Kids Beach Club Meets Tuesdays Afternoons After School At Molino Park Elementary
August 24, 2025
Kids Beach Club is back for the fourth year on Tuesday afternoons beginning August 26 after school at Molino Park Elementary School for grades 3-5.
Kids Beach Club is a free after-school Bible club that meets for one hour. It is a ministry of the non-denominational, faith-based Kids Beach Club organization. Snacks will be served and prizes awarded.
The group meets each Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. in the Molino Park Elementary cafeteria. Students must register in advance at kidsbeachclub.org/students. For more information, call Highland Baptist Church at (850) 587-5174.
The event is presented by screened and trained volunteers.
White’s Start Spoiled In Late Loss To Clingstones
August 24, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third game in a row to the Columbus Clingstones on Saturday night, falling 4-1 despite a strong start from Thomas White.
White, the top prospect in the Marlins organization, worked 4.2 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters to lower his Double-A ERA to 1.79 in nine starts. Though he tied a career-high with four walks, the lefty stranded seven runners on base in the first four innings to keep out of trouble.
The Blue Wahoos scored their lone run in the second inning off Clingstones starter Brian Moran, turning a Mark Coley II single and stolen base into a 1-0 lead thanks to a pair of passed balls from Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski.
Despite many opportunities to grow their lead, the Blue Wahoos went 0-for-10 with men in scoring position. Their inability to add on came back to haunt them in the seventh, when Zebrowski laced a two-out RBI single to left field off Nigel Belgrave (L, 5-2) to tie the game 1-1.
After Tyler LaPorte (W, 1-3) worked around a leadoff Jared Serna double to keep the game tied in the top of the eighth, Belgrave ran into more trouble in the bottom half of the inning. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Patrick Clohisy, who lined a three-run triple into the right field corner for a 4-1 Clingstones lead.
Rolddy Muñoz (S, 6) pitched around a two-out walk to save the game in the ninth, sending the Blue Wahoos to their third consecutive loss.
With the defeat, the Blue Wahoos saw their lead over the second-place Montgomery Biscuits shrink to 1.0 game in the second-half division race. There are 20 games remaining in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Clingstones on Sunday afternoon.
Gwendolyn Gayle Stinson
August 24, 2025
Gwendolyn Gayle Stinson, 71, died Sunday, August 16, 2025, at home in Cantonment, FL.
Gwendolyn was born July 17, 1954 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL. She graduated from Pensacola Christian High School in 1972, Pensacola Junior College with an AA degree, then from the University of West Florida in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education / Elementary Education. Gwendolyn started her career as a substitute teacher with Escambia County Public School District. She then was the K-2 Classroom teacher with the Pensacola Seventh-day Adventist Junior Academy for 34 years, near the end of her tenure, she also served as the school’s principal. Gwendolyn was a faithful member of the Pensacola Seventh-day Adventist Church / University Parkway Seventh-day Adventist Church. Over the years, she served as an Adult Sabbath School teacher, Adult Choir Director, Church Organist and Pianist.
She is preceded in death by her father; mother and stepfather.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, David Bruns Stinson and a brother, Stephen D. Crowder (Debbie) of Natchitoches, LA.
A Graveside Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Bayview Memorial Park with Pastor/Chaplain Earl L. Jones, Jr. of North Little Rock, AR officiating.
Pallbearers will be Wilfred Wixwat, Chris Jernigain, Donna (Holland) Torre, Alexson Aranna, Greg Wise, Geoffery Pittman, Jay Hendrieth, Ray Bell.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Emerald Coast Hospice; Baptist Health Care Foundation – Kugelman Cancer Center, or Pensacola Adventist Academy.
Federal Charges Filed Against Walnut Hill Man Allegedly Found With Homemade Explosives, Target List
August 23, 2025
A Walnut Hill man who accidentally shot himself near Walnut Hill in July has now been indicted on federal charges.
Joshua Dean Hardy, 26, was indicted in federal court for two counts of unlawful possession of firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA), namely two unregistered and unserialized silencers and a destructive device, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Hardy was in court on Friday on local charges of three counts of making or possession of a destructive device, using a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm with the serial number removed. He remains in the Escambia County Jail.
