FWC Hunter Safety Courses This Month In Molino, Cantonment, Jay, Milton
June 9, 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
- June 9, 6 p.m. and June 28, 9 a.m. — Molino Community Center
- July 7, 6 p.m. and August 2, 9 a.m. — Escambia County Extension, Cantonment
- July 14, 6 p.m. and August 2, 9 a.m. — Molino Community Center
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
- June 16, 6 p.m. and June 28, 9 a.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
- June 22, 6 p.m. and June 28, 9 a.m. — Santa Rosa Extension, Milton
- July 21 6 p.m., and August 2, 8 a.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
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.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hold Near Steady Over Last Week
June 9, 2025
Florida gas prices increased 10 cents last week and then declined 3 cents through the weekend. On Sunday, the state average was $3.09 per gallon. That’s the same price as last week.
“Florida gas prices remain in the same 30-cent range that Florida gas prices have fluctuated within since September,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
In Escambia County, the average price was $2.86. In Pensacola, a low of $2.69 was available Sunday night at the warehouse clubs. In North Escambia, the low price was $2.75 per gallon at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Paul Zane Lundy
June 9, 2025
Mr. Paul Zane Lundy, who was 78 years old, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. He was originally from Semirah Springs, Alabama, but spent most of his life in Atmore, Alabama. Mr. Lundy was a member of the Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church and took great pride in being a part of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. His life touched many, and he will be remembered fondly by his family and friends.
He loved to play music, especially picking up his guitar and writing songs. Recording his music brought him joy, as did spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandbabies. He found happiness in riding horses, fishing, and going out on the boat. Always ready to help, he was the kind of person who would give to anyone in need. His passions and kindness painted a beautiful picture of a life filled with love and adventure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Juanita Dees Lundy; son, Randall Reese Lundy; brother, Willie Gay Lundy; sister, Pug Hollinger.
Mr. Lundy is survived by his wife of eight years, Carolyn Lundy of Bay Minette, Alabama; sons, Dakota Lundy of Pensacola, Florida and Sean Lundy of Atmore, Alabama; daughters, Madison Lundy of Atmore, Alabama and Whitney Davis of Frisco City, Alabama; brothers, George and wife Libby Lundy of Semirah Springs, Alabama and Randall Lundy of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Chloe Lundy, Zayn Davis, Colby Johnson, Steven Combs, Cheyenne and husband Allen Weston, Brooklynn Lundy, Santanna Lundy, Bailey and husband Nolan Echols; great-grandchildren, Micah Combs, Hunter Allen, River Allen, Nicholas Lundy, Duke Echols, and Kimber Echols; numerous great-great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church with Brother Clifton Buchanan officiating.
Burial will follow at Semirah Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at Semirah Springs Freewill Baptist Church from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Crook, Darrell Hollinger, Holley Lundy, Colby Johnson, Jimmy Myrick and Tyson Presley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Danny King and Canyon Moye.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Wahoos End Homestand With Three Homers, Blowout Win Over Clingstones
June 9, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
An offensive explosion carried by three home runs combined with stellar pitching helped put the Blue Wahoos on top Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Columbus Clingstones 9-2 for their largest margin of victory this season.
With home runs from Johnny Olmstead, Grant Richardson and Nathan Martorella adding up to seven of the team’s nine runs, it was a high-flying day for the Blue Wahoos offense as they have pushed their winning streak to four.
“The boys are feeling good,” reliever Alex Williams said. “We’re swinging the bats well, we’re pitching well. Hopefully, we can continue this streak and make a little noise here at the end of this first half.”
Williams, who was awarded the win to improve to 2-0 on the season with Pensacola, provided three innings of shutout pitching, while moving to a streak of 11 scoreless innings.
“Trusting the defense, and filling it up (the strike zone),” Williams said. “I know we’ve got a lot of guys behind me that are working hard and getting better every day. Just filling it up and giving my guys the best chance to win and continue what the starter’s doing.”
That was something Williams was certainly able to do on Sunday. After four innings of two-run ball from Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, Williams bridged the gap in the fifth, sixth and seventh, while Ricky DeVito cleaned things up with a scoreless eighth and ninth to secure the Wahoos’ win.
“Learning from a lot of the other guys that have been here and trying to continue what’s been going well all year, the bullpen’s been great,” Williams said. “The starters have been great, and just trusting the process and keep going.”
The Blue Wahoos’ bats got going early, putting up two runs in the first inning. The first baseman Martorella picked up an RBI with a single to right, scoring Cody Morrissette, while Richardson drove in a runner as he beat out a groundball to second to break up a potential double play, allowing Kemp Alderman to score.
These were the first runs given up by Columbus starter Brett Sears at the Double-A level, after dealing ten innings of shutout pitching in his first two starts in the Southern League.
Richards was unable to continue the success he had found in his first two starts, as his final line consisted of 5.0+ innings while allowing seven earned runs.
A three-run home run from Olmstead in the fourth, along with a two-run home run from Richardson, were catalysts in driving Richards out of the game. Olmstead’s was a team-leading seventh of the year, while Richards hit his second in as many days.
Martorella added insurance in the seventh with a two-run home run of his own, pulling one out to right field against Amos Willingham.
Columbus’s lone two runs of the day both came off solo home runs from Designated Hitter David McCabe. His first two at-bats in the second and fourth against Ortiz-Mayr provided runs for the Clingstones, but were the extent of the offense for the Braves affiliate.
After winning five of six at home to get back above .500, including four in a row, the Blue Wahoos will take their lone trip of the season to Madison, Alabama, to take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas for six.
