Groundbreaking Set For Escambia County’s Newest Boat Ramp
June 15, 2023
UPDATE – The Friday groundbreaking ceremony has been canceled due to weather.
A groundbreaking will be held Friday for Escambia County’s newest boat ramp, the first large public access to Perdido Bay.
The new 40-acre facility at 10836 Lillian Highway is located on Heron Bayou and will include a two-lane boat ramp, 62 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers, 22 parking spaces for vehicles without trailers, and a stormwater treatment facility. In addition, a new channel measuring at 2,260 feet long by 40 feet wide and a depth of five feet will be dredged from the launch facility to Perdido Bay.
Additional passive recreational opportunities include a landing area along the Perdido paddling trail with two primitive campsites and 11 acres of wetlands placed into conservation.
In 2013, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners funded the acquisition of the Perdido Boat Ramp property for $1.24 million through Local Option Sales Tax III. Project design was paid through a grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Vessel Registration Fees. The $4.2 million needed for construction is funded through U.S. Treasury RESTORE Direct Component funds, American Rescue Plan Act funds and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Natural Resource Damage Assessment Coastal Protection Fund.
The groundbreaking will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
NEP 10U Gold Wins All-Star Tourney; NEP 10U Blue Takes Second
June 15, 2023
NEP 10U Gold softball took first place and NEP 10U Blue softball finished in second place in the GCGSA All-Star Tournament last weekend.
Kayla Wroblewski was named the 10u Tournament Defensive Player MVP.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win In 10 Over Braves
June 15, 2023
The Blue Wahoos checked off the lone void so far in their stellar season.
They won their first extra-inning game. And did it dramatically, of course.
Catcher Will Banfield worked a full count with the bases loaded, then completed a big night by launching a deep fly to center field for a sacrifice fly that scored Troy Johnson with the winning run in the Blue Wahoos’ 5-4 victory in 10 innings against the Mississippi Braves.
Earlier in the game he blasted a 3-run homer.
The Blue Wahoos had a 4-3 lead in the ninth and were one out and no base runners from finishing the game. But reliever Jefry Yan gave up a walk, a double and single. Griffin Conine, however, made a saving throw from right field to thwart Beau Philip from scoring the go-ahead run.
Yan was then strong in the 10th inning. With a runner placed a second in the extra-inning format, he struck out Jesse Franklin, got a short flyball that J.D. Orr rushed in to grab, then struck on the M-Braves Javier Valdes to end the inning. Yan had the crowd fired up, spinning in a celebratory, emotional dance when he ended the inning.
That lift carried right into the Blue Wahoos at-bat. With Johnston placed at second, Victor Mesa Jr. reached on an infield single. Conine was intentionally walked to load the bases.
Up stepped Banfield, who had a pitch from flamethrowing reliever Kyle Wilcox sail over his head, but bounce right back to prevent Johnston from scoring. Banfield then worked a 3-2 count, fouled off a pitch and connected with the next fastball for a flyball that easily scored Johnston.
With the Biloxi Shuckers rained out Wednesday in Montgomery, the Blue Wahoos (36-22) are now 6.5 games ahead of the Shuckers – the nearest team chasing – in the race for the Southern League first half title.
The M-Braves took a 2-0 lead in the second inning with a pair of solo home runs off Blue Wahoos starter M.D. Johnson.
In the bottom of the second, Mesa Jr. singled and Conine singled, then Banfield blasted for a 3-2 lead. The Blue Wahoos made it 4-2 when Cody Morissette scored on a wild pitch in the third inning.
The Blue Wahoos got strong relief from Austin Roberts and Dylan Bice, who combined for four innings and just one run allowed. That set up the riveting ending.
The Blue Wahoos will have their top pitcher, Patrick Monteverde (6-1, 2.09) on the mound Thursday against the M-Braves’ Scott Blewett (2-3, 4.43).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Chafic Ibrahim Atallah
June 15, 2023
Chafic Ibrahim Atallah, 93, was peacefully ushered into glory at 11:57 a.m., on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from his home in Byrneville, Florida, surrounded by his family.
Chafic Atallah’s life exemplified his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, believing in the resurrection and eternal life with his Savior.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of fifty-three years, Mona; his sister, Florence; his son Nadim (Carol) and their children Anthony and Maya; and his son Raja (Angela) and their children Adrianna, Madeleine, Ayden, and Amahl; and his many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Shafika Daou.
