Hundreds Of Families Received A Back To School Helping Hand
August 10, 2025
Hundreds of families received a little extra boost with the big distribution Saturday morning at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Families received food from Farm Share and backpacks filled with school supplies.
The distribution was held by Rep. Michelle Salzman and a coalition of community sponsors and partners, including the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Many other groups volunteered, including Tate High School baseball.
“Today’s food distribution and back to school backpack giveaway was a beautiful reminder that when we set aside the background noise and focus on what truly matters, we can make a real difference,” Salzman said. “Moments like these show the power of coming together to support our neighbors, lift each other up, and make the world a better place one act of kindness at a time.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dominant White Earns First Double-A Win in 6-1 Wahoos Victory
August 10, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
Thomas White took a no-hitter through 5.2 innings, struck out nine Montgomery Biscuits batters over a career-high 6.0 frames, and earned his first Double-A win as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos snapped a four-game losing skid with a 6-1 win on Saturday night.
White (W, 1-1), the top prospect in the Miami Marlins organization, allowed only two harmless walks before Homer Bush Jr. broke up his no-hit bid with a soft single into center field with two outs in the sixth inning. White has now struck out 30 batters over 15.2 innings in his last three starts, allowing only two total earned runs in the process.
Biscuits starter Ty Johnson (L, 5-5) matched White zero for zero in the early innings, allowing only a single and a walk through 5.0 frames. Spencer Bramwell led off the sixth with a single, advanced on a Michael Snyder hit, took third on a Cody Morissette bunt, and scored on a Fenwick Trimble sacrifice fly for a 1-0 Blue Wahoos lead in the sixth.
White, who had never pitched beyond 5.1 innings in his professional career, stranded two in the bottom of the sixth to complete his outing on a high note. The Pensacola offense then tacked on four runs in the top of the seventh with a two-out rally, started by Yiddi Cappe’s first Double-A hit. Eric Rataczak singled Cappe home, and Bramwell capped the inning with a three-run homer to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 5-0.
Though the Biscuits pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh on a Kamren James RBI single, the Blue Wahoos added a run back in the ninth on another Rataczak RBI single before Will Kempner closed out a 6-1 win by getting the final six outs. Kempner has now pitched 19.0 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to June 24, and has not allowed a run in 12 straight appearances.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos gain a game on Montgomery and now lead the Biscuits in the second half South Division race with 32 games to play.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 3:33 p.m.
Frances Godwin Carnley
August 10, 2025
Frances Godwin Carnley, 94, of Lakeland, FL, died peacefully at home with family by her side on August 8, 2025.
She was born and raised in Bratt, FL to James Thomas and Nancy Jane Hulion Godwin and was the youngest of nine siblings. Frances attended Ernest Ward High school before attending Christ Faith Mission in Saugus, CA. There she met and married the love of her life, Jack M. Carnley. They began a lifelong journey of ministry in 1953 that included attending Southeastern University, and pastoring three churches in Virginia (Ewing, Valleyview, and St. Paul Assembly of God). Frances loved family and people and served faithfully in the churches and district where her husband pastored.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Jack, her husband of 56 years, daughter Karen Patrick, grandson Christian Patrick, sisters Ola Peebles, Lillie Stanley, Lizzie Edwards, Claudia Blackmon, and Nellie Trog; brothers Leslie, Wesley, and David Godwin and nephew who was raised as a brother, Lee Godwin. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Thomas and husband Gilbert, her son James Carnley, grandsons Gilbert and wife Andrea Thomas, Jackson and wife Suzie Thomas, Thad Patrick, granddaughter, Keri Bentley, great grandchildren, Chloe, Conner, Mia, Oliver, and Ava.
Services will be in Jay, Florida, but date and time are pending.
Special thanks to Trinity Home Services and Vitas for the compassionate and loving care given. You are angels from above and have become family.
Mallory ‘Bonzie’ Kermit Gibson, Jr.
August 9, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Matt Gibson, a man whose kindness, generosity, and love for others will be remembered forever. Matt left us far too soon, but we find comfort in imagining that God had a special job for him—perhaps touching up the heavens with his painter’s brush, blending the colors of eternity just right.
Matt was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering on his team through every high and low. His passion for football was matched only by his passion for helping others. Known for his big heart, Matt would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need—often without a second thought.
