New Splash Pad Coming To Flomaton
July 16, 2025
Flomaton will soon have a new splash pad.
Plans were approved this week by the Flomaton Town Council. The new splash pad will have an overall diameter of 45 feet, with a 40-foot play area.
The splash pad, which will be located behind the Flomaton Library, will feature several play elements. The total price tag will be about $25,000 from the town budget. Concrete for the project is being donated.
“This is an exciting thing for us,” Flomaton Mayor Jim Johnson said Tuesday. “It’s going to be a major local attraction, and it will draw a lot of people downtown, especially during warm downtown events like Railroad Junction Day.”
“It’s something we have wanted to do for a long time, and this year the budget was in good shape, allowing us to do this for our citizens.”
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Shot Twice Early Tuesday Morning In Century
July 15, 2025
A man was shot early Tuesday morning in Century. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened at a home on Ashford Alley, just off Mayes Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The adult male victim told deputies that he was asleep when he heard someone open his door and was then shot twice — once in the arm and once in the eye.
He then walked about a quarter mile to a residence in the 6800 block of Jefferson Avenue, passed numerous homes, before getting someone to call 911 around 3:20 a.m., according to the ECSO. The victim was transported by Escambia County EMS to the Marie McMurray Park on Pond Street and then airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to a Pensacola hospital as a “trauma alert”.
There was no one in the home on Ashford Alley when it was searched by deputies. The investigation is continuing, and not suspects have been taken into custody.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Permit Set’ Plans Filed Monday For Costco On Nine Mile Road
July 15, 2025
Plans for a new Costco store on Nine Mile Road took another step forward on Monday.
Tampa-based Thomas Engineering filed a 42-page “permit set” site construction drawings around 4 p.m. Monday with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) for a new Costco at 225 East Nine Mile Road
The first conceptual plans were filed back in June, 2024 Then, in response to DRC feedback, updated plans were filed in late October 2024. In June 2025, a county spokesperson said that that Costco “is currently under review with some state regulatory items still pending.” A DRC hearing has not yet been scheduled but could be forthcoming soon.
So far, the proposal has not gone before the DRC for consideration. Without a development order, the project can’t move forward.
What’s new?
The updated site construction plans filed Monday are a major step towards DRC consideration and potential approval.
How long does it take to build a Costco?
The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store.
“Costco Wholesale has set the bar by creating and maintaining the platinum standard in optimized rollouts: It takes just 110 days from the time construction begins to the moment doors open to their members” MG2 said. That means a new Pensacola Costco, if approved, could easily open by the end of the year.
What do the latest plans show?
The latest plans filed with Escambia County show the 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 830 parking spaces at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. That’s the site of the current Planet Fitness and a former Kmart store. It’s several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
The plans show the existing Dairy Queen, Sam’s Seafood Restaurant and Wells Fargo to remain, with a Costco gas station constructed between Sam’s Seafood and Wells Fargo in an area that is currently a parking area for the old shopping center. The current Planet Fitness building will be demolished to make room for the new Costco if it’s approved.
What happens to Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness and the rest of the old shopping center will be demolished. As we previously reported on July 1, a new Planet Fitness is under construction at 312 East Nine Mile Road, next door to Aldi. It is in the remainder of a former Winn Dixie grocery store space that was converted into an Aldi with a smaller footprint, which opened in March.
What is currently the nearest Costco to Pensacola?
The nearest currently open Costco to Pensacola is in Mobile, Alabama.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge
Portion Of West Quintette Road To Close Later This Week
July 15, 2025
About 950 feet of West Quintette Road is scheduled to be closed on Friday, according to Escambia County.
West Quintette will be closed from Dukes Drive to Highway 95A for storm drainage improvements.
The road is expected to reopen by Saturday, September 6.
It’s part of a $2.5 million project that has been underway since late March on Stacey Road. The purpose of this project is to replace the undersized drainage infrastructure from the northwest corner of Stacey Road and Quintette Road to the outfall approximately three quarters of a mile south on the east side of Stacey Road.
The project will replace the existing system with approximately 350 feet of 4-foot x 10-foot box culvert, and will include the installation of 100 feet of a 10-foot-wide paved concrete ditch upstream of the existing system,
reconstruction of three quarters of a mile of Stacey Road and the milling and resurfacing of the intersection of Stacey Road and Quintette Road, and the regrading of the existing downstream ditch.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
2025 Northview Grad, NJROTC Commander Flies Veterans In Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 15, 2025
If you attended the Friday practice for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, one of the planes you saw overhead may have been piloted by a 2025 Northview High School graduate.
Kate Stinson flew Naval T-6 and Stearmans as part of Veterans Flight 2025, with all of the veterans she flew at least 100 years old.
“I love flying because I love the sky and the feeling of being free from the ground. The vets seemed decades younger just getting to see the planes, and they were all so happy to talk about aviation,” she said. “It felt amazing to fly over the beach and be a part of the air show, and it was humbling to experience the T-6.”
Stinson was the Northview High School NJROTC commanding officer for 2024-2025. Stinson, known as ‘Kate the Great,’ completed flying lessons through the NJROTC program and took her first solo flight in June.
She plans to attend college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, commission as an officer in the Navy and become a naval aviator.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Man Ejected, Critically Injured In Chumuckla Highway Crash
July 15, 2025
A Jay man was critically injured when he was ejected during a crash on Chumuckla Highway, according to the Florida Highway patrol.
The 26-year-old man was driving his pickup truck westbound on Rolling Acres Road when he ran a stop sign at the intersection with Chumuckla Highway, troopers said. He was ejected when his pickup collided with a pickup truck driven by a 48-year-old Pace man that was traveling north on Chumuckla Highway.
The Jay man was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. The Pace man sustained minor injuries and was not transported.
File photo.
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.