One Candidate Qualifies On Monday For Open Century Town Council Seat
June 24, 2025
One candidate qualified Monday for a vacant seat on the Century Town Council.
Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison is the first candidate for qualify for the seat. Earlier this year, she was defeated in a three-way race for another open council seat by John Bass.
On May 6, Councilmember Sandra McMurray-Jackson resigned from Seat 5 for personal reasons. With more than six months remaining until the end of her term in January 2027, the town charter requires that the council set a special election and appoint a replacement to the five-member body. To date, the council has failed to appoint an interim replacement.
Candidates can still qualify with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections through 5 p.m. Wednesday. A candidate must be a registered voter in the Town of Century, as set forth in the town charter. The qualifying fee that must be paid is 1% of the annual salary, plus a $12.85 filing fee for a total of $50. There is no option to qualify by petition.
The special election has been set for Tuesday, July 29. If no candidate for the non-partisan seat receives one vote more than 50%, a runoff will be held on September 29. The winner will take office 10 days after certification of the election.
Pictured: Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison addresses the Century Town Council in January 2025. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office To Host Fraud Prevention Class
June 24, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host a class titled “Shield Against Scams: A Citizen’s Guide to Fraud Prevention” on July 17 from 10 a.m. until noon.
ECSO Economics Crimes investigators will discuss current scame trents. The class will also include a “Seniors v. Crimes” presentation made by the Office of the Attorney General.
Space is limited. To register, click here. Registration is required.
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.