Six ECSO Deputies Escort Daughter Of Late Officer In Tate High Homecoming Court
October 26, 2019
Payton Simmons didn’t have to worry about who would escort her Friday night during the homecoming court presentation at Tate High School.
The senior was escorted by six uniformed Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies, standing in proudly for her father. Payton’s dad, Lt. Ray Simmons of Oak Grove, passed away on November 24, 2007, at the age of 39.
He had been employed with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, and had served with the Pensacola Police Department and the Gulf Breeze Police Department.
For Friday night game photos and more from the homecoming court, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Century Baptist Celebrating 115 Years, Highland Baptist Marking 100 Years On Sunday
October 26, 2019
Two Baptist churches in North Escambia are celebrating a combined 215 years on Sunday.
The First Baptist Church of Century will celebrate 115 years at their homecoming on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will celebrate 100 years at their homecoming on Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
Histories of both churches are below (scroll down below photos).
First Baptist Church Century est. 1904
First Baptist Church Century was founded with 25 charter members in 1904 on land donated by the Alger Sullivan Lumber Company, which sold the church lumber at a discounted price for their first building. The church joined the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association in September, 1914.
In the beginning, services were held just twice per month on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. In 1947, under the leadership of Rev. B.A. Hawkins, the church went full time.
The First Baptist Church Century building on Church Street received minor damage when a devastating EF-3 tornado severely damaged much of the surrounding area.
Since 1905, the church has been led by 33 pastors, including currently by Pastor David Boyd.
Highland Baptist Church est. 1919
Highland Baptist Church was organized in 1919 after Miss Ruth Riddle, a local school teacher, began a Sunday School at Highland School on Molino Road, west of Highway 29. With a gift of $200 from the State Mission Board and the donation of some land by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Hastings, a building was erected in 1922 across the road from the school. The Molino Baptist Church, constituted in 1908 with twenty members, voted to join the fellowship of Highland. “Molino-Highland Day” was set aside as the two churches combined their congregations. The building materials from the Molino Church were used to enlarge the educational building.
In 1942, Highland, striving to be more centrally located in the community, purchased land with a gift of $75 from the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association. Under the leadership of Rev. E. E. Roberts, a lay pastor, the church began to grow; and on April 30, 1950, a new block building consisting of an auditorium and six classrooms was dedicated.
In 1953, the same year Rev. C. D. Fant became pastor, the church built a pastorium. This pastorium served as “home” for the next six pastors. After Bro. Tim Patrick was called as pastor of Highland, and living in the pastorium for a period of time, the church purchased and renovated a home on Firehouse Road that Bro. Tim and his family lived in. The pastorium was then turned into the church office, as it still is today.
On September 30, 1973, the two-story interim sanctuary and educational space was dedicated. So different from the past, of baptisms being held in rivers, swimming pools, creeks, or a baptistry in a sister church, for the first time, baptisms were held in the baptistry that was built in this interim sanctuary. The mortgage on this building was paid off several years early, with a note burning on April 25, 1982.
Started by Highland Baptist as a home bible study in 1983 under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Dubose, the Dogwood Park Mission was established. With ground breaking in 1985, during the time Bro. Rick Wolfe was pastor, and a sanctuary with classrooms being built, the mission was constituted as Dogwood Park Baptist Church in 1986.
The current sanctuary has a seating capacity of 500 and was dedicated on November 18, 1990.
For a more complete Highland Baptist Church History, including a list of pastors, click here.
Tate Aggies Fall To Chiles, Celebrate Senior Night And HOCO Part II (With Photo Gallery)
October 26, 2019
It was a night of many emotions Friday night for the Tate High School Aggies as they Tate High School Aggies celebrated Senior Night, Homecoming Part II, and worried about a player taken away by ambulance.
The Aggies fell to Tallahassee Chiles 45-7.
Tate’s lone score of the night came on a pass from senior Ethan George to junior Keishawn Qualls with a good extra point kick from Matthew Johnson.
