Dedicated Youth Sports Advocate Murray Johnson Of Atmore Passes Away
June 24, 2025
The Atmore community and beyond is mourning the loss of Murray Johnson, known for his passionate support of youth sports.
Carlton Murray Johnson, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Johnson sold insurance in Atmore for decades.
Murray’s commitment to youth sports in Atmore was unmatched. In 1968, he co-founded the Atmore Pee Wee Football League and served as its president for many years. That same year, he became involved with the local baseball league, where he coached and mentored young athletes. In 1973, Murray became president of both the Atmore Cal Ripken League and the Atmore Babe Ruth League, serving in those roles until 2023. He held the position of Babe Ruth League District Commissioner for Area 10 for an incredible 52 years. Murray oversaw and organized numerous district and state baseball tournaments, creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among players, coaches, and families.
His civic contributions extended beyond sports. Murray was a past president of the Atmore High School Quarterback Club and served as Drive Chairman and board member of the Atmore United Fund. He was also a dedicated member of the Atmore Education Revenue Committee from 1971 to 2003. His passion for healthcare advocacy led him to serve as county co-chair for the Lurleen B. Wallace Cancer Center Hospital in Birmingham. In 2016, Murray received the Atmore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
A celebration of life for Murray Johnson will be held on Saturday, June 28, at the First Baptist Church of Atmore at 1:30 p.m. until service time of 3 p.m.
Murray Johnson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean, three children and numerous other family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the City of Atmore Recreation Department, P. O. Drawer 1297, Atmore, AL 36504.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Woman Sentenced To Life In Prison For Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Of Escambia Jail Cellmate
June 24, 2025
A 43-year-old woman has now been sentenced to life in state prison for the 2022 fentanyl overdose death of her cellmate at the Escambia County Jail.
An Escambia County grand jury indicted 40-year-old Pamela Faye Schwarz was convicted of first degree murder by unlawful distribution of drugs, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, and tampering with evidence.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Schwarz was remanded into custody from drug court and taken to the Escambia County Jail last May and placed into a cell with a 52-year-old female later identified as Shirley Barney. There was no one else in the cell.
Prosecutors contend that the Defendant smuggled fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl (synthetic fentanyl) into the jail and gave it to her cellmate who later died from an overdose of the drugs.
Instead of calling for help, Sheriff Chip Simmons said Schwarz helped her cellmate into bed before flushing the rest of the drugs down the toilet.
Several hours later, the victim was found unresponsive. Her death was caused by a fentanyl overdose, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Jorey Diamond Back As Jay Baseball Head Coach
June 24, 2025
Longtime Jay High School Coach Jorey Diamond is returning as head baseball coach, marking his third time leading the Royals baseball program.
Diamond will continue to serve as the head coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team.
“We’re excited to have Coach Diamond back at the hehn of our baseball team,” said Jay High Principal Benjie West. “His leadership on and off the field is invaluable, and we’re confident he’ ll continue to build on our proud legacy.”
Diamond’s last stint as head baseball coach was 2019 with time as an assistance since.
Last season, Jay baseball went 17-13 with a loss to Holmes County in the Rural finals, losing both games in the best-of-three series.
Diamond replaces Duane Raley who left after last season. His son, Justin Raley headed across the Escambia River to take the head coaching job at Northview High School.
Cantonment’s Maxed Out Wins 8U Pensacola Beach World Series
June 23, 2025
The Maxed Out baseball team from Cantonment won the 8U Pensacola Beach World Series over the weekend at NEP ballpark. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Man Killed In ATV Crash
June 23, 2025
An ATV crash Saturday claimed the life of a Flomaton man.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said the single-vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) occurred at approximately 6:24 p.m. Saturday on Upper Creek Road near Wolf Log Road, about four miles north of Flomaton. Christopher G. Lambeth, 34, was fatally injured when the 2021 Polaris 1000 ATV he was operating left the roadway and struck a fence.
Troopers said Lambeth was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Troopers with ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Altering Check Deposited At Local Credit Union
June 23, 2025
A Cantonment woman was arrested on two felony charges after allegedly depositing an altered check at a local credit union.
Shaytrasia Traonna James, 19, was charged with grand theft and uttering a false instrument.
Harvesters Federal Credit Union alleged James deposited a check for $8,812.09 with the payee altered from “Hilldrup Moving and Storage” to “Shaytrasia James.” Harvester’s was required to return the money to Northeast Bank.
James told deputies that she did not realize that her name was forged on the check. She said she was approached by a local man and a second man she did not know who said they did not have bank accounts and asked James to deposit the check for them, according to an arrest report.
James was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
AAA: Fuel Markets React to Rising Tensions in the Middle East
June 23, 2025
Florida gas prices jumped 20 cents per gallon early last week before retreating slightly over the weekend. The state average fell to $2.95 per gallon on Wednesday—its lowest level since May 10—then climbed to $3.15 by Thursday, the highest price since May 2. By Sunday, the state average had edged four cents lower to $3.11 per gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.96, up about six cents over last week. A low price of $2.77 was available at a station on West Burgess Road. In North Escambia, the low price Sunday night was $2.84 at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
AAA said ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added uncertainty to global and domestic gasoline markets. U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s response prompted a modest rise in oil prices during early trading this week, though markets have since steadied.
