Northview Chiefs Beat The Walton Braves 12-1
February 15, 2025
The Northview Chiefs beat the Walton Braves 12-1 Friday night in Bratt.
Grayden Sheffield earned the win on the mound for Northview, giving up three hits and one run (unearned) in four and two-thirds innings, while walking four and striking out nine.
Brady Smith led the Chiefs at the plate, going 2-3 with three RBIs.
Up next, Northview will travel to W.S. Neal on Monday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
DeSantis Appoints Four To Pensacola State College Board Of Trustees
February 15, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed four people on Friday to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees. They are Dr. Joel Rudman, Edward Fleming, Andrew Hobbs, and Zachary Smith.
Dr. Joel Rudman
Dr. Rudman is the Family Practice Physician at Dr. Joel D. Rudman, M.D. Active in his community, he was previously elected to the Florida House of Representatives representing District 3 and was the Staff Physician for NASCAR at the Daytona International Speedway. Rudman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Mississippi.
Edward Fleming
Fleming is the Founding Partner of McDonald Fleming Attorneys At Law. Active in his community, he is a Commissioner on the First District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Commission. He has been named as one of Pensacola’s 100 Most Influential residents by a local newspaper. Fleming earned his juris doctor from the University of Georgia.
Andrew Hobbs
Hobbs is the Chief Deputy of Administration for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Active in his community, he is a Board member for Manna Food Pantries, Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood, and the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation. Hobbs earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Zachary Smith
Smith is a Senior Legal Fellow and Manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at the Heritage Foundation. Active in his community, he is a Commissioner on the First Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and previously served as the Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science, his master’s degree in political science, and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.
Escambia Schools In Session Monday As Snow Make Up Day
February 15, 2025
Escambia County Schools will be in session on Monday as a make up for one of the snow days that was missed in January.
Initially, teachers and and staff were scheduled to work February 17 as a professional development day, and students were scheduled to to be out of school. Now Monday, February 17 will now be a full instructional day for students.
“No one could have predicted four days off for ice and snow in Escambia County,” said Superintendent Keith Leonard. “In order to be sure our students are receiving optimal instructional time, we will use February 17th as a make-up day.”
All schools and offices will operate on normal schedules, to include transportation and food services for students.
Pictured: Snow covers the Tate High School campus in Cantonment on January 21. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Nicholas Isiah Walston
February 15, 2025
Mr. Nicholas Isiah Walston, 17-years-old, passed away February 12, 2025, at his home in Byrneville, Florida. Born August 2, 2007, he was a native and lifelong resident of the area, known for his cheerful spirit. Nicholas was a student at Northview High School, where he was a member of ROTC, he also played football, and shared memorable moments. He also attended Holy Ground Church in Flomaton, Alabama, where he was an active member of the community. His kindness and energy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was an amazing person who found joy in many simple things. He loved hunting and fishing, always excited to spend time outdoors. Wrestling was one of his favorite shows to watch, and he never missed a match. His passion for trucks and fast cars made him a proud collector, always eager to share his latest finds. He had a big heart, always ready to help others whenever he could. He enjoyed capturing the beauty of the sky through his camera and cherished fun moments spent with family. Whether it was taking walks outside with his brother or cheering at hockey games, he found happiness in these experiences. Most of all, he adored his nieces and nephews, making every moment spent with them special and filled with laughter.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jacob Walston Jr.; grandparents, Gene Day Boatwright, Pearl Sellers, Diane Boatwright.
Mr. Walston is survived by his mother Christine Jenkins of Byrneville, Florida; Step-dad, Steve Emmons, of Byrneville, Florida; sisters, Emily Walston and Chris Hammond of Byrneville, Florida, Brittany Walston of Byrneville, Florida; brother, Nate Emmons of Byrneville, Florida; grandparents, Joyce Jenkins AKA “Nana” of Franklinton, Louisiana; Steve Emmons Sr, of Flomaton, Alabama, and Billy Boatwright of Flomaton, Alabama; nephews, Jacob Walston and Jaxton Simpson; nieces, Emmy Lou Tamondong and Brooklynn Tamondong; numerous other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Wesley Carey and Christopher Chambers officiating
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Nate Emmons, Rodney Wadkins, Christopher Wadkins, Chris Hammond, Brian Moore, and Preston Jenkins.
Petty Funeral Homes is entrusted with all arrangements.
Teen On Electric Bike Critically Injured In Highway 29 Crash
February 14, 2025
A 17-year-old on an electric motorized bicycle was critically injured in a crash on Highway 29 Friday afternoon.
The teen male was southbound on a Highway 29 within the northbound bicycle lane about 1:35 p.m. near East Roberts Road when as a Lincoln sedan was exiting a private driveway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“The driver stopped at the edge of the travel lane, not seeing the electric bicycle traveling against the flow of traffic,” FHP said the bicyclist collided with the front corner of the sedan.
The teen was airlifted to an area hospital as a trauma alert by LifeFlight . The 52-year-old female driver of the Lincoln was not injured.
