Patricia Ann Garrett,
November 14, 2023
Mrs. Patricia Ann Garrett, age 80, passed away, Monday, November 13, 2023, in Atmore AL. A native of Bury St. Edmonds, England and a resident of Atmore the last 60 years. She was a sitter for many years.
Mrs. Garrett enjoyed traveling with her family and baby sitting her grandchildren. She enjoyed sitting around reading, knitting, crocheting and watching soap operas. She got a lot of enjoyment out of doing arts, crafts and along with pottery.
Mrs. Garrett is preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas (Joyce Winifred Edwards) Garrett, husband Elvin “Bobby” Garrett, and two sisters, Wendy and Sylvia Devers.
She is survived by her three daughters, Tracy (Jerry Wayne) Stuckey, of McDavid, FL; Ann (Shawn) Jones, of Perdido, AL; Belinda (Shawn) Barnhill, of Bethlehem, PA; three brothers, Billy Devers, of England, Bobby Devers, of England, Richard Devers, of England, Dorothy Devers, of England, Maureen Watson, of England, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from 2:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
10,000 Pound Food Giveaway Tuesday Afternoon In Cantonment
November 13, 2023
Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a 10,000 pound drive-thru food giveaway Tuesday afternoon, November 14 at Carver Park on Webb Street.
A traditional third Tuesday distribution will not happen on Tuesday, November 21.
The food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and continue while supplies last for anyone in need of food. People should line up their vehicles, single file on Webb Street facing north; food will be loaded into vehicles. Identification is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Rain Likely Through Wednesday
November 13, 2023
Tuesday through Thursday looks soggy with widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain possible with locally heavier amounts. The heaviest rain will likely fall along the coast with less rain further inland.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Showers. High near 58. Breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: Showers. Low around 51. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Windy, with an east wind 20 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
West Florida HS Teacher Charged With Shooting Wife, Brother-in-law While In Tennessee For Wedding
November 13, 2023
A now-suspended West Florida High School English teacher is charged with shooting his wife and brother-in-law this past weekend in Tennessee.
Cody Wiggins, 29, is charged with two counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated domestic assault, and tampering with evidence. He was being held in the Williamson County, Tennessee Jail on a $3.5 million bond.
The incident happened about 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tennessee. Police responded to the hotel after receiving a call about an active shooter. They found the two gunshot victims who were transported to local hospitals; an update on their conditions was not provided. Local police said Wiggins had fled the area, but they found him a short distance away in a subdivision with a semi-automatic handgun.
Franklin Police haven’t said what led to the shooting. However, they said Wiggins and the victims were attending a wedding in that city.
The Escambia County School District said Wiggins has been suspended from his position while the investigation continues.
Several Inches Of Rain Possible This Week
November 13, 2023
Tuesday through Thursday looks soggy with widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain possible with locally heavier amounts. The heaviest rain will likely fall along the coast with less rain further inland.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast
Tonight: Showers, mainly after midnight. Low around 53. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers. High near 59. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: Showers. Low around 53. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 62. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Monday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Chestnut Road Closes Thursday for Bridge Work
November 13, 2023
Chestnut Road between Chance and Barrineau Park roads will be closed to thru traffic beginning Thursday, Nov. 16, while construction crews perform structural work to the Chestnut Road Bridge. During this time, traffic will be detoured along Highway 29 from Barrineau Park Road to Chance Road in both directions. Chestnut Road is expected to re-open by December 2023.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
If other roadway closures are necessary or work is delayed, another notice will be issued.
The bridge, constructed in 1967, is about 16 feet long and spans Dry Creek.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Flomaton Police Cars Wrecked During Chase; Suspect Arrested on Drug Charges
November 13, 2023
Two of the Flomaton Police Department’s Dodge Charger patrol vehicles were damaged during a chase early Friday morning.
About 1 a.m. Friday, the Flomaton Police Department became involved in a chase with a suspect reportedly fleeing from the Brewton Police Department. The chase ended after one of the Flomaton Officers was able to perform a maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle disabling it on Sydney Manning Blvd in Flomaton.
Suspect Devante Knight was ordered from the vehicle but was noncompliant with the officers. Knight was Tased and arrested on multiple charges, police said.
Inside Knight’s vehicle, officers reported finding 74 grams of marijuana, 42 grams of crack cocaine, 43 grams of synthetic marijuana (spice), nine grams of powder cocaine, 34 grams of methamphetamine, 30 grams of MDMA, and four grams of LSD.
