Library Security Cameras Proposed For Molino, Century, Southwest Branches
February 5, 2025
West Florida Public Libraries is looking to add security cameras at the Molino, Century and Southwest library branches.
The Escambia County Commission will consider a $140,655.91 proposal from Security Engineering, Inc. for camera surveillance systems at the three libraries. According to BOCC agenda item for Thursday, the cameras will “enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, greatly improving safety. This proactive measure will safeguard valuable assets and create a secure environment.”
- Century Branch Library – $39,743.37 – Six interior, six exterior cameras
- Molino Branch Library $39,743.37 – six interior, five exterior cameras
- Southwest Branch Library $43,340.49- five interior, five exterior cameras
The projects includes all installation, accessories, networking equipment and other supplies. The cameras will be connected to the library’s server at the downtown library.
The Escambia County cost will piggyback on a bid awarded by Okaloosa County To Security Engineering.
Pictured: The children’s area at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Playoff Hopes Dashed For Tate And Northview Girls Basketball, Tate Soccer Teams
February 5, 2025
Playoff hopes ended Tuesday night for the Tate and Northview girls basketball teams along with the Tate soccer teams.
BASKETBALL
Girls Rural Class District 1
- In Girls Rural Class District 1 basketball quarterfinal action, the No. 6 Northview Chiefs fell 83-32 to No. 3 Century. Central will advance to the semifinals on Thursday at No. 2 Paxton.
Girls 6A District 1
- In the Girls 6A District 1 basketball quarterfinals, the No. 6 Tate Aggies lost to No. 3 Crestview by a score of 46-25. Crestview will travel to No. 2 Milton on Thursday, while No.1 Niceville will host No 4 Pace. The district championship will be held on Saturday.
SOCCER
Class 6A Girls Tournament
- In the Girls 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals Tuesday night, the No. 7 Tate Aggies fell 3-0 to No. 2 Niceville. It was the first postseason appearance by the Lady Aggies soccer team in 18 years.
Class 6A Boys Tournament
- In the Boys 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals, the No. 7 Tate Aggies lost 5-3 to No. 2 Horizon in Winter Garden.
Pictured: The 6A Tate Lady Aggies took on the 1A Northview Lady Chiefs last month. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Weightlifters Qualify For State
February 5, 2025
Two Northview High School weightlifters are headed to state after their performance at the 1A R1 Regional Championship.
In the 101-pound weight class, Maggie Stewart secured a 5th place finish with a total lift of 190 pounds.
In the 119-pound division, Aaliyah Fountain earned a 3rd place finish, lifting a total of 265 pounds.
Steward and Fountain both qualified for the upcoming tate meet.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dense Fog Advisory Into Thursday Morning
February 5, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Areas of dense fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Patchy dense fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest after midnight.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Ralph Darby
February 5, 2025
CMSAF Ralph Darby, age 79, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. A native of Nokomis, Alabama, he spent the majority of his life in Bratt, Florida. Mr. Darby proudly served for 26 years in the United States Air Force, after which he embraced a fulfilling retirement. He was also a faithful member of Pine Barren Baptist Church.
Mr. Darby was a man of diverse interests, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and gardening, as well as attending church and watching western films. An avid Alabama football fan, he found joy in reading, particularly the works of Louis L’Amour. Known for his loving nature and unwavering faith, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and cherished time spent with family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George Washington (Fannie Mae) Darby; wife, Katie Darby; two brothers, Jack Darby and James Alfred Darby; sister, Dot Reeves.
He is survived by his son, James (Shelley) Darby of Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Billy (Jackie) Darby of Walnut Hill, Florida; sister, Annette Hassebrock of Bratt, Florida; five grandchildren, Amanda Bohlen, Dylan Williams, Keri Darby, Austin Williams, and Cody Darby; two great-grandchildren, Amirah Bohlen and Amani Bohlen; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with and Reverend Mike Harper officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Cody Darby, Greg Darby, Joey Darby, Silas Seamans, Willie Peoples and Josh McElhaney.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Pine Barren Adult Sunday School Class.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Danny Rolin
February 5, 2025
Danny Rolin, born on December 25, 1956, of Poarch, Alabama, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and fast cars. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and a man who never met a stranger. If you knew him, you knew he never finished a conversation without saying, “I mean to tell ya!”
Danny was a devoted father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his son, Danny W. Rolin II, and his wife, Connie Rolin; his daughter, Christina Michelle Rolin Spicer, and her husband, Phillip Spicer. He was a proud grandfather to Katie Lorin Rolin, Riley Elizabeth Rolin, Susan Eve Claire Rolin, Eric Joe Bailey Rolin, and Phillip Jay (P.J.) Spicer. He also leaves behind his brother, Randy Rolin, who resides in Texas with his children, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him unconditionally.
Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleve and Rhetta Rolin; his parents, John Rolin and Charle Mae Kelly Rolin; his wife, Connie Rosell Rolin and sister, Sara Rolin Daw.
Danny had big dreams, especially when it came to car shows. His love for fast cars was only rivaled by his love for his family. His humor, his big plans, and his unforgettable personality will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories we tell and the memories we cherish.
He is also survived by his fiancée, Sherry Peavey, who shared in his dreams and laughter.
The Rooster Club A.K.A Breakfast Club doesn’t want to say Goodbye, “But we will see you Later”.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Apparent Murder-Suicide Off 10 Mile Road Under Investigation
February 4, 2025
An apparent murder-suicide attempt Monday night off 10 Mile Road is under investigation.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to home on Millbrook Drive where they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
According to the ECSO, a 48-year-old male was pronounced deceased, and a 24-year-old male was transported to the hospital.
Morgan Lewis, ECSO public information officer, the situation appeared to be a murder-suicide, but the final determination will be made by the medical examiner.
The relationship, if any, between the individuals was not released, nor were details on the shooting.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Incumbents Adams, Fetsko Prefile To Seek Reelection To School Board
February 4, 2025
Two incumbent Escambia County School Board members pre-filed Monday to seek reelection this year.
District 1 member Kevin Adams and District 2 member Paul Fetsko prefilled to seek the non-partisan seats during the 2026 election cycle.
Pictured: Kevin Adams (left) and Paul Fetsko (right).
Motorbike Rider Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Crash With Vehicle
February 4, 2025
A motorbike rider was seriously injured in a collision with a vehicle Monday night in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 7:30 p.m. in the 700 block of North Highway 29, near Grocery Outlet.
The motorbike rider was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to a Pensacola hospital. An update on their condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Felony Hit And Run In Century Crash That Injured Five
February 4, 2025
A Panama City man has been charged with a hit and run crash Saturday night in Century that injured five people, including children.
Dexter Ivey Smith, 35, was charged with felony hit and run for failure to stop or remain on scene at a crash with injury, along with misdemeanor battery and driving with a revoked license.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck was struck by a northbound SUV driven by Smith approached at a high rate of speed, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned multiple times, coming to rest on the shoulder just north of Salter’s Lake Road. Smith’s SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
The 38-year-old female driver of the pickup truck and her passengers — a 45-year-old male, 18-year-old male, 13-year-old male and a 6-year-old female — all sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
A witness told troopers that a white male in his mid-thirties with short black hair and a long nose fled from the scene. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office later received a report of a man matching the description outside a nearby home. The witness was able to identify Smith as the driver that fled the scene of the crash.
FHP said Smith was also charged with battery for throwing a flashlight at the passenger of the second vehicle.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