He is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on August 28, 2025. If convicted on the federal counts as charged, Hardy faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment as it relates to each of the NFA violations, and another five years for his possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
His trail on local charges is currently set for October 20.
Hardy accidentally shot himself shortly after 3 a.m. on July 23 while walking in the woods on family property at 5000 Sandy Hollow Road, just off West Highway 4. His grandmother told deputies that she received a call about 3:15 a.m. from Hardy who said he had tripped while walking on their property with his rifle and he had shot himself in the leg. She picked him up and drove him to Atmore Community Hospital.
She stated that “their old house on their property had burned down a while ago and they believe it to have been arson. Since then, Joshua Hardy will randomly get up early in the morning and ‘patrol” their property with his rifle,” an arrest report states. NorthEscambia.com reported on the fire on January 31, 2025.
At the emergency room in Atmore, Hardy told deputies that he often walks their 22-acre property because he does not like people there, the report states. He said he stepped in a hole and dropped his rifle, accidentally grabbing it as it fell by the trigger and shot himself. He was adamant that he was not shooting at anyone and had no intent of harming himself.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Hardy suffered a serious gunshot wound that shattered his tibia and fibula and nearly took his left big toe.
Deputies responded to the property later in the day after receiving a tip, and they followed a trail of blood from the county right of way and into the woods and located the spot where Hardy shot himself. They reported finding a spent 7.62×39 AK-47 round next to a bloody area. A relative told deputies that the gun and other items that Hardy had with him at the time of the shooting were on top of a freezer in a shed on the property. They were given permission to search by the property owner.
- In a shed behind a vacant doublewide mobile home, deputies reported finding:
- Camo tactical vest with front and back armor plates and a handgun holster that contained a loaded 9mm pistol. The vest had two pistol magazine holders that contained loaded 9mm magazines. The vest had a medical pouch with supplies attached and “what appeared to be some kind of homemade incendiary device with a long fuse”.
- AK-47 style rifle Kevlar helmet AK-47 drum magazine loaded with live rounds
- A total of 49 live 9mm rounds in the magazines and gun
- A total of 118 live 7.62×39 AK-47 rounds in the magazines
- Cigarette lighter
- Cigarette pack containing one cigarette
A Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division bomb disposal unit and the ECSO bomb disposal unit responded, secured the alleged incendiary device and rendered it safe, according to the arrest report.
Relatives told deputies that Hardy has paranoid and manic episodes and feels like people, including law enforcement, are out to get him, the report continues.
The homemade device was described by state officials as being a destructive device found in the vest was essentially a cardboard tube with flash powder like obtained from consumer fireworks and a hobby fuse.
A search warrant was later served and deputies reported finding multiple items in Hardy’s room:
- Destructive device taped to plastic bottles on the bedroom floor
- A .22 calibre revolver with the serial number and model obliterated
- Black duct tape
- Silencer in a box on the top shelf of the closet multiple journals and notebooks
- A hobby fuse
- Destructive device with screws in a dresser drawer
- Plastic container of screws in a nightstand Cardboard box of screws in the closet
- Pouch containing multiple SD cards and USB drives found in a closet
- Apple iPhone, two Apple iPads, Verizon tablet, and an Amazon tablet in the closet
- A backpack with magazines and ammunition
- 12-gauge shotgun
- mixed Tannerite in the closet
- Ruger .300 caliber rifle with 20 rounds of ammunition
- Browning .270 caliber rifle with four rounds of ammunition and an ammo sleeve with seven rounds of ammunition
- ammunition can with additional ammunition
- hand drawn map of the property
Deputies also reported finding an OPFOR list of names in Hardy’s bedroom. OPFOR is a term commonly used in military training and exercises that is short for “Opposing Forces” to represent an enemy.
Investigators recovered two mortar plugs from the front yard and an unknown manufacturer or caliber firearm with wooden stock from a shed.
The bomb squad took custody of the destructive devices, a mortar and pestle with black powder and mixed Tannerite.
