Ransom Middle School’s Alyssa Bourn Wins Gold And Silver At Special Olympics State Games
May 21, 2026
Ransom Middle School eighth grader Alyssa Bourn won both gold and silver medals in bicycling at the Florida Special Olympics State Games in Orlando. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Installs, Plants New Pollinator Garden At Century Library
May 21, 2026
The Escambia County Extension Service Horticulture team installed and planted a Pollinator Garden at the Century Library on Wednesday.
The garden includes a mix of native and Florida friendly plants for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds grown by Escambia County Master Gardener volunteers. The garden was planted in Bloom Compost from the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Possible Tonight, Likely On Friday
May 21, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 7am and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4pm. High near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Memorial Day: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 21, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 21, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
High School All-Star Series Baseball And Softball Games Are This Evening
May 21, 2026
The Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series concludes this evening, May 21 with East vs. West softball and baseball games.
The Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series feature East and West teams made up of senior student-athletes from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Sports in this series include volleyball, football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
The games begin at 6 p.m. as the West Baseball team, coached by Jonathan Kent of Pensacola High School, takes on the East Baseball Team, coached by Preston Nixon of Baker High School.
At 6:30 p.m., the West Softball Team, coached by Chris Baker of West Florida High School will face the East Softball Team, led by Central High School coach Lisa Smarr.
Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Games will be held at Pensacola State College.
WEST BASEBALL
John Hatch — West Florida, P/OF
Evan Taylor — Tate, OF
Nate Connors — Tate, P/OF
Bryton McLellan — Tate, P
Keelan Beasley — Tate, P
Andrew Maloney — Pensacola, P/1B
Chriszaven Jones — Pensacola, CF/3B
Rupert Sproles — Pensacola, P/1B
Clayton Sanders — Escambia, SS/P
Caleb Bates — Escambia, 1B/P
Cohen Rush — Escambia, P
Gavin Wansley — Escambia, OF
Colton Guillot — Catholic, SS/P
Reed Rhodes — Catholic, 1B/P
Boogie Moton — Catholic, RF
Ben Bates — Catholic, LF/C
Davy Bradley — Catholic, LF
Nick Shashaty — Catholic, P/OF
Brody Kohr — Catholic, OF
Travis Bright — Washington, P
JJ Stratzel — Washington, 2B
Martin Manzano — Washington, C/3B
Grayden Sheffield — Northview, SS/2B
Dane King — Northview, 2B
Bryant Mason — Northview, 3B/P
Jackson Bridges — Northview, CF/P
Luke Chavers — Northview, C
EAST BASEBALL
Emory Allen — Pace, 3B/P/OF
Braiden Cheshire — Pace, CF
Jackson Wheaton — Pace, OF
Caleb Wheeler — Pace, C/1B
Kyle Williamson — Crestview, OF
Sayler Melton — Milton, 1B/P
Parker McCoy — Milton, 3B/P
Brayden Barrow — Milton, C/P
Palmer Robbins — Destin, SS/OFC
Landon Ullrich — Destin, C/INF
Colton Bunn — Navarre, OF
Logan Hand — Navarre, C/OF
Adam Champagne — Navarre, 3B/P
Ryder Hodgkinson — Niceville, LF/P
CJ Bolden — Niceville, CF
Aahron Geleta — Niceville, P
Anthony Spera — Laurel Hill, C/P
Cooper Degraaf — Laurel Hill, SS/P
Joel Morse — Baker, SS/P
Rand Stokes — Baker, 1B/OF
Jax Lowery — Jay, SS/P
Landon Golden — Jay, P/OF
Nick Baxley — Jay, 3B/1B
Isaiah Rohn — Choctaw, P/1B
Jordan Figueroa — Choctaw, 2B/SS
Tanner Owens — Gulf Breeze, P/SS
Presley Moseley — Gulf Breeze, 1B/P
Shelton Enfinger — Central, OF
WEST SOFTBALL
Alexiah Federico — Pensacola, CF/P
Alexia Wilcox — Pine Forest, INF
Kelsey Bumgarner — Pine Forest, P/1B
Mary Brockett — Pine Forest, C/Utility
Zoey Johnson — Pine Forest, OF/3B
