Florida House Approves Salzman Plan For Term Limits On County Commissioners
April 20, 2025
The Florida House on Wednesday passed a joint resolution to amend the Florida Constitution to include term limits on county commissioners and school board members.
The House voted 82-33 to back the joint resolution filed by Escambia County Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman.
The joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to provide term limits for county commissioners and school district board members after serving eight consecutive years. The limitation would apply applies to terms of office for county commissioners beginning after November 3, 2026, and terms of office for school district board members beginning on or after November 8, 2022.
“This is the House joint resolution to put term limits for county commissioners and school board members at eight years on the ballot,” Salzman said on the House floor. She said most American back term limits, while opponents say any term limits should be decided by local voters, not mandated by the state.
In 2023, the Florida Legislature approved Eight-year term limits for school board members were approved by the Florida Legislature in 2023, but the term limits are not in the Constitution.
If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would appear on the ballot for the 2026 general election
Diamond Kings 6U Take First Place In Molino Spring Classic Baseball Tournament
April 20, 2025
The Diamond Kings 6U went undefeated the entire tournament to win first place in the Molino Spring Classic Baseball Tournament.
Caleb Moore slammed eight home runs over the weekend, the most of any player in the tournament. Hayes Fetsko earned the MVP for the Diamond Kings for his outstanding defense.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mack Homers, Pitching Dominates In 2-1 Wahoos Win
April 20, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got back in the win column on Saturday night, beating the Columbus Clingstones in a game that featured only five total hits between the two teams.
Joe Mack gave the Blue Wahoos (10-4) an early lead with a solo homer in the first inning, his third of the year to tie for the Southern League lead, and Jared Serna delivered an RBI single with two outs in the second inning.
Pensacola was held hitless for the rest of the night, but four Blue Wahoos pitchers combined for a two-hitter to keep the Clingstones (6-7) from erasing the early deficit.
Both starting pitchers were shaky early, as Clingstones righty Jhancarlos Lara (L, 0-2) allowed five of the first eight men he faced to reach base. Blue Wahoos lefty Dax Fulton issued three walks and a hit batsman in his first trip through the order, but settled down and didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning in his best start since coming back from Tommy John surgery.
Fulton was lifted after 4.2 innings with two runners on base, and Josh White (W, 3-0) escaped the jam to preserve the 2-0 advantage. In the sixth, White stranded two more runners in scoring position with a pair of clutch strikeouts.
Columbus scratched a run across against Nigel Belgrave in the seventh with a Cal Conley RBI fielder’s choice, but Belgrave returned for a quiet eighth before Dale Stanavich (S, 2) picked up the ninth to earn the save.
Cody Milligan had both hits for the Clingstones, who have only five run-scoring hits through the first five games of the series.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Clingstones on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Synovus Park is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET/12:05 p.m. CT.
Donald Lee Presley
April 20, 2025
Mr. Donald Lee Presley, who was 78 years old, passed away on April 17, 2025, in Century, Florida. He lived his life in Poarch, Alabama, where he was born and raised. Donald will be remembered by his family and friends for his kind spirit and the memories he created in his beloved hometown.
He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians who enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved hunting and fishing, and often gathered with family to play cards and Monopoly. As an avid Alabama football fan, he eagerly watched games from his couch. His evenings often included classic shows like Gunsmoke and other westerns, along with a good laugh at The Price is Right. He cherished family time, especially during trips to the Smoky Mountains where he could savor delicious food and indulge in his favorite desserts. He also had a fun side, playing Santa Claus and Dracula for family gatherings, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. He also loved doing jigsaw puzzles.
He is preceded in death by his parents Gillis and Myrtie McGhee Presley; daughter, Bridgette Plemmons; sister, Maurine Presley Cross Rolin; brothers, Chester Elvis Presley and Terry Woll.
