National Signing Day: Salazar, Hearn Ink To Play College Football
February 6, 2025
Wednesday, two Tate High Aggie football players signed to play football at the next level on National Signing Day.
Judas Salazar sight with Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, and Ramon Hearn sighed with McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas.
Both are National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) schools.
Pictured top: Signing day for Judas Salazar (left) and Ramon Hern (right) Wednesday at Tate High School. Photos for courtesy Tate Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jerry Turner
February 6, 2025
On January 29th, 2025, Jerry Turner, lovingly called Papa, passed away of natural causes at the age of 94. He resided in the home he raised his children in since 1960 in Oakfield Estates, Pensacola, Florida.
Papa Turner joins in Heaven his wife of 73 years, Magdalyn Smith Turner (passed December 2023), his brother and best friend Ned Turner (passed December 2011), his son Mark Sherwood Turner (passed April 2022), and his parents Ethela and Coy Turner of Florala, Alabama.
He lived a humble childhood growing up with his older brother Ned while his parents both worked full-time. He learned the value of gardening from his mother and a good work ethic from his father. It was a time of farm-to-table homegrown tomatoes. It was a time when you learned to “make ends meet,” fix what broke, and turnip greens always had their young roots with pepper sauce and a slice of white cornbread cooked in a cast iron skillet. His was a childhood centered around a family homestead.
Following in his older brother Ned’s footsteps, he enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Florala High in Covington County, Alabama, at the age of 17. He had just begun to travel abroad when his service in the armed forces was cut short. He was called home to care for his father. He worked as an ice delivery man to support his family but needed a higher-paying job, so he moved north to Detroit, where other young men were securing employment.
Papa soon found he couldn’t bear to be separated from his high school sweetheart, Maggie, so he gathered as many coins as he could and fed them all into the first phone booth he ever used. He called Maggie, who was still a senior in high school, and she was pulled out of class. He proposed over the phone, and she said yes. Soon after, she was on her first bus ride to Detroit, trusting that Jerry would be at the depot waiting for her. It didn’t take long to grow tired of the freezing temperatures, so they moved back to the South, where they were married in 1950 in Andalusia, Alabama, by a justice of the peace. For 73 years, they only had eyes for each other.
They soon started a family, and Papa began his career with International Paper. He met his good friend and coworker, Buzz Pitts, who soon became his steady fishing partner. One of Papa’s favorite memories was cooking the shift meals, like red beans & rice, for his co-workers and keeping a fresh pot of coffee going through the night. He retired in 1992 after 40 years of graveyard shifts and started cooking those same good recipes for his grandkids. He was always ready for an old-fashioned fish fry and a low-country boil.
Papa Turner was a self-taught engineer because ingenuity was necessary where money was scarce. He created his own bilge pump switch out of two Coke cans and a marble to keep his prized possession, his boat named the Lisa-Gail, afloat. When computers, washers & dryers, and personal televisions were invented, and Maggie wanted these luxuries, he knew he had to install grounded receptacles. So he made his own ground by hammering eight-foot metal rods outside the home, preventing lightning from shorting out Maggie’s new appliances.
He was an avid fisherman and gun enthusiast all his life. He, his brother Ned, and his friend Buzz would create secret fishing reefs in the Gulf. To this day, his only descendant trusted with these treasure spots is his grandson Myles, who still regularly brings home a catch of snapper to fry for Papa.
He loved building and flying model airplanes. One of his favorite pastimes was taking his grandchildren, Rachel, Andrea, and Tyler, to the flying fields off 9-Mile Road. He carved paratroopers out of balsam fir and would drop them from a trap door in his model airplanes for the grandkids to chase. After a full day of fun, he would take them home to rock them in the old creaky rocking chair, singing the chorus to Johnny Cash’s “Fast Song”:
Deedle Deedle Dee, Deedle Deedle Dee, Deedle Deedle Dee, Dee Dee.
If Papa wasn’t out catching fish for supper or pushing his grandkids and great-grandkids in the porch swing he mounted on his workshop, you could find him watching his endless collection of Western movies or Fox News. In his last years of life, he would have his Apple iPhone waiting front and center for his favorite FaceTime calls with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Papa Turner was a principled, loyal man of utmost integrity. He dedicated his lifetime to doing the right thing even when no one was watching. He raised his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to know the value of your word and your handshake. He believed in God and His Good Book, the right to bear arms, eating what you kill, returning what you borrow in better shape than when you got it, living within your means, helping the needy only if you could manage, working hard but making time for the things you enjoy, minding your own business, marrying the one you love till death do you part, and most importantly, loving and remaining loyal to your family.
He will be dearly missed here on Earth, but what a beautiful Homecoming when he is received in Heaven by Ned, Mag, Mark, OkHui, Red, numerous loved ones, and his Lord and Savior.
Jerry Turner is survived by his remaining children: Gail Smith (Joe Smith), David Turner (Lisa Turner, now deceased), Lisa Russo (John Russo); his daughter-in-law, Nancy Turner; his grandchildren: Amanda Turner, Dr. Rachel Bevins (Dr. Tyler Bevins and great-granddaughters Magdalyn & Adeline Bevins), Andrea Kellar (Ryan Kellar), Dr. Tyler Turner (Ashley Turner and great-grandsons Liam and Cole Turner), Myles Turner, Dylen Turner (Sandra Turner and great-grandsons Easton and Kolton Turner), and his beloved sister-in-law Faye and Ned Turner’s family.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Family Funeral & Cremation, located at 5627 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Viewing will be at 9:00 AM, Service by Pastor Mark Dees at 9:30 AM, Dedication by Dr. Ken Mitchell at 10:00 AM, and Processional to NAS Barrancas at 10:30 AM, where Papa will be laid to rest with an Honor Guard Salute at 11:00 AM.
Afterwards, please join us in celebration of Papa’s life. Lunch will be provided at his favorite restaurant, Shrimp Basket on 9-Mile Road, at 11:30 AM.
EREC Reducing January Electric Bills For Members Following Extreme Cold
February 5, 2025
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is giving members a reduction on their January bills following record breaking cold and history snowfall to help alleviate the financial strain caused by increased electricity usage.
EREC is removing the Purchased Power Cost Adjustment (PPCA) charge for January. The PPCA reflects the fluctuating costs of fuel and electricity generation. This charge varies based on the market price of fuel and the cost of generating electricity.
“Our members are our top priority, and we recognize the challenges that come with unexpected weather extremes,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO and General Manager of EREC. “By removing the PPCA charge, we aim to provide some financial relief while maintaining reliable service.”
EREC said members will save from $15 to $50, depending on usage. For a typical customer using 1200 kwh of electricity, the reduction will be about $20.
For most members, the charge is listed as purchased power cost adjustment line item on their bill. For customers with multiple accounts, including those with water from EREC, the charge is listed as fuel adjustment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Seeks Necklace Containing Remains Of Her Sisters That Was Lost Near Bratt Park
February 5, 2025
A Bratt woman is searching for a special memorial necklace that was lost in or near a Bratt park. The necklace contains the ashes of both of Amanda Holt’s sisters.
“I never take it off, but three days ago I went to take my son walking to Bratt park,’ she said. “My necklace latch broke and my necklace fell off my neck. I didn’t notice it was gone till I got to the park.”
Holt said she walked against traffic along Highway 4 from Pine Barren Road to the Travis Nelson Park. She said the necklace is likely somewhere along Highway 4 or in the park, which is located on Highway 4 at Bratt Road. Also on the chain, she had two rings and a plate that says “just breathe” on it.
She has re-walked the route but has been unable to find the necklace.
“I lost my sisters once and this feels like I’m losing them all over again,” Holt said. “This necklace is very important to me.”
Anyone that finds the necklace can contact us at news@northescambia.com or on our social media channels and we will put you in touch with Holt.
Pictured below: Looking east along Highway 4 from the Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Council To Hold Sunday Meeting To Finalize Special Election
February 5, 2025
The Century Town Council will hold a rare Sunday meeting to consider final approval of an ordinance setting election date to fill a council seat and for mayor, a position currently occupied on an interim basis by Alicia Johnson.
Seat 4 on the council was left open when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned.
The required first reading of the special election ordinance was held January 28, postponed from a planned January 21 meeting that was canceled due to snow and ice. The town required a local weekly newspaper of general circulation to publish a required advertisement on January 16, but the newspaper informed the town of an “issue with placing the ad” on January 21. Because the town was closed due to inclement weather, the town was unable to respond, and the advertisement was delayed.
Due to various requirements, the town said the final adoption of the ordinance setting the special election must be held at a special called meeting on Sunday, February 9.
The ordinance will set the following dates for a special election:
- Special Primary Election Date: March 18, 2025
- Special General Election Date: April 29, 2025
- Qualifying Period:
- Monday, February 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Voter Registration Deadlines: February 19, 2025, for the primary; April 8, 2025, for the general election
Last week, the council was deadlocked on a choice from three applicants to fill the empty council seat, opting to leave the position open until after the special election.
Pictured: The Century Town Council meeting Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Airport Transformed Into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport
February 5, 2025
Pensacola International Airport has partnered with Pensacon for its annual transformation into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, assuming the temporary name and stellar decor to commemorate the 2025 Pensacon convention scheduled for February 14-16.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the temporary change renaming the airport Pensacola Intergalactic Airport on Tuesday. The signage throughout the terminal highlights iconic comic and science fiction characters and welcome messages.
“Our relationship with the Pensacola Intergalactic Airport has been such a wonderful way to not only promote Pensacon, but also show travelers how great our city is in supporting events like ours. Each year, our celebrity guests are impressed when they come off the plane and feel like they are already immersed in Pensacon,” Pensacon CEO Mike Ensley said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Library Security Cameras Proposed For Molino, Century, Southwest Branches
February 5, 2025
West Florida Public Libraries is looking to add security cameras at the Molino, Century and Southwest library branches.
The Escambia County Commission will consider a $140,655.91 proposal from Security Engineering, Inc. for camera surveillance systems at the three libraries. According to BOCC agenda item for Thursday, the cameras will “enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, greatly improving safety. This proactive measure will safeguard valuable assets and create a secure environment.”
- Century Branch Library – $39,743.37 – Six interior, six exterior cameras
- Molino Branch Library $39,743.37 – six interior, five exterior cameras
- Southwest Branch Library $43,340.49- five interior, five exterior cameras
The projects includes all installation, accessories, networking equipment and other supplies. The cameras will be connected to the library’s server at the downtown library.
The Escambia County cost will piggyback on a bid awarded by Okaloosa County To Security Engineering.
Pictured: The children’s area at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Playoff Hopes Dashed For Tate And Northview Girls Basketball, Tate Soccer Teams
February 5, 2025
Playoff hopes ended Tuesday night for the Tate and Northview girls basketball teams along with the Tate soccer teams.
BASKETBALL
Girls Rural Class District 1
- In Girls Rural Class District 1 basketball quarterfinal action, the No. 6 Northview Chiefs fell 83-32 to No. 3 Century. Central will advance to the semifinals on Thursday at No. 2 Paxton.
Girls 6A District 1
- In the Girls 6A District 1 basketball quarterfinals, the No. 6 Tate Aggies lost to No. 3 Crestview by a score of 46-25. Crestview will travel to No. 2 Milton on Thursday, while No.1 Niceville will host No 4 Pace. The district championship will be held on Saturday.
SOCCER
Class 6A Girls Tournament
- In the Girls 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals Tuesday night, the No. 7 Tate Aggies fell 3-0 to No. 2 Niceville. It was the first postseason appearance by the Lady Aggies soccer team in 18 years.
Class 6A Boys Tournament
- In the Boys 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals, the No. 7 Tate Aggies lost 5-3 to No. 2 Horizon in Winter Garden.
Pictured: The 6A Tate Lady Aggies took on the 1A Northview Lady Chiefs last month. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Weightlifters Qualify For State
February 5, 2025
Two Northview High School weightlifters are headed to state after their performance at the 1A R1 Regional Championship.
In the 101-pound weight class, Maggie Stewart secured a 5th place finish with a total lift of 190 pounds.
In the 119-pound division, Aaliyah Fountain earned a 3rd place finish, lifting a total of 265 pounds.
Steward and Fountain both qualified for the upcoming tate meet.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dense Fog Advisory Into Thursday Morning
February 5, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Areas of dense fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Patchy dense fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest after midnight.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.