Alene Colbert
July 2, 2023
Alene Colbert, age 80, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 30, 2023, in Atmore, AL; surrounded by loving family. She was born September 18, 1942, in Garland, AL; and later on, in life moved to Atmore, AL; where she has resided most of her life.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. She really enjoyed going to church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Selma Ernest (Peggy) Harvill, and two brothers, Jimmy and Sammy Harvill.
She is survived by her four loving sons, Ricky (Alison) Colbert, of Jupiter, FL; Tommy Colbert, Atmore, AL; Craig Colbert, Tensaw, AL; Scotty Colbert, Perdido, AL; two sisters, Peggy Joyce Maynard, Prattville, AL; Madine Hamilton, Atmore, AL; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and other relatives.
Graveside services and burial will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:15 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery with Rev. Richard Daniels officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Hostetler Homer Helps Blue Wahoos Beat Biscuits
July 2, 2023
Bennett Hostetler hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning to lead the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a wild 5-3 win over the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night.
In the bottom of the first, Ronny Simon hit the first pitch of the evening from M.D. Johnson for a solo homer. The Blue Wahoos twice overcame early deficits to tie the game, thanks to a run-scoring sacrifice fly from J.D. Orr in the third and an RBI single from Griffin Conine in the fourth.
Simon again got the best of Johnson in the fifth with a go-ahead RBI single to put the Biscuits up 3-2. Johnson, in his first start since returning from the injured list, allowed three runs, two earned, over 5.0 innings in a no-decision.
In the seventh, Cody Morissette led off the inning for Pensacola with his second double of the night against John Doxakis (L, 4-3). Orr reached on an error, setting the stage for Hostetler’s mammoth blast off the left field videoboard to put the Blue Wahoos up 5-3.
Zach McCambley (W, 1-0) worked 2.0 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, highlighted by a nifty escape from a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh. Junior Caminero hit a flyout to right field that would have otherwise scored a run, but Simon made an ill-advised attempt to advance from first to second and Norel González threw him out with a savvy throw before the run crossed the plate for an inning-ending double play.
Jefry Yan (S, 7) got the final six outs to earn the save.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Sunday.
Written by Eric Bremer; File photo courtesy Blue Wahoos
What To Know About Florida’s New ‘Permitless Carry’ Law Effective Saturday
July 1, 2023
Beginning Saturday, July 1, you can carry a concealed firearm without a concealed weapons license (CWL) in Florida.
Here is some need-to-know information from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office:
- Although a CWL is not required in Florida beginning July 1, the weapon or firearm must remain concealed from the ordinary sight of another person.
- The minimum age to conceal carry in Florida is 21 years old.
- When conceal carrying a weapon or firearm, you must have a valid form of identification on you at all times.
- To be in possession of a concealed weapon or firearm, you must be a resident and citizen of the U.S. or a permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- A person who is carrying a concealed weapon or firearm cannot be a convicted felon or delinquent.
- A person who is carrying a concealed weapon or firearm cannot suffer from a physical infirmity, which prevents the safe handling of a firearm.
- A person who is carrying a concealed firearm is restricted from carrying the firearm in the same locations/events as a person carrying under a CWL.
- It’s important to be responsible and educated about gun safety.
- You cannot carry your firearm in places where it is unlawful – such as schools, government buildings, airports, and bars.
The Heat Sticks Around For The Weekend, And A Chance Of Rain Returns
July 1, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect with heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) expected to range from 108-112 degrees on Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 92. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Here’s The Schedule Of Area Fireworks Shows
July 1, 2023
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July fireworks shows and events across the North Escambia area
Jay — Tuesday, July 4
The Town of Jay will have fireworks at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 from inside Bray-Hendricks Park. Bring a lawn chair. Parking will be available in the fields on Higdon Drive and the Max Lane parking area.
