Borrow Pit Proposed For Rocky Branch Road Near Gun Club
March 4, 2025
A 127-acre borrow pit is being proposed on Rocky Branch Road, adjacent to the Escambia River Gun Club.
The proposal for the HHH Borrow PIt was filed with Escambia County last week by Hammond Engineering. The owner, according to the proposal, is HHH Construction of Bella Pine Lane in Pensacola.
The proposal was filed with Escambia County last week and has not yet been scheduled for a Development Review Committee public meeting.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Joseph Donald “Joey” Coker
March 4, 2025
Joseph Donald “Joey” Coker, age 50, of Huxford, AL, passed away on February 25, 2025. He was born on February 19, 1975, in Pensacola, FL, and was a 1993 graduate of Escambia County High School. After high school, Joey attended Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, where he earned his associate’s degree. He also completed the Reid State truck driving classes to obtain his CDL license. Joey was known for his hardworking nature and deep commitment to his family and community and was a lifelong member of Huxford Baptist Church. Joey held various jobs throughout his life, including many years working on the family farm. At his death, he was employed by Alabama River Woodlands.
Joey’s dedication to his work and deep love for his family will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His kind heart, unwavering work ethic, and devotion to those he cherished left an enduring impact. A true water enthusiast, Joey found his greatest joy skiing and boating, especially on the river or at Lake Martin, surrounded by friends and family. A natural comedian and prankster, he always had a hilarious story to tell, bringing endless laughter to those around him.
Joey was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his parents, Joe and Brenda R. Coker; his wife, Karen Marshall Coker of Huxford, AL; his children; Marshall Coker, Jake Coker, and Sam Coker, all of Huxford, AL; his twin sister, Christy Coker of Mobile, AL; his brother, Kenny (Stacey) Coker of Walnut Hill, FL; his nephews, Lucas Coker and Lee (Maja) Marshall; his great niece, Sofia Marshall; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with High Priest Beth Linam officiating. Interment will follow in Huxford Baptist Church Cemetery in Huxford, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Joseph Gleeson, Nathan Cole, Dawson Butts, Daniel Kirchharr, Koleman Wiggins, Colbie English and Andrew Clausell.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pilots for Christ, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Make-A-Wish Foundation in Joey’s memory.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Enhanced Risk Of Severe Storms Tuesday Night
March 3, 2025
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded most of the area to an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather for Tuesday night.
Damaging straight-line winds are the primary threat, and a few tornadoes EF2 or greater are possible.
In the North Escambia area, the timing will be late evening, before midnight.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 3am. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 55. Windy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
New Charges Filed Against Man Charged In Century Hit And Run That Injured Five
March 3, 2025
New charges have been filed against a Panama City man for a hit and run crash February 1 in Century that injured five people, including children.
Following the crash, Dexter Ivey Smith, 35, was charged by the Florida Highway Patrol with felony hit and run for failure to stop or remain on scene at a crash with injury, along with misdemeanor battery and driving with a revoked license. According to court records, Escambia County Judge Kristiana Lightel found that no probable cause existed, the charges were dropped, and Smith was released from custody.
Last week, Smith was charged multiple updated charges. He was charged with five counts of felony hit and run for failure to stop or remain on scene at a crash with injury, driving with a revoked license, and misdemeanor battery. Court records show a careless driving citation against Smith is also still pending.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. February 1 on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck was struck by a northbound SUV driven by Smith approached at a high rate of speed, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned multiple times, coming to rest on the shoulder just north of Salter’s Lake Road. Smith’s SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
The 38-year-old female driver of the pickup truck and her passengers — a 45-year-old male, 18-year-old male, 13-year-old male and a 6-year-old female — all sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
A witness told troopers that a white male in his mid-thirties with short black hair and a long nose fled from the scene. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office later received a report of a man matching the description outside a nearby home. The witness identified Smith as the driver that fled the scene of the crash.
