Delta To Resume Nonstop Flights Between Pensacola And Detroit
January 8, 2025
Delta Air Lines will resume weekly Saturday nonstop service from Pensacola (PNS) to Detroit (DTW). Flights will operate from June 14 through Sept. 6, utilizing Boeing 717-200 aircraft with 110 seats, including 12 First Class, 20 Delta Comfort and 78 Main Cabin seats.
- Delta flight 1319 from Detroit to Pensacola: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Delta flight 1319 from Pensacola to Detroit: 12:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
“We’re very pleased that Delta is adding direct service from Pensacola to Detroit in addition to their service to Atlanta (ATL) and New York LaGuardia (LGA),” Pensacola International Airport Executive Director Matt Coughlin said. “Detroit is one of Pensacola’s largest unserved markets and offers a large Delta hub with worldwide connections.”
“New service is always a tangible indicator of the prosperity, growth and potential that major carriers see in our area,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “Detroit is the major Midwestern hub for Delta, so that means our residents will have many more options for flying in that region and quick connections.”
Pictured: The Pensacola International Airport. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Extreme Freezing Weather — Protecting Pets, Plants, Pipes And Other Tips
January 8, 2025
With freezing weather, it is time to take necessary precautions to protect pipes, pets and plants, and check on elderly friends and neighbors.
Here are ways to stay safe during cold temperatures, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
- Know the signs of hypothermia — confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
- Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
- Avoid frozen pipes — run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
- If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
And here are a few extra details and tips from ECUA on protecting pipes against the freeze:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This action guards against the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and / or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
Stephanie Marie Leavins
January 8, 2025
Stephanie Marie Leavins, born April 3, 1977, in Milton, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
From the moment she was born, God began using her life to minister to those around her. To know Stephanie is to know unwavering, Christ-like love. She dedicated 47 years of her life to sharing God’s love through testimony and song. Her dedication, her love for others, and her beautiful soul are just a few of the qualities that everyone loves so much about her.
Stephanie was the baby girl that her mama and daddy always wanted, but as soon as she was born, she was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. They began to run tests, and after four long months, she was diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffman’s disease, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. The doctor’s prognosis for her wasn’t good, and they told her parents that she probably wouldn’t live long enough for them to take her home. She couldn’t eat and she couldn’t move, but even with the doctor’s horrible prognosis, her family decided to bring her home and spend the next 47 years caring for the miracle that is Stephanie Leavins. She never met a stranger, and she would show love to everyone no matter what season of life they were walking though. She traveled the United States ministering to everyone that she could, and there is no doubt that every person that met Stephanie had their life changed by her in some way.
In every concert that she gave, Stephanie would make these two comments, and they truly summarize who she was. “If you fill your heart with the love of Jesus then you have no room for hate” and “If we can’t love each other on earth, how in the world are we going to love everybody once we get to Heaven.”
On behalf of Stephanie, we encourage you to show the love of Jesus in all that you do and continue to go out and spread the gospel and be the hands and feet that Stephanie was to this community.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Irene Leavins, and John and Wille Cameron; as well as many beloved aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her parents, Joseph and Mary Leavins; brother, Stephen Leavins; sister-in-law, Amanda Leavins; nieces, Amber (Alex) Celestial, and Katelyn (Jason) Adams; beloved great nieces and nephews, Jaxon, Bristol, Bryson, Lily, and Asher; and many dear aunts and uncles.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday January 11, 2025, at Pace Assembly of God Church, 3948 US-90 Pace, Fl 32571, with visitation Friday January 10, 2025, from 5:00pm-8:00pm and service Saturday at 10:00am. Interment will immediately follow at Bagdad Cemetery.
Joseph Reuben Fears III
January 8, 2025
Our Daddy, Joseph Reuben Fears III, 87, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born on April 15, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Louisville Male High School and attended the University of Cincinnati to study art. He went on to pursue a career as an optician specializing in contact lens technology, traveling extensively to teach physicians how to fit contact lenses.
He was an accomplished artist who loved painting horses and, later in life, creating pet portraits for people—a passion he pursued right up until the day he passed. His paintings captured not only the physical beauty but also the spirit of his subjects, leaving behind a legacy we will cherish forever. He also found time to explore other interests, including race car driving, fishing, and even long-haul trucking. However, his greatest passion was always his family, especially the love of his life, Judy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Carol Higdon Fears; his father, Joseph Reuben Fears, Jr.; his mother, Ocie Grace Carr Fears; and his sister, Anne Hayes.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynne Fears (David), Jennifer Grace (Frank), and Julie Morse; his son, Joseph Fears IV; six grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Grandaddy,” Julia (Riley), Annie, Jillian, Ryan, Addie, and Cole; and one precious great-granddaughter, Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Clubhouse in Hillcrest Subdivision, 12618 Ridgemoor Dr., Prospect, KY 40059.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Daddy’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that Mom and Dad supported faithfully for years.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Jeffery Ray Strickland
January 8, 2025
Jeffery Ray Strickland, age 71, from Pensacola Fl passed away at his residence on 25 December 2024 ending his battle with cancer.
