Mostly Clear, Mid 70s Tonight
July 20, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect with heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) expected to range from 107-110 degrees on Frida.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Century Council President Says He Won’t Check If Meetings Were Legally Noticed
July 20, 2023
Following the cancellation of July’s first public meeting due to a probable Sunshine Law violation, the president of the Century Town Council says he will no longer bother to check and see if a meeting has been correctly noticed under Florida’s Sunshine Law.
“I think everyone in Century knows what time when we have the meeting,” council president Luis Gomez, Jr. said.
The council’s July 5 meeting has halted because the town’s public notices did not include the time of the meeting as required.
Beginning with meetings in February 2023, a standard notice for regular meetings and bill review meetings had been posted on a bulletin board outside town hall providing dates but no times. Sometimes an adjacent notice was posted with times, but those notices repeatedly had meeting dates listed as being in 2022, making the notice appear outdated.
One of the few members of the public at Tuesday’s council meeting took issue with Gomez and the lack of required public notice.
“There are new people coming into Century, every month, every week; I am one of them,” resident Evelyn Deterville said. Recently married, she was an unsuccessful candidate (Evelyn Webber) for a council seat in the March 2023 special election. “For those of you that have been here for a long time, you’ve got to keep in mind this city has grown, this town has grown. So I would like for you to continue to get the word out…When I talk to people and tell them about the council meeting, different things that’s going on, they ask me when it is, where it is also.”
“Everybody that lives here knows. Now, I agree, new people that come to Century, they’re going to have to get it just like everyone else,” Gomez said. “If there’s a problem and you actually want to attend, you would put in a little effort to find out when the meetings are.”
Gomez then proceeded to “say it for the record in an open meeting” the days and times.
The council president then said going forward he will skip the standard agenda opening item to confirm that a meeting was properly advertised. “I’m not going to do that to halt business and slow up the time in these meetings ever again for the rest of the year to December.”
“You can call and ask when the meetings are,” he said. “It’s on our agenda, but I’m not going to do that (check for proper public notice) because I will no longer let this council be your topic of discussion on nobody’s newspaper, blog or whatever. We’re missing the town’s business because of this.”
Florida’s attorney general says every meeting, each and every one, must be noticed with date, time and place — “Notice is required even though meetings of the board are “of general knowledge” and are not conducted in a closed door manner”.
The Florida Attorney General’s “2023 Government in the Sunshine Manual” states that:
- “The notice should contain the time and place of the meeting and, if available, an agenda, or if no agenda is available, a statement of the general subject matter to be considered.
- “The notice should be prominently displayed in the area in the agency’s offices set aside for that purpose, e.g., for cities, in city hall, and on the agency’s website, if there is one.”
Town Clerk Leslie Howington said the meeting notice is only being posted at the town hall and website.
“It’s not the council’s place to publicize the meeting; it’s the town hall’s meeting,” council member Sandra McMurray Jackson said. “The council members do not send out advertisements for the meetings. It’s the town hall, in the office. That’s where it starts.”
Pictured: Century council president Luis Gomez, Jr. reviews agenda items Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs Recreation Sites Reopened
July 20, 2023
The Northwest Florida Water Management District has reopened two recreation sites in the Escambia River Water Management Area that had been closed due to flooding.
The Bluff Springs and Cotton Lake sites are now open.
The Cotton Lake and Bluff Springs recreation sites have reopened after a temporary closure due to flooding on the Escambia River. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Does FHP Have America’s Best Looking Cruiser? Cast Your Vote Here.
July 20, 2023
Does the Florida Highway Patrol have the best looking trooper cruiser in the nation?
The American Association of State Troopers is conducting their 10th annual “Best Looking Cruiser” contest through July 31.
This year’s submission, photographed by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost in Orlando, features a 2019 Dodge Charger in FHP’s traditional colors of black and tan.
“Entering ‘America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest’ is an opportunity for FHP and the community we protect to stand proudly behind our public safety mission and Florida’s reputation as a law-and-order state,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The FHP Black and Tan, as it’s known, is widely recognized as a symbol of our core values: Courtesy, Service Protection. When people see a Florida State Trooper, they know that they are there for protection and can expect professional and competent service. A vote for FHP is a vote for Florida.”
“The iconic Florida Highway Patrol Black & Tan is recognized nationwide,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “Show your support for your Troopers by voting for Florida in the 2023 ‘America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest’ hosted by the American Association of State Troopers.”
The winner will be presented with the “Best Looking Cruiser Award” and featured on the cover of the AAST’s “America’s Best Looking Cruisers 2024 Wall Calendar”.
The survey link can also be accessed from he official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
Palacios Twirls Gem In 4-2 Wahoos Win
July 20, 2023
Luis Palacios made his 10th start this season with the Blue Wahoos a near-perfect one.
He was then backed by Zach McCambley’s first save of his pro career.
The dynamic delivery on Wednesday equated into Pensacola’s 4-2 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, pushing the Blue Wahoos to their 50th win in 85 games.
After the Blue Wahoos knocked out Trash Pandas starting pitcher John Swanda with a four-run first inning, Palacios painted the strike zone throughout his best performance. It made for a crisp, 2-hour, 15-minute game on “Winning Wednesday’ that included baseball bingo and was capped by a mid-week fireworks show provided by game sponsor Covenant Care.
Palacios, a 23-year-old lefty from Venezuela, allowed just four hits, matching the fewest he allowed this year. He struck out five without walking a batter, and improved to 6-3 in a smooth, seven-inning outing that matched his longest of the season.
