Tate High School Student Builds Benches For ESE Department As Eagle Scout Project
July 7, 2025
A Tate High School student’s Eagle Scout project will directly benefiting students with disabilities on campus.
Lawson Killingsworth, dedicated student and Boy Scout with Troop 415 in Pensacola, coordinated the design and construction of specialized benches for Tate’s ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Department. After consulting with ESE teachers to identify their greatest needs, Lawson led a project to build sturdy, durable benches that provide a safe and comfortable waiting area for students who arrive early each morning.
“These benches are incredibly important for our students with significant disabilities who require supervision and often arrive early to school,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “Lawson’s project ensures they have a safe and welcoming place to wait each morning, supporting their comfort and helping them start the day with a consistent routine.”
To fund the project, Lawson recycled scrap metal to purchase tools and materials. He worked with Wood Specialties Cabinetry to finalize a design and coordinated construction workdays with troop members, adult leaders, and volunteers. The benches were built to be heavy-duty and tip-resistant, with adjustable leveling pads to accommodate uneven surfaces and under-bench storage to keep walkways clear of obstacles. Each bench was finished with over six layers of paint for durability and easy cleaning.
In addition to completing the benches, Lawson donated his remaining project funds, totaling $281, to the ESE Department’s community-based instruction program. This donation will support students as they build communication and money management skills in real-world settings such as local grocery stores.
“We are incredibly grateful for Lawson’s thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and hard work,” Touchstone said. “He is an outstanding example of servant leadership, and we are so proud to have him as part of the Tate Aggie family.”
Legal Help: Lawyers In The Library Tuesday In Century, Wednesday In Molino
July 7, 2025
“Lawyers in the Library” will be held this week at the libraries in Century and Molino.
Legal Services of Northeast Florida (LSNF) will provide the service as follows:
- Century Library: Tuesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until noon
- Molino Library: Wednesday, July 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
LSNF can help with legal information or help eligible clients apply for services on a first-come, first-served basis. Areas of law may include: family law issues, employment law, bankruptcy/collections, custody/child support, property disputes, title clearing/probate, housing law, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
Attendees should bring any document related to their question.
The program is held the second Tuesday of every month at the Century Library and every second Wednesday of the month at the Molino Library. For more information contact LSNF at (850) 432-8222.
Salzman Seeks Volunteers For August Backpack, Food Distribution
July 7, 2025
Rep. Michelle Salzman is looking for volunteers to sign up now for an upcoming food distribution and backpack giveaway.
Salzman, in collaboration with FarmShare and a coalition of community sponsors and partners, will host the food distribution and backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 9 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Community members, student groups, athletic teams, and local organizations are encouraged to volunteer and be a part of this meaningful effort. It’s a great opportunity for service hours, team-building, and making a direct impact in the lives of neighbors in need, Salzman’s office said.
To sign up to volunteer or for more information, contact Jennifer Harrison at Jennifer@GCPromo.com or call (850) 324-2744.
It’s Red, White, And Blues Week — Here’s The Complete Schedule Through Saturday’s Air Show
July 7, 2025
It’s Red, White, And Blues Week, and here’s the complete schedule through Saturday’s air show.
The four-day event includes a full lineup of top-tier aerobatic performers, ground exhibits, and military demonstrations, culminating with the official air show on Saturday, July 12.
Air Show Week Schedule:
- Wednesday, July 9 – “Breakfast with the Blues”
Around 7:30 a.m., the Blue Angels mark their flight paths by circling overhead. - Thursday, July 10 – Practice Flight
At 2 p.m., the Blue Angels conduct an over-water practice session. - Friday, July 11 – Full Dress Rehearsal
Demonstrations begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.; Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m. - Saturday, July 12 – Official Pensacola Beach Air Show
Same schedule as Friday’s rehearsal.
Luke Carrico will make his inaugural debut as the voice of the air show on Friday and Saturday, with veteran Paul Entrekin serving as Air Boss for his 32nd year.
Before the official airspace closure, a handful of pre-show flight demonstrations will be overhead starting around 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, including:
- The Black Ducks in WWII-era aircraft.
