Byrneville Elementary Recognizes Presidential Physical Fitness Test Winners
April 3, 2025
Byrneville Elementary School recently recognized their Presidential Physical Fitness Test Winners.
They are:
- Standing Long Jump: Jamarion Simpson
- Flexed Arm Hang: Kolin Rogers
- 40 Yard Dash: Jamarion Simpson
- Pro Agility Drill: Jagger Scott
- 300 Yard Shuttle Run: Kolin Rogers
- Sit and Reach: Lyla McDowell
- Sit-ups: Kolin Rogers
- Shuttle Run: Corbin Strawbridge
- Overall Champion: Kolin Rogers
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Republican Jimmy Patronis Wins Florida Congressional Race; Democrat Carries Escambia
April 2, 2025
Republican Jimmy Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in Tuesday’s special election to succeed U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz to keep Florida’s 1st Congressional District in Republican hands.
Patronis, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, received 57% of the vote to 42% for Valimont. Stephen Brody, no-party candidate, received about 1% of the vote.
Valimont, however, was the top vote getter in Escambia County with 51.10% of the vote to 48.06% for Patronis.
“Thank you, Northwest Florida. Not all districts are built the same — the Panhandle is a force of its own,” Patronis said Tuesday night during his victory speech. “I’m going to Washington to help President Trump battle against all this far left insanity, to buttress his strong moves to return common sense to America, to pull our country out of the ditch. I like to think that when President Trump says Make America Great Again, he’s thinking about us. I am humbled by all of the support in this race. I’m no better than anyone else and I will do everything I can to represent this district.”
Last November, Valimont lost to Gaetz with 36 points as the district favorite Trump by 38 points.
Patronis has served for a nearly a decade as Florida’ Chief Financial Officer, but he was forced to resign as of Monday to run for Congress.
Fog Overnight, Low In The Upper 60s
April 2, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Escambia County Had ‘Temporary Ballot Shortages’ During Tuesday’s Congressional Special Election
April 2, 2025
Some of the polling locations in Escambia County experienced “temporary ballot shortages” due Tuesday’s Florida 1st Congressional District special election.
Just before precinct closed, the Supervisor of Elections Office sent an email to the media and posted a notice that “some precinct locations in Escambia County have experienced temporary ballot shortages.” due to unprecedented turnout. SOE Robert Bender assured voters that every voter in line before 7 p.m. would be able to cast their ballot, and that every ballot would be counted.
“Some precinct locations in Escambia County have experienced temporary ballot shortages.
“We are excited to see such an unprecedented voter turnout in this election, as we always encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote,” Bender said Tuesday just before polls closed. “I’d like to assure voters that anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be able to cast their ballot.”
Just over 32,000 ballots were cast in-person at polling locations in Escambia County on Tuesday.
For election results, click here.
Tate LaCrosse Celebrates Senior Night
April 2, 2025
Tate High School Lacrosse celebrated senior night Tuesday.
The Aggies honored three seniors: Talia Mendiola, Hannah Keeler, and Laila Ritchey.
In Tuesday night’s game, Tate fell to the Seacoast Collegiate Swordfish from Santa Rosa Beach.
Pictured top: (L-R) Tate Lacrosse seniors Hannah Keeler, Talia Mendiola, and Laila Ritchey. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Girls Tennis Shuts Out Washington
April 2, 2025
Tate Aggies girls tennis defeated Washington 7-0 Tuesday, as the Tate boys lost 6-1 to the Wildcats.Up next, Tate will travel to Navarre on Thursday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bridges Records 18 Outs As Northview Slips To West Florida; Gulf Breeze Tops Tate
April 2, 2025
West Florida 3, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs slipped to West Florida 3-1 on Tuesday night in Pensacola.
Jackson Bridges recorded 18 outs for the Chiefs in six innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run while striking out seven and walking three.
Northview’s only score came on an error in the third inning. Grayden Sheffield, Kelan Jury and Cole Davis each had one hit for the Chiefs.
Up next, the Chiefs will head up to Atmore to take on Escambia County on Thursday before a rematch in Bratt with West Florida on Friday.
Gulf Breeze, Tate 0
The Gulf Breeze Dolphins defeated Tate 7-0 on Tuesday night in Cantonment.
