FHP: Pickup Driver Failed To Maintain Lane In Double Fatal Walnut Hill Crash
January 26, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol says a pickup truck driver caused a double fatal three-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
The crash happened on Highway 97 just south of North Highway 99 and involved two pickup trucks and a passenger car.
FHP said Saturday a pickup driven by a 27-year-old Cantonment man was traveling south on Highway 97 midday Thursday when the driver “failed to maintain his lane of travel and collided with 2 vehicles traveling northbound.”
The pickup struck a Mazda sedan, which left the roadway and collided with a large fence post. The driver of the Mazda, a 30-year-old female from Molino, and her passenger, a 66-year-old female from Molino, were both pronounced deceased on the scene.
After the initial collision, the first pickup struck a northbound pickup drive by a 54-year-old Milton man. The first pickup truck came to rest upside down on Highway 97. That driver was airlifted to the hospital with what troopers said were minor injuries. The second pickup ran off the road and struck a ditch; that driver was not seriously injured.
There was no obvious snow or ice on the roadway following the crash.
FHP said Saturday that the crash remains under investigation, and that fatal crash investigations can take six to nine months or more to be finalized.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jimmy and Gloria Bidding Farewell As New Era Begins for Jimmy’s Grill In Molino
January 26, 2025
Jimmy’s Grill is entering a new chapter as longtime owners Jimmy and wife Gloria Carter pass the torch to the Gardner family, according to a social media post made Saturday night by the beloved Molino restaurant.
In a heartfelt announcement, the couple expressed gratitude to the community, their staff, and loyal patrons for their unwavering support over the past 14 years.
“We are humbled by the unwavering support from our guests, who have become an extension of our family over the past fourteen years, and the divine blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ,” they wrote.
The official transition will take place on February 1, with the Gardners set to continue the legacy of excellence. The Gardeners were not named in the post, but Jimmy voiced confidence in them, stating their passion for the community would elevate Jimmy’s Grill to new heights.
The couple closed their message with well-wishes for the Gardners and thanks to all who contributed to the restaurant’s success, marking the end of an era for their family and a promising new beginning for Jimmy’s Grill.
File photo.
West Florida Libraries Waiving Fines For Overdue Items Following Winter Storm
January 26, 2025
Worried about fines at the library because they were closed for snow? Don’t be.
Due to weather closures, no fines will be added to accounts for items due January 19 through January 31.
All West Florida Libraries bookdrops are closed through 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29. Materials can be returned to the service desk at any location.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Attic Fire Damages Molino Home Saturday Evening
January 26, 2025
An attic fire damaged a Molino home Saturday evening.
The fire was reported about 5:20 p.m. in the 6000 block of Highway 95A, across the street from Highland Baptist Church.
Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control, but they were forced to cut a hole in the roof during the effort. The home also suffered water damage.
The fire was believed to have been sparked from a chimney. There were no injuries.
For additional photos, click here.
The Molino, Cantonment, Walnut Hill, and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Troopers Investigating Cottage Hill Rollover Crash
January 26, 2025
One person was reportedly injured in a single vehicle rollover crash Saturday afternoon in Cottage Hill.
The crash happened about 4:45 p.m. at Wishbone Lane and Wishbone Road. The driver of a Kia lost control, with the vehicle come to rest on its roof between a utility pole and a wooded area.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has no released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambai.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Passing Cold Front Brings Rain Chance Tonight, Monday
January 26, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Overeaters Anonymous Meetings To Be Held At Bratt Church
January 26, 2025
Overeaters Anonymous, A Twelve Step Program, will be meeting at Bratt First Baptist Church on Monday morning from 10-11 a.m.
According to the organization, OA offers unconditional acceptance, ongoing and readily available support, and a program that brings about physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located at 4570 West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
Erlene McCall Pugh
January 26, 2025
Erlene McCall Pugh, age 96, of Oak Grove, FL passed away on January 23, 2025, in Pensacola, FL. She was born on October 14, 1928, in Atmore, AL to Thomas and Dora Lucille Walker McCall. Erlene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold L. Pugh; her grandson, Shawn W. Pugh and her siblings, Wildon Wayne McCall, CWO James Edward McCall and Calvin R. McCall.
Erlene is survived by her children, Donald L. (Donna) Pugh of Cantonment, FL, Darryl (Concha) Pugh of Canton, GA and Connie (Steven) Hart of Oak Grove, FL; her sister, Norman Jean Taylor of Monroeville, AL; her grandchildren, Jennifer Nolan, David Pugh, Rachel Losier, Brian Hart, Denise Bushaw, and Daniel Hart and her eleven great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Terry officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, FL.
Active pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ribbon Cutting Set For New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course
January 25, 2025
An official ribbon cutting has been set for Escambia County’s new Paper Park on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment.
The ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 30.
Paper Park features a walking path, playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a704 square feet covered pavilion with picnic tables. Once opened, the recreational area will be open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset.
The new playground offers play features for children of all ages, including six slides, a swing set, climbing structures, and more. The playground also features shade sails and benches.
Escambia County Parks and Recreation also added 49 parking spaces on Mintz Lane (opposite end of the park from Highway 29) to make the park easily accessible.
Area residents have been using the park for week, even though it was not officially open.
Pictured: The new Paper Park in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Tuesday
January 25, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a 10,000 pound food distribution Tuesday, January 28 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
The event will start at 3 p.m. Attendees should like up facing north on Webb Street. Must have an identification to receive food.
The event was originally planned for January 21, but rescheduled due to winter weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.