Two Northview Grads Awarded BBB Student Ethics Scholarships
June 10, 2025
The Better Business Bureau serving Northwest Florida has announced two recent Northview High School graduates as recipients of the 2025 BBB Student Ethics Scholarships in District I.
Colton Criswell and Maddie Mae Driskell, seniors at Northview High School, received the scholarship for Escambia County.
The program was created to recognize high school senior students in the Florida Panhandle (14 county-wide service area) who personify personal character, integrity and have made the choice to lead by following a moral compass. An independent panel of judges selected the recipients based on leadership, community service, overall personal integrity, and academic history. Each student selected will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college, trade school, university, or vocational school of their choice.
In Santa Rosa County, the BBB scholarship winner was Mateo Soto, a recent Navarre High School graduate.
Pensacola Ice Flyers Announce Season Home Schedule With 29 Games
June 10, 2025
The Pensacola Ice Flyers will play 29 home games at the Pensacola Bay Center during the 202526 season.
The season kicks off with opening night on Saturday, October 18, 2025, setting the stage for the year.
The 2025-26 Ice Flyers home schedule is:
- Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
- Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
- Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
- Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
- Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
- Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025
- Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
- Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
- Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
- Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
- Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
- Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
- Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
- Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
- Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
- Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
- Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
- Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
- Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
- Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
- Friday, March 13, 2026
- Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Friday, March 27, 2026
- Saturday, March 28, 2026
Ricky Peebles
June 10, 2025
Pastor Ricky Peebles, of Davisville, Florida, who was 66 years old, passed away on June 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Born in Atmore, Alabama, he spent most of his life in Bratt, Florida, where he touched many lives with his kindness and faith. His dedication to the community and his gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
He was a dedicated pastor for more than fifty years, always ready to help with projects around the church and community. His love for the outdoors shone through in his passion for hunting and fishing. Alongside this, he enjoyed gunsmithing and locksmithing, showcasing his practical skills. He enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, often sharing his music through singing. For seventeen years, he worked at Bondurant Lumber and Hardware, where he made lasting connections. In his free time, he loved watching westerns, spending time with his cherished pets—especially his dog BJ—and delighting in moments with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilborn and Dorothy Gunn Peebles; wife, Donna Peebles; son Robert Jarrod Peebles.
He is survived by his loving wife of fourteen years, Becka Peebles of Davisville, Florida; son Jason and wife Jennifer Peebles of Walnut Hill, Florida; three brothers, Roger and wife Rene’ Peebles of McCullough, Alabama, Randall and wife Cindy Peebles of Bratt, Florida and Ronald and wife Darlene Peebles of Bratt, Florida; five grandchildren, Liberty Peebles, Gabbie Peebles Zisa, Memory Peebles Spruill, Dakota Peebles and Becca Peebles; two great-grandchildren, Stormy, Riverlyee, and two on the way; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Trent Peebles, Coy Peebles, Austin Snyder, Sheldon Schneider, Greg Schneider, and Michael “Nooch” Segers.
A special thank you to family and friends whose outpouring of love and support has been a special blessing the past few months. Ricky’s favorite ministry was Pilots for Christ-Monroeville, Alabama and donations to this organization would be appreciated in his memory.
Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36461
UPDATED: Multiple Northern Santa Rosa Roads Remained Closed Due To Flooding; Two Rescued From Vehicles
June 9, 2025
Several roads in northern Santa Rosa County remained closed Monday afternoon following heavy rain overnight.
The Jay Volunteer Fire Department responded to two water rescues from vehicles, three trees across roadways, and a tree fire.
Firefighters also rescued at least two drivers from the floodwaters overnight.
As of 3:30 p.m., the following roads remain closed in northern Santa Rosa County:
- Highway 4 at Morristown Road.
- Highway 89 between Pine Level Church Road and Chumuckla Highway.
- Walling Road is closed at Cold Water Creek
- Gordon Land Road at Coldwater Creek Recreation Area is closed.
- Amos Cabaniss Road in the Munson area is closed at the bridge over Juniper Creek due to water over the road.
The following roads have reopened:
- Country Mill Road between Greenwood Road and Polktown Road has reopened.
- Shell Road in the Jay area is open with hazards due to water over the road, drivers are asked to use extreme caution in the area.
- Highway 4 at Dobson Road has reopened.
- Ebenezer Church Road between Dykestown Road and Ebenezer Church
- Morristown Road, just north of Camors Road, is reopened.
There is currently no estimated time of reopening. Turn around, don’t drown. Drivers should seek an alternate route until the roadway reopens. Due to rising water coming from the rain north of the area, drivers are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution over bridges and roadways, according to Santa Rosa County.
Pictured: A water rescue near Jay early Monday morning. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dortch Road In Bratt Collapses Due To Fire Several Weeks Ago (With Gallery)
June 9, 2025
A portion of Dortch Road in Bratt is closed following a collapse that was caused by fire.
Dortch Road between Greenland and McElhaney roads will be closed starting today, June 9, for immediate collapsed pipe and road repair. The road is expected to reopen Monday, June 16.
The 24-inch plastic culvert pipe under the road was destroyed by fire earlier in the spring, likely when a farmer burned a nearby field (as is a standard farming method) and the fire entered the ditch and ignited the pipe. The top half of the pipe was destroyed end to end; the collapse was discovered on Monday morning following heavy rain overnight.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times. There is only one residence located on the closed section of Dortch Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Investigating Cantonment Shooting
June 9, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Sunday morning shooting that left a man seriously injuries.