The ECSO report states that all three devices (one from the tactical vest and two from Hardy’s room) were “viable destructive devices”, based upon the training and experience of the state bomb technician.
UWF Begins Presidential Search, Announces Search Committee
August 23, 2025
The University of West Florida has launched a comprehensive national search for the University’s seventh president and announced the selection of individuals who will serve on the 15-member committee to guide the process. The committee will be responsible for collecting input from stakeholders, developing the presidential profile and position criteria, and recruiting and assessing candidates.
“As a regional University, UWF provides dynamic educational experiences to equip all students for success on campus and beyond, making it uniquely positioned to attract an exceptional leader who will usher the University into its next chapter of growth in terms of enrollment, academic and athletic programming, and continuing to be an economic powerhouse for Northwest Florida,” said Rebecca Matthews, chair of the UWF Board of Trustees. “As we embark on this important search, I express my gratitude to the presidential search committee for their dedication and willingness to serve.”
This presidential search comes at an exciting time for the University, as it has officially surpassed enrollment of 15,000 students – the University’s highest enrollment to date. The UWF Presidential Search Committee members represent UWF faculty and students, alumni, community and military, as well as the Board of Trustees and Florida’s State University System Board of Governors leadership. UWF Trustee Zack Smith will serve as chair.
The members of the presidential search committee are:
- Zack Smith – Chair, Presidential Search Committee; UWF Board of Trustees; Chair, UWF Student Affairs Committee; Senior Legal Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
- Trista Bennett – UWF Board of Trustees; President, UWF Student Government Association
- Ken Ford – Founder and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, Institute for Human & Machine Cognition
- Ashton Hayward – President, Andrews Research & Education Foundation; Co-founder, Andrews Medicine; Principal at Shumaker; Former Pensacola Mayor (2011-2018)
- Alan Levine – Vice Chair, Florida Board of Governors; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ballad Health
- Ginger Bowden Madden – State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Sabrina “Saby” McLaughlin – Owner and Executive Creative Director, 3125 Communications
- Collier Merrill – President, Merrill Land Company; President and Owner, Great Southern Restaurants; Chair, UWF Historic Trust
- Paul Mixson – District 1 County Commissioner
- Rachel Moya – UWF Board of Trustees; Chair, UWF Finance and Facilities Committee; Chief Executive Officer, Scale Strategies Inc.
- David Peaden – External Affairs Manager (Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties), Florida Power & Light
- Dr. David Ramsey – Chair and Professor, UWF Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government
- Dr. Heather Riddell – 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Representative, UWF Board of Trustees; Associate Professor, UWF Department of Communication
- Ashley Ross – UWF Board of Trustees; President, Ross Consulting
- Retired Captain Terrence “Village” Shashaty – President, American Heritage Financial; Former Commanding Officer, Pensacola Naval Air Station
“I am pleased to have support from a broad mix of individuals and echo the Chair’s appreciation for the presidential search committee’s service,” said Chris Young, vice chair of the UWF Board of Trustees. “UWF is an outstanding institution dedicated to supporting students and the community, and I am certain the committee will keep this top of mind throughout this important effort.”
To assist the committee, the UWF Board of Trustees has selected Funk Associates for consultation during the presidential search. Over the past 40 years, Funk Associates has conducted hundreds of university and college president and chancellor searches, the majority having been for public institutions. With a history of conducting searches in Florida, Funk Associates has completed searches at numerous Florida institutions including UWF, Florida International University and Florida State University, among others.
Manny Diaz, Jr., is currently serving as interim UWF president after being approved by the Florida Board of Governors on June 18, following his appointment by the UWF Board of Trustees on May 27. He replaced Martha Saunders, who announced her resignation in May.
Pictured: Manny Diaz, Jr. was introduced in July as interim UWF president. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Open Season With Big 21-7 Win Over Fort Walton Beach (With Gallery)
August 23, 2025
The Tate Aggies opened the season at home with a strong 21-7 win over Fort Walton Beach on Friday night at Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Aggies were first on the big video board when sophomore quarterback Miles Delarosa found senior Elijah West for a 77-yard touchdown for a 7-0 lead with just under five minutes to go in the first quarter.
