FHP Conducts Speed Enforcement Operation On Highway 97
September 16, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a speed enforcement detail last weekend on Highway 97 in North Escambia.
FHP Captain Jason King said the detail was “in response to citizens’ concerns about dangerous driving”.
In a two-hour timeframe Saturday morning, troopers conducted 10 traffic stops on vehicles exceeding the posted 55 mph speed limit between Highway 29 in Molino and the Alabama state line. King said no other violations were observed during the enforcement detail.
A fatality occurred last Friday morning on Highway 97 just before 7 a.m., and a two-vehicle crash about an hour later, and about 3.5 miles south on Highway 97, injured two people. There was also a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries that occurred in August on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
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Bobby Lee Grant
September 16, 2025
Bobby Lee Grant, 85, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, after a three-year battle with congestive heart failure and multiple strokes. When a catastrophic stroke on August 10, 2025 left him with no hope of recovery, his family honored his wishes and provided comfort care, allowing him to die as he lived – surrounded by the many family members who loved him, secure in his faith that he was going home to Jesus and a joyful reunion with his loved ones in heaven.
Bobby was born in Florence, South Carolina, to Wade and Bessie Grant on August 30, 1939. He moved to Pensacola with his family in 1955. He worked in commercial construction for more than 50 years, including 40 years as a general superintendent with FE Booker company, where he supervised the construction of schools, businesses, churches, and government facilities. During his last five years in construction, he worked almost exclusively at Baptist Hospital, overseeing renovations across the entire campus before retiring in 2010.
Bobby was involved in automobile racing for more than 40 years. Before computerized scoring systems existed, he scored races for Five Flags Speedway, Mobile International Raceway, and NASCAR. He built his first race car in the late 1970s, and over the next 30 years, seven drivers celebrated many wins and championships in his cars. For Bobby, the greatest thrill in racing was the roar of his engines on the racetrack and during the traditional victory laps.
As the son of a farmer, Bobby loved planting and harvesting vegetable gardens, as well as freshwater fishing. He perfected the art of frying fish and hosted large fish fries for family, friends, and coworkers. He often rode his golf cart through the neighborhood, sharing fresh vegetables from his garden. He even combined his motor building and gardening skills, plowing gardens that ranged from one to three acres with a tractor powered by a race car engine that he built.
Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Wade Grant, his mother, Bessie Grant, three brothers: Charles, Larry, and Harry, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bobby leaves behind a legacy of love and will be greatly missed by his wife of 40 years, ReNae; his daughters, Lisa Lagergren (Gary Yates) and Gina (Eric) Miller; his son, Derek Adams; seven grandchildren: Olivia (Aaron) Schmidt, Alan Lagergren, Eric (Rikki) Miller, Lauren (Todd) Scott, Andrew Miller, Aiden Miller, and Hannah (Kendra) Halcomb; six great-grandchildren; and a circle of nieces and nephews as well as his dog, Buddy, who was his constant and devoted companion.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL 32533, with the funeral and grave site services to follow. Interment will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, Florida 32526.
The family asks those who wish to honor his memory to make a memorial donation instead of flowers. If you wish to honor Bobby’s love of animals, please consider donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you wish to help fight the health problems that led to his death, please donate to the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.
Missing Autistic Boy Found Safe At Lake Stone Near Century
September 15, 2025
A missing 8-year-old boy was found in about an hour Monday morning at Lake Stone near Century.
The boy was reported missing around 6:10 a.m., and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded with resources that included a drone and two K-9 units.
The child was located safely in the area and was not injured, according to the ECSO.
NorthEscamiba.com file photo.
FDOT: Highway 97 To Be Resurfaced 2026; No Other Improvements Currently Funded
September 15, 2025
A $20.6 million project to resurface Highway 97 is set for 2026, and there may be a widening study forthcoming in the next few years, but there are no other improvements or safety improvements planned for the state road that has seen several major crashes and a fatality in recent weeks, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The fatality was last Friday morning just before 7 a.m, and two-vehicle crash about an hour later and 3.5 miles south on Highway 97 injured two people. Both crashes, and a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries in August, were blamed on drivers that failed to remain in their lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
After the Friday crashes, NorthEscambia.com asked FDOT if there are any plans in place for the two-lane roadway.
