BREAKING – Republican Jimmy Patronis Wins Florida 1st Congressional District Race
April 1, 2025
This is an archived story. Click here for an update.
Republican Jimmy Patronis has won the Florida 1st Congressional District seat vacated by Matt Gatz. Patronis was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in Tuesday’s special election.
Look for complete special election details Wednesday morning on NorthEscambia.com.
DeSantis Proposes $1,000 Property Tax Rebate For Florida Homeowners
April 1, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan Monday to provide direct property tax relief to Florida homeowners, proposing a rebate averaging $1,000 for each homesteaded property in the state. He said the rebates, which would be issued in December 2025, are aimed at offsetting state-mandated school property taxes while ensuring full funding for local school districts.
If approved by the Legislature, the proposal would benefit more than 5.1 million homeowners across Florida. The initiative aligns with DeSantis’ broader goal of ultimately eliminating property taxes through a future constitutional amendment.
“Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government,” said DeSantis. “Constitutional protections for Florida homeowners require approval of the voters in 2026. In the meantime, Floridians need relief. I am today proposing a plan that will result in—on average—$1,000 rebate checks for each household as a discount on their property taxes. If the Legislature acts on this plan now, we can get this done this year. Let’s get this done for the people of Florida this session.”
The governor called on the Florida Legislature to grant the necessary authority to issue the rebates immediately, leveraging the state’s strong revenue position to benefit full-time residents.
Here Are Tips For Tuesday’s Congressional Special Election
April 1, 2025
Today, voters in Florida’s 1st Congressional District will head to the polls in a special election to elect a new representative to replace Matt Gaetz, who resigned last year.
The race is between Democrat Gay Valimont and Republican Jimmy Patronis A no-party candidate, Stephen Broden also appears on the ballot.
We will have results here on NorthEscambia.com as soon as possible after polls close at 7 p.m.
Here are election day tips from Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender:
Confirm the location of your polling place: It is listed on your sample ballot, voter information card, online at EscambiaVotes.gov, or can be found by calling (850) 595-3900.
There have been polling location changes since November 2024. Voters in the following precincts will need to report to these updated locations on Election Day.
- Precinct 98: St. John Divine Baptist Church, 620 E Jordan St., Pensacola
- Precinct 22: Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd., Century
- Precinct 24: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 Live Oak Ave., Pensacola
- Precinct 31: Main Library, 239 N Spring Street, Pensacola
- Precinct 49 & 106: Career Source Escarosa, 6913 N. 9th Avenue, Pensacola
For a complete list of polling locations, visit EscambiaVotes.gov/where-to-vote.
Photo and signature ID is required for all voters – if you do not present one of the 12 approved forms of photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.
Be sure to review your sample ballot to familiarize yourself with the contest and bring it with you to the polls. A sample ballot was mailed to eligible voters who did not have a vote by mail request on file, and you can view your sample ballot online at EscambiaVotes.gov/sample-ballots.
Remember to make only one selection on your ballot. Please review your ballot carefully.
The registration deadline for this election has passed. New registrations and party changes for this election may not be made at the polls.
You may not return your completed Vote By Mail ballot to your precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
If you requested a Vote By Mail ballot but chose not to return it, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day. Though not required, we request that you bring your unvoted ballot package so it can be cancelled.
Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., mid-day, and 4:00 p.m. until polls close.
Emergency Pick-up of Vote By Mail ballots can be obtained up by voters (or their designees) at our office on Monday and Tuesday. Emergency Affidavits are required.
Early voting ended Saturday, March 29. If you have not yet voted or did not request a Vote By Mail ballot before the deadline, you must go to your designated precinct on Election Day.
If you voted-by-mail, you can visit EscambiaVotes.gov/track-my-ballot for the status of your ballot.
West Florida Libraries Upgrading Software, Temporary Service Disruptions Expected
April 1, 2025
A migration to new software is underway at West Florida Public Libraries to provide improvements to patron requests, checkouts, and services.
During the migration period, interlibrary loan services will be temporarily unavailable. Any checked-out interlibrary loan materials can still be returned in person at any WFPL location. Overdue fines that occur due to the migration will be waived.
Beginning Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m., access to library accounts and online catalogues will be temporarily unavailable. Patron accounts will be locked, and no new accounts or renewals will be processed until the migration is complete. Patrons are encouraged to visit WFPL locations in person to check materials out with a staff member.
The software migration is expected to be completed in April.
Library hours of operation and scheduled events will remain unchanged during the migration period.
Becoming Sunny, High Near 80
April 1, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast
Tuesday: Gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming 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. Southeast 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. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
New Waffle House Approved For West Nine Mile Road In Beulah
April 1, 2025
Development plans for a new Waffle House near Beulah Middle School have been approved.
We first told you about the plans back in August 2023, and plans were approved in the last week by the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
The new 2,000 square foot-restaurant will have 33 parking spaces on 0.75 acres at 6034 West Nine Mile Road at the intersection with Rebel Road. That’s next to an Anytime Storage facility across Nine Mile Road from Beulah Middle.
Voting In Century Today? The Precinct Has Moved To The Courthouse
April 1, 2025
The voting precinct for Century has moved from the town hall to the courthouse. That’s where Century precinct voters will cast their ballots for today’s Congressional special election.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender said the precinct moved to the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
Voters in Century previously cast their ballots in the council chambers at Century Town Hall. That sometimes led to conflicts between century town meetings and election days.
