Mary Kathleen Waltz Odom Slay
September 3, 2026
Mary Kathleen Waltz Odom Slay, aged 81, passed away on August 27, 2026, in Pensacola, FL. Born in Johnstown, PA, to William and Marie Waltz, she was a 1963 graduate of Johnstown Catholic High School (now Bishop McCort).
Kathy later relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where she was employed at the Mobile Infirmary until 1989. She then moved to Atmore, Alabama, where she met and married Grady Slay in 1990. Kathy went on to work at the Atmore Community Hospital from 1990 until her retirement in 2012. She is warmly remembered by all who knew her for her exceptionally kind and sweet nature.
While she took pride in her professional career, her greatest joy in life was her role as a mother and grandmother. She always put our happiness and success first, quietly making sacrifices for us. She loved us deeply and had a special way of turning ordinary days into wonderful, lasting memories. Even when times were tough, she was so resourceful that we always felt we had more than enough. She gave so much of herself, making the simplest gestures feel truly priceless.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Grady J. Slay; her son, Robert J. Odom, Jr.; her brothers, Paul, Tom, Larry, and John; and her sisters, Susan, Margaret, and Lois.
She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Aaron of Pensacola, Florida, and Deborah Houghton of Hampstead, NC; her daughter-in-law, Shelley Odom of Pensacola, FL; her sister, Rose (Mike) of Myrtle Beach, SC; her brothers, Michael (Connie) of Johnstown, PA, Phillip (Laura) of Riverdale, MD, and Bernard of Johnstown, PA; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Waltz of Maryland.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jessica and Kayla Odom of Pensacola, FL; Brianna Aaron of Pensacola, FL; and Blake and Brody Houghton of Hampstead, NC.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
The Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Atmore, AL. Interment will take place immediately following the Mass at Serenity Gardens.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
, aged 81, passed away on August 27, 2026, in Pensacola, FL. Born in Johnstown, PA, to William and Marie Waltz, she was a 1963 graduate of Johnstown Catholic High School (now Bishop McCort).
Kathy later relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where she was employed at the Mobile Infirmary until 1989. She then moved to Atmore, Alabama, where she met and married Grady Slay in 1990. Kathy went on to work at the Atmore Community Hospital from 1990 until her retirement in 2012. She is warmly remembered by all who knew her for her exceptionally kind and sweet nature.
While she took pride in her professional career, her greatest joy in life was her role as a mother and grandmother. She always put our happiness and success first, quietly making sacrifices for us. She loved us deeply and had a special way of turning ordinary days into wonderful, lasting memories. Even when times were tough, she was so resourceful that we always felt we had more than enough. She gave so much of herself, making the simplest gestures feel truly priceless.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Grady J. Slay; her son, Robert J. Odom, Jr.; her brothers, Paul, Tom, Larry, and John; and her sisters, Susan, Margaret, and Lois.
She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Aaron of Pensacola, Florida, and Deborah Houghton of Hampstead, NC; her daughter-in-law, Shelley Odom of Pensacola, FL; her sister, Rose (Mike) of Myrtle Beach, SC; her brothers, Michael (Connie) of Johnstown, PA, Phillip (Laura) of Riverdale, MD, and Bernard of Johnstown, PA; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Waltz of Maryland.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jessica and Kayla Odom of Pensacola, FL; Brianna Aaron of Pensacola, FL; and Blake and Brody Houghton of Hampstead, NC.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL.
The Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Atmore, AL. Interment will take place immediately following the Mass at Serenity Gardens.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
SUV Hits Tractor And Mower On Highway 29 In Molino
September 3, 2026
There were no injuries when an SUV collided with a tractor and mower on Highway 29 in Molino on Wednesday afternoon.
