Pedestrian Injured In Molino Hit And Run
July 9, 2025
A pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run Tuesday night in Molino.
The incident was reported just after 9 p.m. in the 4200 block of Suncrest Lane, just off Sunshine Hill Road. The adult victim was later airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
Further details, including a possible vehicle description, were not available as the Florida Highway Patrol continues its investigation.
File photo.
Beulah Road At Beulah Church Road Closed For Drainage Work
July 9, 2025
Beulah Road was temporarily closed Sunday at the Beulah Church Road intersection. It is expected to remain closed through July 24.
The closure is required for crews to construct drainage improvements. Signage is in place for a detour using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway, and Nine Mile Road.
The overall project will include
- Constructing a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side of Beulah Road from the Beulah Academy of Science to Nine Mile Road.
- Various sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, including Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
- Improvements at the Beulah Road at Nine Mile Road intersection.
- Stormwater management enhancements.
- Utility relocations.
- Guardrail installation.
- Signalization upgrades.
- New signing and pavement markings.
FDOT anticipates that the full project will be complete in late 2026.
Late Comeback Not Enough In 7-5 Wahoos Loss To Clingstones
July 9, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos nearly dug themselves out of an early hole, but couldn’t complete their comeback in a 7-5 loss to the Columbus Clingstones on Tuesday night.
The Clingstones broke a scoreless tie with a six-run fourth inning, capped by a grand slam from E.J. Exposito for his first Double-A home run.
That would be the only rough spot for Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 4-5), who set a career high with nine strikeouts over a season-high 6.0 innings despite the losing decision.
Clingstones starter Lucas Braun, staked to a 6-0 lead, was unable to qualify for the win as Tony Bullard lined a comebacker off his pitching arm in the fifth inning. Jose Cuas (W, 1-1) picked up the win in relief, allowing the first Pensacola run on a wild pitch but delivering 1.2 innings on short notice.
The Blue Wahoos mounted a rally in the eighth, as Nathan Martorella laced a solo homer to right field to trim the deficit to 7-2. Bullard lined a two-run double and Dalvy Rosario brought in a run with a groundout, drawing the score to 7-5. Elison Joseph (S, 3) entered with the tying run at the plate, recorded the final two outs in the eighth, and worked a spotless ninth to seal the 7-5 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Wednesday. First pitch from Synovus Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT (6:05 p.m. CDT).
State Warns That Subscription Scams Are On The Rise – Don’t Take The Bait
July 9, 2025
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning consumers to be on high alert for a growing wave of email subscription scams. Cybercriminals are targeting Floridians with phishing emails posing as legitimate streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and others, all in an attempt to steal personal information and credit card numbers.
“These scams look real — but they’re designed to trick you into taking the bait and handing over sensitive information,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “We want Floridians to recognize the red flags and protect themselves before they click.”
The fraudulent emails often mimic the branding of popular subscription services and will use scare tactics, such as claiming your account has been locked or payment has failed. The goal: get you to click a malicious link or share your financial information.
FDACS offers these tips to help spot a phishing scam before it’s too late:
- Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that look official but aren’t. If it doesn’t come from the service’s verified domain — like @netflix.com — don’t trust it.
- Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Reputable companies don’t send sloppy emails.
- Be cautious with links. If you receive an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or open the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.
- Beware of urgent language. Phrases like “Your account will be locked!” are designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking.
- Go straight to the source. When in doubt, open the app or type the website directly into your browser. Never click through an email you weren’t expecting.
Consumers who believe they’ve received a scam email or have been targeted by a phishing scheme can report it to the FDACS Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA
Orbin Albritton
July 9, 2025
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 children and daughter-in-law, Wyatt (Sara) Albritton and Erin Albritton; his granddaughter, Scarlett Albritton; siblings, Rhonda (Sean) Fillingim, Sandra (Dick) Whiteside, Michael (Laura) Albritton, and Steve (Susan) Albritton; and nieces, Destiny and Shawna Fillingim.
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.
William “Mack” DuBose
July 9, 2025
William “Mack” DuBose, a man known for his life lessons and tireless devotion to his family, was born on August 22,1966. On July 1, 2025, Mack passed peacefully in his home in Cantonment, Florida. He was the son of William and Eleanor DuBose, born in Andalusia Alabama.
Mack was married to the love of his life, Veronica “Michelle” DuBose, for 36 ½ years. Together they had three beautiful children and nine adored grandchildren. He lived life to the fullest, loving his family with every breath he took.
Mack devoted his life to providing for his family each and every day. He had an infectious laugh and was a man of integrity, who believed in doing the right thing even when no one was watching. Mack enjoyed taking the people he loved most on lavish vacations, days on the boat with his family, and Alabama football. You could often times find Mack dancing the night away at the American Legion, watching his grandkids play sports, or spending long days in his garden.
Mack learned the value of hard work and dedication from his own parents. These values led him down a long road in the electrical field which eventually led him to become the Senior Vice President of Burkes Electrical. He was a humble man who loved his work family dearly. He believed that no matter what your position was, you were to always be treated with respect.
Whether it was being a father figure to many or lending a helping hand, Mack’s presence made life feel grounded. To his wife, Mack was her rock, her protector, and her always and forever. To his children, he was Superman, their
confidant, and the magic behind Christmas morning. To his grandchildren, he was a story-teller, their champion, and their biggest supporter. To his siblings, he was a devoted brother, a shoulder to lean on, and their forever friend.
