Escambia (AL) Sheriff’s Office Major Billy Blair Retires
March 18, 2023
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office Major Billy Blair has retired after 47 total years in law enforcement.
“I have known Bill my whole life and am glad I got to work along side him these last 4 years,” Sheriff Heath Jackson said. “People come and go, but this one is going to hurt! Congrats my friend, well deserved.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Child Killed, Two Children Injured In Pensacola House Fire
March 18, 2023
One child was killed and two other children were injured in a Pensacola house fire on Friday.
The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Police Department received reports from dispatch of three children trapped inside the home in the 700 block of Zarragossa Street.
Officers arrived on scene to find one child near the doorway, and they moved the child away from the home and began to provide medical care. Officers then broke a window in an attempt to locate the other two children in the home.
Firefighters arrived on scene soon after and entered the home through the front door in severe smoke and heat conditions, locating and removing the other two children after a thorough search.
First responders from PFD, PPD, and Escambia County provided medical assistance to the victims on scene. One child was pronounced deceased on scene, and two children were transported to a local hospital by Escambia County EMS. Two PFD firefighters were evaluated for mild burns.
“This is a tragic day in our city,” said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. “It is a tragedy for everyone involved, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Thank you to our Pensacola Fire, Pensacola Police and all first responders for their quick response and unwavering dedication, even when it means risking their lives for others as they did once again today. Our hearts are especially heavy as we grieve the loss of a precious child in our community,” Reeves said.
Pensacola Fire Department received a call at approximately 12:43 p.m. reporting the residential structure fire. Crews arrived on scene at approximately 12:47 p.m. to find heavy smoke showing from the residence. There was severe fire damage throughout the home.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigations is investigating the cause of the fire.
Want To Be A Firefighter? The Physical Abilities Test Is April 15
March 18, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue will hold a physical abilities test Saturday, April 15.
The test will take place at Pensacola Fire Department Station 4, at 1 North “Q” Street at 8 a.m. and is open to anyone interested in joining Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Certified firefighters with a certificate of completion must sign up for the certified test. Those without any fire certifications must sign up for the cadet test. The certified test is also open to volunteer firefighters needing a physical abilities test.
Click here to register for the certified test.
Click here to register for the cadet test.
In order to become an Escambia County Firefighter, participants must pass the test. Interviews for those who pass the test will take place the following day.
The certified test consists of:
- 1 3/4″ charged hose pull in 27 seconds
- Keiser sled in 60 seconds
- Tower evolution in six minutes
The cadet test consists of:
- 25 push-ups in two minutes
- 40 sit-ups in two minutes
- Run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes
- 1 3/4″ charged hose pull in 27 seconds
- Keiser sled in 60 seconds
- Tower evolution in six minutes
Certified Escambia County Firefighters receive a starting pay of $41,698 and numerous benefits including a $2,000 sign-on bonus, competitive pay and health benefits, a 48/96 schedule, 14 paid holidays, special teams’ incentive pay, and more.
Middle School Volleyball County Titles Go To Beulah Middle, Beulah Academy Of Science
March 18, 2023
In the Escambia County Middle School Volleyball Championships, the Beulah Middle School varsity (above) defeated the Ernest Ward Middle School varsity team (first below). And, the Beulah Academy of Science junior varsity (bottom) defeated the Bailey Middle School JV. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Stanley Edward Singleton
March 18, 2023
Mr. Stanley Edward Singleton, age 70, passed away, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at his home in Atmore, AL. He has resided most of his life in Atmore, AL.
Mr. Singleton enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed going fishing, hunting, riding horses, and mules. He was also a bull rider in some local rodeos. He and his wife owned a daycare, “Momma Marilyn’s Home Daycare”, and he enjoyed helping her with the children, and all the children called him “Paw”. He also enjoyed dancing, and in his younger years in school, he really enjoyed art and was really good at it.. He was a devoted loving husband for 18 years.