Jeff was born in Wichita Falls, TX on 17 June 1953. He was a man full of laughter, the best storyteller and always smiling. He never forgot a face/name (good or bad). His family was the most important and instilled in many of us that no matter who you were, where you lived, blood or not blood -Family was/is always First. He’s an alumnus of Tate High School Class of 1971, served as a 2101 Aerospace Operator Control Helper at Keesler AFB until 8 April 1974; and then attended Tallahassee Barber College in 1975. After years in the barber business, Jeff went to finish his career hanging dry wall/sheetrock for several years later.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Roy J Strickland, and his grandparents Mary and Willbur Lee Maxwell.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Maxine Maxwell Strickland; his sisters, Kim Little (Rhyan), Kristy (Carl/Keeli/Tray) Miller, Kelly Lambeth, Angelia Miller; his brother, Buddy Brown; and his wife, Wendy Stevens-Strickland. Jeff has five children and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His daughter-Mandy Strickland-Figueroa (Charles); and his sons, Jeffery Anderson (Jennifer), Mackenzie Lee Strickland, Austin Gale Strickland, and Colin Ray Strickland. He has six grandchildren, Mitchell M. Belch, Alexis M. Worsnop (Paul), Valeri Andersson, Hannah Anderson, Devin Black and Dane Phillips. His 3 three great-grandchildren Syree Miyuki Belch 2yrs, Silas Manabu Belch 9mths, Vera Sophia Worsnop 17mths. He leaves behind many friends, family, and loved ones that will deeply miss him and cherish all the memories and laughter he left behind.
Jeff’s Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 340; 8890 Ashland Ave Pensacola, FL on 1 February 2025 from 12-3. All family/friends are welcome. His funeral will be held at the Westville Family Cemetery at a later date.
Ada Ruth Edwards
January 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ada Ruth Edwards, who left this world peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 90.
Ruth was born on February 23, 1934, in Harmon County, Tennessee, to Mary Elizabeth Ayers and John Jefferson Lafayette Ayers, in a time and place filled with humble beginnings and deep family bonds. She was the eldest of 9 children. She grew into a woman of unwavering strength, boundless love, and profound faith, leaving a lasting legacy for all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Theodore Edwards, her cherished son Bill Bostic, her parents, her brother Johnny Ayers, her sister Leda Hancock, and her niece Sheryl Downey, Ruth now reunites with them in eternal rest.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Janice Thorsen and Cheri Watson, who will carry her memory forward with grace and love. Ruth also leaves behind a rich family legacy, including five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy to her life and will cherish her memory.
Ruth is also survived by her six devoted siblings, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her brothers are Donald Ayers and his wife Sue, whom Ruth lovingly described as another sister; James Ayers; and Bob Ayers and his wife Beth. Her sisters include Dorris Van Deusen, Janie Troup and her husband Jerry, and Mary Wasson and her husband Joel Wasson Jr. Beyond her immediate family, she was surrounded by an extended network of nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who adored her. Her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ruth’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and generosity. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Faith Chapel in Cantonment, FL. on Sat. Jan 11th. Family viewing is at 12pm, friends are welcome at 1pm and service will start at 2pm.
Though we mourn her loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that Ruth’s love and legacy live on in all of us.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Cantonment Highway 29 Crash Claims Life Of Teen
January 7, 2025
A Monday night crash claimed the life of a teen in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 10:50 p.m. on Highway 29 just south of Tate Road, near Anytime Fitness.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 17-year-old female from Cantonment was headed south on Highway 29 when she ran off the road to the right before crossing the media and the northbound lanes and hitting a ditch. Her SUV came to rest in a parking lot.
Troopers said she was not wearing a seat belt.
Escambia County EMS, the Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
File photo.
Republicans Receiving Sample Ballots In The Mail For 2025 Special Primary
January 7, 2025
This week, sample ballots for the 2025 Special Primary Election will start arriving in mailboxes of Republican voter who do not have an active vote by mail request on file.
Voters can also access their sample ballots online by clicking here.
There’s still time to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters wishing to request a vote-by-mail ballot can do so by visiting https://escambiavotes.gov/vote-by-mail, or by calling (850) 595-3900. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, January 16, at 5:00 p.m. Voters can also track a vote-by-mail ballot by signing up for notifications at https://escambiavotes.gov/track-my-ballot. Voters will be able to see when a ballot was received and accepted for tabulation.
The 2025 Special Primary Election is for Republican voters only. The State of Florida holds closed primary elections, meaning only registered Republicans will be eligible for the 2025 Special Primary Election There is only one Democratic candidate, so there is no Democratic primary.
Cottage Hill Neighborhood Watch Meeting To Discuss Plan 404 Home Development
January 7, 2025
The Cottage Hill Neighborhood Watch group is hosting a meeting for the community to talk about a proposal by a developer to build over 400 new homes in a new neighborhood subdivision.
D.R. Horton has submitted plans to the Escambia County Development Review Committee for “McKenzie Estates” on the east side of Highway 95A in the 800 block of McKenzie Road. The development, as proposed, would be 404 single family homes on three parcels totaling 197.2 acres. (The largest parcel is 189.38 acres, plus small parcels of 5.87 and 1.94 across.) The site is currently vacant and wooded with a stream and an estimated 43 acres of wetlands.
The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill, 230 Williams Ditch Road. This public is invited. This is a Neighborhood Watch meeting, not an Escambia County or developer meeting.
The proposal has been filed with the county; however, no public meetings or votes have been scheduled to date.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Back To School: Dressing For Cold Weather
January 7, 2025
Escambia County students head back to school on this cold Tuesday.
With our cold weather this week, it’s important to dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside, according to the National Weather Service office in Mobile.
Here’s how to dress for cold weather:
