Closures Begin This Week In $24 Million Jacks Springs Project North Of Atmore
August 4, 2026
The Poarch Creek Indians have secured a historic $24 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, marking the largest roadway construction grant in Tribal history. While the massive infrastructure investment promises long-term safety and modernization for Escambia County, Alabama, local drivers will face immediate travel disruptions starting this week.
The $4 million first phase of the expansive project is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 5, bringing temporary road closures to a heavily traveled section of Jack Springs Road north of Atmore.
According to Tribal officials, the road will be completely closed near Judson Cemetery from August 5 through August 10, 2026. A dedicated detour route will be implemented to guide motorists around the construction zone during this six-day window, and emergency responders, businesses, and local residents are urged to plan for delays and utilize alternate routes.
The overall initiative is a comprehensive, four-phase safety and infrastructure overhaul designed to improve travel conditions across a vital transportation corridor. Upgrades scheduled for the initial phase of construction include:
Lane Widening: Expanding the existing roadway to better accommodate commercial traffic and standard vehicles.
Paved Safety Shoulders: Adding new paved shoulders alongside the travel lanes.
Rumble Strips: Installing shoulder rumble strips to prevent run-off-road collisions.
Resurfacing: Complete repaving of the degraded driving surface.
Drainage Improvements: Upgrading infrastructure to reduce frequent flooding concerns in low-lying areas.
The entire four-phase modernization project is anticipated to span roughly two years, with a final completion target set for March 2028.
Atmore Man Dies Following Monday Afternoon Crash
August 4, 2026
An Atmore man has died following a single-vehicle crash Monday afternoon just north of the city.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), 70-year-old Larry Wright was critically injured around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, when his 2002 Buick LeSabre left the roadway and struck a ditch.
Authorities stated Wright was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The crash occurred on Jack Springs Road near Smith Dairy Road, approximately one mile north of Atmore in Escambia County.
Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
ECFR: Clothes Dryer Sparked Friday Night Cantonment Apartment Laundry Room Fire
August 4, 2026
The fire that damaged the laundry room at a Cantonment apartment complex on Friday night was sparked by a clothes dryer, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue.
ECFR said their investigation determined the fire was started by an electrical malfunction inside the dryer.
The fire was reported shortly after 9 p.m. at the Wild Oak Farm Apartments at 850 North Highway 29. Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke inside the laundry room. The fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes, and damage was confined to the laundry room.
There were no injuries reported.
The responding Escambia County Fire Rescue stations included Cantonment, Molino, Ensley and Osceola.
Pictured below: Multiple Escambia County Fire Rescue stations responded in heavy rainfall on Friday night at the Wild Oak Farm Apartments in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Picturd above: An electrical malfunction with this dryer was blamed for the fire. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Chamber Reaffirms Support For Appointed School Superintendent
August 4, 2026
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has formally reaffirmed its support for maintaining an appointed Superintendent of Schools in Escambia County.
The Chamber first adopted its stance in 2018 when voters approved the measure. The Board of Directors remains united in that commitment as the measure returns to the ballot on the August 18 primary election.
“The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has held a clear and consistent position on this issue since 2018, and our board of directors is united in reaffirming that stance today,” said Chamber Board Chair Ildi Hosman on Monday. “We believe that an appointed superintendent model best serves the students, families, and employers of Escambia County, and we encourage the business community and all eligible voters to consider the long-term implications of this decision for our region’s future.”
The upcoming August 18th primary election ballot will allow all eligible registered voters in Escambia County to vote on whether the Escambia County School Superintendent should remain an appointed position or return to an elected one.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent.
Here is how the referendum will appear on the primary ballot:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM
Shall the Superintendent of Schools of Escambia County, Florida, be elected by the majority of the qualified electors of Escambia County, Florida? YES or NO
Ercell Womack
August 4, 2026
In Loving Memory of Ercell Womack
December 8, 1935 – August 2, 2026
Ercell Womack, age 90, of Huxford, Alabama, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at her home surrounded by the place she loved.
Ercell was born on December 8, 1935. She was a faithful Christian whose life reflected unwavering trust in God. A devoted member of Huxford Baptist Church for many years, she was known as a woman of steadfast faith and a true prayer warrior. Her faith, strength, and faithful prayers blessed her family, church, and all who knew her. Her legacy is one of faith, love, humility, and devotion—a legacy that will continue for generations.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J. D. Womack; her parents, Rue and Clarence Mason; and her siblings, Autrey Mason, Aubrey Mason, Hazel Griffith, and Billy Mason and her granddaughter Morgan Womack.
She is survived by her children: Susan Holland of Bay Minette, Alabama; Sandra (Bert) Hendrix of Mobile, Alabama; and David (Janet) Womack of Atmore, Alabama.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kevin (Jessica) Holland of Bay Minette, Alabama; Hayley (Zac) Palm of Dothan, Alabama; Jana (Kreg) Keiffer of Birmingham, Alabama; and Shelly (Ryan) Lambert of McDavid, Florida.
