Kameron Allen Smith
December 14, 2023
Kameron Allen Smith, “Kam”, was born on January 10, 2003 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. He left this world on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the young age of 20.
If you knew Kam, you loved him. He always kept everyone laughing and his beautiful smile would light up any room. He had just recently received a job promotion at work and was working on his truck. Everything he worked hard for was paying off and he was excited about life, and his plans and goals.
He had gone through and overcome so much. Kam enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked antique trucks, drawing, spending time with his friends, his girlfriend, Rose, and his brothers, Tristan and Sawyer. He and his brothers had a special bond. He loved all of his fur babies, and held a special place in his heart for his rescue dog, Scout. Kam loved life and lived it to the fullest. A country dirt road and beautiful sunsets is where he always found peace. We hope he is enjoying sunsets more beautiful than we can imagine.
Kam was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Alton Horne, Eugene Smith, and Robert Lee McDonald; and his great-grandmother, May Eulla McDonald.
He is survived by his parents; Kimberly Jean Smith, step-father, Timothy Maier, and his father, Clint Allen Smith; brothers, Tristan Allen Smith and Sawyer Isaac Maier; his girlfriend of two years, Rose Hutchinson; grandparents, Debbie and Mark Trotter; Lee McDonald, Arlene Joyner, Rick Smith; great-grandmothers, Carol Horne and Gladys Hobbs; and great aunts, Karen Rose and Charlotte Skipper.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends for visitation at 11:00 a.m. Services will begin at 12:00 noon with Pastor Mike Pickett officiating. Kam will be laid to rest at Little Flock Cemetery in Molino, Florida.
Pallbearers include Clint Smith, Tristan Smith, Kaden McDonald, Harley Sechrist, Gaven Goneke, and Jayden Hall.
Honorary pallbearers include Kristopher McDonald, Lee McDonald, and Rick Smith.
Kam,
my beautiful baby boy. You will forever be a part of me. I will love you till time ceases to exist.
Baby, I will anxiously await my time to be with you again.
-Mom
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Myra Jean Dole Steadham
December 14, 2023
Myra Jean Dole Steadham, 85, of Century, Florida passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023.
She grew up in Century, Florida where she worked at the county courthouse for 43 years. Living most of her life in Century and residing in Atmore, Alabama later in life.
She lived her life serving God and we take comfort in knowing she has finally reached her destination in Heaven and is now rejoicing with loved ones and friends who have gone before her. Just Imagine that reunion!
Myra always had a very affectionate smile who also took the time to see about family. She was choir director for many years at Beulah Chapel. She enjoyed her outdoor walks and also traveling to the mountains. She enjoyed her flowers, scrap booking, reading and studying the bible.
Myra was preceded in death by her parents, J.B. & Eva Dole; three brothers, Dickie, Billy and Edwin Dole; daughter, Donna Green; and her infant daughter.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Steadham of Atmore, Alabama; sons Eric (Sherry) Steadham of Jay, Florida, Dale (Susie) Steadham of Century, Florida, and Eddie (Debbie) Steadham of Eufaula, Alabama; daughters Sherry Diamond of Jay, Florida, and Shelia (James) Stinson of Eufaula, Alabama; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 6 sisters-in-laws & numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Rev. Tim Floyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Stephen John “Johnny” Gibbs
December 14, 2023
Stephen John “Johnny” Gibbs, 82 of Atmore, AL. passed away December 12, 2023 in Atmore. He was born to the late Buford A. and Evelyn Moring Gibbs on June 4, 1941 in Atmore.
He is preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, his sisters Marcia Chambers, Sherry Morris, and Brenda Wade.
An Atmore Native, and graduate of the Escambia County High School Class of 1960, everyone knew and adored Johnny Gibbs. He was a friend and inspiration to all, and someone everyone knew they could count on. One of the hardest working men, dubbed the nickname “John Henry,” if anyone needed something done, help with a project, or just honest advice, they knew who to look to. In his early days, he was the owner and operator of Gibbs Timber Company, Inc. Thereafter, everyone knew they could find him helping his wife Julia at Buster’s Restaurant. Hardworking, honest, inspirational, and strong, he was a steadfast friend and confidant to everyone who knew him. Whether it be at Buster’s giving out suckers, coaching his grandchildren’s little league games, “fooling with the horses,” or helping a stranger change their tire, you could always count on Johnny to be there with a smile on his face, helping hand, and joke in mind. No matter the circumstances, he was someone to rely on and someone people looked forward to seeing and talking to. He also was a Scout Master for many years. An Army veteran, he served in the United States Army and the Army National Guard for many years, and was also a member of the Carney Masonic Lodge #549 in Atmore, AL and Abba Shrine in Mobile, AL., a Master Mason and member of The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (32nd°). While he was very involved in his community and passionate about his many different endeavors throughout his life, his greatest love was his family, friends, and community. For him, it was an honor to be a person so many turned to for comfort, and a joy to be such a beloved member of his community. Whether it was “Dad” “Coach” “Friend” “Brother” “Sir” “Papa Johnny” and “Johnny,” he was always there with a listening ear, helping hand, and smile.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years Julia Gibbs of Atmore, AL; son Steven J. (Sandy) Gibbs of Spanish Fort, AL. Two daughters, Stephanie (Ashley) Boothe of Fairhope, AL; Sarah Frances Thompson of Atmore, AL and his sister Girdielene
(Shine) Snyder of Mexia, AL. Grandchildren Jacob Gibbs, Jared Gibbs, Thomas(Allison Harris) Boothe, Ann-Margaret Boothe, Buster Thompson, Julia-Katheryn Thompson and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services and military honors will be held on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 11:00 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Debora Bishop and Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Wells, Jacob Gibbs, Jared Gibbs, Thomas Boothe, and Buster Thompson.
