Margaret Catherine Smith Bell
May 20, 2024
Mrs. Margaret Catherine Smith Bell, age 90 of Jack Smith Road in Century, passed away Thursday morning May 16, 2024, in a Pensacola Florida Health Care Facility. Mrs. Bell was a native of Bluff Springs, Florida, and a lifelong resident of Century. She was a retired caregiver, nurse’s aide, and loved to grow flowers as well as vegetables. She had also worked at Vanity Fair Mills as a work handler. Mrs. Bell was a God-fearing woman, saved and a member of the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church in Byrneville and loved her family.
She is survived by son, Gerald Bell of Byrneville, FL; daughters, Donna (Eric) Smith of Cantonment, Janett (Eddie) Conway of Flomaton, 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Zell and Lillie Smith; husband, Dewey Bell; son, Raymond Bell; grandson, Christopher Bell, great-granddaughter, Abigale Smith; brothers, Jack Smith, Winegar Smith, Curtis Smith, Walter Smith, Charles Smith, James Smith.
Visitation will be held Saturday May 18, 2024, from 3 until 4 P.M. service time at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church.
Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Catherine Smith Bell are scheduled for 4 P.M. Saturday May 18, 2024, at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Brother Jonathan Hill and Brother Tim Floyd officiating. Interment will follow in the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church Cemetery with FLOMATON FUNERAL HOME OF FLOMATON DIRECTING.
Active Pallbearers: Ronnie Rivera, Bob Turk, Michael Johnson, Bryan Duvall, Kelly Massey, Brandon Smith.
Honorary Pallbearer: Dalton Smith
Joyce Faye Brown
May 20, 2024
Joyce F. Brown, 70, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away May 15, 2024. She was born in Lafayette, Tennessee on September 10, 1953 to Willie and Thelma Brown. She was married to Sheryl L. Burnsed.
Joyce had a career in Industrial Engineering for HCI, Hitachi Cable and TRW.
She was a member of Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church. She had a passion for cruising the Caribbean, and her schnauzer, Tia Marie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Thelma Brown; her brothers, Donald and Donnie Brown; and sisters, Myrtle Tuck and Dorothy Swindle.
She is survived by her sister, Judy (Billy) Brawner; special nieces, Diana Carr, Tracey Mohr, Connie Garman, Vickie Massey, Wendy Dallas, and Tammy Bean; nephews, Jeff (Angie) Brown, and Bobby Tuck; and beloved dogs, Oliver and Samuel. “Joyce was loved by everyone”.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Campbell’s Gem Lifts Blue Wahoos To Series Finale Victory
May 20, 2024
written by Erik Bremmer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos ended their second series of the year versus the Montgomery Biscuits with a 2-0 victory on Sunday. Despite an overall series loss for Pensacola, Sunday’s win assures that the Wahoos (22-17) begin next week with a share of first place in the Southern League’s South Division.
In a game dominated by pitching, early Pensacola offense ultimately proved to be the difference. Three straight singles by the Wahoos began the top of the second versus Montgomery starter Cole Wilcox (L, 2-2), including an RBI single from third baseman Bennett Hostetler that scored second baseman Cody Morissette.
Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell (W, 5-1) made the lone run stand up over the course of a dominant outing. The righthander’s fourth quality start of the year (6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K) stymied the Biscuits all afternoon. In the fifth inning, the Wahoos tacked on another run of support for Campbell when designated hitter Joe Mack doubled to right-center to score center fielder Jakob Marsee.
The Wahoos’ bullpen held its 2-0 lead the rest of the way thanks to work from Angel Macuare and Austin Roberts (S, 8), who entered the game to strand runners at the corners in the ninth inning. The shutout win marked the fourth time the Wahoos have blanked an opponent so far this year.
Adam Alabata Sanborn
May 20, 2024
Adam Alabata Sanborn, 38 years old, of Milton, Florida, passed away peacefully and surrounded by many who loved him on May 3, 2024 after a three-year long battle with colon cancer.
Adam was born on May 25, 1985 in Oceanside, CA. He graduated with honors from Milton High School in 2003, where he was an active and proud member of the NJROTC. He attended UCF and UWF. Adam became a professional dance instructor and dance competitor winning national and international awards and ranking in the top 200 West Coast Swing Dance competitors in the world.
Adam is survived by his mother, Pearlas Alabata Sanborn; father, Brian Allan Sanborn; grandmother, Perla Ozoa Alabata; sister, Alexandra Alabata Ingram; fiancé, Emily Grace Bishop and numerous uncles, aunties and cousins.
Adam will be remembered by many for his tireless efforts in growing a vibrant dance community in NW Florida. Even while fighting the rigors of cancer, Adam’s exuberance for life was exemplified by his commitment to teaching, mentoring and encouraging many in the dance community.
Adam’s energy, easy smile and tremendous mind will be greatly missed by those of us who knew and loved him.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Florida 32570 with visitation from 2:00-3:00pm, Rosary at 3:00pm and the Funeral Mass at 3:30pm.