Kennaysha Cotton — Pine Forest, OF/3B
Trennedi Rose — Pine Forest, CF/3B
Ayvana Rodrigues — Escambia, C/1B/3B
Mariyah Everheart — Escambia, OF/SS
Madison Smillie — Tate, OF/SS/3B
Kaylie Mitchell — Tate, 3B/SS/2B
Jordyn Banks — Tate, 1B/C
Aubree Gorum — Tate, 1B/DP
Kayleigh Burt — Tate, DP/C
Peyton Womack — Northview, OF/P
Riley Brooks — Northview, SS/OF
Leianna Wagner — West Florida, SS/OF
Ava Scapin — West Florida, CF
Hannah Hollingsworth — West Florida, P/OF
EAST SOFTBALL
Anita Palmer — Destin, SS/3B
Aspen Benscoter — Destin, P/OF
Keelie Ellis — Destin, 3B/1B
Sally Alberson — Gulf Breeze, SS/3B
Taylor Keown — Gulf Breeze, C/2B
Ava Steele — Laurel Hill, LF
Natalie Blair — Central, CF/SS
Faith Cain — Milton, OF/INF
Emma Messer — Milton, 2B
Anabele Shackelford — Niceville, OF
Krissa Troutman — Niceville, 3B/SS
Ann Marie Gilbert — Choctaw, P/1B
Natalia Taylor — Navarre, 1B/3B
Karsyn Riddle — Navarre, CF/P
Kaleigh Atchley — Navarre, P/OF
Anna Abernathy — Ft. Walton Beach, 2B
Izzy (Rilyn) Douglas — Ft. Walton Beach, P/1B
Meredith Miller — Ft. Walton Beach, SS/3B
Mylee Frazier — Jay, SS/2B
Kaylee Gilbreath — Jay, OF
Cadee Carroll — Jay, P/3B
Cambell Toolan — Crestview, P/INF
Mackenzie Toth — Crestview, 2B/SS
Woman Sentenced For 2023 Hit And Run That Killed Navy Veteran
May 21, 2026
An Escambia County woman was sentenced on Wednesday for a 2023 hit and run crash that claimed the life of a 22-year Navy veteran on Sorrento Road.
Jessica Elizabeth Hendrickson, 43, was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. She was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, followed by two years of community control and an additional 18 years of probation. As part of her sentence, her driver’s license has been permanently revoked for life.
The charges stem from an extensive investigation into the June 10, 2023, crash on Sorrento Road. According to FHP, Jeffrey Nichols, a Navy veteran that served 22 years, was riding his bicycle eastbound on the shoulder of the roadway in the early morning hours when Hendrickson struck him from behind and fled the scene. FHP said Nichols’ daughter was on the phone with him at the exact moment of the collision and subsequently discovered her deceased father.
FHP said Hendrickson went to great lengths to evade prosecution following the fatal incident. Investigators eventually located her vehicle after it had been towed across state lines into Alabama for repairs. By the time law enforcement obtained warrants for her arrest, Hendrickson had fled even further, eventually being apprehended by authorities in Kentucky.
Escambia Man Charged With Fatal Whataburger Shooting
May 21, 2026
An Escambia County man has been charged with a November 4, 2025, fatal shooting in the parking lot of a Whataburger at 5480 Pensacola Boulevard.
This week, Ja’Kobe Mi’Keal Edward was charged with first-degree murder while engaged in robbery.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, 22-year-old Ja’Kobe Edward met with the victim under the guise of purchasing three pounds of marijuana for $3,900. Text messages between the two revealed that they had negotiated the transaction over the preceding days, eventually changing the meeting location to the fast-food restaurant’s parking lot.
Investigators concluded that Edward and an unidentified accomplice approached a black GMC Yukon driven by the victim’s mother. The victim was seated in the rear passenger side. As Edward and the accomplice reached the vehicle’s rear window, a struggle ensued during an apparent robbery attempt.
The victim was shot in the shoulder and neck from outside the vehicle. His mother then used her Taurus .357 revolver to fire back through the window, striking Edward in the head. Edward collapsed in the parking lot next to two vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, while his accomplices fled the scene in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu. The rental vehicle was later found abandoned and wiped down with cleaning chemicals.