She was blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Katie Grace Holland, Kinsley Holland, Anna Kate Palm, Riley Palm, Maddie Palm, John Palm, Beckham Keiffer, Mary-Ann Lambert, John Lambert, and Mack Lambert.
Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in knowing that she is now at home with her Savior. Her family will forever remember her steadfast prayers, wisdom, her unwavering faith, and the love she so generously gave. Her life was a beautiful testimony of God’s grace, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who were privileged to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Huxford Baptist Church in Huxford, Alabama, with Mr. Bert Hendrix officiating. Interment will follow at Huxford Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Huxford Baptist Church.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.” — Proverbs 20:7
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tate Aggies Name Volleyball Teams
August 4, 2026
Tate High School volleyball has named teams for the upcoming season.
The 2026 season beings with a varsity preseason tournament on August 11 and August 13. The JV and varsity will be in action at Escambia August 18.
Team members are:
VARSITY
- Torrie Garrett
- Bailie Merritt
- Ella Merritt
- Jayla Templeman
- Laila Whitley
- Jacey Stuart
- Ansleigh Crutchfield
- Bentley Wartman
- Brelynn Morris
- Harper Leopard
- Lexie Hardy
- Myla Manoso
- Grace Gaulden
JUNIOR VARSITY
- McKenna Jones
- Emma Dubuc
- Jordan Suarez
- Callie Fetcher
- Kaylee Payne
- Ryleigh Goolsby
- Clara Stinnett
- Kalyn Helms
- Ayslie Bouie
- Reese Ray
- Jada Archer
- Lily McGatha
- Leighton Ratchford
FRESHMAN
- Kenadi Pyron
- Ghia Foster
- Annabelle Hayes
- Sophia Pollard
- Reagan Merritt
- Scarlet Harris
- Mariah Walsh
- Charliegh Bouie
- Sienna Wilkerson
- Natalie Lambert
- Paige Welsh
- Abigail Secchiari
Lorraine Thomas Stuckey
August 4, 2026
Mrs. Lorraine Thomas Stuckey, age 75, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 22, 1951, in Century, Florida, Lorraine was the daughter of the late Verbe Travis Thomas and Letha Irene Frazier Thomas. She spent more than 54 years making Atmore her home, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. She worked in child care, a profession that reflected her kind and nurturing spirit.
A faithful member of Moyeville Baptist Church, Lorraine found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved shopping, reading books, watching movies, and spending time with her family. One of her most treasured memories was traveling to Niagara Falls. She especially enjoyed sharing time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to be with her sisters. Gospel music held a special place in her heart, and she also enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Willie Ray Thomas; her sister, Lula Belle Graves; and her sisters-in-law, Vanessa Powell and Amanthia Merchant.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 40 years, Richard Stuckey of Atmore, Alabama; her daughter, Michelle Helton (Steve) of Atmore, Alabama; her grandchildren, Adam Respress (Issy) and Abby-Kate Helton; her great-grandchildren, Brantley and Reese; her sisters, Hazel Brantley (Speedy) of Flomaton, Alabama, and Gail Thomas of Century, Florida; her brother-in-law, William Stuckey (Grace) and sister-in-law Clarise Stuckey, both of Atmore; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory
Linda Rae Radford
August 4, 2026
Linda Rae Radford, age 78, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on August 3, 2026, in the city where she was born and where she spent her life surrounded by the people and places she loved most.
She was born on October 11, 1947, in Pensacola, Florida, to the late Van Lockwood and the late Wanda Lovelass Lockwood. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Radford, whose memory remained close to her heart.
She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Lynn Radford, Kathy Jo (Jeff) Martin, and Karen Renee Radford; her son, Daniel Ray (Lisa) Radford; and her sister, Sherry (Skeeter) Farrow.
Linda’s love of family and cooking was only surpassed by her love of digging and collecting seashells.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery with Pastor Jon Godwin officiating. The procession onto Barrancas National Cemetery will leave from Olive Baptist Church, Warrington Campus promptly at 9:45 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Ricky VanAtta, Jeff Martin, Brian Davis, and Brad Farrow.
Dirt Portion Of North Barth Road Has Reopened
August 3, 2026
The dirt portion of North Barth Road, on the east side of the railroad tracks, has reopened after being closed earlier on Monday.
Escambia County Public Works replaced a drainage pipe that crosses under the roadway in less than a day.
File photo.
One Injured In Monday Crash At Highway 29 And Neal Road
August 3, 2026
One person was injured in a crash on Monday at Highway 29 and Neal Road in Cantonment.
The crash, which involved a Honda Civic, Nissan Pathfinder, and a Ford F-150, shut down northbound Highway 29 for a short period of time.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released more information.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