Mr. Presley is survived by his five sons, Mikael Ryan Presley of Atlanta, Georgia, Darin Gregory Presley of Atmore, Alabama, Rodney Stewart Presley of Pensacola, Florida, Chris Adams of Meridianville, Alabama, and Jason Forrest Presley of Bay Minette, Alabama; daughter, Carol Elaine Reynolds and husband Anthony of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters, Yvonnie Presley Crenshaw and husband Patrick of Brewton, Alabama , and Myra Sue Presley King and husband Dannie of Atmore, Alabama; eleven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC with Bro. Melvin Rolin officiating.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at New Home Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Richard Ash
April 20, 2025
Mr. Richard Ash, born in Century, Florida on September 19, 1944, fell asleep in death on April 17, 2025.
Richard left behind a rich spiritual legacy. After his baptism on September 13, 1974, he demonstrated a lifelong loyalty to his God, Jehovah and followed in the footsteps of his Lord, Jesus Christ. Richard is perhaps best remembered for sharing Bible truths with all he encountered.
He established himself in the community by working with his father at Ash’s Department Store. Later he opened his own clothing store. After selling his business he worked at United Bank for many years then worked at Escambia County Bank until his retirement.
Mr. Richard Ash if preceded in death by his parents – Hugh and Mildred Ash. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rose Ash; two sisters – Betty (Larry) Jones of Flomaton and Carole Ash of Century; two nieces – Linda (Jerry) Page and Karen (David) Folds.
The funeral for Mr. Ash will be held at the Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Eric Taylor officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. from the chapel of Flomaton Funeral Home.
Photos: Logjam Blocked Perdido River At Barrineau Park Bridge (With Photo Gallery)
April 19, 2025
A foot or more of rain April 6-7 led to flooding on the Perdido River at Barrineau Park. The flooded river left behind a larger than normal logjam against the Barrineau Park Road bridge.
Most of the logs have since been removed.
The bridge was closed for several days by flooding. As the water receded, the logjam blocked any travel down the river until the logs were cleared.
The concrete construction Barrineau Park Road bridge spans the Perdido River from Escambia County, Florida, to Baldwin County, Alabama. While it crosses the state line, the bridge is owned and maintained by Escambia County.
For a photo gallery look back at last weekend, click here.
Pictured: The logjam on the Perdido River at the Barrineau Park bridge as seen on Sunday, April 13. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Partly Sunny Saturday, High In The 80s; Clouds For Easter
April 19, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Tate Aggies Receive At-Large Bid To Regional Quarterfinals
April 19, 2025
The Tate Aggies on Friday received an at-large bid in the FHSAA 6A Baseball State Championship regional quarterfinals next week.
The regional quarter finals will be a best-of-three series this year. No. 4 Tate will host No. 5 Fletcher for the first two games beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. The third game, if necessary will move nearly 400 miles away to Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach. The winner will advance to the regional semifinals April 30 against either No. 1 Buckholz or No. 8 First Coast.
In other 6A Baseball State Championship regional quarterfinals in the area, No. 2 Pace will host No. 7 Oviedo.
Looking ahead, the regional finals are May 7, the state semifinals on May 16 at the state championship on May 17.
Pictured top: Tate Aggies seniors were honored recently at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flags Fly At Half Staff In Florida Until Monday To Honor FSU
April 19, 2025
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Monday across the state to honor Florida State University.
Thursday, two people were killed and six people were wounded by a gunman on the FSU campus.
DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff “in memory of the lives lost in this tragedy and to recognize the bravery shown by the first responders.”
File photo.
Jay, Central To Meet In Rural Division Semifinal Series
April 19, 2025
For the second time since 2009, the Jay Royals won back-t0-back district championships and head into regional play.
In the regional rural division semifinals this week, No. 2 Jay will host No. 3 Central beginning at 7 p.m. on April 28. Regionals will be a best-of-three series this year. The first two games will be at Jay. If a third game is necessary, Central will host the third game.
The winner will face the winner between No. 1 Holmes County and No. 4 Chipley in the regional finals on May 5.
The Northview Chiefs, also in the rural division, were eliminated with a 2-1 loss to Jay on April 15.