Northview FFA Alumni Named The Nation’s Number One Alumni Chapter
November 6, 2023
The Northview High School FFA Alumni Chapter was named the National Outstanding FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana
After being named as a top five finalist on the state level earlier this year, their application was eligible to advance to the national level, was named as a national finalist earlier this fall, and later named as the overall national winner on November 2 at the 96th National FFA Convention.
Nell Tennant Thomas
November 6, 2023
Mrs. Nell Tennant Thomas, age 89, passed away, November 6, 2023 in Uriah, AL; born June 8, 1934, in Atmore, AL. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Atmore. She worked at Atmore Community Hospital with many years of service.
Mrs. Thomas enjoyed spending time with her friends. She favorite things to do was, gardening, fishing and hunting.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton (Florence McKenzie) Tennant, husband, Dr. J. B. Thomas, two brothers, Harold Tennant, Curtis Tennant, and one daughter, Sara Patrick.
She is survived by her one daughter, Terri (Tim) Turner, of North Carolina, best friend and care taker, Mandy Matthews, of Atmore, AL; special friend, Sharon Dinovo, of Uriah, AL; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Dr. Kevin Garrett officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 9:30 AM until service time at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Kimberly Denise Smith
November 6, 2023
Mrs. Kimberly Denise Smith, age 51 passed away, Friday, November 3, 2023, in Atmore, AL. She was born, October 13, 1972 in Chicago, IL; and has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Smith loved spending time with her family and friends. She really enjoyed working alongside of her husband. She liked going shopping and was an avid Alabama Football Fan.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James (Wanda Cash) Brooks, and one brother, Randy Brooks.
She is survived by her loving husband of 12 years, Jerry Smith, of Atmore, AL; one sister, Ebony Brooks, of Tennessee, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Don Davis officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Florida Gas Prices Fall to New 2023 Low
November 5, 2023
Florida gas prices have plummeted to their lowest levels of the year. Sunday’s state average was $3.17 per gallon. That’s five cents less than the previous low, originally set back in March.
The least expensive metro market was Pensacola at $3.00. A North Escambia low of $2.89 was available Sunday night along Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers are now finding some of the lowest pump prices since December 2022,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers are even finding pump prices below $3 a gallon in some cities. In fact, about 20% of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon. Even more are likely to follow, this week.”
“The seasonal decline in driving demand, coupled with gasoline supply builds and falling oil prices are all contributing to the recent pump price drop,” Jenkins continued. “Expect these low prices to hang around through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike or there’s an unexpected disruption to fuel supplies.”
Florida’s state average declined 12 cents per gallon last week. It’s down 68 cents from this year’s high of $3.85, which was recorded in mid-August.
The price of U.S. crude settled at $80.51 per barrel on Friday. That’s $5 per barrel (6%) less than the week before. Gasoline futures also declined 11 cents, for a combined discount of 17 cents per gallon through two weeks.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Georgia Beats Arkansas 1-0 For SEC Soccer Championship
November 5, 2023
With an early goal and tremendous defensive effort, the University of Georgia soccer team claimed its first Southeastern Conference tournament championship with a 1-0 victory over No. 10 Arkansas Sunday afternoon before 1,727 spectators at Ashton Brosnaham Park in Escambia County.
A total of 6,415 spectators attended games over the span of the tourney in Escambia County.
Graduate midfielder Croix Bethune led the Bulldogs with two shots, en route to receiving SEC Tournament MVP honors. Bethune was joined on the SEC All-Tournament Team by graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie, graduate forward Hannah White, and sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Brown, who posted seven saves.
In the seventh minute, McKenzie sent a screaming pass right in front of the net, with White intending to knock the ball in, but an Arkansas defender hit the ball with her knee for an own goal. Both of Georgia’s goals against Arkansas this year came via own goal, including a score in the regular season meeting on Oct. 5 in Fayetteville. Brown tallied her first shot on goal of the season with a booming free kick, but for the remainder of the half, the Razorbacks pressed the Bulldog defense with four shots on frame.
In the second half, Georgia looked to counter the attack, beginning with an early shot by redshirt freshman midfielder Summer Denigan, who returned from her red card suspension. Brown remained strong, including a terrific stop in the 68th minute right in front of the net. Bethune nearly added an insurance goal in the 86th minute with a huge strike, but Razorback keeper Phoebe Carver deflected the shot.
With 27 seconds left, Arkansas had one final chance with a free kick, but Ava Tankersley’s shot was caught by Brown, who booted away the ball to seal Georgia’s first league title.
Weekly Traffic: Coring Operations On Highway 97, Other Delays For The Week
November 5, 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:
- 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. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10 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. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 9 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of November as crews perform construction activities. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- 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 will be 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. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10 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.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Coring Operations from I Street to B Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Maintenance near Quality Inn – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Tuesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for removal and replacement of asphalt to raise existing manhole.
- U.S. 29 Turn Lane Operations North of Pinoak Road – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
- 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. 6 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. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- 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. 7 through Thursday, Nov. 9, 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 Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 10, 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
Speed Limit Reduced On Mobile Highway Between Nine Mile And Pine Forest
November 5, 2023
The speed limit on Mobile Highway (U.S. 90), between Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) and Pine Forest Road (State Road 297), has been permanently reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
In addition, a $7.5 million project on this section of Mobile Highway is continuing. The work includes resurfacing the roadway, improving drainage, installing a new traffic signal at Klondike Road and signal improvements at Blue Angel Parkway. The work is estimated for completion in early 2024.
Mostly Sunny Monday, High About 80 Degrees
November 5, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Showers likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Veterans Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Sunshine, About 80 For Monday
November 5, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Pensacola Police Officer Cleared In Fatal Cantonment Shooting Last June
November 5, 2023
The shooting of a man in Cantonment last June by a Pensacola Police officer has been ruled justified and no charges will be filed, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
It happened on Durant Lane near South Highway 97, just north of West Kingsfield Road on June 28 after a PPD officer learned a vehicle involved in a hit and run was in the area.
The officer confronted Charles Vincent Todd Jr. and an altercation followed. Investigators said Todd snatched the officer’s Taser from its holster, and aimed it at the officer’s face before trying to grab the officer’s gun. from its holster. The officer was forced to fire his weapon, shooting and killing Todd.
A mutual-aid agreement is in place between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and PPD to cross jurisdictions when needed.
PPD has not named the officer as they continue an internal investigation.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
