He Shot Himself In The Leg. Now He’s Looking At Up To 30 Years In Prison.
June 27, 2023
An Escambia County man who shot himself in the leg last year is facing up to 30 years in prison.
Kopelyn Gerard Gildon, 52, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The State Attorney’s Office will pursue habitual felony offender status against him.
Gildon was in possession of a firearm when he shot himself in the leg on May 12, 2022. But he tried to convince the jury that he had no knowledge of the firearm, and that the firearm was accidentally discharged. His testimony conflicted with the testimony of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement firearm analyst’s testimony that the particular handgun, a 107 Military 22 semi-automatic handgun, could not discharge without a trigger pull.
He will be sentenced in August.
Man Facing DUI, Drug Charges After Police Say He Was ‘Talking To Himself’ Parked By Road
June 27, 2023
Police arrested an Escambia County, Florida, man after he was reportedly found parked by the road talking to himself.
Ryan Rais Green, 29,was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Atmore Police said Green was sitting in a vehicle parked next to the roadway in the 1800 block of South Main Street, just north of the Florida state line. Police said Green was talking to himself as an officer approached, and “he seemed to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics”.
Police reported finding Cathinone pills (a controlled substance according to the DEA) and a glass pipe with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Green was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Joseph Adam ‘Joe’ Richards
June 27, 2023
Joseph Adam “Joe” Richards passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. He was born September 30, 1938, in New Orleans, LA. Joe worked in Retail Management and retired from Sears. Joe was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. He loved his family, hunting and fishing.
Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Mary Constantine Richards; parents, Herman and Gertrude Richards; brother, Herman Richard, Jr.; and sister, Ruby Richards Watson.
Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Richards, Jr., Mike Richards (Rochelle), Steve Richards (Tonya) and Scott Richards (Leslie); grandchildren, whom were his pride and joy, Hannah, Emily, and Sophie; sister, Mary Ann Richards Guidry; many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, at 11 a.m.
Inurnment will be Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., in Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS, Pensacola, FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements
Boots (Olga Irene Stacey) Martin
June 27, 2023
Mrs. Boots (Olga Irene Stacey) Martin passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Our precious Boots was born on December 1, 1934 to Hubbard and Lucille Stacey. From a young age, she found her love for dance, playing the piano by ear and simply making others happy. She was a graduate of Pensacola High School and used her love of dance to become a teacher for her lifelong friend, Berniece Burlingame. A majority of her life was spent at Bernice’s Dance Studio and then at Starr Steps Studio, owned by Bernice’s daughter, Starr. She later became the founder and instructor for the Daughter of the Nile Shimron Temple #133 Dancers, a position she held for almost 50 years. You can also remember her as the sampler for Chick-fil-A at Cordova Mall and your wonderful Givenchy fragrance model.
On December 10, 1954, Boots married the love of her life, Big Jim Martin and they were married for 65 years and raised 3 children. Their home was filled with love, many friends, great food and always a good time, so many wonderful memories.
Boots was preceded in death by her parents, Hub and Lucille Stacey, her husband, Big Jim Martin, and grandson, Daniel Bradshaw. She is survived by her children, Kim Bradshaw (Chuck), Jim Martin, Jr. and Sue Martin, and Stacey Dees (Gerald); 9 grandchildren, Chase Bradshaw (Trish), Colby Bradshaw Miezejeski (Vince), Shaye Martin (Jeffrey), T.J. Martin (Jordan), Madelynn Martin, Luci Martin, Ally Dees, Holly Dees White (Matt), Trey Dees; 4 great-grandchildren, Taylor, James and Alanna Miezejeski, Liam Waters. Sister and husband, Dr. Don and Linda Radomski and her brother Hub Sta- cey and Donna Stacey; and many nieces and nephews that she deeply loved.
Friends will be received on Thursday, June 29, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Echo Life Church 3880 N. Davis Highway with the memorial service to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 1, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Hub Stacey’s 312 E. Government Street.
