Grand Opening Date Set For Nine Mile Aldi Store
February 27, 2025
A ribbon cutting has been set for the new Aldi store at 312 East Nine Mile Road.
Aldi will cut the ribbon on Thursday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. — 30 minutes before opening time. Customers will be allowed to enter the store immediately following the ceremony. The store will also have giveaways and other grand opening perks.
Aldi will be open for shopping on Wednesday, March 12 for a sneak peak.
In March 2024, the Germany-based Aldi completed the purchase of all Winn Dixie stores, recently selling about 170 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s locations back to Southeastern Grocers.
The former Nine Mile road Winn-Dixie store closed for renovations in late September.
Aldi said earlier this month that expects to open 225 new stores in the U.S. during 2025, partly by converting some of the Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s locations.
Escambia County Corrections Department Receives State’s Highest Level Of Accreditation
February 27, 2025
The Escambia County Corrections Department has been awarded the Excelsior Status, the most prestigious achievement in Florida accreditation, for the third consecutive time by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.
The Escambia County Corrections Department has been an accredited agency for over 20 years, having obtained its initial certification in October 2003. Accreditation is a voluntary independent review process that demonstrates the agency’s commitment to complying with FCAC’s 261 accreditation standards.
Excelsior Status is the FCAC’s highest form of recognition for continued excellence in the field of corrections accreditation. To achieve Excelsior status, a Florida agency must have achieved initial accredited status and then achieve five successful re-accreditation assessments without conditions. Assessments are conducted at three-year intervals; therefore, the Excelsior process takes approximately 15 years for an agency to acquire.
“Maintaining the high standards of accreditation is an accomplishment in itself,” Escambia County Corrections Chief William R. Powell said. “However, the dedication and devotion that staff demonstrate in upholding these high standards are what truly matters. Congratulations to all Escambia County Corrections staff in this achievement. It could not be accomplished without everyone’s commitment to excellence.”
Appeals Court Overturns State Ethics Commission Finding Against Doug Underhill
February 27, 2025
Florida’s First District Court of Appeal on Wednesday overturned Florida Commission on Ethics decisions that former Escambia County District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill be removed from office after allegations that he misused his office and that he owned $35,000 in penalties for alleged ethics violations.
In 2022, the Ethics Commission found that Underhill misused his position by publicly sharing or publishing confidential transcripts, including minutes from Escambia County Commission shade meetings. A $10,000 fine was imposed for this offense. The Commission also recommended a fine of $6,250 for each of four ethics violations for soliciting donations from a county vendor or lobbyist, and gift disclosure laws involving a GoFundMe page seek donations towards his personal legal expenses.
The appeals court found that the commission “erred” in the interpretation of the law, and “the ordinary meaning of that subsection—set out above—compelled a different result for Underhill.”
“A GoFundMe page is not a mass send out to thousands of recipients or even to one specific recipient. There was no evidence presented that Underhill sent it directly to anyone. In fact, the Commission’s interpretation of ’soliciting’ would have the effect of prohibiting any public officer or employee from posting a passive GoFundMe page. And a public officer or employee who posts a GoFundMe page will likely never know whether a prohibited donor has even visited the site,” the court found.
NorthEscambia Publisher Named One Of Escambia County’s Most Influential People
February 27, 2025
The Pensacola Independent News has released their 2025 Inweekly Power List — their ranking of the most powerful and influential people in Escambia County.
Only one person that works primarily in the North Escambia area was named to the list — NorthEscambia.com publisher William Reynolds for the 13th consecutive year.
Belle Bear, co-founder of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay and champion of numerous nonprofits and causes, tops this year’s list.
To view this year’s Inweekly Power List edition, click here.
Pictured: Belle Bear was at the top of the 2025 Inweekly Power List. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Low In The 40s Tonight
February 27, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
Local Elementary Schools Shine In Annual Science Olympiad
February 27, 2025
The 7th Annual Elementary Science Olympiad was held Saturday at Washington High School. Teams of students from 20 Escambia County elementary schools competed in 10 different events.
For a photo gallery of North Escambia area winners, click here.
