Driver’s License Driving Exams Available Saturday, July 12 During Special Event
July 8, 2025
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours on Saturday, July 12 for driver’s license driving exams for new drivers.
The exams will be offered at the Brentwood office at 5045 N Palafox Street.
Click here to request an appointment.
Appointments are for first time drivers who are residents of Escambia County and who are taking the test for the first time.
File photo.
Charles Austin Lowery
July 8, 2025
Charles Austin Lowery, Colonel, US Army (Ret.), 88, of Bratt, FL, passed away July 5, 2025, in Bay Minette, AL. Charles was born April 20, 1937 to Barney Lee Lowery and Dorothy Burgess Lowery in Little Rock, AL. In his early years, Charles served in the United States Army National Guard as a Colonel and later retired. He also retired as a technician for the NAS medical research lab. He was an active member of Bratt Assembly of God. Charles
loved gardening and spending time making memories with his family, whom he loved dearly.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents; his son; Bruce Lowery, his brothers; Robert Lowery, Bill Ray Lowery, John Edward Lowery, and Toby Davis, his sisters; Christine Hicks, Louise Fore, and Bessie Ray Allen.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 70 years; Reita O’Farrell Lowery, his daughters; Sandra (Sammy) Day of Atmore, AL, and Robin (Todd) Parker of Walnut Hill, FL, his son; Charles Alan (Becky) Lowery of Bratt, FL, and his daughter-in-law; Julie Van Pelt Brantley of Spanish Fort, AL, his nine grandchildren; Kelly Day (Jason) Gurganus, Natalie (Roland) Sandoval, Cody (Leigh Ann) Parker, Dustin Parker, Charles “Jake” (Danielle)
Lowery, Austin (Mollie) Lowery, Bradley (Kelsy) Lowery, Michael (Rachel) Lowery, Jessica Lowery, and eleven great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Charles Austin Lowery will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL, with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be Jake Lowery, Austin Lowery, Cody Parker, Dustin Parker, Bradley Lowery, and Michael Lowery.
Visitation for Mr. Lowery will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
John Harold Eck
July 8, 2025
John Harold Eck was born on December 28, 1943, to John Eck and Edna Hiebert Eck in Haskell County, Kansas. He peacefully passed away on July 2, 2025, reaching the age of 81 years.
Dad was raised on the family farm near Copeland, Kansas, as the fourth oldest of 15 children. He had good memories of growing up in a rural setting on the home place and attending school at the one room Independence school.
He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, on January 11, 1956 by Minister Orlan Wedel. His conversion experience was clear to him, which he always appreciated.
After receiving his primary education, he attended Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, which helped prepare him for teaching special needs children and working at a mental health hospital in Aurora, Colorado. After his time in Colorado, he went on a six-month motorcycle tour of Europe which provided him with a lot of experiences that he enjoyed sharing throughout the years.
Following his travels Dad moved to Walnut Hill, Florida. While working there, Dad recommitted his life to the Lord and was faithful to his vows until the end. During this time in Florida, he fell in love with our mother Latayne Ann Sigafoose. They were married on December 21, 1975 by Minister Wilbert Peters. Our folks were blessed with three children. We always felt Dad’s love, support, and interest in our lives which meant so much to us.
Dad liked growing plants from an early age which inspired his lifelong occupation of being a farmer. He enjoyed improving land and watching his crops grow and took satisfaction in a job well done. Dad worked hard and provided well for us as a family. He had a generous nature and was blessed for it throughout his life.
Dad’s interests included reading, railroads and trains, growing flowers, gospel tract work, visiting friends and neighbors, and providing encouragement and a listening ear to young people.
He looked forward each week to attending Church and Sunday School. His relationship with God was important to him, and provided an anchor throughout his life, leaving us an example to follow.
In later years, as Dad’s health declined, God granted him a softness of spirit and a resignation to whatever the future held. We are thankful that he is at rest and look forward to meeting him in Heaven.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Latayne; three children: Silas and Stephanie, Prescott Valley, Arizona; Emily and Warren Wiebe, Linden, Alberta; Abigail and Quenton Unruh, Atwater, California; nine grandchildren; siblings: Judith Sigafoose, Evalena and Galen Litwiller, Bonnie and Jerry Haynes, Barbara Unruh, Jeanette and Milton Koehn, Carol and Doug Seiler, Anita Haynes, Steven and Leonida Eck, Helen Redding, Charles and Bethany Eck, Mitzi and Paul Dykast, Ernest and Patricia Eck; and sister-in-law, Brooxene Koehn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, one brother, one sister, and four brothers-in-law
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, Walnut Hill, Florida. Ministers Carlos Koehn, Ben Koehn, Brian Decker, and Darin Litwiller officiated. Internment will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens, Walnut Hill, Florida.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
FHP Identifies Driver in Double Fatal Perdido Key Crash As Off-Duty Deputy
July 7, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed Monday afternoon that an off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy struck and killed two pedestrians Saturday morning on Perdido Key.
