Northview Names Justin Raley As New Head Baseball Coach
June 5, 2025
Northview High School has named Justin Raley as their new head baseball coach.
Raley is a familiar name in area 1A baseball — Justin Raley has been an assistant coach for the past three seasons at Jay, under the leadership of his father Duane Raley. Jay has made it to the regional finals in the past couple of seasons, after falling to Northview in the regional semifinals in 2022.
Raley said he took the Northview job with the blessings of his father.
“He told me that if I wanted the job to take it,” he said. “I felt like it was time for me to step out and do my thing.”
“I’m excited to get back in there and get rolling with the guys,” Raley said. “I know we’ve got a good group of guys; I coached many of them in middle school at Ernest Ward, so I’m excited to get with them and establish my philosophy of coaching and my philosophy of baseball.”
“I want our pitchers to be able to really compete on every count. I want us to be able to throw any pitch anytime. Our hitters to be known as guys that battle in the box, even in bad counts< he said. “We still fight for a quality of that to get a job done. I really I want to go in there and pretty quickly kind of establish my standard and my philosophy on the game.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Considers Updating Laws To Say ‘Gulf of America’
June 5, 2025
Escambia County is planning to change the wording in county ordinances to “Gulf of America”.
Tonight, the Escambia County Commission will vote to authorize a public hearing for July 10 to find out what the public thinks.
Currently, there are nearly two dozen ordinances — related to Perdido Key, dog parks, littering and more — that mention “Gulf of Mexico”.
The change would follow bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April changing Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in textbooks and state law.
The county’s sign welcoming visitors to Pensacola Beach was updated to Gulf of America recently.
Blue Wahoos Honor Northview Lady Chiefs Softball Before 3-2 Loss To Clingstones
June 5, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos honored the Northview Lady Chiefs softball team before a 3-2 Wednesday night loss to the Clingstones.
The Chiefs reached the FHSAA Rural Softball State Championship game for the first time in school history, bringing home the state runner-up trophy. The young team with just one senior also won the first regional title ever for the school as they went 22-7 under the leadership of head coach Amy Holland.
Lady Chief Bailey Burkette and Mikayla McAnally threw out ceremonial first pitches for the Wahoos.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Snelling Strong, but Late Rally Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Clingstones
Game summary by Willie Phaler
With two of the top arms in the Southern League taking the mound in Wednesday night’s game, a 3-2 win in favor of the Columbus Clingstones lived up to be a pitcher’s duel.
Pensacola’s Robby Snelling (L, 2-5) and Columbus’s Ian Mejia (W, 5-0) opened up the game with three scoreless innings, but the Clingstones were able to break through in the fourth.
With runners on first and second with two outs, Geraldo Quintero sent a single to right for an RBI, while Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. drove in a pair with a single of his own to put the Clingstones up 3-0.
The three runs in the fifth were all the damage the Braves’ affiliate was able to run up against Snelling, but also all they needed in the 3-2 win to even the series.
The highly touted southpaw’s line on the night consisted of 5.0 innings with three earned runs and three hits while punching out three hitters.
Kemp Alderman put the Blue Wahoos on the board in the bottom of the seventh, sending his sixth home run of the year out to left field. The longball extends Alderman’s hitting streak to 10 games, the longest by a Blue Wahoos player this year.
The scoring in the seventh didn’t stop there for Pensacola. After a Nathan Martorella double against Mejia, Columbus manager Cody Gabella went to the bullpen for sidearming right-hander Jose Cuas. Mark Coley II sent a triple to left-center on the third pitch from Cuas, scoring Martorella and bringing the Wahoos within one.
After walking Johnny Olmstead to give Pensacola runners on the corners with one out, Cuas escaped after picking up a strikeout and a flyout to center.
Lefty Hayden Harris entered for the Clingstones in the eighth and picked up his third save of the year as he provided two innings of hitless ball to shut down the Blue Wahoos.
Pensacola’s bullpen shined once again, as the trio of Luis Palacios, Lane Ramsey and Ricky DeVito combined for four innings of shutout pitching, allowing just one hit in relief.
With the series tied at one apiece, Pensacola will take on their alternate identity, the Mulltets, and send out Evan Fitterer (2-4, 3.40 ERA) to take on Lucas Braun (3-1, 4.08 ERA).
