Mosquito Control To Spray Tonight In Walnut Hill, Bratt, Oak Grove And Dogwood Park Areas
August 21, 2025
Weather permitting, the Escambia County Mosquito Control Division will conduct fogging missions today, August 21, in portions of the Walnut Hill, Oak Grove, Bratt and Dogwood Park areas.
Spray areas are listed below, scroll down.
Mission hours vary, but typically occur in the evening hours from 6-9:30 p.m. All operations are dependent on weather conditions.
Spray Area #57A: Walnut Hill and Bratt (pictured top)
North: West State Line Road
South: Arthur Brown Road
East: North Highway 99
West: Pine Forest Road
Spray Area #54B: Oak Grove and Dogwood Park (pictured second below)
North: Mason Road
South: Effie Road
East: South Pine Barren Road
West: Highway 97
Spray Area #54A: Oak Grove and Bratt (pictured first below)
North: West Highway 4
South: Mason Road
East: North Pine Barren Road
West: North Highway 99
FPL Rate Settlement Reduces Request By Nearly A Third, Keeping Northwest Florida Bills Almost Flat
August 21, 2025
Florida Power & Light Company and 10 key stakeholder groups filed a comprehensive four-year rate settlement agreement with state regulators on Wednesday. The agreement reduces FPL’s original revenue request by nearly one-third.
The agreement, which is subject to Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approval, cuts FPL’s four-year revenue request by approximately 30%, keeping Northwest Florida rates nearly flat for a couple of years.
“This settlement agreement is a win for all FPL customers and a win for Florida. It supports our ongoing commitment to meet the resiliency and reliability needs of our fast-growing state, while keeping customer bills well below the national average. We expect the typical 1,000-kWh Northwest Florida residential customer bill will remain relatively flat for the next two years. Even with the proposed increase, FPL customers would be paying lower bills next year than they were 20 years prior, when adjusted for inflation,” FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel said.
The settlement significantly scales back FPL’s initial rate request:
- 2026: Base rate revenue request reduced by 39%, from $1.545 billion to $945 million
- 2027: Base rate revenue request reduced by 17%, from $927 million to $766 million
- Total savings: Base rate revenues about $2.9 billion less than originally requested over the four-year period
Beginning in 2027, FPL customers in NorthWest Florida will pay the same rates as the remainder of the state.
*Pending PSC approval of estimated solar and battery projects in January 2027, bill will move to $143.25.*
Escambia EMS Gets New Lifesaving Equipment
August 21, 2025
Escambia County EMS has taken a forward in prehospital care by equipping every paramedic unit with state-of-the-art video laryngoscopes.
The new video laryngoscopes represent a significant advancement in airway management, giving paramedics enhanced visualization during intubation—especially in difficult or high-risk situations. This technology is expected to improve patient outcomes, increase procedural success rates, and enhance training opportunities for EMS personnel.
“Paramedics in Escambia County already operate at a high clinical level,” Escambia County Medical Director Dr. Benjamin Abo said. “By adding video laryngoscopy, we’re giving them the tools to be even more effective, especially in complex airway emergencies.”
The devices are now fully deployed across frontline EMS units and are already in use on critical calls throughout the county. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize EMS equipment and elevate the standard of care for residents and visitors. This week, EMS has added more lifesaving medications such as antibiotics to treat life-threatening infections where every minute counts.
Molino Park Elementary Wins $1,000 In Wellness Challenge; Northview And Ernest Ward Also Place
August 21, 2025
Molino Park Elementary School claimed the top spot in the Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent’s Choose Wellness Challenge, and North Escambia schools were also tops in the middle and high school categories.
The challenge is to see which school or major department can achieve the highest percentage of employee participation and also the highest percentage of improvement from one school year to the next in the Superintendent’s Choose Wellness challenge.
The 2024-25 Superintendent’s Wellness Challenge overall winner, and repeating champion, is Molino Park Elementary at 74% participation. Molino Park received a $1,000 top prize at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.
The highest percentage participation at the middle school level and $250 went to Ernest Ward Middle School at 47%.
A $250 prize and the highest percentage participation at the high school level went to Northview High School at 46%.
Other awards were presented to Success Academy for most improved with a participation rate of 19%, and the highest percentage participation at a major department level was awarded to Spencer Bibbs at 73%.
The district said the decision to create a district wellness center and program was made to promote employee wellness because a healthy workforce has fewer medical costs and fewer lost work hours which helps to create a more productive and higher achieving workforce and results in higher student achievement.
Pictured: ECPS Superintendent’s Choose Wellness Challenge winners Molino Park Elementary (top), Ernest Ward Middle School (first below) and Northview High School (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Felon Charged With Running From Traffic Stop, Ammo Possession
August 21, 2025
A Walnut Hill man was arrested this week after allegedly fleeing from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies earlier this month and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On August 8, a deputy on routine patrol in the area of Pine Forest Road and Garrett Road observed a Nissan Frontier driven by a male he recognized as 43-year-old Shadrach Jones, and the deputy initiated a traffic stop. As the deputy attempted to handcuff Jones, he broke free and ran, according to an arrest report.
