Raymond McDaniel
September 14, 2023
Raymond McDaniel, 68, of Jay, FL, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Flomaton, AL. He was born on April 5, 1955 in Niceville, Fl and was a resident of Jay. Raymond was a retired oil field worker and retired from the City of Jay as the Director of Public Works. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Inverness, FL and attended the First Baptist Church of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School in 1974 and attended Jefferson Davis Jr. College in Brewton, AL.
He is survived by his parents, James David McDaniel SR. and Georgia Lee McDaniel; a daughter, Jennifer Marie McDaniel; Brother, James David McDaniel JR. ( Doc ) and his wife Brennis and daughter, Audrey Bodiford; his sister, Amanda McDaniel Whiting ( Delbert ); three grandchildren, Kaitlyn ( Ricky ) Cofield, Evan McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel; four great grandchildren, Georgia, Madilyn, Ezra, and Emery.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Jay with Dr. George Fredericks officiating assisted by Dr. Eugene Bengston. A private Graveside service will be held at the Magnolia Cemetery in Defuniak Springs, FL
‘Armed And Dangerous’ Suspect Wanted For Burglaries In Walnut Hill, Atmore, Bay Minette
September 13, 2023
Authorities are searching for an “armed and dangerous” suspect in connection with burglaries in Walnut Hill, Atmore and Bay Minette.
Mario Dewayne Mendez. 46, is wanted for a September 5 burglary on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill where a golf cart, tools, camera accessories and other items were stolen, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe Mendez is responsible for multiple thefts Monday and Tuesday in Atmore where a pistol and rifle were stolen.
“Various Items from weapons and other property have been stolen,” APD said. “Mendez is presumed to be armed and dangerous due to the items stolen from various properties.”
He is also wanted by the Bay Minette Police Department.
Anyone with information on Mendez’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Image page top and first image below from a Walnut Hill burglary courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Bottom two images and photo inset courtesy Atmre Police Department for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Termites, Rot And Lead Paint Will Likely Cause Century To Replace Historic Community Center
September 13, 2023
In April 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century to renovate two community centers.
Now, it appears all but certain that one will be razed and replaced with a new building.
Just under $2 million was designated to renovate the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 West Jefferson Avenue. The former school building was constructed in 1945.
But time and termites have taken an obvious toll on the wood building, which sat empty, neglected and unmaintained for years by the Escambia County School District. The school district has now transferred the title to the Town of Century.
During a community meeting attended by about 50 residents Tuesday evening in Century, architect Ben Townes said the building simply has too much termite damage, too much lead paint and too many structural problems to repair with the available budget. Spending the full budget on renovating the building would likely leave a more structural sound, but incomplete, building that could not be occupied.
The remainder of the grant awarded by DeSantis, about $850,000, was designated for improvements at the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard. Project consultant Robin Phillips said those funds will likely be diverted to the Carver Community Center due to unanticipated and drastic increases in construction costs.
A new Carver Community Center will pay homage to the existing structure.
An informal poll of the residents attending Tuesday’s meeting showed almost unanimous support for demolishing the current building and constructing a suitable replacement.
For more photos from Tuesday’s meeting, click here.
At least one additional public session is planned to allow residents to have input into the design of a new building.
Tuesday’s meeting was a workshop; the town council could not take a formal vote on the future of the Carver Community Center.
Pictured top: The former Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue. Pictured top inset: A preliminary conceptual drawing of a new community center was provided to the town council in May. Pictured bottom inset: Architect Ben Townes and consultant Robin Phillips address residents Tuesday evening. Pictured below: Residents Helen Mincy and Pastor Michael Steward were among those that spoke Tuesday evening during a workshop meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McDavid Woman Hit Boyfriend With Yeti Tumbler, Threatened Him With Knife, ECSO Says
September 13, 2023
A McDavid woman is accused of hitting her boyfriend in the head with a Yeti tumbler and threatening to stab him with a knife.
Amber Marie Nelson, 40, was charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor battery.
Nelson became involved in a disagreement with her boyfriend over how she speaks to him and his family, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
She threw several objects at him, eventually striking him with a Yeti tumbler in the back of head leaving noticeable swelling, according to an arrest report The victim said she displayed a knife and stated that she would cut him, the report continues.
The victim showed deputies a scar on his arm he said is where Nelson stabbed him previously, deputies said.
The incident happened on December 11, 2022, but deputies were unable to locate her at the time. She was arrested this week on an outstanding warrant and released Tuesday night from the Escambia County Jail on a $3,500 bond.
Picking Up One Piece At A Time: Volunteers Work To Collect Litter In Beulah
September 13, 2023
“Beulah Volunteer. Picking up one piece at a time.”
That’s what is printed on the t-shirt Sabine Ahrens often wears while out picking up litter in Beulah. Ahrens and her “picking partner” Myrna Lane have been out picking litter in the Beulah area the last few months.
They have collected 336 pounds so far.
Pictured: Volunteers Sabine Ahrens (above) and Myrna Lane (below) have been out picking up litter in the Beulah area for the last few months, collecting 336 pounds to date. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Defeats Pine Forest In Match Played With No Officials
September 13, 2023
In a match played without officials, the Northview Chiefs defeated the Pine Forest Eagles 2-0 in high school volleyball Tuesday in Bratt.
Northview took the two sets 25-14, 25-12.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Northview (5-3) will be at Laurel Hill on Thursday. Pine Forest (0-5) will host West Florida on Monday.
We were told there were no officials at the game due to a scheduling error.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Timothy John ‘T.J.’ Gardner
September 13, 2023
Timothy John “T.J.” Gardner, 34, husband of Krystal Hawkins Gardner, died Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Born June 19, 1989, in Knoxville, TN, he was a son of the late Alton Wade Broxson, and was reared by his grandparents, Carolyn and Mike Cook. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Afghanistan. He was employed by Black River Electric Cooperative. He was a proud supporter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Survivors include his wife; two children, Wyatt Gardner and Hollie Gardner; mother-in-law, Lynn Hawkins; stepmother-in-law, Glenda Hawkins; and special friends, Brian Beaty, Taylor Martin, Jake McCall, and Dakota Curtis.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel.
Memorials may be made to the NWTF, 770 Augusta Rd., Edgefield, SC 29824-0530.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
Low Near 70 Tonight
September 13, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light north wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Tate Softball 10th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser Held (Photo Gallery)
September 13, 2023
Almost 100 people participated in the 10th Annual Tate High School Softball Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser.
There were about 30 teams that took part in the event at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center.
The top three teams were Elite Mechanical, American Concrete Supply and Cordova Dentistry.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mark Clyde Higdon
September 13, 2023
Mark Higdon went to be with Jesus on September 11, 2023. After several abdominal surgeries with complications, he went septic and his body was unable to fight any more. Mark was born on January 6, 1968. He was so loved and an answer to many prayers. He was a sweet, kind, little boy and he loved big. He was always kind and helpful to others. He enjoyed going to church and playing baseball and basketball. He loved animals and would bring kittens home to his sister. He had a Shiba Inu dog named Geisha that he loved for 17 years. He often stopped his truck to save a turtle crossing the road. His grandaddy was a very special person in his life. They would ride the tractor and garden together. They also loved fishing together. He was looking forward to getting out of the hospital so he could go fishing with his longtime buddy, Joey in Louisiana.
Mark struggled with addictions for much of his life, which caused him untold grief and heartache. He longed for freedom from this and asked Jesus to forgive him and save him this past Saturday, an answer to many prayers.
Mark was a hard and very skilled worker and took great pride in his work. He was talented and did all kinds of construction and remodeling. He enjoyed his life and loved to have fun in God’s creation, especially the beach and the rivers. He enjoyed cars.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Clyde Higdon; his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Delores Higdon; and his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Grace Lora.
Mark is survived by his children, Samantha (Robert) Howard and Joshua Higdon; his grandsons, Nicholas Mark and Matthew Elliott; his mother, Lena Higdon; sister, Alisa (Doug) Dillard; and their children, Stephen (Ali), their son Charlie, Jason, and Kara; brother, Paul Alvin Higdon.
He enjoyed his grandsons and was proud of them. They brought him great joy. His passing has left a great void in our family. He will be loved and missed forever.
Visitation services will begin at 12 noon until 1 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533). Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Hicks officiating. Mark will be laid to rest at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.