The winners were:
A is for Anatomy:
- 1st: Bratt
- 2nd: Pine Meadow
- 3rd: Kingsfield
- 4th: Hellen Caro and Scenic Heights
- 6th: Montclair
CodeBusters:
- 1st: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 3rd: Scenic Heights
- 4th: Kingsfield
- 5th: Molino Park
- 6th: McArthur
Grasp a Graph:
- 1st: Kingsfield
- 2nd: NB Cook
- 3rd: Pleasant Grove
- 4th: Oakcrest
- 5th: Molino Park
- 6th: Sherwood
Mystery Powders:
- 1st: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: NB Cook
- 3rd: Pleasant Grove
- 4th: Kingsfield
- 5th: Scenic Heights
- 6th: Molino Park
Robotics Task:
- 1st: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Hellen Caro
- 3rd: Bellview
- 4th: Sherwood
- 5th: Scenic Heights
- 6th: Molino Park
Robotics Pathways:
- 1st: Beulah
- 2nd: Bratt
- 3rd: Lipscomb
- 4th: Longleaf
- 5th: Hellen Caro
- 6th: Oakcrest
Rock Hound:
- 1st: Oakcrest
- 2nd: Scenic Heights
- 3rd: Global Learning Academy
- 4th: Beulah
- 5th: Bratt
- 6th: Pine Meadow
Science Bowl:
- 1st: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: McArthur
- 3rd: Jim Allen
- 4th: Hellen Caro
- 5th: Kingsfield
- 6th: Ferry Pass
Tower Challenge:
- 1st: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Molino Park
- 3rd: Warrington
- 4th: Scenic Heights
- 5th: Bratt
- 6th: McArthur
Write It, Do It:
- 1st: Hellen Caro
- 2nd: Molino Park
- 3rd: Pine Meadow
- 4th: Oakcrest
- 5th: Longleaf
- 6th: Beulah and Scenic Heights
Overall:
- 1st: Pine Meadow
- 2nd: Scenic Heights
- 3rd: Hellen Caro
Spirit Award:
- NB Cook
Pictured top: Pine Meadow Elementary School took first place overall in the 7th Annual Elementary Science Olympiad. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
This Is Who Claimed A $35K Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold In Molino
February 27, 2025
We now know who had a winning $35,000 Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold in Molino.
The Quick Pick ticket sold at the Molino First Stop at 6530 North Highway 95A in Molino was one of three winning tickets in the February 24 evening drawing and is worth $35,513.70. The other winning ticket were sold in Oakland Park and Miami.
According to the Florida Lottery, the cash option on the winning ticket was claimed by Todd Bryon Powell of Pace.
The winning numbers were 7-17-28-29-35.
Soccer Stars Battle Tonight In High School All-Star Games
February 27, 2025
It’s East vs. West as local high school seniors battle to see who’s the best in the Pensacola Sports’ High School All-Star Series Soccer Game tonight. This event showcases top players from Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia county high schools.
Student athletes are nominated by their coaches and every player gets a chance to shine in their final high school game.
What: Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series Soccer Match
When: Feb. 27, 2025 - Girls Game: 5:00 p.m., Boys Game: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Complex
Tickets: $10 general admission and $5 for students - Tickets available here
WEST BOYS ROSTER
Tate
- Justin Bolden – Left Back
- Noah Chromik – Right Back
- Brian Guedes – Left Midfielder
Escambia
- Jackson Perkins – Winger
- Robert Mahon – Midfield
Pine Forest
- Jesther Matamoros – Winger
- Luis Hernandez – Center Back
- Yeison Sosa – Winger
West Florida
- Hayden Olsen – Central Midfield
- Deny Argueta – CDM
- Gunnar Brown – Center Back
- Colton Hess – Goalkeeper
- David Sabata – Right Back
Washington
- Felipe Lawall – Center Mid
- Ryan Chandler – Defensive Mid
- Carson Smith – Center Back
- Evan McManus – Striker
- Westin Rhymer – Center Back
Pensacola
- Keller Hernandez – Defensive Midfield
- Anthony Garza – Midfield
Catholic
- Matthew Ramirez Hayes – Goalkeeper
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Zach Ables - Pine Forest High School
- Assistant Coach: Matthew Vann - West Florida High School
EAST BOYS ROSTER
Crestview
- Sean Stout – Goalkeeper
Milton
- Jackson Burt – Left Wing