The tractor was reportedly in the right travel lane at the time of the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Pitted by Clingstones In 10-1 Loss
September 3, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third game in a row on Wednesday night, falling 10-1 to the Columbus Clingstones.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still hold a 5.5-game lead over the Clingstones and a magic number of 5 in the second half race with 10 games to play in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos briefly took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, as Aiva Arquette singled and scored on a Dillon Lewis RBI double. That would be all the damage done against Clingstones starter Isaac Gallegos, who worked a career-high 4.0 innings in a spot start.
The Clingstones answered back in a big way in the bottom of the first inning against Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams (L, 4-8), loading the bases with a single and a pair of walks for Adam Zebrowski. After homering in his final two at-bats on Tuesday, Zebrowski crushed a grand slam off the left field videoboard for a 4-1 Columbus lead.
Things got out of hand in a six-run fifth inning, as Luis Moreno was charged with six runs, five earned, without recording an out. Three singles and three walks, aided by a costly throwing error from second baseman Cristian Hernández, extended the Columbus advantage to 10-1.
The two newest Blue Wahoos relievers, Justin Storm and Juan Reynoso, combined for 3.0 hitless innings of relief in their first appearances since joining the club from High-A Beloit on Tuesday.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Carolyn Dabbs
September 3, 2026
of Pensacola, FL, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 26, 2026, at the age of 89. She passed away peacefully following an extended period of illness and disability. She was surrounded by her family and her dear lifelong friend, Sheila Dunn.
A dedicated homemaker, Carolyn’s life was defined by her devotion to her family and her faithful service to Hillcrest Church, where she had been a member since 1957.
Over the years, she served her church community in numerous capacities, including the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), Girls in Action (GAs) and Vacation Bible School.
Carolyn’s greatest joy and true passion was serving in the children’s nursery and preschool as well as the Mother’s Day Out ministry. She spent decades lovingly caring for the youngest members of the congregation.
She was also a faithful worker at the Wednesday night church dinners and services where she especially enjoyed working under the direction of Mrs Linda Westmoreland.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Vivian Hartman, her brother John Hartman, and her daughter Kathy Kalis.
Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, James, who was also her steadfast caregiver throughout her illness. She is also survived by her daughters Arlene (Bill) Barnts, Pam (Terry) Thompson, and Sandy (David) Cook; her son in law Dave Kalis; her sister Sara, (Andy) Bowers: her grandchildren Elizabeth (Brad), Candice (Andy), Mark (Meghan), and Holly (Chris); and her eight great-grandchildren – Abby, Luke, Jacob, Matt, Owen, Hailey, Ben, and Gavin.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation service at Hillcrest Church (Hillcrest Northwest Hall) on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00 AM, with the memorial service to follow at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillcrest Church Nursery at 800 E Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32514.
Mosquito Control To Spray Tonight In Portions Of Cantonment
September 2, 2026
Escambia County’s Mosquito Control Division will conduct fogging mission Wednesday evening in portion of Cantonment between Nine Mile Road and Kingsfield Road, and in Pensacola.
Fogging will begin at sunset and will continue during the evening as weather conditions allow. The timing helps target mosquitoes when they are active while reducing impacts on other insects.
Click maps to enlarge.
To request mosquito control service, call (850) 937-2198 or email mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com.
Spray Area #41A: Cantonment
- North: Kingsfield Road
- South: Nine Mile Road
- East: Highway 97
- West: Interstate 10
Spray Area #41B: Cantonment
- North: Kingsfield Road
- South: Nine Mile Road
- East: Pine Forest Road
- West: Highway 97
Spray Area #10A: Pensacola
- North: Garden Street
- South: Cypress Street
- East: “A” Street
- West: Pace Boulevard
Spray Area #14A: Pensacola
- North: Cervantes Street
- South: Garden Street
- East: Palafox Street
- West: Pace Boulevard
Update: Flomaton Parents Now Charged With Attempted Murder After Child Hospitalized In Critical Condition
September 2, 2026
Attempted murder charges have now been filed against two Flomaton parents previously arrested on child torture charges after their 15-year-old child was taken to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition, authorities announced Wednesday.
