Northview High NJROTC Holds Unit Change Of Command Ceremony
May 13, 2025
The Northview High School NJROTC held a Unit Change of Command ceremony on Monday.
The unit recognized Cadet Damon McDuffie (Command Master Chief), Cadet Talaysha Curry (Unit Executive Officer) and Cadet Will Nowlin (Unit Commanding Officer).
Cadet Kate Stinson was recognized as outgoing Unit Commanding Officer.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Until Thursday
May 13, 2025
Escambia County Animal Welfare has partnered with Bissell Pet Foundation for the “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, offering free adoptions on cats and dogs one year or older starting until Thursday, May 15. Puppies will be
available for $50, and kittens will be available for $25. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
Adoptable pets can been seen at 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
File photo.
Parent Awareness Night At Bratt Elementary To Address Online Predators, Social Media, Vaping, And More
May 13, 2025
Bratt Elementary School will host a Parent Awareness Night on Thursday, May 15.
The informational session is designed to educate parents and guardians about critical dangers currently facing children.
The event will cover a range of vital topics, including the risks posed by online predators, the potential harms associated with social media use, the realities of human trafficking, and the growing vaping epidemic among young people.
A question-and-answer session will feature guest speakers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, providing attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and gain expert insights on these challenging issues.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the school, 5721 North Highway 99 in Bratt.
Northview To Battle Jay Tonight For Regional Softball Crown
May 13, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs and the Jay Royals will battle it out tonight for the FHSAA Rural Division regional championship at Jay.
Northview is pulling into town riding high on a five-game win streak — including a 9-1 Rural District 1 championship win over Jay on May 1 and a dramatic walk-off regional semifinal shutout last week over Holmes County. In fact, Northview’s only loss in the past 10 games was to Jay way back on April 15.
In last week’s big win over Holmes County, Mikayla McAnally pitched a complete game with over a dozen strikeouts while allowing just one hit. She’s now averaging 5.1 strikeouts each game.
Layna Lowry pitched a full seven innings in the Royal’s last outing, a 9-1 regional semifinal win over Chipley.
District champ Northview is 20-6, while Jay is 21-3. Northview has a team batting average of .340, and Jay is close behind at .335.
In three previous meetings this year, Northview won twice over Jay, but Jay has outscored Northview 17-15.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. in Jay. Tickets are available on GoFan, or $9 cash at the gate.
We’ll have photos and coverage on Wednesday morning on NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured: The Northview Lady Chiefs claimed the district title with a 9-1 defeat of Jay on May 1 in Jay. NorthEscambia.com
UWF President Martha Saunders Has Resigned
May 12, 2025
University of West Florida President Martha Saunders has resigned.
Saunders, who has held the position since 2017, announced her resignation to students, faculty and staff.
Her resignation was preceded by attacks on the university by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor made four controversial picks to the University of Board of Trustees. Two of the appointees resigned, and one was never confirmed by the Florida Senate.
“Dr Saunders is an exceptional academic leader and a superb president of the University of West Florida. Under her leadership, UWF has met or exceeded every performance standard set by the state. UWF graduates have the best chance to obtain employment over any other higher education institution in the state. All of that is because of Martha Saunders’ commitment and capability. She leaves the University of West Florida in Triumph,” Florida Sen. Don Gaetz said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Here is the complete text of Saunder’s resignation message:
When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.
Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.
With gratitude,
Martha
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Burglary Through A Dog Door, Battering His Ex
May 12, 2025
A Cantonment man is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house through a large dog door, battering her, and leaving back through the dog door.
Calelan William Ross, 26, was charged with first degree felony burglary with assault or battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $75,000.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies that she woke up in her room to find Ross lying in the bed next to her. She said she stood up, turned on the light, and told him to leave after a short conversation. Ross refused, grabbed her by the wrist, and threw her on the bed before getting on top of her, an arrest report states.
“Ross then left the residence the same way he had entered, which was through the large dog door at the front of the residence,” the Sheriff’s Office report states. The victim found her mother and called 911.
Deputies searched the area but were initially unable to locate Ross. A white Toyota Tacoma, registered to Ross, was found at the scene. Later, another call was received stating Ross had returned to the area. Deputies responded, but again were unable to locate him. A warrant affidavit was submitted.
Deputies said Ross had never lived at the home. The report also noted that the victim was not injured.
Willene Reynolds
May 12, 2025
Mrs. Willene B. Reynolds of Greenville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Nashville, Tennessee.
Willene was born February 1, 1947, in Greenville, Alabama, to the late William “Bill” Henry Eady and Clara Mae Kendrick Eady. She was a 1966 graduate of Greenville High School.
Willene married the love of her life, Lonnie Patrick “Pat” Reynolds, on December 14, 1968.
During her career, Willene worked as a cosmetologist at Cinderella Beauty Shop, Marilyn’s Beauty Shop, and The Vanity Beauty Shop in Greenville.
After retirement, she enjoyed time with her devoted husband of 55 years, Pat, along with family and friends.
Willene was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Patrick Reynolds; her parents, William “Bill” Eady and Clara Mae Kendrick Eady; her foster parents, Zollie B. Blackmon and Eva Eady Blackmon; her in-laws, Lonnie and Katie Rae Reynolds; sister-in-law Kathy (Reynolds) Starr; and brother-in-law Jack Starr.
Willene is survived by her son, William (Jane) Reynolds; daughter, Christy (Michael) Wilson; grandchildren Ashley Maheu (Zack), Bethany Landis (Darren), Delaney Orem (Hunter), Matthew Shivers, Caleb Wilson (Elizabeth), Joshua Wilson, Matthew Wilson; and great-grandchildren Caden Maheu, Madilyn Maheu, and Emma Landis.
A private family viewing will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Woodfin Funeral Chapel at 200 North Lowry Street in Smyrna, Tennessee, with burial following at Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Part Of Old Flomaton Road Near Century To Be Closed Tuesday And Wednesday
May 12, 2025
A portion of road from 8700 and 8701 Old Flomaton Road near Century will be closed to northbound traffic beginning Tuesday while Escambia County Public Works crews replace the crossover pipe under the county road.
The closure area is between Campbell Road and Cedar Street.
Motorists traveling north on Old Flomaton Road near the construction zone should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions and posted signs when traveling through the work zone. The road is expected to reopen on Wednesday, May 14.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction
Lane Closures Through Thursday On Highway 97 Northbound Near Pilgrim Trail
May 12, 2025
Motorists traveling on Highway 97 near Pilgrim Trail can expect intermittent delays this week due to scheduled tree trimming operations, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT has announced that northbound lanes of Highway 97 will experience temporary closures between Monday, May 12, and Thursday, May 15 in the area of Pilgrim Trail, about five miles north of the Highway 97 and Highway 29 intersection. The lane closures will take place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution while traveling through the work zone and to anticipate potential delays. It is recommended to allow extra travel time or seek alternative routes if possible during the specified hours.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Scattered Showers Continue For Monday
May 12, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 80. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.