A Champion’s Spirit: Michael Simpson’s Inspiring First Pitch at NWE Opening Day
March 30, 2025
Seven-year-old Michael Simpson took the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park’s opening day on Saturday morning, marking a special moment in his journey both on and off the field for the young athlete.
Born with spina bifida, Michael has never let his condition define him.
“During the 2024 season, he played tee ball, showing his love for the game and his unbreakable spirit. Though he is currently unable to play due to medical treatments, Michael remains an important part of the NWE family,” NWE Commissioner Stephanie Gilmore said.
Michael’s selection for this honor was a testament to his resilience and positivity. By his side stood his grandfather, Toney Simpson—a longtime coach, mentor, and umpire at NWE—making the moment even more meaningful. Together, they shared a bond built on love, sportsmanship, and a deep passion for the game.
As Michael tossed the pitch, the ballpark erupted in applause.
“Michael’s story is a reminder that being part of a team is about more than just playing-it’s about heart, perseverance, and inspiring those around you,” Gilmore said. “His strength and positivity continue to uplift everyone he meets, proving that true champions are defined by their spirit, not their circumstances.”
Michael is the son of Jarrod and Jessica Simpson.
Related Story: NWE Celebrates Opening Day (With Photo Gallery)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Rain Sunday Night, Storms Possible By Monday
March 30, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
March 30, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the second meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone.
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NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Property Taxes Are Due By Monday
March 30, 2025
Escambia County property taxes are due by Monday, March 31 for the 2024 tax year.
To avoid interest and additional fees:
- Pay by mail with a March postmark
- Pay online by midnight March 31 (escambiataxcollector.com)
- Pay at an office by close of business March 31
- Drop your payment in a drop box by close of business March 31
Drop boxes are open 24-hours a day are located at all four locations:
- Molino — 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A, Molino
- Brentwood — 5045 N Palafox St, Pensacola
- Downtown — 213 Palafox Place, Pensacola
- Warrington — 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A, Pensacola
There is no additional fee to pay current taxes by echeck.
James Edward Edmonson
March 30, 2025
James Edward Edmonson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 76. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born on September 9, 1948, in Pensacola, FL, James met the love of his life, Ramona Denham, at just 18 years old. A year later, they were married, beginning a beautiful journey together that lasted nearly 57 years. Their love was unwavering, and together they built a family filled with faith, love, and devotion. James was a proud father to five daughters, whom he cherished beyond measure.
A master carpenter and builder by trade, James not only built homes but also built character and integrity in those he mentored. He taught countless men—including his brothers, nephews, and grandsons—the art of building, but more importantly, he taught them what it meant to be a man of faith, strength, and kindness. His life was a shining example of love and service, touching the lives of everyone he met. Whether you were family or a stranger, James had a way of making you feel like you belonged—like you were his brother, dad, Paw Paw, or uncle. His warmth and generosity knew no bounds.
James’ love for his family was fierce, but even greater was his love for God. He lived a life that reflected his deep faith, serving as an inspiration to those around him. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joiel and Eula Mae Edmonson; his siblings, Joel Edmonson, Eugene Edmonson, Eula Mae Phillips, and Betty Mason; and his great-grandchild, Harper Sawyer.
James is survived by his devoted wife, Ramona Edmonson; his loving daughters, Tina Williams (Jimmie Williams), Rebecca Walters (Paul Walters), Deanna Edmonson, Andrea Miller (Greg Miller), and Naomi Sutton; his cherished grandchildren, Seth Sawyer (Anna Sawyer), Shelby Morris, Brett Sawyer, Kristine Barber, Anita Liddell (Alex Liddell), Dayvon Miller, Joshua Walters, Ashlin Flowers, Jaxon Flowers, and Eliana Sutton; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Though he is no longer with us, his love and legacy will endure through the lives of his family and friends.
Life Celebration & Food Reception
Monday, March 31, 2025 – 5:00 PM
Molino Community Center
6450-A Hwy 95A N, Molino, FL 32577
We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating James’ life and sharing cherished memories. Please come prepared to share your favorite stories and moments as we honor the incredible man he was.
James Edward Edmonson will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His love, kindness, and faith will forever be a guiding light for those he leaves behind.
Century Explains Financial Issues To Florida Legislative Auditing Committee
March 29, 2025
The Town of Century has filed a response to an inquiry form the Florida Legislature’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) requesting answers regarding findings from its last three years of audits.
The committee is established under rules of the Florida Legislature with a membership that includes members from the House and Senate. It has responsibilities that are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General.
