Photos: Bratt Community Easter Egg Hunt
April 2, 2023
The First Baptist Church of Bratt held a community Easter egg hunt Saturday morning at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt.
In a light rain, dozens of children hunted eggs and enjoyed snacks after learning about Easter and the Resurrection.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Remains Of Soldier Killed In Korean War Are Home For Burial In Escambia County
April 2, 2023
The remains of an Escambia County soldier killed during the Korean War have returned home, and his funeral service will be held Tuesday.
In the summer of 1950, U.S. Army Pfc. Ithiel E. Whatley, 19, of Pensacola, was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korean War Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Whatley was a member of M Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on July 12 after this unit was engaged in a fighting withdrawal south of Chochi’won, South Korea, towards the Kum River. While it is possible Whatley was captured, there was no record or eyewitness accounts of him being held as a prisoner of war, and no recovered remains were ever identified as him. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on January 4, 1954 and declared Whatley non-recoverable in January 1956.
On October 6, 1950, a set of remains, designated X-143 Taejon, was recovered from the Kum River and transported to the United Nations Military Cemetery Taejon, where they were buried with 164 sets of remains previously recovered from the area where Whatley is believed to have gone missing. X-143 was sent with other unidentified remains to the Central Identification Unit – Kokura in Japan in 1951, but was unable to be identified. They were then transported to Hawaii in 1956 where they were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl Cemetery, with the other unknowns from the Korean War.
In July 2019, during Phase 2 of DPAA’s Korean War Disinterment Project, X-143 Taejon was disinterred from the Punchbowl and transferred to the DPAA Laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for analysis.
To identify Whatley’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Whatley’s name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery Tuesday, April 4 at 3 p.m.
He was survived by his mother, Willie Inez Whatley Warren and brother Nathaniel Mack who have both since died and his sister Roylene Mack Hairelson who is still living.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Zones
April 2, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, April 2 through Saturday, April 8 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform paving operations. On Tuesday, April 4, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing Between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through April. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- · Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 2 through Thursday, April 6 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter nighttime lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be performing drainage and shoulder widening work.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures on Navy Boulevard southbound, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, March 31 through Friday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be working on curb, gutters and sidewalks.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Crews will be performing concrete work near the right turn lane from Sorrento Road to Bauer Road southbound nightly between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Flagging operations will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- S.R. 289 (North 9th Avenue) Routine Utility Maintenance North of Ash Drive – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 2 and Monday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, April 2 through Saturday, April 8 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform paving operations. On Tuesday, April 4, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through April 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, April 2, through Friday, April 7, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Routine Utility Maintenance South of the East River Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, April 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Sherry Caraway
April 2, 2023
Sherry Caraway, age 54, of Atmore, AL passed away on April 2, 2023. She was born on April 3, 1968 in Flomaton, AL to Sam and Bonita White. She was employed with Fairfield Inn and Suites. She is preceded in death by her mother, Bonita White; her son, Chris Caraway; her sister, Sharon Freeman and her granddaughter, Jesslyn Caraway.
She is survived by her husband, William Caraway; her son, Jessie (Emily) Caraway; her six grandchildren: Hunter Caraway, Alana Caraway, Marlin Caraway, Kenzly Caraway, Jaxtin Caraway, and Jagger Caraway; her father, Sam (Christine) White; her two brothers, Shannon Dale White and Dewayne (Barbara) White; her mother and father-in- law, Janie and Pete Caraway along with numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Willis Robert ‘Robbie’ Whatley, Jr.
April 2, 2023
Willis Robert “Robbie” Whatley, Jr., age 77, passed away on March 27, 2023 peacefully at his home. He was a longtime resident of Atmore. He was born and raised in McCullough, Alabama until joining the United States Army. He was an avid fisherman and he had a love of history and books.
Robbie was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Robert Sr. and Dora Lucile Johnson Whatley; one son, Michael Whatley; his grandson, Joseph Michael Whatley; his great grandson, Harrison Samuel; two sisters; the mother of his children, Lanita Wells; the mother of his step children, Karen Whatley, and Libby Whatley.
Robbie is survived by his children: Melissa Whatley, Robert (Barbara) Whatley, Walter Whatley, Crystal (Mike) Judd, Tasha (Zane) Gray and Sheree (BJ) Donaldson. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. This list would not be complete without mentioning his best friend and caregiver, Brenda Breceda. The family will be forever grateful for all she did for him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending contributions to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Atmore Animal Shelter.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on April 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
ECSO Locates Missing, Endangered Woman
April 1, 2023
UPDATE: Carla King has been safely located.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing and endangered woman missing since Friday.
Carla Marie King, 52, was last seen driving a blue 2015 Hyundai hatchback with Florida tag 1975QW. She was possibly wearing a t-shirt and shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO as (850) 436-9620.
Jury Convicts Century Felon Of Cocaine Trafficking, Weapons Offenses
April 1, 2023
A Century felon was convicted this week on drugs and weapons charges.
Kendrick Jamar Washington was found guilty by an Escambia County jury of trafficking in cocaine, carrying an unlicensed concealed firearm and carrying a concealed firearm while trafficking in cocaine. He will be sentenced in late May.
On June 24, 2022, Washington allegedly pointed “an assault rifle” at his sister and threatened to kill her, according to an arrest report. She headed to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Century Precinct to file a report.
During the investigation, deputies were alerted of an armed disturbance on Ashford Alley off Jefferson Avenue and detained Washington. A .38 Special revolver and a Del-Ton rifle were recovered from Washington, along with a .223 round in the chamber, 13 rounds in the magazine of the rifle and five rounds in his pocket, according to an arrest report.
Deputies also found a plastic bag with 91.7 grams of powdered cocaine, 18.9 grams of crack cocaine and 1.6 grams of marijuana, according to court documents. A total of $4,642 in currency was found on Washington’s person, deputies said.
Charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of marijuana against Washington were dropped.
Strike Out Cancer Game Raises Nearly $28,000 As Tate Hosts West Florida (With Gallery)
April 1, 2023
The Tate High School Strike Out Cancer game raised nearly $28,000 Friday night with funds raised by both Tate and West Florida high schools, and other including the umpire’s association.
During the game, the Lady Jaguars defeated the Lady Aggies 6-1.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Strike Out Cancer photos are first, followed by game action.)
Sydney Scapin earned the win for West Florida, going for a complete game allowing one run one four hits and striking out 15. Scapin also led the Jags at the plate, going 3-3.
Jordan Smith allowed six hits and two runs over four innings while striking out three for Tate. Peyton Womack was in the circle for three innings, allowing five hits, four runs and striking out one. Lacy Wilson was tops at the plate for the Aggies, going 2-3. Kara Wine and Kylea Gibbs also had hits for Tate.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Partly Cloudy Tonight, Low In The Middle 50s; Partly Sunny Sunday
April 1, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 79.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
No. 1 Pace Defeats The Tate Aggies 5-2 (With Gallery)
April 1, 2023
The Pace Patriots, ranked No. 1 in the state, defeated the Tate Aggies 5-2
Pace pushed their lead to 5-0 with a three run homer from Owen Land in the
With the bases loaded with Aggies in the bottom of the seventh, Ethan McAnally had a double, scoring Frank Randall and Brayden Touchstone.
With bases loaded again in the bottom of the seventh, Caden Kelly was called out on strikes (pictured first below) on a below the knees ball.
Rilee Lowery went for three on the mound for Tate, allowing two runs, two hits and striking out three. Gabriel Patterson was on the mound for four, allowing three hits, three runs and striking out three.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Tate Aggie will host Navarre on Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
