Tate Aggies Baseball Head Coach Karl Jernigan Has Resigned
July 19, 2023
Tate High School head baseball coach Karl Jernigan has resigned.
“Coach Jernigan resigned to spend more time with and focus on his family,” Principal Laura Touchstone told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “Coach Jernigan has been very transparent with me through this process, and I support his decision. Most importantly I support the Tate baseball program and will continue to do so. We are actively searching for a coach to fulfill the position and uphold the legacy of Tate baseball.”
Jernigan was hired as Tate’s head coach during the summer of 2017.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Century Postpones Action On Payment Plan For Past Due Utility Customers
July 19, 2023
The Century Town Council Tuesday has postponed action on a payment plan agreement for utility customers with past due accounts.
The proposed standardized policy for water, wastewater, and/or natural gas customers would allow customers to pay one-half of their balance over a period of up to six months. Under the plan, one-half of the balance would be due immediately in order to qualify. The remaining half of the outstanding bill would be due alongside regular bills.
Tuesday night, the council opted to hold a workshop on some of the plan details before a final vote.
Under the plan, as proposed:
Customers would be limited to two payment plan requests in a 24 month period.
If not paid by the due date of the 24th of each, the agreement would be voided, services would be disconnected, and the full balance would be due before reconnection.
We reached out to two other public utilities in Escambia County to see how they handle customers unable to pay their full balance.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority said they will “work with” customers unable to pay their full balance due. ECUA offers water, wastewater and sanitation services in most of Escambia County.
“Pensacola Energy does not have a delayed payment option. If a customer doesn’t make their payment and they have a good payment history, we will let them go a week late, but then they must pay their bill in full,” City of Pensacola Public Information Officer Kaycee Lagarde said. Pensacola Energy provides natural gas across a wide area of the county.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Live Fire Training With Mock Plane Taking Place At Pensacola Airport
July 19, 2023
Live fire training will take place at the Pensacola airport through Friday, and visitors may see a mock plane and flames.
The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola International Airport are conducting their annual live fire training drill. Anyone near airport property or flying through the airport may see a mock aircraft with flames coming from the simulator and on the ground nearby. There will also be firefighters in gear and fire trucks spraying the fire during the drill. The training will take place all morning through early afternoon daily through Friday near the east-west runway.
The annual drill is required by the FAA.
Beulah Middle FFA Receives Honors During State FFA Convention
July 19, 2023
The Beulah Middle School FFA chapter and its members received several honors during the recent Florida FFA State Convention and Expo.
- Received an award for 100% FFA membership
- Received trophy for fourth place meats judging team in the state
- Received a trophy for second place aquaculture team in the state
- Colin Duarte competed in the extemporaneous public speaking contest
- Alumni Gabriel Flores came in 4th in the state in the creed speaking competition
- Parliamentary procedure team came in third in the state
- Jayden Williams performed his talent in front of thousands of people on stage at convention
- Mikayle Salvadora competed on state in a music competition
In addition, Beulah Middle FFA was able to donate over 2,300 food items to people in need thanks to generous supporters and friends. They placed second in the annual food drive.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Hot; Highs In The Mid To Upper 90s
July 19, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Lewis Curtis Colley
July 19, 2023
Mr. Lewis Curtis Colley age 63 of Hudson Hill Road Century, Florida passed away Friday July 14, 2023 in a Pensacola, Florida hospital after a brief illness. He was a native and life long resident of the Century-Pensacola, Florida area. Mr. Colley was of the Apostolic Holiness Faith, A roofer in the construction industry and enjoyed fishing.
Survivors were
Mother- Emma Anderson of Milton, Florida
Loving Wife of 40 plus years- Glenda Colley of Century, Florida
(1) Son- Gabe Colley of Jacksonville, Florida
(1) Brother- Jeff (Jodie) Rolin
(2) Sisters- Angie McNish, Sandy Casto
(1) Grandchild- Gladalyn Arias Colley
(1) Aunt- Shirley Winerich
Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon July 20, 2023 from 1-2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Thursday afternoon July 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton with Rev. Tim James and Singer Judy Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in Beulah Chapel Cemetery Burnsville, Florida with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton, Alabama Directing.
Johnston’s Historic Night Lifts Blue Wahoos To 8-3 Win
July 19, 2023
The Blue Wahoos followed their most lopsided loss with one of the season’s more complete wins.
Only natural that Troy Johnston helped trigger it.
Johnston continued his run-producing prowess, driving in five runs on a trio of line-drive hits, then was backed up by some highlight-worthy defense from teammates in an 8-3 victory Tuesday against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to open the homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Already a leader in six different Southern League categories, Johnston is now the Blue Wahoos’ all-time single-season RBI leader with 77. Tuesday night he passed Griffin Conine, who had 74 last year to set the franchise record.
The first baseman also has 11 RBI in the past four games. He leads the league in home runs (18), RBI (78), hits (84), extra base hits (40), total bases (164) and runs (64). His batting average has soared to .287.
This game started and finished far differently than the Blue Wahoos’ 15-2 loss Sunday at Birmingham, which ended a post-break, short series with the Barons on a sour note.
That quickly was flushed and replaced Tuesday by Johnston’s first-inning run-scoring single off Trash Pandas lefty starter Ky Bush, rated the No. 3 prospect in the Los Angeles Angels system. José Devers followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead.
It stayed that way until Rocket City got back within a run in the sixth inning.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer worked into the sixth, giving up three runs. Two of those came before he was lifted in the sixth after leaving a changeup over the plate that Rocket City catcher Edgar Quero blasted for a no-doubt, two-run homer over the right field berm.