Mr. Singleton is preceded in death by his father, Willie Edward Singleton, mother, Lorraine Middleton Etheridge, step-father, Horace Etheridge, and one brother, Ronnie Singleton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Marilyn Singleton, of Atmore, AL; one son, Stanley Edward Singleton, Jr; of Uriah, AL; one step-son, Stevie (Dawn) Luker, of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Joann (Michael) Heath, of Uriah, AL; one step-daughter, Amber (Glendon) Harrison, of Atmore, AL; three brothers, Larry (Debra) Singleton, of Elberta, AL; Bernard (Pam) Etheridge, of Lottie, AL; Donnie Etheridge, of Lottie, AL; two sisters, Barbara (Larry) Taylor, of Dayton, TX; Kay (Weldon) Vickrey, of Bratt, FL; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
Memorial service will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Kay Vickrey officiating.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Donations can be made to Lottie United Methodist Cemetery Fund at 59395 Jack Springs Rd. Atmore, AL. 36502.
Carolyn Stewart
March 18, 2023
Carolyn Stewart passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side. She was born in Pensacola, Florida, April 27th, 1948, to John D. Kittrell and Mattie Lou Middleton. Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, grannie, and GiGi to all those she knew and loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John D. Kittrell and Mattie Lou Middleton Kittrell Box; sisters, Hattie Lou and Betty Jean ; brothers, Joe, Johnny, and Floyd Eugene Kittrell.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ronald Stewart; daughters, Carla Vaughn (Gary) Gibbs; Kimberly Caswell (Ron) Harrison; Roni Rene (Chad) Lowery; sisters, Mary Kittrell Moye (Rex) Deese, and Jackie Box Myers; grandchildren, Laci (Slayton) Cunningham, Brandi Brantley, Alex Gibbs, Colton (Kachanne) Wilcoxon, Daniel (Morgin) Wilcoxon, Hannah (Shaun) Tingstrom and Baby T., Cody (Katelyn) Lowery and Baby L., Cheyanne (Michael) Moore, Morgan Chaudron, Millie Jayy Chaudron; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 S HWY 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533) on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 12:00 P.M.
A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Jena Stephenson
March 18, 2023
Jena Stephenson passed peacefully on March 12, 2023, following a long, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Panama City, Florida on October 24, 1957, to Sarah Alice (Worthington) and James Martin Stephenson, she joined her brother, George, in a happy and loving home – part of the Baby Boomer Generation following the Second World War. Her parents were owners of boat repair facilities in Panama City and St Petersburg, Florida.
Jena attended elementary school in St Petersburg, FL, middle school and high school in Marianna, Florida when her parents decided to become ranchers. After the family relocated to Panama City, she graduated from Mosley High School. She loved playing the flute, was captain of the Flag Corp and Secretary of the Beta Club.
She attended Gulf Coast Community College where she was a member of the Commodorettes, competed in several beauty pageants including Azalea Trail, and was a three-time finalist in the Miss Panama City Pageant.
Jena earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida.
Jena very much enjoyed her professional career as a civil servant for the Army and Navy in Tampa, San Antonio and Pensacola – she was happiest when traveling to support military commands around the country as a public affairs and administrative officer.
Her lifelong love of cats was apparent to all – she volunteered at local shelters and was dedicated to the welfare of cats.
Jena loved to travel to and go on cruises with family and friends – all over the United States, the islands of the Caribbean, twice to Alaska and through the Panama Canal.
Jena’s brother George and his wife Pat miss her. Her nephews Dirk, and Stuart and his wife Marti, miss her. She was beloved by a large group of friends who miss her.
A Remembrance and Celebration of Jena’s Life will be held at Faith Chapel in Cantonment, Florida on April 4th, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, Jena’s family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Susann ‘San, Susie’ (Sullivan) Marie Fehl
March 18, 2023
Susann “San, Susie” (Sullivan) Marie Fehl, 55, of Cantonment, FL went home to be with the Lord on March 05, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Susann loved the Lord with all her heart.
Born November 26, 1967 in Montclair, NJ. Susann lived in several states prior to Florida but always called the family homestead, affectionately referred to as God’s Love in Gulf Breeze, Florida, home.