The victim reported about 6 a.m. Sunday that he was shot in the thigh and was standing outside of the Valero gas station by the Black Diamond Sports Lounge on Highway 29, across from International Paper.
They told deputies that he did not hear a shot or see anyone, but felt a pain in his leg, according to ECSO Sgt. Melony Peterson. Deputies were unable to find any shell casings in the area. The victim was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The ECSO said the victim suffered a broken femur, and he has not provided any additional details to investigators.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Town of Century Smoke Testing Sewers This Week. What Does That Mean?
June 9, 2025
The Town of Century will be smoke testing its sewage system this week.
When?
The testing will take place from June 9-13 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.?
Why?
Smoke testing is done periodically to locate sources of sewer odors, leaks and breaks in sewer lines.
What will residents notice?
You may notice smoke coming from building sewer vents, gutters and downspouts or out of the ground along sewer lines.
On the inside of your house, smoke or its odor may come out of the plumbing or fixtures. This should not happen if your plumbing is in good shape. This is also an indication gases and odors from the sewer may enter your house or building. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to the occupants.
Location, identification and correction of the source of smoke entering your house or building is urgently advised. While the utility will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the house or building owner.
Is the smoke dangerous?
The type of smoke used is harmless, white to yellowish white in color, and may have a slight odor. The smoke is harmless to plants and animals and leaves no residuals or stains. If smoke gets into a structure, it should be ventilated.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
Source: Town of Century.
Showers And Thunderstorm Remain Likely
June 9, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 86. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Creek Waste Project Planned For Highway 29, Ten Mile Road
June 9, 2025
Developers have proposed the Creek Waste Project for the northwest corner of Highway 29 and 10 Mile Road.
The project would include maintenance/office building, storage buildings, a storage lot for the sale and repair of utility trailers, and a pole barn. Specifically, the project would include the construction of a new 560-square foot parts building, 3,500-square foot maintenance/office building, and a 1,600-square foot pole barn that are all being proposed on a laydown/storage lot consisting of an asphalt millings surface. These are being proposed for the use of utility trailers sales and maintenance, according to information filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC).
The site at 3397 South Highway 29 is currently partially developed with dirt drives and fencing from the previous storage of Creek Waste containers that will be removed from the 1.55-acre parcel. An existing billboard will remain.
Access will be from a new concrete driveway to West Ten Mile Road.
The property is currently zoned for heavy commercial and light industrial.
The project is set for a pre-application meeting with DRC on Wednesday, June 11. A final public hearing has not yet been set.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Here’s A Big List Of VBS Events Across The North Escambia Area This Summer
June 9, 2025
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition across the North Escambia area. A list of VBS events is below.
To submit your event, email news@northescambia.com, or click here for our contact form
VBS at Oak Grove Baptist Church
“VBS Egypt – Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace” will be held June 9-13 from 5:30 – 8 :30 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2600 North Highway 99. Ages 4-12.
VBS at Gonzalez Baptist Church
Gonzalez Baptist Church “Magnified” VBS will be held Saturday, June 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to incoming 4K-5th grades. Register at www.gonzalezbc.com.
Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene VBS, Cantonment
Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene VBS will be June 19-20 from 6-8:30 p.m. and June 21 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Ages 5-12. Dinner and lunch included. 3475 Pine Forest Road Cantonment.
VBS at Hillcrest Baptist Church
Hillcrest Baptist Church on Nine Mile Road will hold “Magnified!” VBS June 16-20 from 8:15 a.m. until noon each day for kids in grades K through fifth. To register, text VBS to 27123.
Walnut Hill Mennonite Church VBS
Walnut Hill Mennonite Church will hold VBS June 22-27 from 6:30 until 8:30 for ages 5 years through ninth grade. 6840 Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. More info: (251) 253-4595 or (850) 380-2495. For transportation, call (850) 619-4831.
VBS at Highland Baptist Church, Molino
“True North Trusting Jesus in a Wild World” Vacation Bible School at Highland Baptist Church, June 22-26, 6-8:30 p.m. Text VBS to (850) 754-7622 to register.
VBS at Unity Baptist Church, Atmore
Vacation Bible School at Unity Baptist Church in Atmore will be June 22-June 26 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Discover the Bigness of God in the smallest of things. Classes for ages up to sixth grade. 10310 Highway 31 Atmore.
Faith Bible Baptist Church VBS, Century
Faith Bible Baptist Church will hold “Christmas in July – The Real Reason for the Season” VBS July 7-11 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. for ages 5-12. 5801 North Century Boulevard. Register online.
VBS at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, McDavid
Rays Chapel Baptist Church VBS will be July 14-18 from 4-7 p.m. for ages 5-11. To register for “Wonder Junction” VBS click here.
VBS at Poplar Dell Baptist Church, Century
Answers VBS “Wonder Junction – Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory” July 14-18 at Poplar Dell Baptist Church 2631 Highway 4A Century. From 5:30 until 8 p.m.
VBS at Grace Valley Baptist Church, Cantonment
Grace Valley Baptist Church will hold Rocket Racers VBS July 16-19 from 6-8 p.m. Grave Valley is located at 1985 Highway 29, Cantonment.