- Hunter Weekley – Center Back
- Aidan Kaniper – Center Mid
Gulf Breeze
- Noah Flint – Center Back
- Seamus Ladner – Right Wing
Navarre
- Mateo Soto – Center Back
- Nathan McGovern – Center Mid
- Ryan Evans – Center Back
Choctaw
- Gage Rozofsky – Left Back
- Edwin Rivera – Midfield
Ft. Walton Beach
- Brandon Rodriguez – CAM
- Jason Reyes – Winger
Rocky Bayou
- Scout Thoner – Striker
- Elias Larramore – Midfield
- Mark Lawson – Center Mid
Niceville
- Tanner Boxberger – Goalkeeper
- Matthew Frey – Forward
- Dom Gibson – Right Back
Pace
- Jack Roest – Defense
- Caden Crow – Defense
- Trace Powell – Center Back
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Angel Guzman - Crestview High School
WEST GIRLS ROSTER
Tate
- Gabby Smart – Goalkeeper
- Julianne Cowley – Left Back
- Adrianna Middleton – Defender
Escambia
- Morgan Stancliff – Forward
- Lilah Abdel – ghani – Goalkeeper
- Addisyn Cole – Midfield
Pine Forest
- Angel Walden – Forward
- Jayda Holmes – Defense
- Sidny Ayala – Defense
- Alexia Boucher – Forward
West Florida
- Makayla Stutts – Striker
- Jakayla Stutts – Striker
- Summer Shipp – Midfielder
Washington
- Emily Willert – Outside Defender
- Tyler Stubblefield – Forward Midfield
Pensacola
- Alejandra Reyes – Center Back
- Jacqueline Alvarado – Midfield
Catholic
- Emma Lacour – Center Back
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Mark Guandolo - Pine Forest High School
- Assistant Coach: Breshon Bradford - Escambia High School
EAST GIRLS ROSTER
Ft. Walton Beach
- Makala Sims – Center Back
- Joanha Jimenez – Defender
Gulf Breeze
- Sarah Cornwell – Left Back
- Lena Macdonald – Center Back
- Emma Fulford – CAM
- Savannah Hendricks – Center Back
- Madi Sloman – Left Forward
Niceville
- Aynzlie Nelson – DM
- Hannah Hunter – Defender
- Julia Decker – Wing
Navarre
- Cici Buffalino – Forward
- Tyra Uwizeyimana – Defense
- Bre Smith – Midfield
- Natalie Busch – CMF
- Taylor Armstead – Forward
- Rory Curtis – Forward
Rocky Bayou
- Gwenivere Ferguson – Center Midfield
- Amaya Moses – Center Defense
Choctaw
- Rowen Gold – CAM
Pace
- Lacie Goodale – Forward
- Emily Good – Midfield
- Bree Stankard – Outside Back
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Manny Paravalos - Ft. Walton Beach
- Assistant Coach: William Prince - Navarre High School
Cynthia Weaver
February 27, 2025
Cynthia Weaver of Spanish Fort, Alabama, passed away February 16, 2025. She was born in Atmore, Alabama on July 31, 1954, to Volly and Josie Weaver.
Prior to her illness, Cindy received her Bachelor's degree and was employed at The United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to the beach and was an avid reader. Cindy was dearly loved and will remain in our hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her father, Volly Weaver; her mother, Josie Mathis; stepfather, C. J. Mathis; and grandson, Jeremy Voels.
She is survived by children, Ken Byrd, Michael Byrd and Charlie (Pam) Byrd; grandchildren, Jonathon Byrd, Aiden Byrd and Shi-Ann Daley; brother, Bill (Angie) Weaver; sister, Lajuana Mathis; niece, Dana Weaver; nephew, Bill
Weaver Jr.; great nephew, Hunter Franklin; great niece, Marina Franklin; and sister-in-law Helen Black.
A graveside service will be held at Byrneville Community Church, 1351 Byrneville Road Century, Florida 32535, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2 p.m.
If you wish, make a contribution to your favorite charity in honor of Cindy.
Boil Water Notice For Virecent Road Virecent Drive After System Upgrades
February 26, 2025
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers located on Virecent Road and Virecent Drive that are south of Eden Lane. The notice was issued after scheduled upgrades Wednesday morning on the south end of Virecent Road that resulted in the disruption of water service.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water in the area that is used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is rescinded.