Susann was a special needs ESE teacher at Escambia West Gate, where she was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2012, and an Escambia County Teacher of the Year Semi-finalist. She loved her students and they loved her.
Susann will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Susann is prededed in death by her younger brother Danny.
She is survived by her loving husband KC Fehl; her son, Kenny Fehl (Melana); grandson, Trevor Scott; parents, John and Susan Sullivan; sisters, Mary Kate , Patricia, and Mary Ellen; brothers, Randy, Brett and John and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was known by many and loved by all. Everywhere she went she left a trail of love and kindness behind her.
There was a celebration of her life held for family and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ARC-Gateway.org.
Susann loved to help people, especially those with special needs.
“A flowers beauty will eventually fade but kindness shown to others shines bright
forever.”
Elementary Students Honored As Shining Stars
March 18, 2023
WSRE recently hosted the Shining Star Awards, honoring outstanding fifth grade students who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership, as well as demonstrating the core values of the Escambia County School District.
This is the 26th year that WSRE has hosted this awards ceremony, previously with the Greater Escambia Community Foundation and now in partnership with the Escambia County Principals Association which raised the funds to purchase the bicycles and also coordinated the event.
The 2023 Shining Stars are:
- Jim Allen Elementary — Bella Jenkins
- Bellview Elementary — Chloe Syverson
- Beulah Elementary — Mikayla Gill
- Blue Angels Elementary — Javier Perez
- Bratt Elementary — Jonah Carter
- Brentwood Elementary — Ashley Harrigan
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Annina Lathrop
- N B Cook Elementary — Ava Westley
- Cordova Park Elementary — Elijah Chaston
- Ensley Elementary — Mia Figueroa
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Kacey Hadley-Coble
- Global Elementary — Princena Saint Fleur
- Holm Elementary — Brandon Lester
- Kingsfield Elementary — Harper Hamilton
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Delcie Pasaska
- Lipscomb Elementary — Emery Truitt
- Longleaf Elementary — Braylen Fenelon
- McArthur Elementary — Amiir Thomas
- Molino Park Elementary — Lola Chavers
- Montclair Elementary — Kamari Pettiway
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Jesse Stripling
- Navy Point Elementary — Jada Bush
- Oakcrest Elementary — Sophia Gibson
- Pensacola Beach Elementary — Anna McPherson
- Pine Meadow Elementary — Levi Mccranie
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Dylan Roy
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Chloe Currie
- OJ Semmes Elementary — Amaya Scott
- Sherwood Elementary — Madeline Shank
- Suter Elementary — Joslynn Robins
- Warrington Elementary — Lianna Reed
- Weis Elementary — Terriona Fountain
- West Pensacola Elementary — Dumarian Hawkins
Lettie Caraway Hanks
March 18, 2023
Mrs. Lettie Caraway Hanks, age 87, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Century, FL. She resided most of her life in Molino, FL. until moving to Atmore, AL; for the past 20 plus years. She was a member of Hall’s Fork Assembly of God Church. She was retired from Monsanto with 35 years of service.
Mrs. Hanks enjoyed spending time with her family and going to family reunions. She loved visiting friends, going to different places to singings, and singing at church. She enjoyed spending time crocheting and quilting.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, J.D. Hanks, her parents, James Oscar (Clinie Lewis) Caraway.
She is survived by her one daughter, Donna Hall, of Atmore, AL; two sisters, Juanita O’Conner, of Barrineau Park, FL; Bonnie Ruth Bell, of Hattiesburg, MS; two grandchildren, Donna “Beth” Holloway (Joe) of Daphne, AL; J.R. (Virginia) Hall, of Gordo, AL; eight great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jaxon, Lillie, Ally, Landon, Jayson, Aiden, Emma, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Windell Hadley officiating.
Burial will follow at Bay Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Jaxon King, Joe Holloway, Luman Wilson, Tim Wilson, Buddy Bethea, and Ricky Beasley.
Honorary pallbearers will be her nieces, Lisa Newton, Paula Thomley, Evelyn Bethea, and Marilyn Stone.