Bootstrap loved flowers but would also appreciate donations made in her honor to the Echo Life Church.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Adam, Kate, Mandy and Jason of Emerald Coast Hospice. Your love has filled our hearts. And a very special thank you to Tammy, Ashley and Harmony. The love and care you so selflessly gave to our mother will be remembered the rest of our lives.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
Marsha Corley Green
June 27, 2023
Marsha Corley Green, age 76, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away on June 23, 2023 in Pensacola, FL. She was born on October 9, 1946 to William Harrison Henry Corley and Yvonne Turk Corley. She was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church. She was a Plant Nursery Manager and enjoyed working in the nursery most of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, William “Bart” Green of Bratt, FL; her daughters, Rachel Pickett of Bratt, FL and Kimberley Starker of Killeen, TX; her sisters, Margaret Jackson, Patricia Dortch and Beverly Corley; nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with funeral expenses.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
NEP 6U Gold Wins Gospel Projects T-ball World Series; NEP Blue Takes Second
June 27, 2023
The NEP 6U Gold team took first place in the Gospel Projects T-ball World Series, and the NEP 6U Blue team took second place. NEP’s Roman Hall was home run champion with nine total homers in the tournament, six of which were grand slams. NEP’s Malcolm Lewis had two home runs, while Ace Morgan and Easton Bairefield had one home run each. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Two Arson Counts After Two Fires At The Same House
June 27, 2023
A local man has been charged with arson in connection with a structure fire in Atmore.
John Edward Norwood, 38, was charged with two counts of arson second degree.
The Atmore fire and police department responded at 5:50 p.m. last Tuesday to a fire at a vacant residence at 165 South Road. The fire and police departments were called back to another structure fire at the same home at 7:15 a.m. last Thursday..
“Witness accounts placed Norwood on the property at the time the fire started,” Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann said. “Responding officers were able to set a perimeter and Norwood was taken into custody a short time later.”
Norwood remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton Tuesday morning where he was being held without bond.
Ivan Ramer
June 27, 2023
Ivan Ramer, age 72, passed away on June 26, 2023 at his home in Poarch, AL. He was born on April 2, 1951 in Escambia County, AL. He was a member of Poarch Baptist Church. Ivan was an avid dog hunter and wrestling fan. He was a Correctional Officer with Alabama Department of Corrections. He served in the Army National Guard for twenty-five years before retiring. During his career in service, he served during Operation Desert Storm. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis Ramer and Zulean Hadley Morris and his grandparents, Jim and Leona Ramer, and Arch and Mamie Hadley. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vera Ramer; his son, Timothy (Tara) Ramer of Robinsonville, AL; his daughter, Ginger (Doug) Murphy of Martinville, AL; his siblings, Randy (Patti) Ramer of Moss Point, MS and Linda Ramer of Loganville, GA; his half- sister, Sharon Etheridge of Rabun, AL; his grandchildren: Jordan Redditt, Katie DeZeno, Raeven Ramer, River Ramer, Cale Ramer, Colt Ramer, Brooklyn Ramer, Cameron Murphy, Cassidy Murphy, Callie Murphy and Carlie Murphy along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Roger Grandstaff and Bro. William “Bubba” Rolin
officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Jeremy Odom, Ronald Rolin, Dempsey Rolin, Ronnie Rolin, Mitchell Rolin and Lucas Andrews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to SouthernCare Hospice especially to his nurse, Jennifer Haskew and his special hunting friends, Ronnie Jackson,
Don Jackson, Udell Sheffield and Jack Knowles.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Traffic On Highway 29 In Century Set For Big Shift On Tuesday In $4.7 Million Project
June 26, 2023
Big changes are scheduled to happen Tuesday in the Highway 29 construction zone, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
All traffic on Highway 29 between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage street will be shifted to one outside lane in each direction. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction for approximately 30-45 days as crews perform drainage improvements.
The switch may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
The total project has an anticipated completion target date in January 2024. FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: Lane closures on Highway 29 in Century as seen recently. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP: McDavid Girl, 16, Causes Perdido Key Crash Seriously Injuring Motorcyclist
June 26, 2023
Troopers say a 16-year old McDavid girl was responsible for causing a three vehicle crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist Sunday morning on Perdido Key.
The 16-year old was driving her Dodge Dart east on Perdido Key Drive near Sharp Reef Drive about 10 a.m. when traffic started to slow; she rear-ended a BMW motorcycle driven by a 72-year old Gulf Shores man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The force of the impact then pushed the motorcycle forward into the rear of a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 48-year old woman from Pensacola. The motorcyclist, who was wearing full protective gear, was airlifted to an area hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, FHP said.
The 16-year old, her 15-year old passenger, and those in the Malibu were not injured.
FHP cited the McDavid girl for careless driving.
The crash closed Perdido Key Driver for a period of time.