$1.3 Million Federal Grant Awarded For New Community Center In Cantonment
July 14, 2025
Escambia County has received a $1.3 million RESTORE Act grant to construct a new community center in Cantonment.
The Cantonment community center will serve as a hub for workforce development, adult education, tutoring, senior services, and community gatherings. Seasonal programming trends indicate strong demand for health and wellness activities from January through May, shifting to youth camps and sports activities during the summer months. Once completed, the center will also co-locate essential social service providers, strengthening community support systems.
Cantonment does not currently have a county-owned community center.
The 3,250 square feet modular building will be located in Carver Park at Webb and Washington streets.
For nearly a decade, the very active Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC) has operated from a much smaller 600-squar- foot building that was dedicated as the Carver Park Resource Center. They have used the small space for computer instruction, food distributions, after-school programs, and meetings.
The community center will be a single-story modular construction similar to a building dedicated at the Ashton-Brosnaham Park (pictured at bottom).
“I am so pleased to see this project finally come to fruition. It’s an exciting day for the CIC, the Carver Park community and the greater Cantonment area. I know the community center, with the help of the CIC, will change people’s lives. It’s going to be outfitted with leading-edge technology for community use,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said when the design was approved. ” I can’t wait to see how it changes the futures and the trajectories of some of the young people in the community.”
The new facility will be located in the area of the existing Carver Park Resource Center and will be capable of accommodating a medium to large dividable meeting room, a warming kitchen, office space, a computer area and a storage room that can be utilized for food distribution, according to the county.
The current resource building will be moved and remain on site next to the parking lot for the new facility.
A date to commence construction has not been announced.
Pictured top: The new site design concept for a new Carver Park Community Center in Cantonment (click to enlarge). Pictured inset: The 2015 ribbon cutting of the current Carver Park Resource Center. Pictured below: U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz meets with local citizens inside the current cramped resource center in 2018. Pictured bottom: A similar building at Ashton-Brosnaham Park during last year’s SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
July 14, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and project in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – The week of Sunday, July 13, Beulah Road will be temporarily closed at the Beulah Church Road intersection for a period of 18 days for drainage construction. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 13 through Thursday, July 17, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, July 13, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, will be closed for a period of 14 days for stormwater management improvements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- 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.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, July 13, 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 paving operations.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, July 13 through Thursday, July 17 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, July 13, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- 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.
- 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, July 13 through Thursday, July 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 13 through Friday, July 18 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 – Between Sunday, July 13 and Friday, July 18, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Beginning Monday, July 14, I-10 east and westbound travel lanes will be shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10).
- Intermittent I-10 eastbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 9 and 10 for barrier wall adjustments.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- 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.
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Turn Lane Operations South of Cedar Tree Lane – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside southbound lane closures Sunday, July 13 through Thursday, July 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
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, July 13 through Thursday, July 17, 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, July 13 through Thursday, July 17, 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, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete repair work and paving operations.
- 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, July 13, through Friday, July 18, 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.
See All The Photo Highlights From All Three Days Of The Blue Angels
July 14, 2025
Huge crowds watched the Blue Angels and the Pensacola Beach Airshow this year, possibly setting record attendance records.
NorthEscambia was there with photographer Perry Doggrell bringing our readers exciting and unique photos for three days. The photos from Thursday were especially unique and unlike what local fans are accustomed to seeing, taken from on-board the USCGC Barbara Mabrity, the Coast Guard ship in the Gulf that serves as the center point for the show. Doggrell even caught a rare view of the Blue Angels’ Fat Albert and an osprey—not the military kind, but the bird.
Here’s a look back at the photos:
- Thursday Practice Show photos (from the USCG ship), click here.
- Friday Dress Rehearsal, click here.
- Saturday Pensacola Beach Air Show, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Jackson Lafayette Sharpless Jr.
July 14, 2025
Jackson Lafayette Sharpless Jr., age 89, passed away on July 13, 2025.
He was born on July 6, 1936 to Jackson Lafayette Sr. and Thelma Viola Bratcher Sharpless of Atmore, AL. He was the fifth of eight children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Carlton Sharpless, and his sisters Waldene Sharpless Argroves, Joyce Sharpless Hogg, and Carolyn Sharpless Smith. He is survived by his wife of 61 & ½ years, Betty Philyaw Sharpless; his siblings, Ronnie (Margaret) Sharpless, Lynn Fralick, and Brenda (David) Cruce; his sons, Glenn (Jeannie) Sharpless, Larry (Shellie) Sharpless, and Allen (Gina) Sharpless; his grandchildren, Brandon (Ally) Sharpless, Jay (Mahryn) Sharpless, Aaron Sharpless, Samantha (Tony) Corley, and Andrew (Maggie) Sharpless; and eight great-grandchildren.
