Joel Dennis (JD) Edmonson
July 12, 2023
Joel Dennis (JD) Edmonson, 86, of Molino, FL, passed from this earth to his heavenly destination on Saturday, July 8, 2023. He was born in Escambia County, FL, on May 12, 1937, to Joiel and Eula Mae Edmonson.
He was a retired floor mechanic and a hard worker. He spent much of his early years laying floors at military bases in multiple states across the country and laid most of the tile at local hospitals and schools in the Pensacola area. He raised his boys to have the same work ethic and taught them everything he knew about the business. He had a passion for mullet fishing and could tell you where your mullet was caught with just a quick taste test. You wouldn’t know it by his quiet demeanor, but he was also a big prankster, just ask his sisters or old buddies on the job. He will always be remembered by that sideways grin and the twinkle in his eyes.
Preceded in death by his parents, Joiel and Eula Mae Edmonson; his brother, Eugene Edmonson; and his son, David Edmonson.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jo Edmonson of 58 ½ years; his children, Brian (Tammy) Edmonson, Denise (Russ) Eastin, Jerome Edmonson, and Priscilla (Neal) Lewis; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; his brothers, Durwood, Kenny, James, Johnny Ray, John, Billy and Travis; and his sisters; Shirlon, Betty, Gwen, Sue, Mary, Myrtle, and Eula.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pine Forest Assembly of God, 3125 N Pine Forest Road, Cantonment FL, 32533.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Hwy. 29, Cantonment, FL 32533 is entrusted with arrangements.
Patricia Grantham Jensen
July 12, 2023
Patricia Grantham Jensen, 83, passed away peacefully in Pensacola, Florida, on June 23, 2023.
The daughter of the late James and Catherine Grantham, “Pat” grew up in Marianna, Florida, with brothers Jerry Grantham, James “Jim” Grantham (Jeanette), and John “Butch” Grantham (Peggy). Brothers Jerry and Jim preceded her in death. It was in the mid-1950s that Pat met the love of her life, Carroll James Jensen, who survives her, and with whom she shared over 67 years of marriage. Together they raised a loving family, including daughters Pamela K. Turner, who passed away in 2014, and Lisa Jensen Tingley (Tom), of Florence, Kentucky. Pat was a proud and loving grandmother to Lena Adams (Gary) of Milton, Melisa Alvarez (Chad) of Fairhope, Alabama, and Michelle Tingley of Columbus, Ohio. Pat was a much beloved great-grandmother to Brooklyn Woodside of Pensacola and Halle Kate Alvarez of Fairhope, Alabama.
For many years, Pat worked within the Escambia County School System, where she had many roles, including working in the Dean’s Office at J. M. Tate High School. She loved all the students she worked with and they kept her young-at-heart! She was also an active volunteer leader in her daughter’s 4-H club because she loved supporting children.
Following her retirement, Pat volunteered in the office of the late Dr. Amos Prevatt, MD, for many years. She filled her days with family, friends, reading, playing games, and found humor and beauty in many things. She said she was never bored a day in her life! Hers was a generous spirit that never failed to support or encourage others, and this trait, along with her easy laugh, will be how her family and friends remember her. As we go forward we know, as Pat often said, “it’ll be alright ‘ole yady!”
Please join the family at a Memorial Service on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, FL. 32533.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or your charity of choice.
Tate High Graduate Landen George Signs Golf Scholarship With Coastal Alabama
July 12, 2023
Tuesday, Tate High School 2023 graduate Landen George signed a full ride scholarship with Coastal Alabama Community College to further his golf and academic career. He was joined by his family, friends, staff members and future coaches. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle On North Century Boulevard Has Passed Away; Second Remains Hospitalized
July 11, 2023
One of the two Brewton women struck by vehicles last Thursday night in Century has died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Both were walking across a North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) construction zone near Rudolph Street, in front of the Vallarta restaurant, about 8:30 p.m.. It is commonplace for restaurant patrons to park across the four-lane highway at an abandoned building and walk across the road.
Both women were airlifted to a Sacred Heart Hospital as “trauma alerts”.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 36-year old Flat Rock, Alabama, man was traveling southbound when he noticed the pedestrians walking across the road. He attempted to swerve and avoid a collision but struck a 34-year old woman from Brewton. She remains hospitalized.
The second pedestrian, a 53-year old Brewton woman, attempted to care for the first pedestrian. She later passed away from her injuries.
Troopers said the driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe, a 71-year old Brewton man, failed to see the second pedestrian.
The crash closed all lanes of North Century Boulevard.