Knight was charged with :
- two counts of Felony Assault 2nd
- Felony attempting to elude
- Trafficking in Cocaine
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- Trafficking in Amphetamine
- 2 counts of Possession of a controlled Substance
- Possession of Marijuana 1st
- Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Auburn University Raptor Center Visits Bratt Elementary School
November 13, 2023
The Auburn University Raptor Center visited Bratt Elementary School Monday to present a program sponsored by the Bratt P.T.A.
Photo for a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Edward “Buster” Merlen Johnson
November 13, 2023
Edward M. Johnson, affectionately known as “Buster,” peacefully passed away on
November 2, 2023, at the age of 77, in Pensacola, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished.
Born on February 21, 1946, in Galveston, Texas, Buster was the son of Harold Gillespie and Virginia Harris. He grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf Coast.
He was married to Mary R. Johnson for 34 years, and their love continued to blossom over
the course of their 36-year relationship. They built a beautiful life together as partners with the
U. S. Department of the Navy/Defense, Federal Service, and the U. S. Navy, active duty, working, transferring, and traveling. Together, they enjoyed land and water activities around Pensacola, Guam including the islands of the Mariana’s, Micronesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Hawaii, and finally the festivals and parades in New Orleans.
Buster found his calling in law enforcement. Law and policing pounded through his veins.
He graduated from the Alabama Police Academy and the Alabama College of Police Science, became a police officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department, next hired as the Chief of Police for Millry, Alabama, and then entered into Federal Service law enforcement as his career until his retirement. After retirement, he continued his involvement and his personal high standards for education. Buster completed the Escambia County FL’s Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, a weekly ten evening course.
Prior to finding law enforcement, he spent a few years in the U.S. Army, and entered the U.S. Navy for the Vietnam Conflict. He was a Boatswain Mate, using his earlier Gulf Coast years for the Navy’s boats and water needs in the Vietnam rivers and the Pacific Ocean.
Buster was a man of integrity, known for his dedication and commitment in both his personal
and professional life. He was known for his attention to detail, laws and procedures, schedules, common sense, honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Overall, a person would know where Buster stood on a topic based on Buster’s standards and expectations. Contrasting his seriousness, he had a kind heart. He would provide a helping hand or a listening ear, and would uplift others with his quick wit and warm smile.
Outside of work, Buster had a passion for bowling, and time for fishing, relishing the peaceful moments on or near the water. At times, he searched with his metal detector. He was also an active member in various locations of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, in the Pensacola Rare Air VW Club, and the President of our local Neighborhood Watch.
He is preceded in death by Virginia Harris, his mother; Dixie Allessio, his sister; and Richard Johnson, his brother.
Buster is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Richard (Colleen), Thomas (Brandy),
Virginia (Eric), and Rebecca; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his sisters, Theresa, Rene, Cindy, Andrea, and brother, Andrew.
Weekly Traffic: Coring Operations Continue On Highway 97, Other Delays For This Week
November 12, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Bayfront Parkway) Pensacola Veterans Day Parade – Drivers may encounter road closures on Bayfront Parkway westbound from South Spring Street to 12 Avenue (Wharf Avenue) Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29/(State Road (S.R.) 95) from Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – A portion of the right turn lane from northbound North Palafox Street to Brent Lane will be temporarily closed Monday, Nov. 13 through Friday, Nov. 17 as crews construct a retaining wall and pour concrete. Drivers will still be able to access most of the right turn lane.
- Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Resurfacing from Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) to west of Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) - Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures, between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, Sunday, Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – Construction crews have completed the truck parking area improvements, and all parking lots are now open. The entire project is scheduled for completion this winter.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the end of the year as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Nov. 13 through Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform concrete work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway - Northbound traffic, between Pelican Lane and Scenic Ridge Drive, is shifted to the inside so crews can perform construction activities. The shift will remain in place until the work on the shoulder is completed. During construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction and left turns will be permitted.
- S.R. 727 (West Fairfield Drive) Routine Maintenance from 69th Avenue to U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Coring Operations from C.R. 95A to the Alabama State Line – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Turn Lane Operations South of Nine Mile Road – Drivers may encounter southbound lane closures Sunday, Nov. 12 through Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Milton Veterans Day Parade – Drivers may encounter road closures on S.R. 87 from Berryhill Street to Willing Street Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the Milton Veterans Day Parade.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 14, through Thursday, Nov. 16, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 17, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Motorists accessing Whisper Bay Boulevard from U.S. 98 will encounter a new traffic configuration. Travel lanes will be shifted slightly west and reduced to one entry lane, and one exit lane, to allow for crews to perform roadway reconstruction activities on the north side of the westbound lanes.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.