The Homecoming Court, including Queen Tayler Mills, first runner-up Avery Young, and second runner-up Baylor Phillips, had a chance to walk across the field after the October 18 homecoming game was postponed by Tropical Storm Nestor. And one homecoming court member, Payton Simmons, was escorted by six Escambia County deputies [learn why by clicking here].
After taking a hard hit, Tate Aggie Jacori Simpkins was transported to the hospital for treatment. According to the Tate Quarterback Club early Saturday morning, Simpkins was in good spirits and was allowed visits from his teammates and coaches.
The Tate Aggies (1-8. 0-2) will wrap up their season next Friday night at West Florida (1-7, 1-2).
For more game abnd homecoming court photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Overturns When Driver Attempts To Dodge A Deer
October 26, 2019
A vehicle overturned Friday afternoon near the 4-H Center in Molino when the driver reportedly tried to dodge a deer.
The crash happened on South Highway 99 near Chalker Road about 4:15 p.m. There were no serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Beats Chipley 52-14
October 26, 2019
The Northview Chiefs cruised past the Chipley Tigers 52-14 Friday night in Chipley.
Jayden Jackson racked up four touchdowns for the Chiefs, while Ben Wilson added a couple of touchdowns.
The Northview Chiefs (6-2) will wrap up their regular season next Friday night at Jay (4-5). The Royals are coming off a 49-35 loss to Bozeman Friday night.
Prior to Friday night’s game, the Chiefs were ranked No. 3 in the District behind Baker and Vernon. Baker beat Port. St. Joe 27-21 Friday night, but Vernon lost to Blountstown 42-13. Updated rankings will be released Tuesday by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs following their 52-14 win at Chipley Friday night. Photo by Lexi Kittrell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Finals
October 26, 2019
Here are Friday night’s high school football scores from around the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Northview 52, Chipley 14 [Details...]
- Chiles 45, Tate 7 [Details, photos...]
- Bozeman 49, Jay 35
- Escambia 50, Washington 7
- Arnold at Pine Forest 44. Arnold 0
- West Florida 19, Pensacola High 6
- Catholic 45, Choctaw 35
- Navarre 52, Crestview 14
- Mosley 32, Gulf Breeze 21
- Baker 27, Port St. Joe 21
- Blountstown 42, Vernon 13
- Pace 6, Milton 3 (Thursday)
ALABAMA
- Williamson 16, Escambia County 7
- Flomaton 20, T.R. Miller 12
- UMS-Wright 21, W.S. Neal 6
- Escambia Academy 41, Lowndes Academy 0 (Thursday)
Holman Prison Inmate Found Dead In His Cell
October 26, 2019
An inmate death at Holman Prison in Atmore is under investigation.
Law enforcement agents of the Alabama Department of Corrections Investigations and Intelligence Division are investigating the death of an inmate that occurred on October 18 at Holman, the ADOC said Friday.
At approximately 5:05 a.m., correctional officers discovered inmate Ricky Gilland, 46, of Vinemont, unresponsive, in his cell. Officers entered the cell with medical staff and discovered Gilland was deceased.
No foul play is suspected at this time. The final cause of death is pending autopsy results.
Big List: Trick Or Treats; Trunk Or Treats, Fall Festivals And More
October 26, 2019
Several Halloween and fall festival events are scheduled in the North Escambia area. A complete list is below.
To add to this list, email your local North Escambia area events to news@northescambia.com.
Tuesday, October 29
Quintette Community Trunk or Treat
Trunk or treat and costume contest on Tuesday, October 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Quintette Community Center at 2490 Quintette Lane in Cantonment.
Wednesday, October 30
Trunk or Treat
Jay First Baptist Church and Jay United Methodist Church will have their annual trunk or treat on Wednesday, October 30, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. The churches are located across from Jay Hospital in Jay, FL.
Family Baptist Trunk or Treat
Family Baptist Church will hold their trunk or treat on Wednesday, October 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Candy, food, and a live magic show every 30 minutes. The church is located at 5454 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola.
