Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Today
July 15, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution today, July 15, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will being at 3 p.m. 3:00 at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should like up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification. The distribution will operate on a first come, first served basis as supplies last. One bag or box of food will be provided per identification presented, with a maximum of three IDs allowed per vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Afternoon Storms Today
July 15, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 93. North wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 87. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Rufus Clay Campbell
July 15, 2025
Rufus Clay Campbell, a proud Navy veteran, devoted husband, and lifelong farmer of the Wallace Community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 99.
Born on April 23, 1926, in Chumuckla, FL, Rufus was one of eleven children born to Cuyler and Bessie Campbell. Growing up among seven brothers and three sisters, he learned the values of hard work, family, and faith early in life — principles that would shape the rest of his days. He attended school in Chumuckla and graduated from Chumuckla High School, a proud milestone in a close-knit rural community.
Rufus answered the call to serve his country in World War II. He enlisted in February 1944 before graduating from high school on April 28. He then reported for duty and served four years in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the harbor off Iwo Jima when the war came to an end. As horns and whistles sounded in celebration, he and his shipmates threw their hats in the air. He often recalled, with fondness, that his hat landed overboard—a memory that stayed with him for life. He was also on deck when the iconic photograph of the Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi was taken—an image he witnessed firsthand.
After completing his service, Rufus returned home and began a long career as an aircraft mechanic at Naval Air Station Pensacola where he worked diligently until his retirement. While working full-time, he also built his farm in the Wallace Community, turning it into a full-time operation he lovingly tended for decades. He remained active on the farm until recent years when his health no longer allowed it. His family will carry forward the legacy he built—honoring his hard work and deep love for the land.
Rufus was married for 75 years to his beloved wife, Beverly DuBois Campbell, and together they raised a family anchored in love, respect, and strong values. They were longtime members of Wallace Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and is survived by his son, Clay Campbell (Mary Ann);his daughter, Carol Jenkins (Waylon); six grandchildren: Alan Jenkins (Shana), Angel Campbell Ward, Diana Campbell Holm (Daniel), Laura Jenkins Norville (Pelham), Ryan Campbell (Miranda), and Brett Campbell (Maggie); and five great-grandchildren. He was also cherished by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss his steady presence, quiet wisdom, and generous spirit.
A funeral service honoring Rufus’ life will be held at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Milton on Friday, July 18, with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m. and the service at 3:00 p.m.
His nephews David, Keith, Roger and Ronald Campbell; grandsons, Ryan Campbell, Brett Campbell, and Alan Jenkins will serve as pallbearers. The service will be conducted by Rev. LaDon Hall with grandson Alan Jenkins conducting the graveside service. Music will be provided by Dan Kirkland.
The family wishes to thank all who supported Rufus in his later years. His hands may now rest, but his legacy—of service, faith, family, and farming—will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
John William Haines
July 15, 2025
John William Haines, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 82 surrounded by the love of his family.
John was born on September 1, 1942 in Osceola Mills Pennsylvania. As a young adult he made his home in Somerville NJ, starting a career with the United States Postal Service. It was there were he met his his future wife, marrying in 1968. For 57 years, he shared a deep and faithful marriage with his best friend, his beloved beautiful bride, Pamela Haines—a bond that stood as a shining example of enduring love and partnership. After retirement, John and Pamela moved to the Florida Panhandle and made their home in Milton. John lived a life grounded in faith, integrity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
John was the proud father of two sons, Eric Haines (Elizabeth) and Scott Haines, and the cherished grandfather of three adoring grandchildren Emily Kurek (Hunter), Evan Haines (Hallie), and Lily Haines. He is also survived by his brother Steve Gasper (Mollie), sister-in-law Dorothy Haines and numerous extended family members. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by family, whether it was at the dinner table, playing games, fishing, gardening, or quietly supporting those he loved through life’s trials and triumphs.
John was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Haines, his mother, Carrie Haines Gasper, his brother, Larry Haines, and his sister, Karen Bolden.
He was a man of quiet strength, steadfast values, and deep belief in Jesus Christ. His life was marked by hard work, selflessness, and a calm, guiding presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John’s legacy lives on in his family—in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the countless sacrifices he made to provide and protect. He was a constant source of strength, grace, and wisdom and his absence leaves a hole that can never be filled.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home located at 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida, with family visitation beginning at 10:30 am and friends at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to come honor a man whose life truly made a difference.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s name to Emerald Coast Hospice at 5536 Stewart Street, Milton, FL 32570.
Operation Southern Slow Down Target Speeding In Florida, Alabama, And 3 More States
July 15, 2025
The 8th annual Operation Southern Slow Down launched Monday.
Through this campaign, FDOT aims to reduce the risk of speed-related crashes by leveraging the use of enhanced enforcement of speed limits and public safety messaging about the dangers of speeding. FDOT’s Operation Southern Slow Down efforts, in partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), are part of a broader initiative involving counterpart transportation and law enforcement organizations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
“Operation Southern Slow Down is a united effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes on our roadways,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “Through increased enforcement and proactive education, FHP and our partners are working across state lines to save lives and move closer to our shared vision of zero traffic deaths.”
FHP Troop A, whose enforcement area includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, held a kickoff Monday morning at the Troop A – Panama City Station.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tommy Ray McCrory
July 15, 2025
On Sunday, July 13, 2025 we lost the best man that anyone could ever know, Tommy Ray McCrory. Tommy was born in Pensacola, Florida on September 25, 1947 to Joe and Tiny McCrory.
