next Week
February 17, 2022
District 1 Escambia County Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh will host a town hall Tuesday, February 22 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at Beulah Middle School.
Attendees will include county staff; District 1 ECUA board member Vicki Campbell, Escambia County School Board District 1 member Kevin Adams, and Debbie Malsberger from State Rep. Michelle Salzman’s office.
Bergosh intends to discuss countywide issues including COVID-19 response and recovery, new redistricting boundaries, the budget, the county jail and staffing issues, Escambia County Fire Rescue and EMS, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the RESTORE Act. There will be topics of interest to District 1 discussed as well, including OLF-8, the Beulah Community Master Plan, the District 1 library and Beulah fire station, and an elevated walkway and sidewalks for Beulah. Bergosh will also give an update on the Mobile Highway road project, the Nine Mile/Beulah interchange and transportation projects including Longleaf Drive and Avondale Sidewalk
Bergosh will also utilize “agree” or “disagree” cards so residents can answer questions posed during the town hall. Comment cards will be available so county staff can address residents’ concerns.
J.B. Johnson Jr.
February 17, 2022
J.B. Johnson Jr., age 65, of Century, FL, left this earth and went home to be with his Heavenly Father, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 15, 2022.
J.B. is survived by his loving wife of more than 45 years, Trudie Gilmore Johnson; his son, Jeff Johnson (Becky Hadley); daughter Sarah LeMesurier; son-in-law Desmond LeMesurier; daughter-in-the-Lord Tammy Jackson (Danny Jackson); brothers Ollie Johnson (Donna), Joe Johnson (Mary), and Lewis Johnson (Wanda); grandson Russell LeMesurier; granddaughter Madison Merchant and was preceded in death by his father J.B. Johnson Sr.; mother Vonnie Johnson; brother Johnnie Johnson; and sister Rachiel Kelly.
J.B. lived most of his life to glorify God. He had a heart for the lost and wanted for all to come and personally know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He loved serving others and making a difference in his community. He did this by serving in his church in many different capacities over the years. He wanted people to know that they were loved by God and created with a purpose for something more than just existing in this world. He also served as a volunteer Firefighter with Station 5 in Century, FL for 20+ years. His desire to make a difference in someone’s life was not limited to who he knew but was open to any and all opportunities to help people who were in crisis. J.B. was willing to put his own life on the line, and did so many times, to let people know that their life had value and was worth sacrificing for. J.B. was also a dependable man who retired from Georgia Pacific, working for more than 30 years as a high angle confined space rescuer.
J.B. was known as a man of honor and integrity in his community. He loved his family and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was a great Son, Brother, Husband, Father and Grandfather who worked hard to provide and be there for his family. He was a Rescuer as well as a Rescue Teacher. He considered it a privilege to teach the next generation about how to make a difference because he knew that life went way beyond his time on this earth. J.B. was also an Evangelist and if you knew him, then you knew something about his Jesus.
J.B. had a smile that was contagious and his laughter was loud and would catch the attention of everyone in a room. He radiated the love of God and did what he could to bring a moment of joy to everyone’s day. If you knew him, you loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten. The impact he made on his family and his community will continue on for generations to come. He may not have realized the legacy he left behind because he was just doing what J.B. did and that was to love, serve others and be a light for Jesus.
Services will be held at Petty Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore, AL on Friday February 18, 2022. The family viewing will be 11:00 – 12:00, the public viewing will be 12:00 – 2:00, & the service will start at 2:00. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery/ Crary Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Jeff Johnson, Joe Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Desmond LeMesurier, Darin Barrow, and Jay Ates. Honorary pallbearers will be Barnie Jones & Lewis Johnson.
Don Ray Grant
February 17, 2022
Mr. Don Ray Grant age 86, passed away, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. He was born in Atmore, AL. and has resided most of his life in McDavid, FL. He enjoyed boating and was owner of Century Marine for 46 years. He was a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years.
Mr. Grant enjoyed his time he got to spend and take care of his family, children, and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hope (Mamie Lou Kent) Grant, three brothers, Winston Grant, Wendell “Tookie” Grant, and Delano Grant.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Faye Grant, of McDavid, FL; one son, Brian (Jodie) Grant, of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Alicia (John) Matlock, of McDavid, FL; sister-in-law, Charlotte “Dit” Grant, of Barnett Crossroads, AL; five sisters, Mabeth Avery, of TX; Martha Peacock, of Atmore, AL; Dartha Turner, of Atmore, AL; Glenda Faye Fields, of Barnett Crossroads, AL; Judy (Leroy) Smith, of Atmore, AL; six grandchildren, Grant, Evin Matlock, Byrson, Allison, Gracelynn, Emma Kate Grant, numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Nathan Brown officiating.
Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Michael Cox, Michael Hagan, Josh Webb, Nick Driver, Kevin Diamond, and Jared Simpson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Gavin, and Danny Leonard.
Mary Frances Burkett
February 17, 2022
Mrs. Mary Frances Burkett, age 74, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022 in Atmore, AL. She was born in Bay Minette, AL; and has resided most of her life in Flomaton, AL.
Mrs. Burkett valued her time she got to spend with her grandchildren. She loved being at home, talking on the phone. She enjoyed her walks in the yard and going fishing. She was loved by all that knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Victor (Rita Banks) Hinote, husband, Freddie “Sonny” Burkett, one sister, Dorothy Tillman, two brothers, Jack Hinote, Phillip Hinote, and mother-in-law, Mary Burkett.
She is survived by her one son, Patrick (Sherri) Burkett, of Ball Ground, GA; two daughters, Pam Smith, of Flomaton, AL; Paula (Tracey) Sutton, of Brewton, AL; two sisters, Peggy Cobb, of TN; Betty (Johnny) McGallagher, of Pensacola, FL; three grandchildren, Dustin Odom, Abbie Burkett, Maddie Burkett, numerous nieces, nephew’s other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held, Monday, February 7, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Mike Hutto officiating.
Burial will follow at Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 7, 2022 from 12:00 PM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Corey Johnson, Robby Lee, Chris Hammonds, Justin Byrd, Tracey Sutton, and Chris Moye.