He spent his professional life as a talented painter, taking pride in his craft and in the beauty he left behind in every project. His work was not only a career but an art form, a reflection of his patience and skill.
Matt is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Brunelle; his brothers and sisters, Randall Gibson, James Gibson, Terry Smith, Pamela Sanders, and Annette Franklin; his children, Miranda Gibson, Dalton Gibson, Jesse Gibson, Cody Gibson, Timberly Carey, and Tonya Taylor; and his beloved grandchildren, Elijayah Salter, Rosalina Curry, Adrianna Taylor, Jackson Taylor and Jayce Gibson.
He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Mallory Gibson, Darieon Gibson, Owen Gibson, Brittney Gibson, Tamara Gibson, Amber Gibson, Wesley Gibson, Devon Whitbey, DJ Whitbey, Jason Smith, Brandon Smith, Abby Smith, Gracie Smith, Zachary Smith, Alexis Smith, and Gabby Smith. Each one held a special place in his heart.
Matt’s legacy is one of generosity, laughter, and love. Though our hearts are broken, we know the world is more colorful because he was in it—and heaven is surely brighter now that he’s there with a paintbrush in hand.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on August 16 at 10:00 AM at West Florida Funeral Home at 1200 W Gadsden St. Pensacola, FL 32501 followed by a short graveside service at Whitmire Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to share stories, remember his life, and honor the man who gave so much to everyone around him.
“Perhaps they needed a painter in heaven,
To make the golden streets shine.
God called you home to add your touch,
And left your colors here with mine.”
Tax Collector’s Molino Office To Become Appointment Only
August 9, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Molino and Downtown offices will transition to serving customers by appointment only, beginning Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in an effort to enhance efficiency and reduce wait times.
“We’re committed to providing our community with efficient and accessible services,” said Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford. “Offering appointments at these locations allows us to better manage demand and give residents the quality service they expect. Our goal is to eliminate spikes in traffic and decrease or eliminate long wait times.”
Many tax collector services are available online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com, including:
- Tag renewals
- Electronic title printing
- Property tax payments
- Business tax receipt renewals
In addition, drive-thru services are available at the Molino, Brentwood, and Downtown offices, providing another fast and convenient option for completing transactions. There is no additional fee to pay online using an eCheck.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Scattered Mostly Afternoon Showers For The Weekend
August 9, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 86. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Blood Drive Today At The Molino Library
August 9, 2025
The Big Red Bus will be at the Molino Library today, August 9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for a OneBlood blood drive.
Donors will receive an eGift card. Donors will also receive a wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening. An ID is required.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
NorthEscambai.com file photo.
Two Injured, One Charged With Attempted Murder in Atmore Shooting
August 9, 2025
Two people were shot Thursday evening in Atmore, and a suspect was arrested soon after for attempted murder.
Jamyron Jawuan Anderson, age 22 of Atmore, was charged with two felony counts of attempted murder and one count of discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton and later released on bond.
About 5 p.m. Thursday, the Atmore Police Department responded to the 300 block of Everette Street after receiving several 911 calls of shots fired. They arrived to find that two people had been shot. One victim was transported to a trauma center with non-life threatening injuries. The second victim was grazed by a bullet and treated at the scene.
“The incident stemmed from a long-running domestic issue between two other parties,” Atmore Police said.
Editor’s note: For unknown reasons, Anderson’s mug shot was not made available by the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
Northview And Tate Chapters Named 3-Star Chapters In National Chapter Program
August 9, 2025
Both the Tate and Northview High School FFA Chapters have been named 3 Star Chapters, in the 2025 National Chapter Award program, by the Florida FFA Association announced on Friday.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.
Confirmed Rabid Fox Bites Atmore Resident; Second Person Also Being Treated
August 9, 2025
An Escambia resident was attacked and bitten by a fox on August 7 outside the victim’s residence on Highway 31 in Atmore. Another person was present at the time of the incident and came in direct physical contact with the fox. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department was notified of the incident, and a rabies investigation was begun.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated. Both persons are receiving appropriate medical attention, and the victim is receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. No additional exposures have been identified at this time.
“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals, since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a risk and a public health threat,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, said. “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
It is very common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with a wild rabid animal. Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.
RELATED STORY: Flomaton Police Warn Residents of Possible Rabid Fox Sightings