The deputy gave chase but lost Jones in the woods. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.
Jones was charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license and resisting arrest.
He was also charged with felony possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon for a May 14 incident. Deputies stopped his vehicle near the intersection of Pine Forest Road and Deer Lake Road. According to an arrest report, he had three rounds of 9mm ammunition in his vehicle.
He was transported to the hospital after an unknown medical emergency. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.
Jones remained in the Escambia County Jail on Thursday with bond set at $10,000.
Volunteers Needed For Health Facilities Authority
August 21, 2025
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority. Appointees serve without compensation.
The Escambia County Health Facilities Authority was established in accordance with Florida statutes. The authority’s duties are to assist health facilities in acquisition, construction, financing and refinancing of projects. Knowledge of finance and/or health care administration is required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.
Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority are asked to submit a resume by the close of business Wednesday, Aug. 27. Resumes should be submitted to Jose Gochez, County Administration Operations Manager, Board of County Commissioners, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 420, Pensacola, FL 32502 or emailed to boardapply@myescambia.com.
Rain Chances On The Upswing
August 21, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 86.
Roger V. Grimes
August 21, 2025
Roger V. Grimes, 63, of Molino, Florida, passed away August 19, 2025. He was born in Atmore, Alabama on May 23, 1962 to Venis and Myrtle Grimes. He had a career in welding. He was a member of Pugh’s Chapel Church in Molino, Florida and had a passion for hunting, fishing, and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Venis and Myrtle Grimes.
He is survived by his son, Justin (Taylor) Grimes; grandchildren, Jase, Rayln, and Kenley; siblings, Pat (Keith) Kelley, Elsie Grimes (Chuck), Robert (Diane) Grimes, Kathy (Hayward) Mason, and Shirley Beavers; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; long time best friends, Rusty Turner, Tim Daniel, Pete Jr.; trusty dog, Buster; and many other friends.
Visitation is August 25 from 1-2 prior to service time at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North in Cantonment.
Kelly Duane Davidson
August 21, 2025
Mr. , age 64, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama, where he had lived his entire life. A proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Mr. Davidson was known for his strong connection to his heritage and community. He was also a devoted member of Grace Fellowship, where he found support and friendship among fellow members. His passing leaves a significant impact on those who knew him and cherished the time spent together.
He was a true outdoorsman who found joy in fishing and strumming his guitar. With a knack for fixing anything that broke, he was always ready to lend a hand. His heart was full of love for his wife and family, and he cherished the time spent on vacations with them. A proud supporter of Alabama football and a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he wore his patriotism like a badge of honor. For twenty years, he worked as a dredge operator, driving his trusty Peterbilt and cruising on his Harley Davidson. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger, always willing to help anyone in need. He had a talent for cooking, often whipping up delicious meals for his loved ones, and he lived by the simple saying, “It Is What It Is.”
He is preceded in death by his father, David R. Davidson; grandparents, Greley and Alberta McGhee, and Ralph David and Bessie Davidson.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years, Cynthia Davidson of Atmore, Alabama; mother, Evelyn McGhee Akins of Petersburg, Tennessee; two sons, Jay (Bethany) Davidson of Atmore, Alabama and Kyle (Savannah) Davidson of Atmore, Alabama; three brothers, Murray Davidson of Poarch, Alabama, Rowdy (Mona) Davidson of Athens, Alabama and Trevar Akins of Huntsville, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Wyatt Swearingen, Presley Swearingen, JD Swearingen, Blakeleigh Borders, JK Borders, Conner Seaney, and Adalyn Baker; Beloved dogs, Mingo and Freedom.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Reverend Rajah Atallah and Reverend Richard Daniels
Burial will follow New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Murray Davidson, Rowdy Davidson, Trevar Akins, Jay Davidson, Kyle Davidson and Wyatt Swearingen.
Betty L. Spiegelhalter
August 21, 2025
Betty L. Spiegelhalter, 93, of Pensacola, Florida, fondly known as Nana, passed away on August 10, 2025. She was born October 24, 1931 to Eva and Hiram Lodge. Betty retired from Escambia County School System, employed as an English teacher at Woodham High School. Throughout her life she enjoyed family and friends, gardening, had a great passion for traveling, and was a fervid reader.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Eva Lodge; beloved husband, Robert Earl (Bud) Martin, second husband, R.R. (Spike) Spiegelhalter; and son, Timothy W. Martin.
She is survived by her brother, Danny Lodge; daughter, Debbie Dubus; son, Jimmy Martin, son, Andy (Karen) Martin; daughter-in-law, Belinda Martin; ten grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Nana was a force to be reckoned with and will be deeply missed, but her love and devotion will remain with us forever.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements