Florida’s 2024 ‘Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday’ Begins Next Week
June 29, 2024
Looking to save a little money on canoes, fishing gear, pool supplies, tickets or other fun items? Florida’s “Freedom Month” beginning July 1.
Sales taxes won’t be collected in July on many supplies for boating, fishing and camping and tickets purchased for live music events, sporting events, fairs, festivals, theater performances and movies all month.
Here is a partial list of what people can buy in July without paying sales taxes:
- Tickets to concerts, sporting events, cultural events, theater performances and movies scheduled before Dec. 31.
- Season tickets to ballets, plays, music events and musical theater performances.
- Gym memberships.
- Bait and fishing tackle that costs $5 or less.
- Sunscreen and insect repellant that costs $15 or less.
- Snorkels, goggles and swimming masks that cost $25 or less.
- Camping lanterns, flashlights and tackle boxes that cost $30 or less.
- Water bottles that cost $30 or less.
- Pool floats, inflatable chairs, and pool toys that cost $35 or less.
- Sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs that cost $50 or less.
- Bicycle helmets that cost $50 or less.
- Life jackets, coolers, paddles, and oars that cost $75 or less.
- Fishing rods and reels that cost $75 or less.
- Sunglasses that cost $100 or less.
- Residential pool and spa filters, lights and covers that cost $100 or less.
- Water skis, wakeboards and kneeboards that cost $150 or less.
- Residential pool and spa chemicals that cost $150 or less.
- Tents that cost $200 or less.
- Binoculars that cost $200 or less.
- Gas or charcoal grills that cost $250 or less.
- Paddleboards and surfboards that cost $300 or less.
- Canoes and kayaks that cost $500 or less.
- Bicycles that cost $500 or less.
Wahoos Stymied By Henderson, Shuckers in 7-2 Loss
June 29, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos couldn’t solve Logan Henderson in a 7-2 loss to the Biloxi Shuckers on Friday night.
Henderson (W, 4-0) continued his impressive first impression at Double-A with 5.2 innings of three-hit ball. The righty tied a career high with 10 strikeouts, and improved to 4-0 in his first four Southern League starts after a June 1 promotion from the Midwest League.
The Blue Wahoos managed only four hits, highlighted by a two-run homer from Jakob Marsee on his 23rd birthday. Harrison Spohn and Joe Mack added doubles in the losing effort that saw Pensacola strike out a season-high 15 times.
Biloxi jumped ahead 4-0 in the second inning with a two-out rally against Luis Palacios (L, 5-5). Zavier Warren, who had driven in all three runs in Thursday’s 3-2 Shuckers win, kept up his hot hitting with a two-run homer before Carlos Rodriguez followed with a two-run double.
Darrien Miller added insurance with an RBI double in the fifth before capping the night with a two-run homer off Jeff Lindgren in the seventh. Nate Peterson (S, 1) earned a rare three-inning save by getting the final nine outs of the night for the Shuckers.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Saturday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Jay Bicyclist Killed After Being Hit By Two Vehicles
June 28, 2024
A bicyclist from Jay was killed when he was struck by two vehicles near Allentown late Thursday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 43-year-old Jay man was riding his bicycle north in the northbound lane of Highway 87 near Hopewell Road about 11:39 p.m. He was hit by a car driven by a 35-year-old Brewton man, throwing him from the bicycle into the southbound lane where he was hit by a car driven by a 39-year old Georgia man.
The bicyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene by LifeGuard EMS.
There were no other injuries.
FHP is continuing their investigation.
Third Suspect In Shooting, Pursuit, Bridge Jump Arrested In Texas
June 28, 2024
The third suspect that jumped off the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay following a drive-by shooting and pursuit Monday has been arrested in Texas.
Terrance Lovelle Gross, Jr., 19, was arrested in Laredo, Texas, by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.
“Gross is believed to be the third suspect who jumped over the Hwy 90 bridge,” the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Frida. “Gross has been arrested and will be extradited to Escambia County, where he will face charges associated with shooting a 70-year-old female.”
ECSO said they believe Gross was attempting to flee to Mexico.
“On June 27, 2024, information was relayed to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office of Terrance Lovelle Gross Jr., a male suspect wanted for murder out of Pensacola, Florida, who was traveling to Laredo, TX,” Webb County said. “Through a collaborative effort with Department of Homeland Security (HSI), Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other law enforcement agencies a felony traffic stop was conducted on a white Dodge Ram at the intersection of Calle Del Norte and McPherson.” That intersection is about four miles from the Mexico border.
Texas authorities said, his father, Terrance Lovelle Gross, was driving the vehicle and later released. The passenger of the vehicle was identified as Terrance Lovelle Gross Jr.
Gross is jailed in Texa awaiting extradition back to Florida.
One suspect was killed in his jump from the Highway 90 bridge after deputies performed a PIT maneuver to stop their vehicle. Another suspect 19-year-old Jaquarius Trayquan Etheridge was captured at the scene after jumping from the bridge. Etheridge has been charged with murder while engaged in a crime for the death of the other suspect, attempted murder for the drive-by shooting, fleeing and eluding, and a weapons offense. He is jailed without bond.
The drive-by shooting with about 40 rounds fired happened about 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Erress Boulevard area near Montclair Elementary School area. A 70-year-old woman was reportedly shot in the neck. At last report, she was continuing to fight for her life.
ECSO K-9 Streeter jumped off the bridge in pursuit off Gross, Jr. He was treated and released and was expected to return to duty on Friday.
Highway 4 Bridge Replacement Project Approaching Completion
June 28, 2024
Escambia County is estimating that a new bridge over Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek, about halfway between Byrneville and Bratt, will open in late July.
The new bridge will replace an 81-year-old structure that was closed in July 2023 for replacement.
The project includes drainage improvements and reconstruction of the roadway approaching the bridge. This will include milling and resurfacing the pavement, widening travel lanes, and placing new signage and pavement markings.
The state budget included $3,837,105 to replace the structurally deficient bridge. The bridge and roadway are owned by Escambia County, but the work was done under a locally funded agreement with FDOT.
Pictured: The new bridge over Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek is nearing completion. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Adoptions Saturday At Escambia Animal Shelter
June 28, 2024
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is offering free adoptions Friday and Saturday.
The shelter is take part in the Petco Love Mega Adoption Event — an event with the goal to find 5,000 dogs and cats their forever homes across the state of Florida. All adoption fees are waived during the event, and every pet will come updated on vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered.
Escambia County Animal Welfare will be participating at Hadji Temple Shrine Center, 800 West. Nine Mile Road, on Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and at the Escambia County Animal Shelter during normal business hours. Animal Shelter hours of operation are Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
We are very excited to be participating in the statewide mega adoption event this weekend,” said Animal Welfare Director John Robinson. “Shelters throughout the state are struggling with overcrowded conditions and our shelters in the panhandle are no exception. We are excited to have the opportunity to let people see how many great pets we have available for adoption in our area.”
To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com
Chosen 12u Wins Brewton YMCA All-Star Tournament
June 28, 2024
The Chosen 12u softball team recently went undefeated to claim the Brewton Area YMCA All-Star Tournament. The victories included an eight inning 9-8 victory in the championship game against Monroeville’s all-stars.
The Chosen 12U softball team is home-based in Century with players from Century, Northwest Escambia and the surrounding area.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP To Award $57,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits. Here’s How To Apply.
June 28, 2024
The International Paper Pensacola Mill will award a total of $57,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2024.
International Paper Pensacola Mill recognizes the vital role non-profit organizations play in addressing critical needs within our communities. Through these grants, organizations will be able to fund new projects and programs that align with our signature causes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
To apply for these grants, non-profit organizations are invited to submit their applications until Monday, July 15. Interested parties can access the application form at www.ipgiving.com.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “We are committed to supporting organizations that share our vision of creating positive change and improving the lives of individuals.”
The International Paper Foundation focuses on making sustainable investments that address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Grants are awarded based on signature causes.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact.
Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com until July 15, 2023.
If you have questions about the grant guidelines, contact Whitney Fike, regional communications manager, at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Warren’s One-Man Show Sends Wahoos To 3-2 Defeat
June 28, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 3-2 to the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night in a game dominated by Shuckers first baseman Zavier Warren.
Warren, who had just been activated off Biloxi’s development list earlier in the day, hit an RBI single in the second inning and the eventual game-winning two-run triple in the fourth off Cade Gibson (L, 0-1) to account for all three Shuckers runs.
The Blue Wahoos went 1-for-11 with men in scoring position on the night, squandering an early opportunity with the bases loaded and nobody out in the second inning and finding little success later in the game. Biloxi starter Brett Wichrowski danced around trouble for 3.0 scoreless innings before a 29-minute rain delay in the bottom of the third hastened his departure.