Pensacola — Tuesday, July 4
The “largest fireworks show ever held over the bay” will be at 9 p.m. on July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display featuring a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, meticulously choreographed pyrotechnics, and awe-inspiring special effects. The night sky will come alive as the fireworks are expertly synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack provided by CatCountry 98.7. Renowned pyrotechnicians from PYRO Shows have been commissioned to design a show that surpasses all expectations, promising a truly enchanting atmosphere of wonder and awe.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, chairs, and radios and plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along Bayfront Parkway and fully immerse themselves in the festivities.The evening’s celebrations kick off with Symphony Sparks & Stars, a free Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium starting at 7:30 pm. Radios are highly encouraged to enjoy the synchronized music and avoid the delays that come with streaming apps. Additionally, an exciting lineup of local food trucks will be serving up fantastic eats in Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach — Tuesday, July 4
The Pensacola Beach fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on July 4 over Santa Rosa Sound. It will be simulcast on CatCountry 98.7 in conjunction with the downtown Pensacola show. The beach fireworks show is set to immediately follow the Bands on the Beach concert, featuring Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, from the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach.
Man Charged With Murder For Atmore Deadly Shooting
July 1, 2023
An Atmore man has been arrested in connection with a shooting death last month.
Eric DePaul Mitchell, 44, was charged with murder and discharging a firearm. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Mitchell allegedly shot Robert Starks of Atmore in the area of Carver Avenue and King Street about 2:15 a.m. on May 29. Starks later died from his injuries.
No motive has been released by the Atmore Police Department.
Deputy Escambia County Attorney Kristin Hual Receives Association Award
July 1, 2023
Deputy Escambia County Attorney Kristin Hual received the from the Florida Association of County Attorneys Board of Directors Writing Award. The Waward recognizes those who have made significant contributions to FACA and its program through their leadership and dedication.
“Kristin has worked very hard to serve not just the Escambia County Attorney’s Office, but also our colleagues across the state,” said Escambia County Attorney Alison Rogers. “It is a very well-deserved honor.”
The Florida Association of Counties is a Florida nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to provide a forum for research, advice and discussion in the development of local government law, including technical assistance
Eder Encouraging In 4-1 Loss To Biscuits
July 1, 2023
Jake Eder struck out seven batters over 5.0 innings on Friday night, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos offense was kept quiet in a 4-1 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Eder (L, 0-1), making just his second Double-A start of the season in his continued return from injury, allowed two runs on four hits in the tough-luck loss. Ronny Simon’s two-run homer in the third inning proved to be all the run support the Biscuits would need.
Mason Montgomery (W, 2-2) turned in his best start of the year for the Biscuits, allowing just a single over 6.0 scoreless innings. Only a Will Banfield homer in the ninth inning prevented Pensacola’s second shutout loss of the season.
The Biscuits added insurance runs against Cristian Charle in the later innings with an RBI double from Mason Auer and an RBI single from Austin Shenton. Two outfield assists from right fielder Griffin Conine prevented Montgomery from collecting two additional runs.
Pensacola ends June with a 13-11 record, their third straight winning month after going 11-10 in April and 18-8 in May.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Saturday.
Update: Missing, Endangered Girl 8-Year Old Located
June 30, 2023
UPDATE: This missing girl has been located, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered eight-year old girl.
Taj Dennis (pictured) was last seen Sunday, June 25 in the 900 block of South Corry Field Road wearing jeans and a purple/white t-shirt.
She was last seen with her non-custodial mother, 41-year old Esther Alexis and is believed to still be with her. They may be headed towards the Orlando area.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Escambia Public Works Manager Aaron Smith Retires After 36 Years
June 30, 2023
Escambia County Public Works Division Manager Aaron Smith has retired after 36 years of service.
“Aaron’s career has had a huge impact on the community here in Escambia County, especially in the north end of the county,” Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “He’s just a wealth of knowledge, accomplished a lot, and this community is absolutely better because of his career here.”
A retirement lunch was held in his honor this week, where Smith said the department is a success because of the staff and the job that they do.
“Aaron is one of the people that we handed a job, handed him a responsibility and he is going to get it taken care of and do it right,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “But the most important thing is to get the work done, and he’s always got a smile on his face.”
Smith said he does not really have any big plans as he heads into retirement.
“I’m going to take care of the grandkids, get them to school, and I’ll take care of mom and dad,” he said. “We’ll do some fishing; that’s where I’m headed.”
“No looking for potholes,” he quipped. “But I will report one if I hit it though.”
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