Tommy was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt. He made many lifelong friends through these hobbies. Anyone that knew him, knew you couldn’t ask for a better friend. Always there to help at the drop of a hat. He also loved fellowshipping with his Victory Assembly church family.
He married the love of his life Loretta Hawthorne on April 6, 1967 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They settled in Cottage Hill and raised their family.
He preceded in death by his father, Joe McCrory Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Loretta McCrory; mother, Tiny McCrory; daughter, Kathy McCrory Faust; son, Paul (Marcia) McCrory; grandsons, Justin (Caitlin) Landers and Nolan McCrory; great-grandson, Ryder Landers; and aunts, Jean Moody and Ruth Neal.
Pallbearers will be Steve Sutton, Randy Wentz, John Daugherty and Otto Ard.
Florine Blackmon Wiggins
July 15, 2025
Mrs. Florine Blackmon Wiggins, age 83, of Bratt, Florida, passed away at her home after a brief illness on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a retired seamstress from Vanity Fair in Atmore, Alabama and active member of Bratt Assembly of God Church. She loved carpentry, gardening; especially tending to her beautiful daylily beds. She also loved to traveling to Tennessee, especially visiting Cades Cove, where she made many beautiful memories with Bernie.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernie Jordan “Gator” Wiggins, her childhood sweetheart. They were married on February 14, 1970 and shared 38 ½ wonderful years together before his passing. Florine and Bernie are now united. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George Washington Blackmon and Martha Leonora Blackmon as well as her sisters; Winnie Blackmon, Connie Blackmon Garriety, Louise Blackmon Sanders and Janie Blackmon Dews; great-grandchild, Helene Bowen, along with her dear friend and neighbor Carolyn Parker.
Florine is survived by her devoted children, Dorothy Torrence Sawyer of Atmore, Alabama, David Edward Torrence, Jr. (Lorrie) of Walling Tennessee, Darlene Torrence Buckhault and Carol Wiggins Booth (Mark) of Atmore, Alabama; brother, Jerry Blackmon of Gulf Breeze, Florida; sisters-in-laws, Myrtle Wiggins Staff (Jim) and Diane Wiggins Rolin (Clarence); she was a proud grandmother to Brandy Long Hoover, Jennifer Dunn Reyes (Alex), Jarrod Long ( Ashley), Brandon Long (Nicole), Justin Long (Alicia), Felisha Buckhault Burkeen (Jason), Cecil Buckhault, Johnny Lacy, Jr. (Amy), Jordan Nelson Brown (Austin), Jarrett Nelson, David Torrence III, and Kody Torrence (Brenda); twenty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; Florine leaves behind her special niece Carissa Sheppard (Kyle) and special great-nephew Aiden Dews, as well as her dear friend Shirley Whatley.
Her life will be remembered with love and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Brother Clarence Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM until service time at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons, David Torrence III, Jarrod Long, Brandon Long, Justin Long, Cecil Buckhault and James Kimmons.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Leslie Barnes, Bobby Waller, Jim Riggs, George Macks and Kody Torrence.
Petty Funeral Homes is entrusted with all arrangements.
Barbara Ann Yoder Ward
July 15, 2025
Mrs. Barbara Ann Yoder Ward, age 74, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Mrs. Ward was born on May 10, 1951, in Sugarcreek, Ohio. She was a resident of Atmore, Alabama, for a number of years before moving to Flomaton, Alabama in 1985. She graduated high school at Earnest Ward. She worked at Vanity Fair in Atmore, Alabama, and then was a secretary for Gold Crown Camper Tops in Atmore. After she married her husband, James, in 1985 she dedicated her life to raising and taking care of her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.
She is preceeded in death by her parents – Noah and Ida Yoder; and two brothers – Roman “Sonny” Yoder and Paul Yoder.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, James Ward; two sons – Jameson (Lara) Ward and Andrew (Kayla) Ward; six grandchildren – Aleah Ward, Elijah Ward, Ryan Ward, Ellie Ward, Amelia Ward and Henry Ward; one brother – John (Brenda) Yoder; one sister – Miriam Classen.
There will be a visitation on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 10:00AM – 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11:00AM from the Chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home.
Pallbearers – Jameson Ward, Andrew Ward, Kevin Classen, Marcus Castillow, Kenny Rolin and Will Wilson
Tate Aggies Coach Next Generation At Youth Football Camp
July 14, 2025
The Tate High School Aggies held their annual Youth Football Camp last week.
During the evening camps, which culminated under the lights, campers were able to run through fundamental drills. The camp was open to players in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warm Temperatures and Afternoon Storms Ahead
July 14, 2025
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Expect a week of typical summer weather, with high temperatures in the low to mid-90s. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be a regular feature, with the highest chances for rain occurring mid-week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny with a high near 93 degrees, with a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75 degrees.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 95 degrees, and a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75 degrees and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 10 a.m., with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73 degrees and a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Thursday: High chances for showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with a high near 86 degrees and a 90 percent chance of precipitation. Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74 degrees and a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Friday: Similar to Thursday, expect showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, with more showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. The high will be near 87 degrees, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation. Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74 degrees and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees. There’s a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74 degrees.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92 degrees and a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.