For a photo gallery, click here.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Columbus Clingstones vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: The games on Thursday through Saturday night will all start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Partly Cloudy Tonight, Lower 70s
June 5, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Take Stock in Children Of Escambia County Awards $350,000 In Scholarships
June 5, 2025
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded over $350,000 in scholarships before the last day of school at the “Graduation & Unsung Hero Celebration”.
The event honored 26 graduating seniors who received four-year tuition scholarships and a laptop computer. Also recognized were all of the volunteer mentors of our students as well as scholarship donors.
The 2025 Take Stock in Children graduates were:
- Northview High: Genesis Scott-Johnson and Laura Laborde;
- T ate High: Caine Carter, Jayda Fillingim, Adrianna Middleton, Ceth Morris, Kaylyn Weiss;
- Escambia Virtual: Halana Werts;
- Escambia High: Xandria Smith;
- Pensacola High: Michael Combs;
- Pine Forest High: Izaiah Cubias, Raven Falzone, Callum Fletcher, Bethany Gurley, Andrew Moles;
- Washington High: Retag Abdelhamid, Jayden Brown, Kyleigh Cox, Azarria McGhee;
- West Florida High: Allison Banks, Shynia Bowie, Nyking Curry, Landon Green, Tyrin Joiner, and Jared Long.
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. The program provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school, and comprehensive services continue through high school and include the students’ transition into college. Students receive a college scholarship, a caring volunteer mentor, and college readiness skills.
Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private fundraising model in which local scholarship donations are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased each year.
Century Town Council Looking For Ways To Get Splash Pad Repaired
June 5, 2025
The Century Town Council is looking for ways to get the town’s splash pad up and running.
“See if there are any extra funds for upgrading the splash pad, because that is a great asset to this town,” former Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. said from the audience. “There’s nothing for the kids to cool down, especially when they have little league softball tournaments and all that stuff out there.”
Town Clerk Carrie Moore said she went to the splash pad in Showalter Park with town employees because she was in contact with someone from another city that could potentially make the repairs. However, she said they were unable to evaluate the splash pad problem due to the lack of electricity. She said a control panel at the softball fields caught fire and was not replaced, cutting electricity to the splash pad. In addition, the splash pad may have been struck by lightning.
“So at this point, we can’t even truly diagnose the splash pad,” Moore said.
“You have an outside electrician coming in to do it, or are y’all depending on the current staff to do it out there?”, Gomez asked. “That there is the problem.”
Moore said that she understood a town staff member was certified to do the work, but she believes the repair job should be outsourced — both fixing the softball field electrical problem and then repairing the splash pad.
Interim town manager Howard Brown said the town should get three quotes from licensed contractors and not rely on staff.
“If y’all get it working, that’s great, but in the near future, can y’all see about getting an upgrade because it’s very weak, but better than nothing,” Gomez added.
Century’s splash pad first opened in 2017, funded by a $50,000 state grant. It’s been non-functional for about a year.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
ECSO Searching For Endangered Cantonment Man Missing Since March
June 5, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man missing and endangered who was last seen in March in Cantonment.
Keondre Williams, 23, was last seen March 15 in the 2600 block of South Highway 95A in Cantonment. He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 125 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black shirt, a green sweatshirt, and black slide shoes.
The ECSO said Wednesday that they have been actively investigating this case since Williams went missing. They are asking anyone with information to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Larry Max Mills
June 4, 2025
Larry Max Mills, of Pensacola, Florida, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born in Noblesville, Indiana on July 29, 1940.
He graduated from Lapel High School in 1958 and attended Indiana University. He left college to join the military, much to his mother’s chagrin. He was a dedicated hard worker and proud submarine veteran of the United States Navy. His strong work ethic and commitment to his country were instilled in him from a young age, and he passed those values on to his family. Larry not only served his country in the Navy, but he also served his community as a policeman and firefighter in his early years. He was a truck driver for 33 years and while he enjoyed the open road, he missed the time away from his family.