He enjoyed woodworking over the years, and was a faithful member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and served as a deacon.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, with a service following at 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Sardis Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Gideons International.
Wahoos Head Into All-Star Break In First Place
July 14, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
After splitting the six game set in Columbus, the Wahoos head into the All-Star break in first place in the Southern League South division at 10-7 in the second half, and 44-42 overall.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Columbus Clingstones 4-1 in their final game before the four-day All-Star break on Sunday afternoon.
Dax Fulton (L, 4-7) made his 14th start of the year for the Blue Wahoos, and was tagged for four runs over 3.2 innings. The southpaw picked up seven strikeouts, totaling seven or more for the third time in 2025.
Columbus picked up a run in each of their first two trips to the plate, as David McCabe started the scoring with an RBI single up the middle in the first. Kobe Kato followed up in the second inning, sending a double out to right to bring home Cal Conley for the game’s second run.
The Clingstones picked up two more in the fourth inning, as Conley scored from third after Kevin Kilpatrick collided with Blue Wahoos shortstop Johnny Olmstead on a stolen base. Kilpatrick later scored on a single from Drew Compton to extend the Columbus lead to 4-0.
Cody Morissette knocked in the Blue Wahoos’ lone run of the afternoon in the seventh, serving a fly ball to shallow left field for a single to score Nathan Martorella.
Columbus starter Lucas Braun worked 3.0 perfect innings on four days’ rest before departing. Ian Mejia (W, 9-1) carried the load against the Wahoos on Sunday with three shutout innings in relief, while Brian Moran (S, 1) tossed two scoreless innings to finish the series.
The Pensacola bullpen hurled 4.1 innings of shutout work, as Orlando Ortiz-Mayr and Josh Ekness combined to give up only two total hits in relief.
Following the All-Star break, the Blue Wahoos will return to Pensacola for a three game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts starting Friday, July 18t
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hit Two-Month Low, Rise A Few Cents Locally
July 14, 2025
On average, AAA says Florida drivers are paying the lowest gas prices in two months. The state average has declined for the past 10 consecutive days, falling a total of 19 cents per gallon.
On Sunday, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $2.94 per gallon. That’s down 14 cents from last week, 2 cents below last month, and 58 cents less than this time last year.
In Escambia County the average per gallon price Sunday was $2.90, which is a couple of center higher than a month ago, but 43 cents lower than a year ago.
A low price of $2.72 was available Sunday at the warehouse clubs In North Escambia, Sunday’s low price was $2.79 at several stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida drivers may feel some relief from the recent downturn at the pump, but that break may not last much longer,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices in Florida often follow a pattern of falling for about 10 days, then spiking by as much as 20 cents. With oil and gasoline futures climbing again, it’s likely we’ll see upward pressure on retail prices in the coming days.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Orbin Burgas Albritton
July 14, 2025
Orbin Burgas Albritton
Born September 18, 1973 in Austell Georgia
Died July 5, 2025 in Pensacola Florida
Orbin Albritton was a Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend. He served the state for 25 years as a corrections officer in Century, Florida. He grew up on his parent’s farm in Molino, FL, taking care of livestock, mending fences, and growing crops. He had his first car and job when he was 13 years old working for a farmer down the road picking produce in the fields for a few dollars an hour. He graduated from Tate High School in 1992. Out of high school, he started laying carpet and tile. Then, with his certificate in welding, he received a job with Better Built. In 1999, he started working as a corrections officer and worked there until he retired in 2024 as a Sergeant. He enjoyed the people he worked with and spoke highly of them.
Orbin’s witty personality and humor was always there. You would be hard pressed to find a person he had met or talked to that he didn’t make laugh at least once. No one knows this better than his friends and family. Some of his favorite times were cooking with his mother, Linda Albritton, taking his children to the fair, Blue Angels show, the river, the rodeo, or any place or event that he knew they would have a good time. He was the proudest of his children, Wyatt and Erin Albritton, and the people he raised them to be. His joy later in life came from his Granddaughter, Scarlett Albritton, and spending time with her every chance he could.