Thursday, October 31
Victory Assembly of God Community Fall Festival
Victory Assembly of God will hold their annual Community Fall Festival on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be carnival games and candy, trunk-or-treat, hayrides, inflatables, a rope-and-barrel bull ride, and much more. Chili and hot dogs will be served. Everything is free. The church is located at 1895 Victory Road in Cantonment. Call (850) 587-2295 for more information.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat at First Baptist Church of Cantonment, 118 Morris Ave, on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. There will be hayrides, games and candy.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church
Join St. Monica’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, October 31 for Trunk or Treat. To participate, decorate your car, truck or even your motorcycle and yourself with a theme of your choice and set up in our parking lot by 5:30. Kids will trick or treat from car to car and enjoy some free, fun and entertaining activities.
Canoe Church Trunk Or Treat
Second annual Trunk or Treat at Canoe Church, 155 South Canoe Road, on Thursday, October 31 from 4-6 p.m. Refreshments and hot dogs provided.
Beulah Free Will Baptist Trunk or Treat
Beulah Free Will Baptist Church Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. There will be free food, fun and games. Everyone invited.
Beulah Church Trunk-N-Treat
Trunk-N-Treat at Beulah Church, 7561 Mobile Highway, from 6-8 p.m on Thursday, October 31. Free candy, food and fun.
Trick or Treat In Jay
The Town of Jay will hold Trick or Treat on Commerce Street on Thursday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m. Trick or treat booths open at 5 p.m. Kids Costume Contest (no pets) at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Town of Jay.
Bratt Assembly of God Fall Carnival
Bratt Assembly of God will have a fall carnival on Thursday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. The church is located at 5841 Godwin Cemetery Road.
Atmore Trick or Treat
Trick or Treat on Main Street in Atmore will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.
Ensley Church of The Nazarene Fall Festival
Ensley Church of The Nazarene will hold a fall festival on October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The event is free. All are welcome. The church is located at 8300 N Palafox Street in Pensacola.
Highland Baptist Church Trunk or Treat
Highland Baptist Church will hold a Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A snack supper will be provided free of charge and there will be bounce houses for children. The church is located at 6240 County Hwy 95A in Molino.
Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival
Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival will be Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m.. Fun, games, and fellowship for the community.
Light the Night Block Party
Klondike Church will host their 7th annual “Light The Night” Block party on Thursday, October 31, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Activities include trunk or treat, hayrides, games, give-away drawings, and photo booth. Hot dogs will be available. The entire event is free. For more information visit https://lovepensacola.org/blockparty. The church is located at 7201 Klondike Road in Pensacola.
Century Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat
The Century Chamber of Commerce will hold a town trunk or treat on Thursday, October 31, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Showalter Park. Pumpkin carving/decorating contest, costume contest, goodies, and a dunking booth.
November 1-2
Jim Allen Elementary School Fall Carnival
Jim Allen Elementary School will hold their annual Fall Carnival on Friday, November 1 from 5-6 p.m.
Cora Baptist Church Fall Festival
Fall Fest on Saturday, November 2, at 3:30 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church at 12953 Chumuckla Highway, Jay.
Pollard McCall Junior High Carnival
Pollard McCall Junior High School will hold their Fall Festival on Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Atmore Cancels Williams Station Day Due To Weather Concerns
October 25, 2019
Williams Station Day planned for Saturday in Atmore has been canceled due to weather concerns.
Paid vendors for this year’s event will be automatically registered for next year’s Williams Station Day on October 24, 2020. No vendor fees will be refunded.
The BARK-Tober Fest Pet Costume Contest set for Saturday will be rescheduled.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
No Serious Injuries When Car Collides With Trailer In Cottage Hill
October 25, 2019
There were no serious injuries when a car collided with a flatbed trailer in Cottage Hill Friday morning.
The collision happened on Williams Ditch Road at Wishbone Road. The force of the crash knocked the axles loose on the trailer that was hauling a skid steer loader.
A juvenile male was reported transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