He was a member of the VFW and an All-American Post Commander in Orlando, Florida. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. Larry married the love of his life “Ginny” in 1971, and they enjoyed a 54-year marriage. They blended their families when they got married and had one son together. Larry loved listening to music, playing golf, and watching NASCAR. He was very outgoing and enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with friends. He was an avid storyteller with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. One of his biggest joys was pulling pranks on people.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Naomi Katherine McGlacken (McClintock); father, Max Monroe Mills; brother, Chris McGlacken; and daughter, Michelle Boden.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Mills; daughters, Kim (Dan) Ruble and Annette Powell; sons, Gary Max Mills, Mark Mills, and Larry (Angie) Mills II; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Jane Wohl. He lovingly leaves behind aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 1000 S. Highway 29 Cantonment, Florida 32533.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
One Injured In North Highway 99 Rollover Crash
June 4, 2025
A 17-year-old was injured in a two vehicle rollover crash on Wednesday morning in Oak Grove.
According to witnesses, the adult female driver of a Toyota Rav4 failed to stop at a four-way stop at the intersection of North Highway 99 and Highway 164 shortly before noon. She collided with a white Buick LaCrosse that was traveling through the intersection after stopping. The collision caused the Buick to overturn.
The 17-year-old female driver of the Buick was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital for evaluation with injuries that were not believed to be serious.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Wanted For Nashville Hit And Run That Seriously Injured Bratt Man
June 4, 2025
A young Bratt man is continuing to recover after he was hit by a car that fled the scene May 18 in Nashville. And now, police have issued an arrest warrant for the man they believe was driving the vehicle.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said Tuesday afternoon that warrants for 32-yaer-old Tony Lopez-Infante of Venezuela. Anyone with information is asked to call Nashville Police at (615) 742-7463; a reward is offered.
The vehicle involved in the collision, a Mitsubishi Mirage, was returned by Lopez-Infante, with front end damage, to a rental facility in Mt. Juliet on May 19, police said. Officers located the car there the next day, on May 20. Investigation resulted in Lopez-Infante, being identified as the hit and run driver. Police said ongoing efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Federal partners, including Homeland Security Investigations, are assisting in the search for Lopez-Infante.
Upon his arrest, he will be charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, failure to render aid/file an accident report, attempted evidence tampering, and driving without a license/insurance. Lopez-Infante is also wanted in Williamson County on an outstanding probation violation warrant related to a theft arrest.
Lopez-Infante has multiple outstanding warrants from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Lopez is an illegal alien with six outstanding warrants. He was last seen in Mt. Juliet — in my district,” Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles said on social media Tuesday.
Zachary Carach survived, but he’s facing a lengthy recovery.
Zach, his mother Sheena, and other relatives were in Nashville celebrating his 21st birthday together as a family.
“Our little family spent a wonderful day in Nashville, celebrating the 21st birthday of our son… as in 21 years ago on May 18th this baby blessed our lives” Sheena said in a message to NorthEscambia.com from Nashville just hours after the hit-and-run. “He has been dealt a hard hand his whole life, living with chronic kidney disease, losing a kidney at 7-year-soldo, having to have major spinal surgery at 16 and spending numerous days in the hospital for autoimmune issues. But this weekend was full of fun and celebration for him, because no one deserves it more. That is until it wasn’t.”
A surveillance video shows Zach, a 2022 Northview High School graduate, look both ways about 6 p.m. Sunday, before crossing Nashville’s Church Street in a clearly marked crosswalk. There’s a flashing signal, and a yellow sign noting that Tennessee law requires drivers to yield for pedestrians in crosswalks. It happened a few blocks from landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena. He’s hit by a Mitsubishi Mirage, throwing him into the air. The car did not stop.
Sheena continues to be on a mission to find the driver responsible.
“While crossing in the crosswalk, my precious son was ran over like a piece of garbage and left for dead in the road. Witnessing this as a mom, was the most horrific day of my life and then to rewatch it on video and see his feet above his head and his head slam the ground was mortifying.”
Sheena is a former police officer. And that’s not the Carach family’s only connection to law enforcement. You may remember the NorthEscambia.com stories about Zach’s younger brother “Donut Boy” Tyler Carach. While Tyle was a student at Byrneville Elementary School, he set out on a mission to thank and provide doughnuts for law enforcement agencies across the country. And he did just that in all 50 states, and made numerous national TV appearances on the CBS Evening News, Today Show, Steve Harvey and countless local TV stations He was also honored by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
But now, the family is focused on Zach’s recovery and finding the hit-and-run driver.
“Please help us find this inhuman person who ran over my baby and kept rolling,” Sheena said.
Photos/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
