17 Additional ‘Purple Star Schools’ Designated In Escambia County
December 1, 2025
The Florida Department of Education recently recognized 17 Escambia County Public Schools as Purple Star Schools of Distinction during the 2025-2026 school year.
The most recent schools to achieve this honor are:
- A.K. Suter Elementary School
- Bellview Middle School
- Beulah Academy of Science
- Blue Angels Elementary School
- Ensley Elementary School
- Escambia High School
- Ferry Pass Middle School
- Global Learning Academy
- Jim Allen Elementary School
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School
- McArthur Elementary School
- Montclair Elementary School
- N.B. Cook Elementary School
- Northview High School
- Pine Meadow Elementary School
- West Florida High School
- West Pensacola Elementary School
There are now nearly three dozen Escambia County schools recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction.
“Earning the Purple Star School of Distinction status reflects the hard work and dedication of our administrators, staff, and students,” said Monica Willis, military liaison for the Escambia County Public Schools. “This recognition from the Florida Department of Education highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting military families across the district.”
The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. The program was established by the Florida Legislature (House Bill 429) and signed into law in June 2021.
The list of school in Escambia County to be recognized is as follows:
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Escambia High School
- Northview High School
- Pensacola High School
- Pine Forest High School
- Tate High School
- Washington High School
- West Florida High School
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey Middle School
- Bellview Middle School
- Beulah Academy of Science
- Beulah Middle School
- Brown Barge Middle School
- Ernest Ward Middle School
- Ferry Pass Middle School
- Ransom Middle School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- AK Suter Elementary School
- Bellview Elementary School
- Beulah Elementary School
- Blue Angels Elementary School
- Ensley Elementary School
- Ferry Pass Elementary School
- Global Learning Academy
- Hellen Caro Elementary School
- Jim Allen Elementary School
- Kingsfield Elementary School
- Lipscomb Elementary School
- McArthur Elementary School
- Montclair Elementary School
- Navy Point Elementary School
- NB Cook Elementary School
- Pine Meadow Elementary School
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School
- West Pensacola Elementary School
To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, schools are required to maintain the following:
- A school military point of contact to serve as the central liaison for military families.
- A school webpage for military students and families that includes resources like academic planning, transition planning, and educational opportunities.
- A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school.
- Staff professional development to identify and respond to the needs of military families.
- Five (5) percent open enrollment seats for military students and families.
- Three additional activities to support military families such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or offering a JROTC program, among others.
Smokey Bear, Florida Forest Service Visits Jim Allen First Graders
December 1, 2025
Smokey Bear and the Florida Forest Service recently visited with first grade students at Jim Allen Elementary School.
With a special story, they learned all about fire safety and the importance of asking trusted adults for help. They also had a chance to meet Smokey and share high-fives.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Swim Team Make School History At State
December 1, 2025
The Tate High School swim team made school history recently at the FHSAA 3A State Swim Meet in Ocla.
Lauren Armstrong, Audrey Turner, Jordana Wright, Kiley Menser and alternate Izzy Eden became the first Girls 400 Freestyle Relay team in Tate history to make it to the state swim meet.
Tate High results were as follows:
- Lauren Armstrong – 200 Freestyle
- State Selection – 17th seed
- Preliminaries – 17th place
- Lauren Armstrong – 500 Freestyle
- State Selection – 12th seed
- Preliminaries – 16th place
- Finals – 15th place
- Audrey Turner – 100 Backstroke
- State Selection – 17th seed
- Preliminaries – 20th place
- Alex Witte – 50 Freestyle (DIS)
- State Selection – 7th seed
- Finals – 6th place
- Alex Witte – 100 Freestyle (DIS)
- State Selection – 7th seed
- Finals – 6th place
- Lauren Armstrong, Audrey Turner, Jordana Wright, Kiley Menser – Girls 400 Freestyle Relay
- State Selection – 19th seed
- Preliminaries – 18th place
The team is led by Head Coach Kevin Menser and Assistant Coach Katie Eden.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Arrested For DUI, Drug Possession
December 1, 2025
A Cantonment woman was arrested after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed her driving erratically recently on West Nine Mile Road.