Both drivers and three passengers — ages 1, 7 and 35 — in the pickup were not injured.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, Flomaton MedStar EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Flomaton Police Department, MedStar Air Care helicopter and ShandsCair helicopter responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wanted Grand Theft Suspect Arrested After Manhunt In Bratt
July 11, 2023
A man wanted on felony warrants was arrested after a search warrant and manhunt in Bratt on Tuesday.
Jimmy Lavon Wiggins was wanted for obstruction of justice and two counts of grand theft, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He also had three active warrants for previous charges of grand theft and violation of probation.
Officers and K-9s were involved in a search for Wiggins in the area of Still and Rigby roads off Highway 4.
Wiggins was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,500.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Development Proposed With Over 2,350 Apartments, 2,000 Home Lots On Nearly 1,500 Acres
July 11, 2023
A St. Petersburg, Florida, investment firm is seeking to construct a large mixed-used development on nearly 1,500 acres in Molino.
The Woodland Park development, once completed, would have 2,356 townhomes and apartments, 2,065 single family lots (50′ x 120′ or 60′ x 130′), nearly 100 acres for commercial development, plus land for a fire station, school and other public uses, according to planning documents. The 1,486 acre development would be located west of Highway 29 and south of Highway 196 in Molino on land already owned by the investment company.
Exit 3 Investments, LLC has multiple applications pending this week before the Escambia County Planning Board as they seek to opt parcels out of the Escambia County Sector Plan and rezone multiple parcels for higher densities.
For the most part, Escambia County Planning staff found that all three rezoning requests are consistent with the comprehensive plan and the county’s land development code.
However, planning staff the proposed amendment to the high density residential (HDR) use is not consistent with the land development code on one side of the property that is next to agricultural zoning. Staff also found that the proposed high density residential zone is not compatible with surrounding uses because that provides for residential neighborhood development with a greater dwelling unit density within urban areas — not adjoining an agriculture zone.
“The land uses or development conditions within the area surrounding the properties are changing as development appears to be moving to the north and west. The development within the area has remained residential large lots with activities that support agricultural uses. Potential uses allowed in HDR would not be compatible with the existing surrounding development patterns,” county staff wrote in their report on the rezoning request on the most northern part of the parcel near Highway 196.
The Escambia County Planning Board will consider the Exit 3 applications for Woodland Park during a public meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Escambia County Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola.
WOODLAND PARK
Transportation
The applicant states they have an existing agreement with Escambia County for the construction of a roadway to be named Woodland Parkway from an extension of the existing Mathison Road to intersection with a western extension of Quintette Road, which would be funded by the county.
Water and Sewer
The development would be served entirely by Molino Utilities with a backup connection to Cottage Hill Water Works. An on-site water storage facility would be constructed “at some point” to increase pressure for fire protection. Sewer would be provided by ECUA.
Schools
Exit 3 would donate 40 acres to the Escambia County School District for a new K-8 school.
Other Infrastructure
The developer would donate 20 acres to Escambia County for community services such as a fire station, library, storm water facilities, and other public uses as the county sees fit.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
International Paper Assembles More Than 500 Feminine Care Kits For Community
July 11, 2023
Employee volunteers at International Paper Pensacola gathered recently to assemble more than 500 feminine care kits to end “period poverty”.
This is the second year International Paper has packed feminine hygiene kits for the community. The kits include feminine products and a personalized note in a discrete bag. The kits were distributed to the Health and Hope Clinic, Pace Center for Girls and United Way of West Florida.
“We are proud to support the organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the young women in our community,” said Nicole Crawley, area process manager, Pensacola Mill. “Period poverty is a serious issue that not many people realize exists, and we must work together to care for and uplift members in our community.”
Period poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health management supplies and education, and it can have serious consequences. Each year, more than 500 million people worldwide do not have what they need to manage their periods. It’s an issue that leads to a number of problems like school truancy, reproductive issues, health risks and unnecessary shame.
Scattered Storms Continue
July 11, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Firefighters Rescue Kitten From Walmart Parking Lot Storm Drain
July 11, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue recently rescued a kitten from a storm drain at a Walmart Neighborhood Market off Pine Forest Road.
Firefighters from Ensley’s Engine 6 responded to a call and confirmed that the kitten was stuck in the storm drain. They were able to quickly remove the cover and locate the kitten.
The kitten was turned over to the care of the original caller.
Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Worth Over $28K Sold In Beulah
July 11, 2023
Someone is over $28,000 richer after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Beulah.
The ticket sold at the Publix on Beulah Road at Nine Mile Road was one of two winning tickets in Sunday’s midday drawing and is worth $28,725.68. The other winning ticket was sold in Stuart, Florida.
Sunday’s midday winning numbers were 4-10-19-23-33.