It was the first time he threw up seven zeroes on the scoreboard. He continually stayed ahead of hitters and consistently threw strikes – 64 strikes in 85 pitches. It was the first time in his Double-A career he did not allow a walk.
McCambley, 24, a righthander, who has shifted to a reliever role that will further enhance his own future, worked a clean ninth inning. He ended the game on a called strikeout with a fastball on the outside part of the plate.
As things turned out, the game was decided in the first inning. Nasim Nuñez and Miami Marlins outfielder Avisail Garcia, continuing his injury rehab assignment, started the rally with walks. Nunez advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch.
With two outs, Will Banfield laced an RBI single to left, José Devers singled and Cody Morissette followed with a two-run double to complete the rally. Banfield and Norel González both went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos pounded out eight total hits.
Rocket City, the Los Angeles Angels affiliate, got its runs on a pair of solo homers off Pensacola reliever Eli Villalobos in the eighth inning. After the second blast, pitching coach Dave Eiland met on the mound and Villalobos retired the next two batters to end the frame.
Following the game, specialty jerseys worn by the Blue Wahoos in pregame Wednesday and decorated in sponsor Covenant Care design, were delivered to auction-bidding fans by Blue Wahoos players in front of the home team dugout. The auction began in the sixth inning.
The series continues Thursday on Mullet Thursday as the Blue Wahoos become the Pensacola Mullets.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Robert Michael Phillips
July 20, 2023
Robert Michael Phillips, 43, of Molino, Florida, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Robert was born March 10, 1980, in Pensacola, Florida. Robert was a Financial Advisor for Navy Federal Credit Union for 13 years. He was of the Baptist faith. Robert enjoyed cooking and video games.
Robert is preceded in death by his grandparents, stepmother, aunts and uncles.
Robert is survived by his father, Robert Westley Phillips; mother, Mary Estelle Phillips; sister, Mary Lorraine Phillips; brother, Jerry Westley Phillips; brother, Joshua Warren; and special puppies, Nemo and Hope.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10 a.m. Reverend Jimmy Cook will be officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Dorris Eugene Vaughn, Sr.
July 20, 2023
Dorris Eugene Vaughn, Sr., age 90, of Seminole, AL gained his heavenly reward on July 20, 2023. Dorris was born on February 15, 1933, in Franklin, TN to parents, Howard and Pauline Vaughn.
Dorris wed Teenie Vaughn on June 30, 1951. They built a wonderful life together, including raising ten children. He was a good provider for his family. Dorris was an expert machinist and tool and die maker and was a perfectionist in his work. He was also an excellent mechanic. During his lifetime, he built several homes and even a built a boat. He always loved aviation and his lifelong dream was to learn to fly. So much so, that after retirement he got his pilot's license, purchased a plane and built an airstrip on his property so that he could fly whenever he wanted. He was a dedicated employee and volunteer at NAS Pensacola for many years. Most importantly, He loved the Lord fervently. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather that has left an enduring Godly heritage.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Pauline Vaughn; brother, Kenneth Vaughn; son, John Vaughn and son-in-law, Chris Hawkins, Sr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Teenie Vaughn; daughters, Debra (Avon) Fowler, Connie Hawkins, Paula (George) Bechtold, Pam (Jerry) Hahn, and Carol (Joel) Coberly; sons, Eugene Vaughn, Douglas Vaughn, James (Wendy) Vaughn and Glenn (Shellie) Vaughn; daughter-in-law, Pam Vaughn, 23 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren, and sisters, Velma Fillingim and Norma (Clarke) Danzey; and his sister-in-law, Wanda Vaughn.
The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Victory Assembly of God. Funeral Services will begin at 3:00 pm at Victory Assembly of God, 1895 Victory Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 with Rev. Jeff McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Vaughn Family Cemetery at 19756 Vaughn Road, Seminole, AL. Music by son, Rev. Glenn Vaughn.
Active Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Active Pallbearers: Chris Hawkins, Jr., Kenny Wayne McDonald, David Hawkins. Brandon Vaughn, Joey Coberly, Tyler Vaughn, Lowell Vaughn, Travis Vaughn. Honorary Pallbearers: Daniel Hahn, Zachary Hahn, Nathan Vaughn, Weston Vaughn.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Molino Food Pantry
July 20, 2023
The Tate High School Alumni group recently made a donation to the community food pantry ministry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Silver Alert Canceled For Missing, Endangered Escambia County Man
July 19, 2023
UPDATE: This individual has been located.
A Florida Silver Alert has been issued for a missing endangered Escambia County man.
Arthur Gregory Stiers, 76, was last seen about noon Wednesday in the 5000 block of Port St. Joe Street off Blue Angel Parkway. He was driving a white Volkswagen Golf, Florida tag #Y71RAM. The vehicle has a roof rack.
He is 6-foot, 1-inch tall, 185 pounds, and last seen wearing an off-white short sleeved button-down shirt, white shorts, and tan boat shoes
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Rabies Alert For Escambia County Expires After No New Cases Reported
July 19, 2023
A Rabies Alert for Escambia County has now expired.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH-Escambia) issued the alert in May after three people were exposed to one rabid fox and one person was exposed to a rabid bat.
No additional cases have been reported as of Tuesday, the health department said. The alert was allowed to expire Tuesday after being in effect for two months.
NorthEscambia.com reported in May that the rabid fox bit or otherwise made physical contact with three individuals at locations in the area near Northview High School and Travis Nelson Park in Bratt.