Connor Dethlefs, Cal Foxworth, and Kaden Posta each had one hit for the Aggies.
Bryton McLellan went five and two-thirds innings and took the loss for Tate. He allowed six runs (two earned) on five hits while walking one and striking out four. Sheppard Edgar threw one and one-third innings, allowing on hit and one run while walking one.
Next, Tate will host the West Florida Jagaurs on Thursday before traveling to Navarre on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Helen Marie Chavers
April 2, 2025
Mrs. Helen Marie Chavers, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at her home in Georgia. She was a native of Pensacola, Florida, spent most of her life in Cantonment, Florida before moving to be with her daughter Patricia and husband Bill in Newnan, Georgia. She was a faithful member on Enon Baptist Church in Enon, Florida.
She loved her family deeply and found joy in every moment spent with them. Life was a beautiful journey for her, filled with laughter and love. Gardening brought her peace; she delighted in nurturing flowers that blossomed brightly in her yard. The vibrant colors and sweet scents made her heart smile. Cooking was another passion of hers; she enjoyed creating delicious meals that brought everyone together around the table. Each dish was made with love, making family gatherings even more special.
She is preceded in death by parents, Charles Avery and Downey Singleton; husband, Melvin Carter; sons, Eugene Chavers, Michael Chavers and Roger Chavers; daughters, Shirley Aldridge, and Renee Chavers; grandson, Randy Alridge; and sister, Evelyn Vannoy.
Mrs. Chavers is survived by her sons, David Chavers of Walnut Hill, Florida, Ronald and wife Denise Chavers of Monticello, Mississippi, and Charlie and wife Dawn Chavers of Milton, Florida; daughters, Patricia and husband Bill Wallace of Newnan, Georgia, she also has two other daughters 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren was too many to count; and numerous other relatives
Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Enon Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Dean officiating.
Burial will follow at Enon Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be held -Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Enon Baptist Church from 12:30 until service time at 1:30 PM.
Pallbearers will be Cody Chavers, Michael Chavers, Phillip Chavers & Ronald Chavers
Danny William McGhee
April 2, 2025
Mr. Danny William McGhee, was born on October 5, 1952 in Atmore, Alabama to the late Willis McGhee, Sr. and Arentha Hinote McGhee. He passed away March 30, 2025, after a lengthy hospital stay. Growing up in the community he attended Poarch Mennonite Church with his family.
Danny grew up in Poarch, Alabama and graduated from Escambia County High School. He retired from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, working most of his life as a welder. His work allowed him to travel, explore America and live his life to the fullest. One of his last work assignments was in Alaska, which was an experience he enjoyed talking about. As a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Danny loved his culture and tribal family. He also loved Alabama football, drag racing, cultural arts and beadwork. He loved to read books by Louis L’Amour and Tony Hillerman.
Survivors include his daughter, Melinda McGhee of Stockton, Alabama; brothers, Willis “Kent” McGhee and wife Tracy of Bratt, Florida, Terry M. McGhee and wife Yvonne of Poarch, Alabama, and George D. McGhee and wife Sharon of Atmore, Alabama; sisters, Mary Jane Tullis and husband Eddie L. of Poarch, Alabama, and Nancy M. Lowrey and husband Eddie of Atmore, Alabama. Danny is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by LaVan Martin, Doug Martin, Jeanette Beck, and Ima Jean Sheets.
The Family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of LaVan Martin Assisted Living and his special friend, Eddie Kennington.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Brother Walter Rolin and Reverend Brian Eskelinen officiating
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Troy McGhee, Michael McGhee, Andrew McGhee, Robert Lowrey, Brandon McGhee and Chase McGhee.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie L. Tullis, Jerrel Hollinger, Jerry Sells, Juluis Sells, Phillip Martin, Ricky McGhee, Don Jackson, Eddie Kennington and David Moore.
Cantonment Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Atmore Traffic Stop
April 2, 2025
A Cantonment man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Atmore.
Joseph Neales, 49, was pulled over by Atmore Police on Highway 21 for failing to wear a seat belt. During the stop, an officer noticed suspicious behavior and obtained consent to search the vehicle. Police said the search uncovered a small amount of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia.
Neales was arrested and charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.