The Aggies worked their way back into the red zone, but a pass into the end zone was incomplete with just one second to go in the half.
The Delarosa-West combo paid off again for the Aggies with 6:05 left in the third quarter to make it 14-0.
The Fort Walton Beach Vikings scored their only points with 3:08 left in the third quarter as the Aggies went on to their 21-7 opening night win in a game that had started 30 minutes late due to a lightning delay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Tate Aggies will continue a three-game opening at home against Gulf Breeze on Friday, August 29 and against Pensacola High on Thursday, September 4.
Pictured top: Senior Elijah West grabs a pass for a Tate Aggies touchdown Friday night. Pictured inset above: Miles Delarosa throws a pass. Pictured first below: Tanner Clark gains yardage for the Aggies. Pictured bottom: Defensive lineman John Flynn celebrates a big stop. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Scattered Showers For Saturday
August 23, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Immigration Enforcement Operation Arrests 200 In Escambia, Other Panhandle Counties
August 23, 2025
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that a first-of-its kind law enforcement operation targeting illegal immigration, dubbed the Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation, resulted in the arret of nearly 200 people in Escambia and other Panhandle counties.
The operation led by the Florida Highway Patrol in coordination with federal partners at ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is part of a comprehensive, multi-agency immigration enforcement detail targeting those living in the country illegally with criminal records, fugitives, and repeat immigration violators.
“This week, a first-of-its-kind immigration enforcement operation started in Florida’s Panhandle, led by the Florida Highway Patrol in coordination with federal partners,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. ”The Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation has apprehended hundreds of illegal aliens—including fugitives with criminal records and repeat unlawful border crossers. Florida continues to deliver on the mandate to secure our interior and protect our citizens from the threat of illegal immigration.”
- 45 FHP troopers and 20 federal personnel carrying out enforcement across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, Bay, Washington, and Jackson counties.
- Nearly 200 people apprehended.
- 37 arrested who previously received final orders of removal and failed to appear in court.
- Eight apprehended who had been deported and reentered the United States—one of which had been deported four times. These individuals will be federally charged.
“The FHP Immigration Enforcement Unit has demonstrated unprecedented success in apprehending illegal aliens,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Working hand in hand with our federal partners, we are creating an enforcement model that can truly impact the illegal immigration crisis.”
Florida state troopers said they encountered persons who have fled, resisted arrest, and physically assaulted officers—underscoring the heightened danger posed by criminal illegal aliens.
Century Reports Spill At Wastewater Plant, The Third In A Month
August 23, 2025
The Town of Century on Friday reported a spill at its wastewater treatment plant on Jefferson Avenue, according to a report filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The town reported that a temporary effluent pump failed and spilled about 1,000 gallons of treated wastewater over a 30-minute period on Friday morning. None of the spill was recovered, but the area was cleaned up with the application of lime.
On August 4, the town reported a 7,000-gallon spill when a bypass pump malfunctioned over a 14-hour period. Additionally, the town reported a 5,000-gallon spill occurred on July 25 after effluent pumps at the facility had an electrical issue that caused the treated wastewater to spill for seven and a half hours. Both spills, according to the reports, were cleaned by applying lime.
High School Football Scoreboard
August 23, 2025
Here are high school football scores from across the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
- Tate 21, Fort Walton 7 [Story, photos...]
- Destin 37, Northview 2
- Jay 40, Lighthouse Christian Academy 0
- West Florida at Escambia (delayed to Monday)
- Pensacola Catholic 42, Navarre 27
- Pine Forest 29, Pensacola High 0
- Mary G. Montgomery 34, Pace 21
- Milton 20 , Crestview 19 (OT)
- Gulf Breeze at South Walton
- Franklin County 31, Century 0
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 17, Clarke County 0 (Thursday night)
- Escambia Academy 40 Snook Christian Academy 12
- Wenonah 19, Escambia County (Amtore) 0
- T.R. Miller 35, Reeltown 2
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat Fort Walton Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.