The family would like to thank all of those who lovingly cared for Adam during the past three years including, Dr Jamal Joudeh and the oncology staff at The Woodlands, Dr Van Brandon Foles and medical staff at Santa Rosa Medical Center, Dr Frank Watson and the staff at FIT Chiropractic, Norma Winborne, RN and the 7th floor medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, and Dr Peter Edward Millington and staff at Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit at Sacred Heart Hospital.
Thank you also to the many family members and friends who supported Adam and our family with prayers and more over the past three years. We appreciate all of you!!
Cantonment Woman Tased After Leading Troopers On Highway 29 Chase
May 19, 2024
A chase on Highway 29 in Cantonment ended with a woman tased in the Lakes of Carrington neighborhood in Cantonment.
Sharvonta Nashia Alston, 34, was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and eluding, felony resisting with violence, and misdemeanor offenses of DUI and driving with a suspended license. She was also cited for an open container and unlawful speed.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper noticed a four-door sedan traveling north on Highway 29, recklessly weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed. Once the trooper activated his emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop, the Nissan fled, continuing northbound on Highway 29, turned on Quintette Road and then Carrington Lakes Boulevard. She pulled into a parking space in the 8500 block of Carrington Lakes.
Alston was apprehended and placed under arrest. After she was arrested, troopers said she was able to move her handcuffs to the front and become combative.
FHP said Alston began to fight with a trooper on the ground and charged toward the trooper in an aggressive manner.
Knowing the suspect driver was willing to fight plus knowing the cuffs could be used as a weapon, the trooper was forced to deploy his Taser to gain compliance,” FHP Lt. Jason King said. “Once a second trooper arrived on scene and with the suspect driver being placed in the back of a patrol car, she became combative once again, at one point aggressively placing her hands around another trooper’s neck attempting to choke them.”
Once troopers gained control, Alston was medically cleared by Escambia County EMS before being transported to the Escambia County Jail.
Alston remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond due to a probation violation charge.
Clear, About 65 Tonight
May 19, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 65. Calm wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Light east wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Two Northview Shot Putters Place At State
May 19, 2024
Two Northview High Chiefs senior shot putters recently placed at the state level in Class 1A competition in Jacksonville.
In men’ shot put, Jacob Spence placed 13th in the state with 13.99 meters.
In women’s shot put, Amber Irby placed 11th in the state with 10.71 meters.
Pictured: (L-R) Amber Irby, coach Wanca Gafford, coach Doug Godwin and Jacob Spence. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Candidate Petition Deadline Passes; Here’s Who Had The Required Number Of Petitions
May 19, 2024
The deadline has past for local candidates to meet petition requirements. The following candidates in Escambia County received the required number of petitions:
County Commissioner
- District 1 – Jeff Bergosh
- District 1 – Steven Stroberger
- District 3 – Lumon May
- District 4 – Charles Mitchell
- District 4 – Ashlee Hofberger
- District 4 – Walker Wilson
- District 4 – Ron Helms
- District 5 – Steven Barry
ECUA
- District 1 – James Faxlanger
- District 1 – Vicki Campbell
School Board
- District 4 – Richard Holzknecht
- District 5 – Thomas Harrell
- District 5 – Joshua Luther
Candidates can also be placed on the ballot by paying a qualifications fee. Potential Town of Century candidates do not have the option to qualify by petition.
Candidates can begin submitting qualifying papers on Monday, May 27. The official qualifying period runs from noon June 10 to noon June 14.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
May 19, 2024
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near the U.S. 29 interchange from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 as crews place barrier wall.
- I-10 Welcome Center – A $6.5 million project to improve parking areas at the I-10 Welcome Center in Escambia County is complete. In addition to resurfacing entrance and exit ramps and parking areas, project enhancements included constructing windshield washing stations, replacing the wildlife perimeter fencing, constructing new sidewalks, upgrading drainage and installing new signage and pavement markings.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform median work and barrier wall installation:
- Inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside lane and will be in place until early 2025.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until mid-2024.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signs are in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through late 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signage is in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway, Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Traffic flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – A $3.1 million project to mill and resurface a 1.6-mile segment of S.R. 87 is complete. Additional project improvements included turn lane and radius widening at Hickory Hammock Road, drainage upgrades and new signs and pavement markings.
- I-10 Westbound over Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge, Sunday, May 19 to Thursday, May 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for crews to install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 24 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, May 19 through Thursday, May 23 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
- 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 Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, May 19, through Friday, May 24, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Operations West of Tamarind Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 24 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. for turn lane operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Glen David Isler
May 19, 2024
Glen David Isler, 85, of Robertsdale, Alabama, passed away on May 9, 2024 in Pensacola, Florida. He was born in Atmore, Alabama to Agnes Irene Presley and Noah Patrick Isler. He was married to Judith Campbell Isler for over 58 years. He worked in different grocery stores in the area in management. He was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church since 1973 and had a passion for farming, and growing produce.
He is survived by his spouse, Judith Campbell Isler; sons, Kevin (Cheryl) Isler, David Isler, and Mike Isler; three grandchildren, Austin Isler, Noah Isler and Joshua Isler; brother, Bert (Harlene) Isler; sister, Ann Hammock and sister, Carolyn (Bucky) Webb.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Clear Springs Cemetery, Robertsdale, Alabama.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.