Chafic was born on December 26, 1929, in Beirut, Lebanon, to his late parents Ibrahim and Franjieh Atallah. He grew up in his family mountain village Adonis, in the Byblos region.
Chafic joined Arabia Insurance Company as a late teen out of high school and worked there until retirement, fifty-three years later. Having already learned French and Syriac besides his native Arabic language, Chafic also had to learn his fourth language English for his insurance job. He worked his way up to become the manager of the company’s largest department, marine insurance, with multiple branches throughout the Middle East. For his dedication and services for the company, he received the Nishan, an award for the highest distinction.
Chafic was a war survivor who had to cross dangerous war zones to get to his work; on many occasions, he dealt with active shootings, snipers, and bombings. His faith in God remained strong; he would answer those who expressed concern about his dangerous route, “My faith is my weapon.”
Outside of his work, he served as an elder at his Brethren church and was on the board of directors for Manarah Society (a Christian bookstore organization). He enjoyed traveling around the world, playing backgammon and ping pong, and cooking.
Chafic’s notably kind heart and sacrificial love were evident to all who knew him. He lived in peace with everyone; others’ happiness brought him contentment. His life consistently exhibited the joy of the Lord no matter the circumstances and challenges.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 10:00-10:50 a.m., at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, 1322 South Main Street, Atmore, AL. A funeral service will follow on June 17, at 11:00 a.m., also at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Pastor Gene King officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Virginia Annette Brooks
June 15, 2023
Virginia Annette Brooks age 86 of Century passed away peacefully at home in Bluff Springs on Sunday, June 4th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years Clinton ‘Curly’ Brooks Sr., a daughter Mary Brooks, and 2 infant children Barbara and Billy, and one Grandson Cody Gafford.
She is survived by 4 children, Michael (Jeannie) Brooks of Kentucky, Clinton Everette Brooks Jr. of Century, Phyllis Brooks of Flomaton, and Rebecka (Daniel) Kelley of Milton. 5 Grandchildren, Richard (Angela) James of Washington, Michael Burkett of Flomaton, Morgan (Brandon) Meredith of Kentucky, Tara Gafford of Flomaton and Kaitlyn Kelley of Milton. As well as 5 great-grandchildren Alex, Ian, Amber, Carter, and Mollie. She is also survived by those who loved her dearly and while not technically family were special friends, Kathy Petersen, Cathy Maxwell, Kimmie Fretwell, Betty Watson, and Jeane Nolen. Along with her numerous friends in the Christian Singles group whom she held dear in her heart.
Annette was never one to seek out the spotlight but had the ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She could make anyone feel comfortable and cared for. She enjoyed her family, her animals, her garden, her friends, crocheting, cooking, and canning, and was always thinking of others first and herself last. Her beauty and gentle kindness were a blessing to all, even those she never met but still cared for through her acts of kindness. Her passing has left all who knew her in mourning, yet we mourn for us because we no longer have her here, we do not mourn for her soul, we know she was welcomed home to Heaven and is rejoicing with loved ones until we can all be together again.
A memorial service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the Annette Brooks Memorial account has been established at Navy Federal Credit Union.
Adam Lynn Jordan
June 15, 2023
Adam Lynn Jordan of Pace, Florida passed away June 3, 2023 at the age of 35. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 19, 1987 to James Jordan and Virginia Kay Young Jordan.
Adam owned and operated his own business working in pressure washing, remodeling and painting of homes. He was a true handyman. He also worked for Accelerated Construction and Four-Star Drywall. He had a passion for being on the water, boating and fishing. Adam loved being around his children, riding dirt bikes and go-karts. He also loved drawing and carving pictures into wood.
Adam is preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Jordan; grandmothers, Edith Brock and Marion Kidwell; uncles, Leonard “Lenny” Jordan and John Thomas Jordan; and aunt, Brenda Jordan.
He is survived by his life partner of 18 years, Danielle Petrillo; daughters, Alyssa Jordan and Alora Jordan; son, Kobi Jordan; father, James Jordan; mother, Virginia Jordan; brothers, Mitchell Young, James Edward Jordan Jr., Justin Jordan, and Brandon (Sherry) Jordan; cousins, Samantha Hedges, Michelle Johnson, Brandy Jordan, Len Jordan, Chris Jordan, Tim Jordan, and Donald Jordan; nephews, Trenton Jordan and Tony Hedges; nieces, Kayla Chaffee, Madelyn Jordan, Victoria Hedges, and Taygen Hedges; along with many more family members; and friends, Chante, Wade and Devin McNeal.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Charles Givens officiating.
