Five Die In Three Baldwin County Wrecks, Two Involving Atmore Residents
December 26, 2025
The past few days have been deadly on roadways in Baldwin County with five fatalities in three crashes, including two wrecks that involved Atmore residents.
Triple Fatal
A two-vehicle crash that occurred about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday claimed three lives.
Simon Hadley, 84, of Bay Minette, was critically injured when the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving collided head-on with the 2026 Kia Niro, driven by Amaya H. Williams, 21, of Albany, Ga. Amaya Williams and Keithrick Williams, 49, of Auburn, a passenger of the Kia, were fatally injured in the crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Hadley was transported to North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette where he succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The crash occurred on I-65 near the 39 mile marker, approximately three miles south of Stapleton.
Christmas Eve Fatal
A two-vehicle crash that occurred around 1:20 a.m. on Christmas Even claimed the life of an Axis, Alabama, man. Gary W. Jordan, 48, was fatally injured when the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycle he was operating was struck by the 2022 Hyundai Sonata driven by Jemalra Williams, 21, Atmore. Jordan was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Williams was injured and transported to North Baldwin Hospital in Bay Minette for treatment.
The crash occurred on I-65 near the 43 mile market, about nine miles north of Bay Minette.
Flat Tire Fatal
A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 11:48 p.m. Tuesday claimed the life of a Bay Minette man. Leo Mitchell, Jr., 41, was fatally injured when the 2016 Toyota Camry that he was sitting in was struck by the 2018 Ford F150 driven by Jaxon T. Singleton, 21, of Atmore. The Camry was stationary in the roadway with a flat tire at the time of the initial collision.
Mitchell was pronounced deceased at the scene. Singleton was not injured during the course of the crash.
The crash occurred on Alabama 225 near the 6 mile marker, about seven miles north of Spanish Fort, Alabama, city limits,
Escambia Public Schools Collect Near 12 Tons Of Food For Manna
December 26, 2025
An Escambia County Public Schools food drive for Manna Food Pantries collected nearly 12 tons of non-perishable food items for those in need in Escambia County.
This year’s drive collected 23,557 pounds of food for Manna’s food pantry – the equivalent of 27,844 meals to our neighbors in need. Under the direction of ECPS’s Office of Community Involvement, and in conjunction with the District’s Warehouse Services department, Escambia County schools and district offices were able to deliver 29 pallets of boxes filled with food to Manna before the Christmas break.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dewayne Salter
December 26, 2025
Mr. Dewayne Salter, who was 68 years old, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was proud to be a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama, where he built a life filled with cherished memories and meaningful connections. His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was a man who found joy in the great outdoors, loving to hunt, fish, and camp whenever he could. Riding motorcycles gave him a thrill, and as a skilled mechanic, he spent over forty-five years working at Swift Lumber Company. The river was his peaceful retreat, and he cherished watching Clint Eastwood movies, often laughing alongside his family. Most of all, he adored spending time with his grandchildren, creating memories that they would carry with them forever.
He is preceded in death by several family members who will always be remembered. His parents, William Jefferson and Esther Ardis Salter, along with his four sisters—Dottie Salter Boutwell Harrison, Lottie Salter Caraway, Dorothy Salter Caraway, and Elizabeth Salter Boutwell—have passed away, as well as his brother, Charles Buddy Salter. One of his grandsons, Seth O’Neal Ramer, is also among those who have left this world before him. Their memories will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who remain.
Mr. Salter is lovingly remembered by his wife of forty-seven years, Linda Salter, who resides in Atmore, Alabama. He is also survived by his son, Ashley (Jackie) Salter, and daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Ramer, both from Atmore. In addition, he leaves behind his brother, William Salter Jr., and two sisters, Mary Janie (Pete) Caraway and Shirley (Larry) White, along with their families. Mr. Salter cherished his grandchildren—Joshua, Summer, Crimson, Shawn, Anthony, Alayna, Shawn, and Brylee—who will carry on his memory, as well as his great-grandchildren, Gracelynn and Klaisyn.
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with the Sister Helen Stewart officiating.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025 between 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Edd Harold Halford
December 26, 2025
Edd Harold Halford was 80 years old when he passed away in Pensacola on December 21, 2025. He was born in Brewton, AL on May 9, 1945 and grew up there. Edd lived in Chumuckla with his second wife Bonnie (C.) Halford and they raised two children in Cantonment. He was affectionately called Jr. by his family, and was active in church and church singings where he sang and played guitar.
Edd was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Esther Fuqua (Halford), a son Edwin Halford, and three sisters Agnes, Ann, and Edna. He is survived by Mrs. Bonnie Halford, son Jonathon and daughter Marie (Halford) Fields and their four children Grace, Hannah, Pearl and Jude.
He is also survived by a sister, Jean Gibbs, and many nephews and nieces.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2025
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s a story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
First Responders Put On Christmas Light Show For Children’s Hospital Patients
December 25, 2025
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
He will bring us goodness and light.
Local first responders gathered outside the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Christmas Eve night. Children and families inside watched as the first responders gathered outside waving, every emergency light flashing. A few minutes to say they care about the children inside and shine a little light for those who can’t be home this Christmas.
The Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia County Fire Rescue and more made Christmas a bit brighter for those in the children’s hospital.
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teacher Crochets Special Christmas Gifts For Her Second Graders
December 25, 2025
Second graders in teacher Brianna Smith’s class at Byrneville Elementary School received a very special Christmas gift.
Months ago, she gave each of them a coloring page with a simple task — color a hat with the color or colors they wanted. Then she went to work.
Brianna went to work with her crochet hook, bringing each hat to life, one stitch at a time.
The students read the book “The Hat” by Jan Brett, and Brianna presented each with their gift.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Merry Florida Christmas! Warm High In The Middle 70s Today
December 25, 2025
Here is your official NorthEscambia.com area forecast:
Christmas Day: Gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Widespread fog, mainly after 8pm. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Widespread fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Widespread fog, mainly after 7pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Widespread fog, mainly before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Widespread fog, mainly after 8pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Widespread fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog between 7pm and 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 46.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.
Photos: Jim Allen Elementary Celebrates Christmas
December 25, 2025
Jim Allen Elementary School celebrated with holiday events during December.
From holiday socks showing off those “mistleTOES”, to Reindeer Games, Santa Day, Polar Express Day, Flannel Friday and more, a variety of activities were held during the two weeks before Christmas break.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Small Hands, Big Hearts: The Magic Of School Santa Shops At Local Schools
December 25, 2025
Among the most cherished treasures to be found under any tree this year are the simple girts given by a child—the extra-special, hand-picked gifts wrapped in pure love.
Many of these heartfelt surprises are found every year in “Santa Shops” at our local schools. There, a dedicated team of “elves”— selfless PTA and PTO volunteers — guide little hands as they choose that perfect item for Mom or Dad. With a bit of ribbon and a lot of care, these volunteers help ensure every gift is perfectly packaged, ready to become a lifelong memory for families across the area.
For more photos from the Santa Shops at Byrneville and Pine Meadow elementary schools, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