After Orbin’s parents had passed, he found new family and love with the Sweetings. He enjoyed every second and minute with his love, Nichole Sweeting. Nichole and Orbin would travel, go to concerts, and enjoy time together. Orbin thought of her son, Brody Ragsdale, as his own and was proud to watch him turn into a fine young man. Orbin and Brody shared a love of football and bonded over sports. Nichole’s parents, Charlie and Joyce Sweeting, loved Orbin like a son. Many holidays were spent together at their house enjoying food and football.
Orbin was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Linda Albritton. Orbin is survived by his love, Nichole Sweeting; children and daughter-in-law, Wyatt (Sara) Albritton, Erin Albritton and Brody Ragsdale; his granddaughter, Scarlett Albritton; siblings, Rhonda (Sean) Fillingim, Sandra (Dick) Whiteside, Michael (Laura) Albritton, and Steve (Susan) Albritton; nieces, Destiny and Shawna Fillingim; and in-laws, Charlie and Joyce Sweeting.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory North. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Michael Albritton, Wyatt Albritton, Matt Ramsey, Jason Sims, Brody Ragsdale, and Nolan Lorenzana.
Jason Peter Wallington
July 14, 2025
Jason Peter Wallington, 65 of Atmore, Alabama passed away June 24th, 2025. Jason was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 27th, 1960 to David and Nancy Wallington. In 2020, he married his wife of 5 years, Denise Wallington. Jason was a proud Michigan State Graduate and forever fan of his favorite Spartans. He worked in Sales for Postema Appliance Warehouse in Grandville, Michigan for numerous years. After leaving Postema, he owned the Channel Stop Marina in Coldwater, Michigan until his retirement. Jason had a passion for sports and enjoyed umpiring softball and baseball for many years. Jason’s love of adventure brought immense joy to him that included numerous cruises, beach trips and casino visits with his wife Denise. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his beloved children and grandchildren.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, David Wallington: mother, Nancy Premo Wallington; and beloved uncle, Dr. Daniel Premo.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Wallington; son, Jason (Aryelle) Wallington II; daughter, Marjorie (Tyler) Cole; son, Jonathan (Katarina) Wallington; stepson, Gavin (Kari) Garner; stepdaughter, Rachel (Dustin) Thames; and stepson, Justin Garner; 5 grandchildren, Cameron Cole, Annalyn Wallington, Cora Dunigan, Kayleigh Thames and Philip Thames; sister, Joy (Ken) Markowicz; brother, Jeff (Sally) Wallington; special mother-in-law (Mom), Mollie McLeod; aunt, Rita Premo; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jason also leaves behind his beloved companion dog, Gracie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2025 at the East Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 1005 Giddings Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. A fellowship with family and friends will be held immediately following the service at Schnitz Ada Grill in Ada, Michigan from 2:30-4:30 p.m. An open house reception with family and friends will also be held on August 2nd, 2025 at Jason and Denise’s home, 114 Stokley Court in Atmore, Alabama from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made on his behalf to either the American Heart Association or the Humane Society.
Thousands Attend Saturday Blue Angels Air Show (With Gallery)
July 13, 2025
Tens of thousands of people attended Saturday’s official Pensacola Beach Air Show.
The show featured demonstration aircraft and our very own Blue Angels.
For a photo gallery from Saturday, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click here.
Woman Charged With A Felony After Alleged Altercation With Escambia Deputy In Cantonment
July 13, 2025
A woman was charged with this week with an altercation with an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy in Cantonment.
Savannah Hale, 21, was arrested at her mother’s residence on Winners Circle in Cantonment after the altercation with law enforcement. The incident began when Hale called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report an unrelated matter but escalated into a physical confrontation with a deputy.
She was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer and later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
According to the arrest report, the deputy arrived at the scene and approached Hale, who was sitting in a white Hyundai Elantra. Upon rolling down the window, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol. The report states Hale exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech, unsteady movements, and glossy eyes. Concerned that she might attempt to drive, Deputy Hernandez asked her to step out of the vehicle and called for backup.
While waiting for additional units,Hale reportedly became argumentative and physically confrontational. She scratched the deputy’s left wrist and punctured his right cheek with a ring on her hand, the arrest report states. The deputy restrained Hale by forcing her to the ground, and she was subsequently handcuffed by another responding deputy.
Deputies said the vehicle Hale was in contained several empty alcohol containers, including Beatbox and Four Loko beverages.