Of particular concern is Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passageway for about 20% of global oil shipments.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local First Responders Going On Donut Strike For Manna
June 23, 2025
Local law enforcement and fire departments are running to the rescue once more teaming up again to fight hunger by going on strike lister this week.
These brave men and women are going on strike against donuts from Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, June 27 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food has been donated to the cause.
Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations. We will have a list of participating grocery stores later this week on NorthEscambia.com. Food donations and financial gifts to Manna may also be dropped off at their headquarters, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, any day during the week of the Strike, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Because the cost of food and other essentials is rising, Manna is experiencing even greater demand than is typical in the summer months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “At the same time, food donations are down, as everybody feels the pinch on their budgets. Every day, our first responders see children and families who are struggling — and we are so grateful for their efforts to impact change.”
File photo.
Wahoos Take First Half Finale In Win Over Biscuits
June 23, 2025
An explosive fifth inning and a 3-RBI day from Cody Morissette propelled the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a 6-3 victory on Sunday over the Montgomery Biscuits, ending the first half on a high note.
Morissette, who picked up two singles and scored a run to pair with his 3 RBIs, knocked in the winning run in the fifth to help put Pensacola back in the win column.
“[I was] just trying to execute the situation and get the job done to get a win today,” Morissette said. “It was good.”
After being held to just two hits through the first four innings by Montgomery’s Ty Johnson, the Blue Wahoos offense came to life in the fifth.
As soon as Montgomery turned to the bullpen, the bats woke up. With right-hander Ryan Shreve (L, 0-1) on the mound, right fielder Grant Richardson belted a 2-RBI double off the wall in right to tie things up at two to score Johnny Olmstead and Ryan Ignoffo, who reached on his first extra-base hit at the Double-A level.
Richardson later came around to score and take the lead as Morissette singled to right. Josh Zamora added one more run in the frame with a sacrifice fly, allowing Morrissette to score.
Morrissette added some insurance an inning later in the sixth, lining a two-out single to center to score two, extending the Pensacola lead to 6-2.
“Credit to the lineup and credit to our pitchers,” Morissette said. “The lineup put a lot of pressure on their pitchers, got on base, we just executed situations and the pitchers kept us in it.”
After four innings of two-run ball from starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, the Blue Wahoos’ pen took over in a big way.
The trio of Josh Ekness, Ricky DeVito (W, 1-0) and Jesse Bergin combined for five innings of one-run ball, successfully protecting the lead after Pensacola’s four and two-run frames in the fifth and sixth.
Montgomery picked up the first run of the game in the third, after Gregory Barrios drove in Cooper Kinney on a sacrifice fly to left. Shane Sasaki made a jumping catch-up against the wall in foul territory in deep left field, giving Kinney enough time to score on the tag-up.
The Biscuits added a run in the fourth, as centerfielder Homer Bush Jr. singled up the middle with the infield in, allowing Hunter Stovall to score.
Will Simpson added an RBI single in the ninth for the Biscuits, dumping a bloop single into right-center against Blue Wahoos closer Josh Ekness. This was the first run Ekness has given up in the month of June, ending a 7.1 IP scoreless streak.
The Blue Wahoos will travel to Chattanooga to begin the second half of the season, making their lone trip to AT&T Field to square off with the North Division first-half champion Lookouts. Jacob Miller (2-4, 3.05 ERA) is slated to start game one on Tuesday for Pensacola, while Chattanooga has yet to announce a starter.
GAME NOTABLES
— Famed baseball organist Nancy Faust, who became a historic pioneer in the industry when playing for 41 years (1970-2010) at Chicago White Sox games, made her third visit in the past four years to Blue Wahoos Stadium on Sunday, entertaining fans with a medley of music during pregame activities and in-game entertainment. Faust was set up with the same type of Hammond Organ that she played in Chicago, on loan from a local Pensacola church, on the concourse level behind home plate. She was underneath a tent and engaged with fans as she played music and walk-up songs throughout the game.
Aside from her White Sox history, Faust was also the organist at Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks games during the 1980s.
— Sunday’s game officially closed the first half of the Southern League schedule. The Blue Wahoos had 39 home games in the first half. The second half begins on Tuesday throughout the league, and the Blue Wahoos will have a 30-game home slate in the second half.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (June 29).
WHERE: AT&T Field, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: This series begins the second half of the Southern League season. Chattanooga clinched the first-half North Division title on Sunday, locking itself into a playoff spot. The divisional records will be reset, and a second-half winner will be decided in both divisions to determine playoff matchups. This will be the Blue Wahoos’ only trip to Chattanooga to face the Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate. However, the Lookouts will play in Pensacola on July 18-20 and again on August 26-31.
Casey’s Plans For New Convenience Store At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino Set For Final Review
June 22, 2025
Final review is set for this week for a new convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Costcorde, Inc. of Houston submitted plans to the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC).
The updated plans show a 4,569 square foot convenience store, 12 gas fueling stations and two diesel fueling pups. According to the plans, there will only be right turn in and right turn out access on Highway 29 and a full access connection to Highway 97. Casey’s will be on the the northwest corner of the intersection, across Highway 97 from the existing Tom Thumb.
Casey’s is the third largest convenience store and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States. Last year, Casey’s announced the acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores, in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion for 198 stores.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee will consider final approval at a meeting on 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Escambia County Central Complex Building at 3363 West Park Place.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