Mack was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eleanor DuBose; and his granny, Clara Evelyn McGhee.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Veronica “Michelle” DuBose; his three children, Chasitie (Ajay) Martin, Jordan (Hunter) Tisdale, and Caul (Lindsay) DuBose; grandchildren, Garrett Thomas, Kimree Alexa, Eleanor Capri, Elvis Beau, John (Tripp) Anthony, Evelyn Frances, William Cash, Mack Ace, and Eloise Carter; siblings, Rebecca (Aaron) Turner and Lisa (Mike) Barnes; aunt, Sarah McGhee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins that he loved very much.
David Earl Weng
July 9, 2025
David Earl Weng, 87, of Molino, Florida, passed away on July 4, 2025. He was born on August 13, 1937 in Hillsboro, North Dakota to Ragnar and Matilda Weng.
David was a great man. He was dearly loved by his family and never met a stranger. David loved his country; so much so that he gave 30 years of his life to the Navy as an aviation mechanic. He was a man of many talents. He loved carpentry, woodworking, horses, and most animals, but most of all, he loved his wife and family.
David was preceded in death by his father, Ragnar Weng; mother, Mathilda Bierrman Weng; and his sister, Marie Jalbert.
David is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Imigean T. Weng; children, Ray Tinch (Margie), Cynthia Banister (Ralph), Dana Rausch (Joanne), Gary Weng (Tanya), and Russell Weng (Barbara); grandchildren, Sarah Tinch, Matthew Tinch (Jessica), Audra Lyons (Steven), Cody Banister, Kari Tyree (Mike), Aaron Rausch, Tyler Weng (Kaitlyn), David Weng (Luis); 14 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Donald Weng, Richard Weng, and Robert Weng.
Funeral Services will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory North in Cantonment, Florida on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home for the visitation.
Charles Wayne Funk
July 9, 2025
Charles Wayne Funk, 84, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away June 27th of this year. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Bernard and Romaine (Whitey) Funk. He was married to Peggy Chamberlain on August 22, 1964. He is survived by his wife, loving daughter Holly and son Michael as well as grumpy pup Max and adoring girl pup, Misha.
He grew up in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania graduating from Williamsburg High School in 1959 from Penn State University in 1963 and was a loyal fan. In 1964 he joined the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant which began a 20 year career which included assignments in Denver, Colorado, Bitburg, Germany, Edwards AFB California, Boston Massachusetts, San Antonio Texas, Aviano, Italy, and finally in Montgomery, Alabama where Wayne retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. After retiring from the Air Force, Wayne joined the staff of Troy State University at the Montgomery location where he headed the computer division for 17 years.
Wayne loved sports. From his college days he played golf with friends and was fortunate enough to play some beautiful courses in Luxembourg while stationed in Germany. His love for tennis began in Texas, but continued playing against local Italian sports clubs during his assignment in Italy. While in Montgomery, Wayne played on Air Force tennis teams in competition and Senior Olympic tennis. Wayne had a group of local tennis players who regularly played local tournaments. This group, the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) played tennis, but enjoyed each other’s company at breakfasts! Wayne was a bowler, a coach for his children’s basketball teams in Italy, a wood worker who created a toy box for Mike, doll house for Holly, a butcher block for Peggy and a beautiful desk for himself.
Wayne was meticulous for details creating spreadsheets for finances, health data, and appointments which was perfect for his work as the previous President of his HOA. He also did administrative work for the Senior Follies and worked behind the scene in their performances. In order to create these documents he would often make notes on napkins or scraps of available paper.
He was a regular visitor to the Waffle House and Denny’s and loved to talk with the people who worked there.
Wayne was a wonderful provider who gave his family a window to the world. He was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
A Gathering of Friends will be held at Faith Chapel, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533 on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to MD Anderson Hospital would be appreciated.
Escambia School Grades Released. See How Your Child’s School Scored.
July 8, 2025
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) released district and school grades on Monday, and Escambia County Public Schools maintained a grade of “B”.
In Escambia County, 86% of schools upheld or exceeded their performance last year. Warrington Prep, Navy Point and Global Learning Academy were “D” schools.
In the North Escambia area, Byrneville Elementary, Beulah Middle School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Northview High School each improved from a “C” to a “B”. Beulah Academy of Science and Ransom Middle School both improved from a “B” to an “A”.
Here are the school grades for Escambia County Public Schools. North Escambia area schools are listed first, and the entire list is in the graphic at the bottom of the story.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Beulah Elementary School — remained at B
- Bratt Elementary School — remained at B
- Byrneville Elementary School — improved from C to B
- Jim Allen Elementary School — fell from A to B
- Kingsfield Elementary School — remained an A
- Lipscomb Elementary School — remained at B
- McArthur Elementary School — fell from A to B
- Molino Park Elementary School — remained an A
- Pine Meadow Elementary School — remained an A
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Beulah Academy of Science — improved from B to an A
- Beulah Middle School — improved from C to B
- Ernest Ward Middle School — improved from C to B
- Ransom Middle School — improved from B to an A
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview High School — improved from C to B
- Tate High School — remained at B
- West Florida High School — remained an A
All Escambia County School grades:
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Escambia Commissioners, City Of Pensacola To Hold Joint Meeting On Bay Center’s Future
July 8, 2025
Escambia County and the City of Pensacola will hold a joint meeting later this week to discuss the future of the Pensacola Bay Center.
The meeting is set for 9 a.m. Thursday at the Bay Center.
County commissioners, city council members, and Mayor D.C. Reeves are expected to discuss establishing an Escambia County Bay Center and Environs Advisory Committee, and there will be an open discussion on the Bay Center.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.