The courthouse is owned by Escambia County, eliminating those scheduling conflicts.
“Voters and election workers have shared the positive experiences they have had using the Billy G. Ward Courthouse during early voting, and we are excited to make this our Election Day location moving forward,” Bender said recently. “I appreciate the Clerk of Courts for working with us and understanding the benefits it has for the voters of Century.”
The early voting location in Century was already at the courthouse.
The Billy G. Courthouse is located at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Here Are The Complete GCA & NRYO Livestock Show Results
April 1, 2025
The 2025 GCA & NRYO Livestock Show last Saturday showcased outstanding talent and dedication from participants across multiple categories.
For more photos. click here.
Here are the highlights from this year’s show:
Market Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Jack Trejo
Market Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Jack Trejo
2nd: Gracie Oliver
3rd: Abbie Trejo
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Preview Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Ella Gilmore
Preview Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: A. T. Bridgers
3rd: Brooke Hoomes
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Juniors:
1st: Blakely Cooper
2nd: Bailey Sullivan
Beef Breeding
Grand Champion Angus: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Brangus: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Brangus: Abbie Trejo
Grand Champion Gelbvieh: Mallory Mahoney
Grand Champion Simmental: Everett Anderson
Grand Champion Registered: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Registered: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Commercial: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Champion Commercial: Blakely Cooper
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Marlee McElhaney
Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Bailey Sullivan
Supreme Champion: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Supreme Champion: Blakely Cooper
Beef Breeding Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Bailey Sullivan
2nd: Blakely Cooper
3rd: Heaven Pierce
Intermediates:
1st: Ella Gilmore
2nd: Charlotte Trejo
3rd: Mallory Mahoney
Seniors:
1st: Abbie Trejo
2nd: Grace Oliver
3rd: Tanner Wolfe
Market Swine
Grand Champion: Jessie Joyner
Reserve Champion: Emma Bowman
Market Swine Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: A.T. Bridgers
2nd: Aubrey Williams
3rd: Addisyn Ward
Intermediates:
1st: Rylie Gibbs
2nd: Jesse McElhaney
3rd: Louis Hartjen
Juniors:
1st: Marlee McElhaney
2nd: Ryann Gibbs
3rd: Blakely Cooper
Dairy Goats
Grand Champion: Aimee Jones
Reserve Champion: Isabella Seevers
Meat Breeding Goats
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Reserve Champion: Canon Gunter
Market Goat
Grand Champion: Andrew Richardson
Reserve Champion: Aimee Richardson
Preview Meat Goat
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Market Lamb
Grand Champion: Cheyenne Armstrong
Dairy Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Isabella Seevers
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
Intermediates:
1st: Aubree Jones
2nd: Journi Edwards
3rd: Sophie Edwards
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
Meat Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
3rd: Isabella Seevers
Intermediates:
1st: Sawyer Lovett
Juniors:
1st: Andrew Richardson
Lamb Showmanship
Intermediates:
1st: Cheyenne Armstrong
Poultry and Rabbit Show Results
Chick Chain Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Emerson Salter
2nd: Abby Hayes
3rd: Kaylee Mendoza
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Izzy Hayes
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
4th: Angie “Lainey” Dunsford
Seniors:
1st: Nathan Carter
2nd: Kaiden Hall
3rd: Hannah Jerkins
4th: Anniston Smith
Open Poultry Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Abby Hayes
2nd: Lucy Hill
3rd: Jayce Malecki
Intermediates:
1st: Zoe Cain
2nd: Makenna Overman
3rd: Hayden Helm
4th: Kinsleigh Robinson
5th: Marley Slack
6th: Blake Butler
7th: Gabriel Lang
8th: Luci Graham
9th: Trinity Mangan
10th: Olivia Bramlett
Seniors:
1st: Luke Graham
2nd: Taylor Anderson
3rd: Phoenix Myrick
4th: Christian Hollingsworth
5th: Curtis Dalton Smith
Grand Champion Chick Chain: Braxton Williams
Reserve Champion Chick Chain: Cole Watson
Reserve Barred Rock: Izzy Hayes
Reserve Buff Orpington: Abby Hayes
Grand Champion Open Poultry: Riley Chancery
Reserve Champion Open Poultry: Taylor Anderson
Rabbit Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
2nd: Easton Shiver
3rd: Eli Shiver
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Addyson Creighton
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
Seniors:
1st: Rhylie Upton
2nd: Addisyn Ward
3rd: Lacey Reeves
Best of Show: Easton Shiver
Best Opposite: Olivia Garvin
Reserve Best of Show: Eva Loredo
Reserve Best Opposite: Braxton Williams
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wine Homers And Tate Lady Aggies Get District Win Over Crestview
April 1, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies defeated the Crestview Bulldogs 9-8 Monday night in Crestview in a big district win.
Kara Wine had four RBIs on four hits –including a two-run homer to left field in the third inning. Kaylie Mitchell went 2-4 at the plate for the Aggies.
Peyton Womack earned the win for Tate, giving up 10 hits and eight runs (five earned) in six and two-thirds innings while walking seven and striking out six. Jordan Smith earned the save in one-third of an inning, striking out one and allowing no hits, nor runs and no walks.
Up next, Tate will host Niceville on Thursday. On Friday, it’s the annual Strike Out Cancer game at Tate against West Florida.
Pictured: Kara Wine, who had a home run at Crestview Monday night, also homered last Friday night against Milton. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.