Eric Douglas McClure, 41, and Cynthia Danielle Tedder, 36, are now charged with attempted murder. They were originally charged with torture and willful abuse of a child under 18 years of age by a responsible person.
According to Flomaton Police Chief Justin Hetrick, the department continues to work closely with the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office. Hetrick stated the upgraded charges were filed based on newly obtained evidence and developments uncovered as the investigation progressed.
The Flomaton Police Department was initially alerted to the situation around 5:13 a.m. on September 1, 2026, when Florida authorities reported that a juvenile from Flomaton had been transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in critical condition.
Information gathered led Flomaton officers to obtain and execute a search warrant at the home where the juvenile lived, resulting in initial arrest warrants for both parents. McClure and Tedder were taken into custody in Pensacola and were held awaiting extradition back to Alabama to be booked into the Escambia County Jail in Brewton.
FPD has not detailed the allegations against McClure and Tedder.
Police said the case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Lt. Thaihee Staples at the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811.
Century Approves Half Million Dollar Repayment Note For Highway 29 Utility Relocation
September 2, 2026
In a short agenda council meeting that only lasted only about eight minutes, the Century Town Council on Tuesday night approved a revised promissory note for over a half million dollars with the Florida Department of Transportation.
The note locks in a zero-interest repayment schedule for utility relocation expenses totaling $522,555.71.
The revised agreement replaces and cancels a previous promissory note executed last year. The debt stems from utility relocation work completed within the state right-of-way along Highway 29. While the Highway 29 work was a state project, the Town of Century was required to relocate water, sewer and natural gas lines at the town’s expense.
According to Town Manager Dave Murzin, the town has made two payments of jut over $67,0000 to date, hoping for a savings under a gubernatorial designation as “Rural Area of Opportundity” RAO, which never materialized.
Under the terms of new updated note, the town will repay the remaining balance over 13 annual payments without interest or prepayment penalties. Repayment will begin on September 1, 2028, with 12 consecutive annual installments of $40,197.00, followed by a final payment of $40,191.71 to satisfy the full $522,555.71 balance.
The 3-0 council vote authorized Mayor Benjamin Boutwell to execute the revised promissory note on behalf of the town. Council members Dynette Lewis and Shelisa Abraham were absent.
Pictured top:: Work on Highway 29 utility location in Century as seen in March 2024. Pictured inset: Century Town Manager Dave Murzan explains a promissory note over a half million to town council members (pictured below) on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
ECSO, PPD Suspend Automated License Plate Readers Following State Directive
September 2, 2026
On Tuesday, both the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Pensacola Police Department announced they are suspending their use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera networks.
The local announcements follow sweeping state action taken Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. In a statewide directive, the Florida Department of Transportation moved to shutter the rapidly expanding camera systems on state roadways.
A memorandum issued Monday by FDOT Chief Operating Officer Will Watts revoked all active permits previously granted to local law enforcement agencies allowing ALPR systems—including those manufactured by Flock Safety—to operate within state highway rights of way.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” Watts wrote.
Under the FDOT order, law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove the devices from state rights of way, after which FDOT will remove any remaining units. The state also announced it is exercising its discretionary authority to immediately cease issuing any future ALPR permits within its jurisdiction.
Speaking in Jacksonville on Monday, DeSantis voiced sharp concerns about mass surveillance and privacy risks.
“No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals,” DeSantis said. “If they can create a dossier on your movements they would be able to make a fortune in selling that to companies for advertising and product placement.”
DeSantis added that while sheriffs have used the tools effectively, penalties for misuse remain inadequate. “You also have to say how can this be misused,” he noted. “I don’t think we have really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
On Tuesday, Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons released a statement announcing that ECSO is suspending its ALPR camera network in light of the state’s directive and ongoing legislative discussions.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has used Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology for several years as an investigative tool to help deputies and investigators solve crimes, locate dangerous offenders, and find missing and endangered people. There is no question that this technology has proven its value in keeping our community safe,” Simmons said. “But with any law enforcement tool, especially one involving technology, there must also be accountability, clear rules, and public confidence in how it is being used.”