Escambia Voters May Again Be Asked If The School Superintendent Should Be Elected Or Appointed
February 14, 2025
Voters in Escambia County could once against be asked to decide if the school superintendent should be elected or appointed.
In 2018, Escambia County voters narrowly approved a ballot referendum for an appointed superintendent, with 50.36 voting yes and 49.64 percent voting now. This was the sixth time voters had considered the idea of an appointed superintendent in the county; all of the other attempts failed.
Now. District 5 school board member Tom Harrell wants to put the issue back on the ballot in 2028.
Harrell proposed a resolution for next week’s board meeting to place it on the ballot in 2026, later changing that to 2028 during a Thursday school board workshop.
Harrell said she as he was campaigning for office last year, he heard an overwhelming majority of people in the district wanted a return to an elected superintendent. He said that was no reflection on current Superintendent Keith Leonard, noting that Leonard has done an outstanding job and will hopefully be in office for some time to come.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
Leonard said he would run the district the same whether elected or appointed.
“Would I change how I do business if I were appointed or elected? No,” Leonard said. “I would do business exactly the same way.”
District 3 school board member David Williams said he will not support the referendum because the district is currently doing well with an appointed superintendent, a sentiment echoed by District 4 member Carissa Bergosh.
District 2 member Paul Fetsko said he would support the referendum if it coincided with the 2028 Presidential Primary with an anticipated higher turnout that midterms will bring in 2026. And District 1 member David Adams also voiced his support; Adams made a similar proposal in 2023, but it was rejected by the board 3-2.
“We can’t have it both. Either we are happy with the appointed, and everybody’s up here praising the appointed right now,” Williams said after the discussion. “But yet we are voting to go elected. I just don’t understand that.”
The school board attorney will work on the resolution to return to the school board in April. If the school board approves the referendum proposal to allow voters to again choose between and elected or appointed school superintendent, it will be sent to the Escambia County Commission to be placed on the ballot.
Ag Officers Seize $264,000 Worth Of Cocaine In Escambia County Traffic Stop
February 14, 2025
State law enforcement seized over 29 pounds of cocaine worth over a quarter million dollars during an Escambia County traffic stop.
Officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) seized over 29 pounds of cocaine after stopping a white cargo van that bypassed an agricultural interdiction station in Escambia County. The street value of the seizure is $24,000 per bundle, with a total street value of $264,000.
“Florida’s Agricultural Law Enforcement officers serve as a first line of defense against criminal activity and threats to our state,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “This significant drug seizure is a testament to the critical role our Agricultural Law Enforcement officers play in keeping Florida safe. I’m proud of the work our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement – and the men and women who put their lives on the line every day – to intercept criminals and illicit contraband that endanger our communities.”
A large cargo van was observed bypassing an FDACS agricultural interdiction station, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop. Upon inspection, officers discovered a crate holding a large plastic box filled with spray foam that had not yet solidified. Upon further investigation, officers found 11 bricks of cocaine – with a total weight of 29.2 pounds – concealed beneath the foam. The crate had been picked up from a storage unit in El Paso, Texas, and was destined for a location in South Florida.
OALE investigators are working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on this ongoing investigation.
The state did not provide any arrest information.
Century Man Charged With Reported Bratt Home Invasion
February 14, 2025
An 18-year-old Century man has been charged with a reported home invasion last weekend in Bratt.
John Matthew Malachi Bolen, Jr., was charged with armed burglary, criminal mischief with property damage and using or displaying a firearm during commission of a felony, all felonies.
About 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, a resident of Morgan Road reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that his daughter’s boyfriend kicked the door in on his home and shot his car as he was leaving. Bolen also “based” in a bedroom door where his girlfriend was sleeping and took her phone, according to an arrest report.
A total of $1,750 in damage was reported — $500 to a carport door, $250 to a bedroom door and $1,000 to the vehicle. The phone was not located.
Bolen remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $40,000.
Most Government Offices Closed Monday (But Not Century)
February 14, 2025
Most government offices will be closed Monday for Presidents Day, except those in Century.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)
- Escambia County Administration offices
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- Escambia County Area Transit Administration
Escambia County Exceptions:
- ECAT and the UWF trolleys will run regular weekday service Feb. 17. ECAT customer service will also be open.
- The Perdido Landfill will be open with regular hours Feb. 17.
- The Clerk’s Official Records, Finance, Treasury, and Clerk to the Board offices located at 221 Palafox Place will be closed Feb. 17. All other Clerk offices located at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Juvenile Building, Public Records Center, and the Century Courthouse will be open.
ECUA
- ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. However, residential and commercial sanitation collections will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual.
TOWN OF CENTURY
- Town of Century Offices will be OPEN on Monday, February 17.
Increasing Clouds, Rain And Storms By Late Saturday Night
February 14, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 56. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 61. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a chance of showers between 9am and noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 10 mph.
Washington’s Birthday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.