The mother drove her unresponsive son to Baptist Hospital, while paramedics transported Edward to Sacred Heart Hospital. The victim succumbed to his injuries four days later on November 8, 2025.
Following a detailed investigation tracking cell phones, vehicle GPS data, and drug packaging, a warrant was issued.
Wayne Edward Lowrey
May 21, 2026
Wayne Edward Lowrey, of Atmore, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026.
Born on January 4, 1947, in Atmore, AL., Wayne was the son of the late Robert Lowrey and Mildred Lowrey.
Wayne was a Christian, hardworking, loyal, devoted man and loving brother who took immense pride in his family. He was married to the love of his life, Nellie Sue Jones Lowrey, for more than 57 wonderful years. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and unwavering commitment to one another and to their children.
Wayne dedicated more than 35 years of his career to Monsanto and retired as an ECO. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet leadership. In addition to his career, Wayne proudly served in the Army National Guard for many years and also served his community as an auxiliary officer with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Wayne loved fishing and spending time in his work shed. He was a dedicated supporter of youth athletics and spent many years coaching and volunteering with Little League baseball at Myrtle Grove Ballpark. Through his coaching and volunteering he positively impacted countless young athletes and was a proud supporter of the Myrtle Grove Ballpark.
He was an avid fan of Auburn University athletics and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Auburn Tigers. Wayne was known for his loyalty, his quick wit, and his wonderful sense of humor, which brought laughter and joy to those around him. Whether fishing, working in his shed, coaching at the ballpark, or spending time with family, he approached life with integrity, generosity, and a heart full of love.
Those who knew Wayne will remember him as a deeply loyal friend, a loving husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose word could always be trusted. He was steady, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family.
Wayne is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Nellie Sue Jones Lowrey of Pensacola; son, Ray Lowrey (Haley Lowrey and Sophia Jones Lowrey, and great-grandson Daxton Lett); daughter, Tammy Ridgley (Troy Ridgley and their sons Elias Ridgley and Maximus Ridgley); sister, Jan Kennedy; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of loyalty, hard work, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
WAR EAGLE
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:6
Opal Jeanette Wells
May 21, 2026
Opal Jeanette Wells, lovingly known as Jeanette, Momma, and Memaw, passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born on February 5th, 1938 in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Adolph and Daisy Lee Shields. Opal Jeanette was raised with strong values that shaped her into a woman of compassion, strength, and unwavering biblical love for her family and all of those around her. She was the gold standard of wife, mother, sister, and friend. Opal Jeanette married the love of her life, John A. Wells Jr., and their marriage, so full of adventure, lasted nearly 6 decades before the passing of John. It was a true testament to commitment, partnership, and enduring love. John preceded her in death in 2016 and her beloved son Kevin in 2021. Opal Jeanette longed to be reunited with the both of them. They were a family built on faith, love, and devotion.
In addition to her husband, parents, and son, Opal Jeanette was preceded in death by her siblings: Rudolph Shields, Raydolph Shields, and Annette Lawrence. She is survived by grandchildren, Hunter and Colby Wells; sister, Juliette Amendolare; brother, Randy Shields; and daughter-in-love, Sabrina Wells.
She was a proud grandmother to Hunter Wells and Colby Wells, whose lives will carry on her loving legacy. She dedicated all her adult years as a homemaker and part-time employee of American Greeting Cards. From her legendary biscuits n’ chocolate, savory dinners, bandaging boo boos, catching fish, and the wealth of quality time she gave to her family, words do not suffice to describe the impact this woman had on our lives. As Eric Church said, she loves us like Jesus does.
A woman of deep faith, Opal Jeanette was a devoted member of Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church where she found great comfort, fellowship, and spiritual strength in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her kindness, patience, and the biblical love she freely shared with others.
Opal Jeanette will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother. Though she will be deeply missed her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband John and son Kevin and is resting in eternal peace.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21st at Faith Chapel North with Brother Gerald Manning from Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 2pm and service will follow at 3pm. There will not be a graveside service following.