Simmons noted that while ECSO enforces strict agency guidelines, statewide consistency is needed.
“We believe we have used this technology responsibly. However, we also recognize that individual agency policies are not enough. Floridians should be able to expect consistent standards for how this technology is used, no matter where they live or which law enforcement agency operates the system,” Simmons said. “We are now seeing jurisdictions across Florida suspend or discontinue the use of ALPR cameras, along with recent direction from the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Transportation. With those developments and the broader questions surrounding the future of these programs statewide, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will suspend its use of ALPR camera networks at this time.”
Simmons added that ECSO is actively working with lawmakers to help shape clear statutory boundaries.
“This is not a decision we have made lightly. ALPR technology has helped law enforcement solve serious crimes, identify offenders, and locate people in danger. We know it works. But we also believe that when legitimate concerns are raised about a technology used by government, those concerns deserve to be addressed. A temporary suspension gives us an opportunity to do that the right way,” Simmons said.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is working with our local legislative delegation, state leaders, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and its legislative committee to advocate for thoughtful statewide legislation governing the use of ALPR technology,” Simmons continued. “Our goal is straightforward: establish clear and consistent rules that protect the privacy of law-abiding citizens while preserving an important investigative tool for law enforcement. We do not believe public safety and individual privacy have to be competing interests. Good policy should protect both.”
Simmons concluded: “Until there is greater clarity regarding the future of ALPR programs in Florida and a consistent framework for their use, we believe suspending our use of these networks is the responsible course of action for Escambia County.”
Also on Tuesday, the Pensacola Police Department confirmed it is pausing its ALPR program.
“The Pensacola Police Department is committed to ensuring every law enforcement tool is utilized in an appropriate and Constitutional manner,” PPD said in a brief statement. “Until further legislative steps are taken to ensure all users of automated license plate reader technology comply with these same standards, we are suspending the use of ALPRs in the City of Pensacola.”
Atmore Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Shooting Early Tuesday
September 2, 2026
An Atmore man is behind bars facing attempted murder charges following an early Tuesday morning shooting investigation.
Larry Terrell Taylor, 46, of Atmore, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. According to the Atmore Police Department, Taylor is the only suspect in connection with the incident.
The investigation began at approximately 2:00 a.m. when Atmore Police Department officers responded to Atmore Community Hospital regarding a gunshot victim who had arrived for treatment.
Preliminary information indicated the shooting occurred in or near the Brown Street area of Atmore.
Investigators with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Narcotics/Vice Division, and Crime Scene Unit responded to actively investigate the scene and circumstances surrounding the incident, which culminated in Taylor’s arrest later in the day.
Police have not yet released the identity or medical condition of the victim.
Three Teens Charged In String Of Nine Mile Road Vape Shop Burglaries
September 2, 2026
Three teenagers are facing multiple felony charges after being linked to a string of recent vape shop break-ins along Nine Mile Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Dylan Jeremiah Randall, 18, Bryson Sanders, 19, and Miranda Robinson, 17, were arrested and charged with five counts of burglary, three counts of larceny, and three counts of criminal mischief.
Between August 26 and August 30, deputies responded to five burglaries and attempted burglaries targeting vape stores in the Nine Mile Road area. Investigators obtained surveillance footage that captured images of three suspects involved in the incidents.
A break in the case came on August 30 when deputies were dispatched to a residence on an unrelated call. While there, deputies spotted articles of clothing that matched the garments worn by the suspects seen on the store security recordings.
A subsequent search of the residence revealed additional clothing and property stolen during the break-ins, leading to the trio’s arrest.
Pictured: Suspects Randall (left0 and Sanders (right). A mugshot for Robinson was not immediately available.