GAME NOTABLES
— With the conclusion of Sunday’s game, there are now just two series and 12 games left in the first half schedule. The Biloxi Shuckers hold a commanding lead in the Southern League South Division race with a 34-22 record prior to Sunday’s game. The Blue Wahoos entered Sunday six games back in the division standings in third place. The Montgomery Biscuits (29-27) are in second place, trailing by five games before Sunday. The second half schedule along with a new divisional race, will begin June 24.
— Injuries and roster moves had the Blue Wahoos scrambling for additional players. The team added infielder Jesus Hernandez, 21, a third baseman from the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Miami Marlins’ Class-A affiliate. He joined the team on Saturday.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos at Rocket City Trash Pandas.
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday, June 15.
GAMETIMES: The games on Tuesday through Saturday all start at 6:35 p.m. The game on Sunday, June 15, is a 2:35 p.m. start time.
WHERE: Madison, Alabama.
4-H’s Jereme Johnson Is Escambia County’s Employee Of The Month
June 8, 2025
Jereme Johnson, 4-H Program Assistant with UF/IFAS Escambia Extension Services, was recognized by the county commission as the June 2025 Escambia County Employee of the Month.
Johnson began his career with Escambia County in 2017, where he joined Extension services as the 4-H Program Assistant after working as a staff member at Florida 4-H camps Cherry Lake and Timpoochee. Over the last eight years, Johnson has successfully increased club involvement, expanded opportunities for youths, and developed significant impacts in the lives of the youth he works with. He has established eight new 4-H clubs throughout the county, secured over $72,000 in grant funding for the 4-H program, and developed successful day camps and after-school programs. He is recognized by his peers as a leader in Escambia County 4-H and has earned a reputation for his unending enthusiasm and commitment to 4-H.
When he was hired in 2017, Johnson was tasked with reestablishing and providing leadership for a large military 4-H club contingency, along with increasing the reach of the Escambia County 4-H program in county schools and community centers. He faced the challenges of gaining military 4-H volunteer and community trust, modifying longstanding traditions for better results, and working with youth center staff to plan and execute programs throughout the school year and summer. Johnson got right to work, collaborating with teachers and community center directors to establish 4-H programming throughout the county. He became a 4-H ambassador to Escambia County 4-H military clubs, local schools, and community centers, introducing the program to hundreds of youths who may not have heard of 4-H.
“I’m extremely proud of Jereme for his selection and we’re excited to recognize him as the Employee of the Month,” Extension Services Director Nick Simmons said. “Jereme is highly valuable to UF/IFAS Extension and Escambia County. His passion for youth development is evident in his work as the 4-H Program Assistant, where he shows commitment each day to improving the lives of youth in his community. He works tirelessly each day to make Escambia County’s 4-H program the best it can be, going above and beyond to help those around him.”
Outside of work, Johnson is active in his community, serving as a volunteer club leader for two 4-H clubs. He also volunteers with the Sea Turtle Baby Shower Program and Waterfront Mission food distribution.
“I have loved working with the 4-H Program and Extension Services for the past eight years,” Johnson said. “I have gotten to see growth in not only the program but myself. Working with youth has always been my passion and through this program I am truly able to make the best better.”
Large Crowd Attends Annual Sawmill Day Festival And Car Show (With Gallery)
June 8, 2025
A large crowd attended the annual Sawmill Day Festival and Car Show in Century on Saturday.
The day included entertainment, free history museum tours, grilled hamburger meals, crafts, free exhibits, a car show and more.
For a large photo gallery from the car show and the festival, click here.
NorthEscambia.comp photos, click to enlarge.
Double Trouble: Cantonment Woman Faces Felony Drug Charges After Two Traffic Stops in Five Days
June 8, 2025
A Cantonment woman is facing multiple felony charges after two traffic stops just five days apart.
Amber Nicole Victor, 35, was charged with felony possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and felony possession of a controlled substance (Spice). She remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday with bond set at $5,000.
On May 22, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a red Ford Focus driven by Victor turn from Vaughn Road onto West Highway 4 with a tag that was obscured by red clay. The deputy stopped the vehicle at Highway 4 and Pine Barren Road.
An Atmore Police Department K-9 was requested and alerted on the vehicle. Deputies reported finding synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “Spice,” in the vehicle under the driver’s seat.
An ECSO report stated she was not arrested at the time due to manpower issues. She was given a verbal warning for driving with an unreadable tag, and a warrant affidavit was submitted and a warrant issued for her arrest.
On May 27, a deputy stopped Victor’s Ford Focus on North Highway 99 near Highway 168 due to an outstanding warrant from the May 22 traffic stop.
An Atmore Police Department K-9 was requested and alerted on the vehicle. Deputies reported finding 5.8 grams of synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as “Spice,” in the vehicle. She was arrested on the new felony possession charge and the earlier controlled substance warrant was served. She was also cited for no valid license.
Scattered Rain For Sunday Night; Rain Chances Soar For Monday And Tuesday
June 8, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 10pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 1pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. High near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10pm and 1am, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1am. Low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 85. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Areas
June 8, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- Signage will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- Michigan Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, June 8 through Friday, June 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- The U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp will be temporarily shortened Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reduced turn-lane length is required for daytime construction activities and will reopen nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, June 8, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures and periodic detours on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers around the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for milling and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. for construction activities.
- 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, June 8, through Friday, June 13, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Tax Collector Bringing Mobile Services To Walnut Hill This Week
June 8, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in Walnut Hill this week, and an upcoming stop in Century has been annonced.
MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, will be at the Walnut Hill Community Center, on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community center, also known as the Ruritan Building, is located at 7850 Highway 97, just north of the fire department and Ernest Ward Middle School.
MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:
- Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
- Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
- Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
- Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
- Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
- Certified Driver Transcripts
Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.
This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Future MILO Dates in Century:
- July 17, 2025: Billy G. Ward Courthouse
Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.