“We can confirm the vehicle involved was an unmarked Escambia County Patrol Car with the law enforcement officer returning home from an off-duty job. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office employee was not actively patrolling nor on duty.,” FHP Captain Jason King said. “The Florida Highway Patrol remains diligent and focused on our investigation into this crash, as we are with all of the ones we unfortunately have to work.”
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Perdido Key Drive near River Road, when the unmarked law enforcement vehicle, driven by a 47-year-old Pensacola man, struck the pedestrians as they were crossing the roadway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pedestrians, a 20-year-old Hoover man and a 20-year-old Calera woman, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle driver was not injured.
No charges have been filed, as the the FHP investigation continues. FHP does not release names of those involved in traffic crashes.
Davisville And Gulf Beach Highway Convenience Store Burglaries Under Investigation
July 7, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two convenience store burglaries on opposite ends of the county that they believe may have been committed by the same suspect.
As employees arrived Monday morning to open the Marathon at Highway 97 and Nokomis Road in Davisville, they discovered an overnight burglary. The burglar smashed the front door of the business and took cigarettes and a bank bag, according to the ECSO.
The suspect was wearing dark clothing and a face covering.
The ECSO said the same suspect is believed to be responsible for another similar convenience store burglary over the weekend on Gulf Beach Highway.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Escambia Commission To Consider Ballot Referendum
July 7, 2025
The Escambia County Commission this week will begin considering placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
The Escambia County School Board voted on February 18 to support sending the question back to voters.
The board voted 3-2 to place a referendum on the general election ballot. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell**,** with Harrell, Kevin Adams**,** and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed. The school board then sent the referendum to the county commission, which must approve placing the question on the ballot.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said in February. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
This Thursday, the county commission will vote on scheduling a public hearing on placing the initiative on the ballot. If scheduled, the public hearing will be held August 7 at 5:31 p.m.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent.
Tate High School Student Builds Benches For ESE Department As Eagle Scout Project
July 7, 2025
A Tate High School student’s Eagle Scout project will directly benefiting students with disabilities on campus.
Lawson Killingsworth, dedicated student and Boy Scout with Troop 415 in Pensacola, coordinated the design and construction of specialized benches for Tate’s ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Department. After consulting with ESE teachers to identify their greatest needs, Lawson led a project to build sturdy, durable benches that provide a safe and comfortable waiting area for students who arrive early each morning.
“These benches are incredibly important for our students with significant disabilities who require supervision and often arrive early to school,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “Lawson’s project ensures they have a safe and welcoming place to wait each morning, supporting their comfort and helping them start the day with a consistent routine.”
To fund the project, Lawson recycled scrap metal to purchase tools and materials. He worked with Wood Specialties Cabinetry to finalize a design and coordinated construction workdays with troop members, adult leaders, and volunteers. The benches were built to be heavy-duty and tip-resistant, with adjustable leveling pads to accommodate uneven surfaces and under-bench storage to keep walkways clear of obstacles. Each bench was finished with over six layers of paint for durability and easy cleaning.
In addition to completing the benches, Lawson donated his remaining project funds, totaling $281, to the ESE Department’s community-based instruction program. This donation will support students as they build communication and money management skills in real-world settings such as local grocery stores.
“We are incredibly grateful for Lawson’s thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and hard work,” Touchstone said. “He is an outstanding example of servant leadership, and we are so proud to have him as part of the Tate Aggie family.”
Legal Help: Lawyers In The Library Tuesday In Century, Wednesday In Molino
July 7, 2025
“Lawyers in the Library” will be held this week at the libraries in Century and Molino.
Legal Services of Northeast Florida (LSNF) will provide the service as follows:
- Century Library: Tuesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until noon
- Molino Library: Wednesday, July 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
LSNF can help with legal information or help eligible clients apply for services on a first-come, first-served basis. Areas of law may include: family law issues, employment law, bankruptcy/collections, custody/child support, property disputes, title clearing/probate, housing law, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
Attendees should bring any document related to their question.