Paul McIntosh got Pensacola on the board with a solo homer, his sixth of the year, in the fourth. TJ Shook (W, 4-7) also allowed an RBI triple in the seventh to Jacob Berry as the Wahoos drew to within a run, but Craig Yoho escaped the jam with the potential tying run in scoring position to end Pensacola’s final threat of the night.
Both teams’ bullpens performed well in the late innings, as Pensacola’s Zach McCambley and Patrick Murphy combined for 4.0 scoreless frames and Blake Holub (S, 6) sealed the one-run Biloxi victory.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Friday. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Community Mourns Passing Of Firefighter Clay Brown In Vehicle Crash
June 27, 2024
The community is mourning the passing of firefighter Clay Brown, Jr., 27, who passed away Saturday, June 22 in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning. on Highway 87 north of Jay.
He was a career firefighter for Escambia County Fire-Rescue and a volunteer for the Jay Volunteer Fire Department.
Brown was born in Pensacola on Sept. 18, 1996, to James “Moo” and Jeanne Brown. He graduated from Jay High School in 2015 where he was a proud Jay Royal on the football and weightlifting teams. There, he made many lasting bonds of friendship on the field, in the weight room and the classroom.
While in high school, Brown discovered his calling to the fire service and, at age 16, joined the Jay Volunteer Fire Department as a junior volunteer firefighter.
Following his desire for service, Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 1, 2016. He was stationed in Bremerton, Wash., and spent time in Everett, Wash. and San Diego, Calif. for the four years he served.
Brown was assigned to the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Nimitz. He had one deployment during his enlistment for seven months to the Persian Gulf, which placed his ship in position to conduct anti-ISIS strikes in Syria and Iraq. Following his time on the U.S.S Nimitz, Brown served as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS3) as an F4 for the remainder of this service.
Upon returning to his hometown of Jay, Brown enrolled in the Fire Academy to once again serve his community. He attended Northwest Florida State College for Firefighter I/II training, where he formed many bonds of friendship with soon-to-be firefighters.
Once his training was completed, Brown was hired on at Pace Fire Rescue District. From there, he moved to the Holley-Navarre Fire District – Station #41, and then found his permanent home with Escambia County Fire Rescue, serving at Station #1 in Bellview and finally at Station #7 in Ferry Pass.
Brown was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted and fished as often as possible. He was a usual participant during the Duck, Deer and Turkey seasons. Brown was a proud member of the Travis Road Hunting Club, where he enjoyed time at the “Hunting Camp” with his father and many of his father’s lifelong friends and their sons and daughters. Along with hunting, Brown also enjoyed hiking, spending much time in Idaho, which he considered his second home. His love of the outdoors extended to farming as he always looked forward to the planting and harvest seasons, always lending a helping hand to his farming friends.
Brown will always be remembered by his family, friends, and fellow firefighters as a happy and big personality who brought love and light into every room he entered. He was a member of the Full Gospel Community Church in Dixonville, Ala. where he accepted Jesus into his heart and his life, and received love and guidance from a special lifelong friend and pastor, Brother Bill Thompson.
lay Brown is survived by his mother and father, Moo and Jeanne Brown, of Jay, his sister, Kasey Yalch, special nephews, Jayce Clay Stokes and Jameson Haveard, and niece, Sawyer Haveard. He is also survived by Uncles John “Cliff” Cory Brown of Jay, Don McNabb of Levittown, Penn., Michael McNabb of Waveland, Miss., and Rick Sexton of Winchester, Calif.; Aunts, Vicki Dixon of Pace, Jeannie Johnson of Urbana, Iowa; Great Uncles Harry Hawthorne, Ray Daugette and Bruce Daugette of Milton, and numerous cousins on both sides of his family.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Claude and Mary Nan Brown and William and Bertha (Boots) Sexton, all of Jay. Clay is also predeceased by his uncles, William Sexton, Jr. of St. Augustine, Fla., Mickey McNabb of Jemison, Ala., Wendell (Mac) McNabb of Jefferson, La., and Susan McNabb of Marianna, Fla.
Funeral Arrangements
The family of Clay Brown invites the public to the visitation, funeral and burial services.
Visitation Service: Thursday, June 27
- Location: True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 SR-87, Jay
- Time: 5-8 p.m.
- Additional Information: Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged
Funeral: Friday, June 28
- Location: True Worship Assembly of God, 13297 SR-29, Jay
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Additional Information: Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged
Burial: Friday, June 28
- Location: Full Gospel Community Church, 9851 Travis Rd., Brewton, Ala.
- Time: Immediately following the funeral service