Specifically, the JLAC requested a response regarding audit findings that identified issues with cash management, account reconciliation, capital asset tracking, and the town’s overall financial condition.
In a written response to JLAC, interim mayor Alicia Johnson said the town acknowledge the findings, and “is actively implementing corrective actions to address them and ensure long-term financial stability.”
The letter included a corrective action plan:
Audit Finding: The town experienced issues with inadequate funds for customer deposits and debt service reserves in the Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: The Town has taken steps to rectify the situation. Officials have implemented a monthly cash flow analysis to better track and manage the fund’s resources. Additionally, the Town is exploring potential rate adjustments to ensure the long-term stability of the Natural Gas Fund and is actively working to meet all debt service obligations. The report also indicated that funds will be transferred from the State Board of Administration to cover customer deposits and debt service requirements
Audit Finding: The town failed to properly reconcile multiple general ledger accounts, resulting in audit adjustments.
Town Response: The town has already taken corrective action in this area, implementing and continuing monthly reconciliations of multiple general ledger accounts. Acknowledging past staffing challenges, the town is currently conducting staff training aimed at enhancing the accuracy of financial reporting. Officials anticipate full resolution of this issue by the end of the current fiscal year, FY 2024-25.
Audit Finding: Due to leadership turnover, capital asset records were not properly maintained
Town Response: To address this, the town has initiated a comprehensive inventory of all assets and has established new tracking procedures. Officials anticipate having all assets accurately recorded and appropriately tagged by June 2025.
Audit Finding: The town continues to experience financial challenges, including deficit net positions in the General Fund and Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: To address these broader financial concerns, the Town is actively implementing a financial recovery plan. This plan encompasses measures such as expenditure reductions, debt restructuring, and strategies for revenue enhancement. The Town is also considering an operating transfer for interfund loans with the goal of moving the affected funds towards a positive fund balance and a positive net position.
The town also included responded to the state with a “Strategic Initiatives for Improved Financial Oversight“.
The plan included:
- The town council contracted with the Local Government Consulting Group in December 2023. The municipal management consulting firm, with experience across multiple states including Florida, was tasked with developing a strategic plan to help the Town address the financial and operational issues identified in the 2022 audit.
- The town council discussed the potential benefits of hiring a full-time finance director and town administrator at their meeting on December 3, 2024. While a final decision was not reached, there was agreement on the potential efficiency of combining these roles into a single town administrator/finance director position.
- To formalize this approach, a proposed ordinance establishing the position of town administrator (who would also serve as finance director) is scheduled for discussion by the town council. This ordinance would pave the way for the town to hire a full-time administrator with a specific focus on financial oversight, utilizing the findings of the FY 2022-23 audit as a guide for direct action and improvement.
“The Town of Century remains committed to implementing sustainable solutions that strengthen its financial management practices and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations,” Johnson concluded.
Updated: Rain Likely Tonight And Sunday
March 29, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7 a.m., then showers likely between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Patchy fog after 10 p.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. Areas of fog before 10 a.m. High near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday Night: A chance of thunderstorms before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Escambia County Man Charged With Dog Fighting, Animal Cruelty
March 29, 2025
An Escambia County man was arrested in connection with a dog fight operation on Friday.
Jerney Purifoy was charged with animal fighting and cruelty towards animals. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Friday on a $15,000 bond.
He was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office working on conjunction with Escambia County Animal Welfare. The ECSO SWAT team served a search warrant at his home.
During the search, the ECSO said they located evidence of dog fighting to include IV bags, wound care paraphernalia, training manuals, a rifle and a handgun.
The dogs were previously seized by Escambia County Animal Welfare.
ECSO said the investigation is ongoing. They are asking anyone with more information contact them at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
First Baptist Church of Bratt Hosting Annual Deer Supper Today
March 29, 2025
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will host their Annual Deer Supper at 6 p.m. today.
Bro. Matt Kelly, with Equip Ministries, will be the guest speaker this year. The event is free.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt is located at 4570 Highway 4 in Bratt, just under a mile west of Northview High School.
Early Voting Ends Today For 1st Congressional District Election
March 29, 2025
Early voting ends today for the April 1 special general election to fill the 1st Congressional District seat that was left vacant by the resignation of Matt Gaetz.
Early voting will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today at 10 locations in Escambia County:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Avenue, Pensacola
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street, Pensacola
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W De Soto Street, Pensacola
Polls will be open on election day, Tuesday, April 1 rom 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.