- Sheldon Heatherington in a Zenith 75 STOL named “Redbird.”
- Gene Valentino in an Icon A-5.
- Tanner Matheny in a 1946 NAvion named “Olivia.”
- Veterans Flight team in their WWII-era Stearman biplanes honoring WWII and Korean War veterans, led by Roy Kinsey.
- HT-18 training helicopters from TAW-5 aboard NAS Whiting Field.
- VT-10 flying T-6 Texans from TAW-6 aboard NAS Pensacola.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demo from a MH-65E Dolphin.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., the official air box will close and the lifeguards will clear the water. Shortly following, hold onto your hats for some mouth-dropping aerial performances!
2025 Official Performers Schedule:
- USAF B-1B Lancer arrives to tease the raw power and speed of the legendary swing-wing bomber.
- Red Bull Air Force team performs the “Presentation of the Colors” by skydiving with the American Flag – landing at show center. Expect aerobatics from helo pilot Aaron Fitzgerald and pilot Kevin Coleman in his Extra 330 SC, too.
- B-1B Lancer comes back for more action and maneuvers to impress.
- RJ Gritter is next overhead, flying a red, white, and blue Decathlon and bringing high-energy aerobatics to Pensacola for the first time.
- The father-son duo of Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will deliver formation thrills and precision flying in their RV-8s.
- Next up, the four-man Titan Aerobatic Team performs synchronized loops and bomb bursts in their WWII-era AT-6 Texans.
- Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitzgerald team up again in a high-adrenaline, two-aircraft routine to finish up with the Red Bull Air Force finale before a short 10-minute water break.
Pictured:The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Take Flight at 2 p.m.
As always, closing out the show at 2 p.m. will be YOUR U.S. Navy Flight Demonstrations Squadron, the Blue Angels. Look to the Gulf horizon as the famous C-130J aircraft, affectionately known as Fat Albert, followed by six signature blue and gold F-18 Super Hornets, make their way over Pensacola Beach.
For the next 45 minutes, spectators will get a glimpse of the Blues’ aeronautic maneuvers like the Diamond Dirty Loop, the Double Farvel, the Vertical Pitch, the Fleur-de-Lis, the Opposing Knife-Edge pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass. These are just a few of the mind-blowing displays of choreographed precision flying the Navy’s flight demonstration team has perfected over the past 79 years.
Know Before You Go
- Drones are strictly prohibited during air show waiver hours.
- Glass is not allowed on the beach.
- Dogs are only permitted at the dog beaches on the island and must remain on leash.
- Help us protect our beach: Please Leave Only Your Footprints.
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach In July 2024. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Mostly Clear Tonight
July 7, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
AAA: Gas Prices Climb in Florida – Up 12¢ from Last Week
July 7, 2025
Florida gas prices rose last week as drivers prepared to hit the road for Independence Day. The state average climbed 20 cents per gallon early in the week, then eased 6 cents by the weekend.
On Sunday, the state average was $3.08 per gallon. That’s up 12 cents from the week before.
Despite the uptick, holiday travelers found the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2021. On July 4, 2025, Florida gas prices averaged $3.11 per gallon – 42 cents less than 2024’s holiday rate, and 15 cents below what drivers paid on Independence Day 2023.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $2.88, one of the cheapest metro areas in the state. In Pensacola, a low price of $2.69 was available at the warehouse clubs and several stations in the southern part of Escambia County. In North Escambia, a low of $2.78 was available at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Lower oil prices helped make this Independence Day one of the most affordable in recent years,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “In Florida, however, prices continue to fluctuate week to week, as local stations adjust prices to remain competitive with nearby retailers. When prices eventually reach a low that’s no longer profitable, retailers raise them back up. This strategy has fueled short-term volatility at the pump—even as national prices and other drivers relatively stable.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Fulton, Snyder Shine, Wahoos Hang On for Victory in Finale
July 7, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (41-39) capped their first series in July with a 4-3 win over the Biloxi Shuckers (49-32) on Sunday.