But the Blue Wahoos offense answered by batting around in the seventh inning. Johnston had a two-run double and Will Banfield drove in a run on a single as part of the big inning.
From that point, the bullpen took over. Cristian Charle, Matt Pushard and closer Jefry Yan delivered scoreless innings to complete the win on “Doggone Tuesday” where fans were allowed to bring their dogs to the ballpark.
Though Griffin Conine did not get a hit in the game, he made a sensational diving catch in right field in the fifth inning, then got up and threw out the Trash Pandas’ Tucker Flint, who tried to tag up from second, to complete an amazing double play.
Blue Wahoos catcher Will Banfield threw out Rocket City’s Kyren Paris trying to steal and left fielder Dalvy Rosario saved a run with a diving stop on a ball near the foul line. It was all part of textbook defensive plays made in this game.
The series continues Wednesday. The Blue Wahoos will have Luis Palocios (5-3, 6.40 ERA) going against Rocket City’s Fernando Romero in the first series meeting this year between these teams.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Carolyn Sue ‘Foley’ Patterson
July 19, 2023
Carolyn Sue “Foley” Patterson, age 76, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023. She was born in Atmore, Alabama, on September 9, 1946, to Bertha and G.P. Foley. She was married to J. Douglas Patterson for 58 years. Sue worked for Escambia County School Board. She had a career as Teachers Aide, Payroll Support and Office Management. Sue was a member of Farm Hill Methodist Church (aka “Fellowship Church”). Sue had a passion for flowers, planting her flower beds, reading, and her church. She especially loved her family; daughters, Melody and Melissa; husband, Doug; and her ever-faithful companion malti-poo “Eli”. She passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family and Eli.
Sue is preceded in death by her parents: Bertha and G.P. Foley; brother, Jimmy Foley; sister, Gwen Chappell; brother-in-law, Cliff Chappell; mother-in-law, Judy Strength and sister-in-law, Paula Smith.
Sue is survived by her husband, J. Douglas Patterson; daughters, Melody Patterson (Ronald) Warren; Melissa Patterson (Phillip) Casper; sisters-in-law, Linda Foley and Pamela Patterson; brother-in-law, Frank Smyer; niece, Lavonda Harrison; nephews, Monte Chappell, Jimmy Foley, Scott Foley; caretakers and friends, Kory Jones and Linda Albritton.
Private graveside service was held Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at Farm Hill Fellowship Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sue’s lifelong small country church, Farm Hill Fellowship Church, 1251 Muscogee Road #9134, Cantonment, FL 32533 or pulmonaryfibrosis.org, as this disease took Sue, Gwen and Jimmy
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
James J. Henley, Sr.
July 19, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James J Henley Sr., a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend on July 13, 2023. James was born in April of 1942 to Lillie Belle Mancil and Cumby A. Booker and later adopted by J. Sam Henley and Lillie when they married. He was the oldest of four with sisters, Brenda Henley Heatherly, Janet Henley Hopkins Scofield, and Wynette Henley Seaman.
James was a graduate of W.S. Neal High School and Southern Union Junior College, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. His exceptional talents earned him a dual-sport scholarship, highlighting his abilities in both sports. After completing his degree, James was hired at Monsanto near Pensacola, FL, where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Waldrop. They were married in the summer of 1963 and had a beautiful life together raising their three children and many many pets..
Besides his loving wife, Carol, James is survived by their three children, Rebekah Lyn Henley-Holland, James J Henley Jr, Christopher Jason Henley, their partners and his grandchildren, Ruby Rain Henley and Ella June Henley..
James was a dedicated and hardworking individual, which led to his professional success. But beyond his achievements, it was his good nature and kind heart that truly defined him. He welcomed everyone with open-mind and was an empathetic listener, always offering encouragement to those in need. His ability to make others feel valued and appreciated made him a true blessing to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His crooked smile and kind words of encouragement were his signature, making every interaction with him a memorable one.
Not only was James a devoted family man and a friend to many, but he also had a passion for baseball, golf and gardening. His gardening skills started early when as a child he tended the family cotton farm. He knew the meaning of hardwork and patience, enjoying the peacefulness gardening and golf brought him.
James J Henley Sr. will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his quiet yet powerful presence and simple life philosophy…treat others as you would want to be treated. This proved itself over and over again in the many people he influenced. May his legacy live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the honor of knowing him.
Private services will be held at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to his monument fund.
Woodland Park Molino Development Opt-Out Cases Dropped For August 3 By Applicant
July 18, 2023
The company looking to build a large-scale development in Molino has dropped pending discussion before the Escambia County Commission on August 3.
Last week, the Escambia County Planning Board denied Exit 3 Investment’s Escambia County Sector Plan opt-out applications for the Woodland Park development. At that time, the investment company withdrew all pending rezoning requests.
The Escambia County Commission was set to consider section plan opt-out denial recommendations from the planning board and make a final ruling on August 3.. They will not be on the agenda or discussed at the BOCC’s August 3 meeting.
According to submitted opt-out and rezoning applications, The Woodland Park development as originally proposed would have had 2,356 townhomes and apartments, 2,065 single family lots, and nearly 100 acres of commercial development in a 1,500 acre area to the south and west of Highway 196 and Highway 29.
RELATED: ‘That Country Way Of Life’ — Residents Unite In Battle Against Big Molino Development
Pictured top: Submitted plans for Woodland Park. Pictured inset: Fred Hemmer of Exit 3 Investments addresses the Escambia County Planning Board last week. NorthEcambia.com images, click to enlarge.