FHP said Smith was charged with battery for throwing a flashlight at the passenger of the second vehicle.
He is due back in court in June.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tesla Dealership Under Construction On Nine Mile Road
March 3, 2025
A new Tesla sales and service center is in the works on NIne Mile Road.
The business is located in the former Virginia College, adjacent to Ollie’s a new Aldi that will open next week.
[RELATED STORY: Grand Opening Date Set For Nine Mile Aldi Store]
According to documents filed with Escambia County, the Drake Service and Sales facility will be 42,208 square feet, with a majority of the building will be used for servicing, preparing, and selling new and used vehicles. The building will have a small showroom and lounge for potential customers to inspect vehicles and speak with salespeople regarding electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries.
Documents state that there will be no body work or paint conducted on the property, and no batteries will be stores on site.
An opening date for the dealership has not been announced.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century To Consider Creating Town Administrator Position
March 3, 2025
This week, the Town of Century will consider hiring town administrator.
According to a council agenda, the town administrator “would serve as the sole professional administrative officer assisting the mayor with municipal operations, personnel management, and financial oversight”. The position’s duties would also include the financial oversight responsibilities typically assigned to a financial services director—”ensuring budget preparation, fiscal accountability, grant management, and procurement compliance”.
The town administrator would report directly to the mayor, but also provide regular updates to the town council while taking direction from the council and mayor. The person, according to a proposed ordinance creating the new position, could be a contract employee, a regular employee or a company.
A salary for position, if approved, has not yet been discussed by the town council, which will discuss creating the position at their regular council meeting Tuesday evening.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FWC Hunter Safety Courses Set For Molino, Cantonment, Jay, Milton
March 3, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in Molino, Cantonment, Jay and Milton. Hunter safety courses are designed to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation.
Participants must take the online course before attending a class.
All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
The two-day events will be held as follows, and you must have completed an online hunter safety course and have a copy of the completion certificate or field day voucher prior to taking a Field Day.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- March 10, 6 p.m. and March 29, 9 a.m. — Molino Community Center
- April 7, 6 p.m. and May 3, 9 a.m. — Escambia County Extension, Cantonment
- April 14, 6 p.m. and May 3, 9 a.m. — Molino Community Center
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
- March 17, 6 p.m. and March 29, 9 a.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
- March 24, 6 p.m. and March 29, 9 a.m. — Santa Rosa Extension, Milton
- April 21, 6 p.m. and May 3, 9 a.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
- April 28, 6 p.m. and May 3, 9 a.m. — Santa Rosa Extension, Milton
Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes or by calling FWC safety coordinator Jeff Schumacher at (850) 767-3612 for more information or email.
Florida Average Gas Price Slips A Few Pennies
March 3, 2025
Florida’s average gas price declined 3 cents last week, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average was $3.07 per gallon.
Florida gas prices were $3.10 last week, $3.07 per gallon a month ago, and $3.35 per gallon this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.89. In Pensacola Sunday night, a low of $2.65 could be found at a station on Kenmore Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.85 at two stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
EREC, Walnut Hill Post Office Remain Closed Due To Mold
March 2, 2025
The Escambia River Electric Cooperative Walnut Hill Office remains closed, but it is expected to open later this year.
In early August 2024, the post office on Highway 99a next to Ernest Ward Middle School was closed.
EREC CEO Ryan Campbell said recently that the post office and the power cooperative office were closed due to mold.
“I know it is inconvenient to everybody, but we are not willing to put employees in harm’s way,” Campbell said. “It will be an EREC office again, and we plan to open the post office.”
As EREC works with their contractor, there’s no timetable for the reopening.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Barth, Molino Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Wednesday
March 2, 2025
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in portion of Barth and Molino will take place Wednesday, March 5. It is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge. Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. All items for pick up should be at the curb by 7 a.m. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items not eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
Since 2016, more than 7,435 tons (16,393,574 pounds) of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.