The program is held the second Tuesday of every month at the Century Library and every second Wednesday of the month at the Molino Library. For more information contact LSNF at (850) 432-8222.
Salzman Seeks Volunteers For August Backpack, Food Distribution
July 7, 2025
Rep. Michelle Salzman is looking for volunteers to sign up now for an upcoming food distribution and backpack giveaway.
Salzman, in collaboration with FarmShare and a coalition of community sponsors and partners, will host the food distribution and backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 9 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Community members, student groups, athletic teams, and local organizations are encouraged to volunteer and be a part of this meaningful effort. It’s a great opportunity for service hours, team-building, and making a direct impact in the lives of neighbors in need, Salzman’s office said.
To sign up to volunteer or for more information, contact Jennifer Harrison at Jennifer@GCPromo.com or call (850) 324-2744.
It’s Red, White, And Blues Week — Here’s The Complete Schedule Through Saturday’s Air Show
July 7, 2025
It’s Red, White, And Blues Week, and here’s the complete schedule through Saturday’s air show.
The four-day event includes a full lineup of top-tier aerobatic performers, ground exhibits, and military demonstrations, culminating with the official air show on Saturday, July 12.
Air Show Week Schedule:
- Wednesday, July 9 – “Breakfast with the Blues”
Around 7:30 a.m., the Blue Angels mark their flight paths by circling overhead. - Thursday, July 10 – Practice Flight
At 2 p.m., the Blue Angels conduct an over-water practice session. - Friday, July 11 – Full Dress Rehearsal
Demonstrations begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.; Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m. - Saturday, July 12 – Official Pensacola Beach Air Show
Same schedule as Friday’s rehearsal.
Luke Carrico will make his inaugural debut as the voice of the air show on Friday and Saturday, with veteran Paul Entrekin serving as Air Boss for his 32nd year.
Before the official airspace closure, a handful of pre-show flight demonstrations will be overhead starting around 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, including:
- The Black Ducks in WWII-era aircraft.
- Sheldon Heatherington in a Zenith 75 STOL named “Redbird.”
- Gene Valentino in an Icon A-5.
- Tanner Matheny in a 1946 NAvion named “Olivia.”
- Veterans Flight team in their WWII-era Stearman biplanes honoring WWII and Korean War veterans, led by Roy Kinsey.
- HT-18 training helicopters from TAW-5 aboard NAS Whiting Field.
- VT-10 flying T-6 Texans from TAW-6 aboard NAS Pensacola.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demo from a MH-65E Dolphin.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., the official air box will close and the lifeguards will clear the water. Shortly following, hold onto your hats for some mouth-dropping aerial performances!
2025 Official Performers Schedule:
- USAF B-1B Lancer arrives to tease the raw power and speed of the legendary swing-wing bomber.
- Red Bull Air Force team performs the “Presentation of the Colors” by skydiving with the American Flag – landing at show center. Expect aerobatics from helo pilot Aaron Fitzgerald and pilot Kevin Coleman in his Extra 330 SC, too.
- B-1B Lancer comes back for more action and maneuvers to impress.
- RJ Gritter is next overhead, flying a red, white, and blue Decathlon and bringing high-energy aerobatics to Pensacola for the first time.
- The father-son duo of Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will deliver formation thrills and precision flying in their RV-8s.
- Next up, the four-man Titan Aerobatic Team performs synchronized loops and bomb bursts in their WWII-era AT-6 Texans.
- Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitzgerald team up again in a high-adrenaline, two-aircraft routine to finish up with the Red Bull Air Force finale before a short 10-minute water break.
Pictured:The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Take Flight at 2 p.m.
As always, closing out the show at 2 p.m. will be YOUR U.S. Navy Flight Demonstrations Squadron, the Blue Angels. Look to the Gulf horizon as the famous C-130J aircraft, affectionately known as Fat Albert, followed by six signature blue and gold F-18 Super Hornets, make their way over Pensacola Beach.
For the next 45 minutes, spectators will get a glimpse of the Blues’ aeronautic maneuvers like the Diamond Dirty Loop, the Double Farvel, the Vertical Pitch, the Fleur-de-Lis, the Opposing Knife-Edge pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass. These are just a few of the mind-blowing displays of choreographed precision flying the Navy’s flight demonstration team has perfected over the past 79 years.
Know Before You Go
- Drones are strictly prohibited during air show waiver hours.
- Glass is not allowed on the beach.
- Dogs are only permitted at the dog beaches on the island and must remain on leash.
- Help us protect our beach: Please Leave Only Your Footprints.
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach In July 2024. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