The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. prior to service.
Jerry Del Bardin
June 15, 2023
Jerry Del Bardin, of Chipley, FL passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023. He was born in Pensacola, FL on August 20, 1976, to Deborah P. Booker and Arthur D. Bardin, Jr. Jerry was employed in Logistics for Capstone Logistics LLC. He had a bachelor’s degree in theology from Emmaus Baptist College (formerly Florida Baptist Institute and Seminary). Jerry had a passion for helping others, listening to music, singing, and playing guitar. He also enjoyed kayaking and fishing. Jerry loved his family, friends, country, and God. Jerry has given the gift of life to two individuals by kidney transplant.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Arthur D. Bardin, Jr.; grandfathers, Edward L. Parker and Arthur D. Bardin, Sr.; grandmother, Audrey Gilley Waller; biological father, Charles D. Skipper; and uncles, Phillip Bardin, Ronny, Allen, and Timmy Skipper.
Jerry is survived by his mother and stepfather, Deborah and Will Booker; sister, Paula S. Norman; aunts, Barbara Merritt (Jessie), Becky Joseph (Kenny), Brenda Parker, Patricia Price (Jeff), Karen Strader (Mark) and Debbie Skipper; uncles, Greg Bardin and Keith Skipper; nieces and numerous cousins; girlfriend, Shawn Williams; and two lifelong friends, Danny Jones and Charlie Hazelwood.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10:30 a.m.
Galen Charles Walker
June 15, 2023
Galen Charles Walker, age 74, of Atmore, AL passed away on June 9, 2023. He was born on April 21, 1949 in Battles Wharf, AL to Gladwin Charles and Nora Vinson Walker. Galen was a tug boat captain for most of his career. He worked along-with his father at Walker Towing Company and later worked for almost thirty years with Parker Towing Company. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Penny Vickery Walker; his children, Chuck (Lee) Walker of Robinsonville, AL, Chad Walker of Fairhope, AL and Carrie (Michael) Turberville of Perdido, AL; his siblings, Larry (Barbara) Rook of White House Fork, AL, Terry Walker of Summerdale, AL and Don (Lisa) Walker of Gulf Shores, AL; his eight grandchildren, Blake Walker, Clay Walker, Kaitlyn Walker, Ella Walker, Avery Walker, Jessie Turberville, Samantha Turberville, and Bentley Turberville; his six great grandchildren along with many friends and family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
PSC Approves FPL Rate Decrease Beginning With July Bills
June 14, 2023
Florida Power & Light customers could soon see a rate reduction on their electric bills due to lower than expected natural gas costs.
Tuesday, the Florida Public Service Commission approved an additional $359 million reduction to FPL’s 2023 fuel costs.
A reduction of approximately $256 million will be applied to customer bills from July to December 2023. The remaining $103 million reduction will be applied to FPL’s 2024 fuel cost recovery factors.
Beginning in July, an FPL residential customer bill in Northwest Florida for a typical 1,000 kWh usage will decrease $3.95 from $158.86 to $154.91.
“We are committed to keeping bills as low as possible for our customers,” Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of FPL, said. “With fuel prices moderating, we are pleased to pass along additional savings to our customers. We also encourage our customers to use FPL’s free tools to save energy and make their bills even lower.”
Utilities do not earn a profit on fuel charges. The fuel and capacity cost component of customers’ bills is set for each calendar year, but mid-course corrections are used when a utility’s costs increase or decrease significantly in the interim.
IP To Award $63,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits. Here’s How To Apply.
June 14, 2023
The International Paper Pensacola Mill has announced that it will be awarding a total of $63,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2023.
International Paper Pensacola Mill recognizes the vital role non-profit organizations play in addressing critical needs within the local communities. Through these grants, organizations will be able to fund new projects and programs that align with IP’s signature causes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
To apply for these grants, non-profit organizations are invited to submit their applications until Tuesday, July 11. Interested parties can access the application form at www.ipgiving.com.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “We are committed to supporting organizations that share our vision of creating positive change and improving the lives of individuals.”
The International Paper Foundation focuses on making sustainable investments that address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Grants are awarded based on signature causes.
Signature causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact.
For more information about grant guidelines, contact Fike at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.