Tiffany Ann Baisden, 59, was charged with DUI, refusal to submit to DUI testing, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (alprazolam).
According to an arrest report, Baisden was pulled over in the Kohl’s parking lot after being seen driving without tag lights, accelerating and braking without reason, and drifting across traffic lines. The deputy noted Baisden appeared unsteady and unable to focus.
After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Baisden was taken into custody The report state that the deputy found 10 alprazolam pills in her wallet during a search prior to booking.
At the jail, Baisden reportedly initially agreed to provide a urine sample but then failed to do so in a timely manner, which was taken as a refusal. Deputies said she also spontaneously stated that she had snorted methamphetamine in the past two days.
She was later released on a $2,800 bond.
Rain For Monday In Advance Of A Midweek Cool Down
December 1, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 49. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Maggie Ruth Smith
December 1, 2025
Maggie Ruth Smith, age 67, of Atmore, AL, passed away on November 21, 2025, in Mobile, AL. Maggie was born on April 26, 1958, in Mobile, AL to Homer Smith and Estelle Waltman Smith in Mobile, AL. Maggie was a 1976 graduate of Red Level High School and Reid State Technical College. Maggie treasured time spent with her family. Maggie was a loyal employee. She enjoyed coffee and shopping.
Maggie is survived by her mother, Estelle Shumpert; her sisters, Lana Mitchell of Huxford, AL, Donna Phillips of Little River, AL, and Cheryl (Jerry) Vickrey of Huxford, AL; her brother, Charles Shumpert; her special companion, Alex Pate; her beloved nieces and nephews, Neal, Brian (Jessica), Angela (Rodney), Ashley (Cliff), Heather (Brian), Lynn and Matthew; great nieces and nephews, and numerous family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with High Priest Beth Linam and Bro. Joey Smith officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Evergreen, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Neal Phillips, J.P. Phillips, Cliff Turk, Rodney Fisher, Ryan Fisher, and Brian Harrison.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Phillips, Matthew Vickrey, Easton Harrison, and Tyler Weaver.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Randal Jackson Peebles
December 1, 2025
Mr. Randal Jackson Peebles, 62 years old, passed away peacefully on November 29th at Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton, Florida, with his wife of 43 years by his side. He was born on March 11, 1963, in Atmore, Alabama, to Wilborn and Dorothy Peebles. Randal will be remembered for his kindness and the love he shared with his family and friends throughout his life.
Randal was a true outdoorsman who cherished every moment spent hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends. His passion for nature was only matched by his love for family, which came first in his heart. He always went the extra mile to lend a hand to anyone in need, showcasing his skills as a jack of all trades. Working at Escambia Lawn and Rental, Randal dedicated himself to his job with the same spirit he brought to his loved ones. Throughout his life, he faced several health challenges but never wavered in his determination, fighting bravely for his family and showing them what it means to be strong.
Randal is preceded in death by his father Wilborn Peebles, his mother Dorothy Peebles, paternal grandparents Mary Godwin Peebles and James McGilbert Gibb Peebles; his maternal grandparents, Jess Coy and Mae Gunn; his brother Ricky Peebles; nephew Jarrod Peebles and numerous special relatives.
He’s is survived by his wife of 43 years Cindy Melissa Peebles; son Coy Peebles (Emma); daughters Ivy Peebles, Cindy Peebles, April Amos (Brandon) Kelsey Peebles, Audrey Peebles. Randal had six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, December 7,2025 at 2:00PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Reverend Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be John Cotton, Rodney Melvin, Jason Peebles, Justin Peebles, Brandon Amos & Austin Snyder.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Dean, Danny Flowers, Brad Adams, and Fred Weaver.