Visitation will be held at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home on December 16 from 10:00 – 11:00.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Atmore Boy Scouts Troop 26, C/O Tony Gibbs 5750 Pelt Road, Walnut Hill, FL 32568 or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
Former Baker Fire Chief Convicted Of Escambia Murder; Sentenced To Life In Prison
December 13, 2023
The former Baker Fire District chief was found guilty Wednesday of murdering a 63-year old business owner in Escambia County in June 2022.
Brian Keith Easterling, 53, was convicted of the first degree murder of Michael Evers, 63. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Pensacola Police received a call to check on the welfare of Evers at his home because he had not been seen in several days. Officers entered the home and found blood on the floor, but Evers was not inside. They responded to his shop in the 3900 block of Creighton Road.
Inside the shop, an officer tripped over an item under a car cover, exposing the victim’s right elbow. Officers said Evers was face down on the floor, obviously deceased with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His 2011 Chevrolet 2500 was not at either location.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, surveillance video from 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 showed a man later identified as Easterling arrive at the shop with Evers. The victim entered the building and Easterling is seen standing outside the door looking around nervously.
“Easterling actually turns a complete circle looking all around, before entering the building. Within minutes of entering the building, Easterling walks up behind (the victim),” the report states. The victim “then falls immediately to the ground. Easterling can be seen on video getting a car cover and covering (the victim).”
Evers owed Easterling money, according to the ECSO.
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Atmore PD Charges Tire Shop Employee With Stealing Over $15K From His Employer
December 13, 2023
A former Atmore tire shop employee has been charged with stealing thousands from his employer.
Christopher Michael Rowland, 39, was charged with theft of property first degree by the Atmore Police Department.
A Southern Tire Mart Corporate security investigator alleged Rowland was responsible for missing deposits totaling over $15,000. The discrepancies were found during a business account audit.
Rowland was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton where he remained Tuesday night.
Century Hires Consulting Company At $7,500 A Month As ‘City Manager’
December 13, 2023
The Town of Century has hired a consulting company to act as a city manager for $7,500 per month to help Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. run the town.
The contract with Local Government Consulting Group of West Palm Beach, is effective for up to six months, plus any renewals. The town can terminate the contract with 15 days notice, or the consultant can terminate with 30 days written notice. Howard Brown, Jr., is the principal of the company, but the contract allows managing members Erin Connelly and Cheryl Harrison-Lee to work with the town.
The town accepted the city manager proposal after newly appointed Century interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. told the council that he would need help to properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council a few minutes after he was sworn in in late August.
Months ago, Gomez asked the town council to consider contracting with consultant Robert Thompson of DeFuniak Springs, who he said was recommended by the Florida League of Cities. However, Thompson later accepted a job in Arkansas.
Gomez introduced Brown during a council meeting in November, telling the council that it was critical that quick action be taken to bring a town manager on board. He then pushed for a short-notice special meeting, less than 48 hours later, in order to hire Brown, but a contract was first developed by the town’s attorney.
Howard’s proposal states that he “has served as a City Manager with a national perspective, having successfully managed municipalities across the country.” and “My municipal government experience spans a diverse range of communities, including urban, rural, and suburban areas,”. His experience included village manager in Indiantown, Florida, city manager in Bell, CA, Muskogee, OK, and of Opa-Locka, FL.
Under the contract, the consultants scope of services includes:
- Attendance at Meetings of the Town Council. Consultant shall attend in-person all meetings of the Town Council.
- Operational Analysis: Consultant shall evaluate Town operations and provide strategic recommendations to enhance service delivery efficiency under the direction of the Town Mayor or designee.
- Financial Management: Consultant shall advise on budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management to ensure sustainable town finances, as directed by the Town Council.
- Economic Development: Consultant shall formulate economic development strategies to drive business growth and employment, in collaboration with the Town Mayor and Council.
- Community Engagement: Consultant shall design and execute initiatives for community involvement, ensuring alignment with the Mayor’s vision and Council’s directives.
- Strategic Planning: Consultant shall create a strategic plan, working closely with the Town Mayor, designee, and the Town Council to encapsulate the Town’s long-term objectives.
- Policy Development: Consultant shall assist in crafting policies and administrative procedures in response to the Town Council’s legislative goals.
- Staff Development: Consultant shall conduct training programs for town staff as directed by the Town Mayor or designee.
- Legislative Support: Consultant shall provide expert advice on compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements as requested by the Town Mayor or Town Council.
- Project Management: Consultant shall manage specific projects as assigned by the Town Mayor or designee, with oversight from the Town Council, to ensure successful implementation.
- Performance Metrics: Consultant shall develop and maintain performance metrics, reporting to the Town Mayor or designee and Town Council on the progress and effectiveness of Town services.
Children’s Trust Denies 2nd Year Funding For Continued YouthFirst Century Program
December 13, 2023
The Escambia County Children’s Trust on Tuesday denied to renew funding for the Urban Development Center’s YouthFirst Century program.
Last year, Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) awarded a contract to the Pensacola non-profit Urban Development Center for “YouthFirst Century” to serve 750 youth ages 11-18 over a three-year period at a total cost of $1.2 million. In reality, they only reached 30 children in their targeted ages of 11-18. They requested to lower their target age group to just 5-years old, but that was also denied by ECT.
UDC has requested a $189,256.70 reimbursement for their first year of operation, despite reaching just 56 children, with less than 30 of those in the target age range. That equals $6,308 per targeted child in the 11-18 age group.
UDC’s reimbursement request from ECT included about $60,000 for personnel, $6,212 in travel, $2,692 for advertising, $37,000 for program supplies, $1,201 for field trips, $59,000 in “sub-grants to partners”, and $21,000 for professional services for 56 children, 29 of which are not in the program’s target group.
In their application to ECT, UDC acknowledged that they did not have the cash on hand to operate under a cost reimbursement model. UDC approached the Century Town Council for help in early 2023. The town has provided the Century Business Center at 150 East Pond Street as meeting space, with upgrades such as lighting and an ice machine.
The Town of Century fronted $61,925 to The Urban Development Center to purchase items like computers and workbooks. The 500 workbooks at $52.75 per workbook were to be purchased from UDC for $26,375. UDC said they would reimburse the town after they received the ECT funding, but no specific deadline was established. At least $20,000 was recently repaid to the town, according to audio from a council meeting. However, a public records request provided no concrete evidence of the payment.
ECT board member Dr. Rex Northrup expressed concern that no ECT funding is currently going into a North Escambia specific program.
“At least consider some meaningful contributions to needs in northern Escambia County,” board member Dr. Rex Northrup said of any future applications.
Tuesday, the ECT did renew second-year funding for 16 Out-of School-Time grants totaling nearly $4.7 million:
- Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast $630,088
- Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools $215,045
- Chain Reaction $192,975
- Children’s Home Society $249,906
- City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation $540,041
- CMB Visions Unlimited $396,817
- Covenant Care $204,163
- Dixon School of Arts and Sciences $295,000
- Epps Christian Center $221,450
- James B. Washington Education & Sports $295,000
- Omega Lamplighters $156,975
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus $203,390
- Pensacola Little Theatre $85,000
- Pensacola MESS Hall $59,924
- SALT Ministry (Sisters Anointed to Lead Together) $12,629
- YMCA of NW Florida $906,561
A contract with The Children’s Theater program was non-renewed.
Pictured top and inset: Dr. Jessica A. Griffen, CEO of The Urban Development Center, addresses the Century Town Council in early 2023. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Notes on the UDC budget above, per the application: JetFuel is a Century based technology entrepreneurial business operated by Calvin Cottrell. Tutor4You is a tutoring service with “Mr. Sanders”. Reality Check Counseling is Susan Dawson, a licensed mental health counselor. Favored Hearts is owned by Cordella Allen, a clinical nurse, that will provide CPR certifications.
Century Residents Get Small Reprieve On Annual Garbage Rate Increase
December 13, 2023
Century residents are getting a small reprieve from an annual rate increase on garbage service.
The town contracts with Republic Services to collect garbage within the town limits. Republic has a provision in their contract that allows them to increase the rates they charge the town each December to match the Consumer Price Index. The town annually passes the rate increase directly along to residents.
Republic is increasing what they charge Century by a CPI increase of 5.25%. The town typically passes that increase onto sanitation customers across the board — which could have resulted in an increase of $1.40 per month to $27.99, up from $26.59. But for this year, the town will absorb a portion of the annual percentage increase while keeping other fees steady.
Residents will pay the annual increase on Republic’s charge to the town –$17.10 total cost, plus the current curbside fee pick-up fee of $6.99 and the current year service fee of $3.35. While not specifically mentioned in the motion approved by the council Tuesday night, that should put a customer’s bill at $27.44 for a single can rather than an originally proposed increase to $27.99.
Speed Limit Reduction Set For Airport Boulevard In Pensacola
December 13, 2023
The speed limit on State Road Airport Boulevard between Davis Highway and Ninth Avenue in Pensacola will be permanently reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph beginning Tuesday, December 19. New signs depicting the speed limit decrease will be installed along the corridor, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Breezy, Low In 40s Wednesday Night
December 13, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61.