Pensacola jumped out to an immediate lead in the top of the first inning. On the fourth pitch of the game, Wahoos third baseman Michael Snyder hit a solo home run to left field off Biloxi starter K.C. Hunt (L, 4-5). The Shuckers quickly answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the second when designated hitter Darrien Miller hit a solo home run of his own against Pensacola starter Dax Fulton (W, 4-6).
Pensacola retook the lead in the top of the fifth when second baseman Cody Morissette came in on a run-scoring wild pitch from Hunt, but Biloxi tied the game in the bottom half.
With the game tied 2-2 entering the sixth inning, Pensacola’s offense came to life. A pair of Wahoo singles and a walk of designated hitter Nathan Martorella loaded the bases and chased Hunt, who gave way to lefthander Mark Manfredi. With the bases loaded and one out, Cody Morissette hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly off of Manfredi to give the Wahoos a 3-2 lead. Two batters later, catcher Ryan Ignoffo brought home another run on an infield single to hand Pensacola a two-run lead.
The two-run rally proved to be the difference behind Fulton, who earned the win in the longest start of his career (7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K). The outing marked the first time that Fulton had ever recorded outs in the seventh inning as a professional.
Biloxi scored once and put the tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth inning, but an unusual final sequence closed out righthander Evan Fitterer’s (S, 1) first professional save and the game. With two outs and runners at first and second, Biloxi center fielder Luis Lara hit a sharp grounder to Wahoo first baseman Josh Zamora, who bobbled the pickup and allowed Lara to reach. However, Zamora looked to third base and threw across the diamond to Michael Snyder, who tagged out shortstop Jheremy Vargas after he had overrun the base.
With a 4-3 victory, Pensacola emerges from the week with three wins in six games against Biloxi across the home-and-home series.
The Blue Wahoos continue their road trip on Tuesday, July 8 when they begin a six-game series at the Columbus Clingstones.
Expanded EMS: Flomaton’s Two Ambulances Boost Safety for Florida Neighbors
July 6, 2025
There are now two ambulances stationed in Flomaton, benefiting Flomaton residents and residents of Escambia County in Florida.
Newman’s Medical Services added a second full-staffed ambulance only July, with a third available as needed. The ambulances are stationed 24/7 at the Flomaton Fire Station.
As we first reported back in February, Escambia County has an agreement in place with Newman’s Medical Services, the oldest privately owned ambulance company in Alabama and the second oldest privately owned service in the United States. Under the agreement, Newman’s responds across the state line to Florida calls in the Century and Walnut Hill areas as needed when an Escambia County (FL) EMS unit is not available.
Pictured: A Newman’s ambulance responded as a second-in unit with Escambia County EMS at a June 15 two-vehicle crash on Highway 29 near McDavid. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida’s “Super Speeder” Law Now In Effect, Bringing Stiffer Penalties For Excessive Speed
July 6, 2025
Florida’s new “Super Speeder Law,” officially House Bill 351, has taken effect as of July 1st, introducing significant penalties for drivers who exhibit dangerous excessive speeding.
The law targets those traveling more than 50 miles per hour over the posted limit or exceeding 100 miles per hour overall, with consequences ranging from hefty fines to potential jail time and license suspension.
Just minutes after midnight on July 1st, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated the immediate impact of the new legislation. Deputies cited a driver going 104 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone.
Under the law, a first offense for “dangerous excessive speeding” could result in a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Repeat offenders face even more severe consequences, including up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Committing two such offenses within a five-year period could lead to a one-year suspension of driving privileges.
Escambia County’s Medical Director Works On New Netflix “All the Sharks” Series
July 6, 2025
There’s an Escambia County connection to the new competition series “All the Sharks”, which premiered July 4 on Netflix.
Escambia County Public Safety Medical Director Dr. Ben Abo served as the medical director on the show.
For more photos, click here.
Abo was in charge of risk assessment, risk management, and generally keeping everyone healthy and safe while diving among the predators. He traveled six countries, five continents and logged over 45,000 miles while working on the show.
In “All the Sharks”, teams encounter sharks across the globe, competing to see which team can capture sharks on camera, with extra bonus points for rarer species. The winning team receives a $50,000 prize for charity.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