The state funded $79,997 for preliminary engineering in 2025, and approved funding is in place for a $20,650,022 resurfacing from Highway 29 in Molino north to the Alabama state line. The state is funding $11,436,602 of the 22-mile project along with $9,213,420 in federal dollars.
Ian Satter, public information director for FDOT District 3, said on Friday that for the next five years, there are currently no other planned or funded improvements or safety studies for Highway 97.
Four Lane Highway 97?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on expanding Highway 97 to four lanes is number six of ten capacity project priorities adopted this year by the Regional Rural Transportation Plan (RRTP) for 2025. That list is forwarded to FDOT as requested priorities — essentially a wish list — for the study in advance of any consideration of the actual work. However, inclusion does not mean FDOT, will or will not seek funding for a project.
The current FDOT Adopted Five-Year Work Program covers Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 (projects programmed July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030) and was adopted on July 1, 2025.
The process of approving and legislatively funding new items for the Five-Year Work Program includes multiple lengthy steps, Satter said. (The process is illustrated below). As part of the development process, each FDOT District coordinates with the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in urbanized areas and county governments in rural areas.
FDOT District 3, which includes 16 counties across Northwest Florida, will begin the process in mid-October.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Escambia Commission To Consider Ballot Referendum
September 15, 2025
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
The school board voted 3-2 on February 18 to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed. The school board then sent the referendum to the county commission for approval.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said in February. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
On Tuesday, the county commission will vote on scheduling an October 16 public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance authorizing a countywide referendum on the statewide primary election on August 18, 2026, to determine if the school superintendent should be an elected position.
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
Bonus Photos: Northview Fans, Band And Cheerleaders At Central
September 15, 2025
The Northview Chiefs beat Central 46-8 last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the cheerleaders, fans and band, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny, Highs Near 90 And No Chance Of Rain This Week
September 15, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Bonus Photos: Tate Fans, Band And Cheerleaders At Milton
September 15, 2025
The Tate Aggies slipped to the Milton Panthers 3-0 last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the cheerleaders, fans and band, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Tuesday
September 15, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution Tuesday, September 16, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will being at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should like up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification. The distribution will operate on a first come, first served basis as supplies last. Recipients must have an identification with a maximum of three families per vehicle that can receive food.
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Argos Move To 3-0 After Win Over Shorter
September 15, 2025
The No. 5 ranked Argos had all three phases of the game working on Saturday as the team took down Shorter, 42-20 at PenAir field to get its third win of the season.
UWF scored four touchdowns on offense, one on special teams and forced three turnovers to dominate Shorter and move to 9-0 all-time against the Hawks.
The Argos had seven different players get carries in the game while nine different receivers had at least one reception.
FIRST HALF
UWF managed to find an early 15-0 lead just six minutes into the first quarter. Marcus Stokes scored the game’s first touchdown following at one-yard touchdown run. The Argos added a two-point conversion after Shorter jumped offside on the extra point attempt.
Roderick Webb then intercepted Shorter quarterback Jeb Walls on their opening possession which led to a 21-yard receiving touchdown by Avery Giddens for the Argos.
The visitors tightened the score with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown that cut the lead to 15-6.
The Argos found two additional scores in the first half thanks to its special teams. Freshman Brogan Woeber nailed a 22-yard field goal early in the second quarter to give UWF an 18-6 lead. Then right before the end of the half Tony Newsome returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown to help the Argos take a 25-6 advantage heading into the halftime break.
SECOND HALF
West Florida had the first two scores of the second half to break open the lead, 39-6. Tyshon Mansell grabbed a seven-yard touchdown pass from Stokes for the first score of the sophomore’s UWF career. TJ Lane later caught his third touchdown reception of the season on the next possession. UWF was the only team to score in the third quarter.
Shorter cut significantly into the deficit with two four quarter touchdowns. Lanear McCray found a run gap to rush for a 95-yard touchdown. Hugh Barbee III then took an interception back for a touchdown to bring the score to 39-20 in favor of the Argos.
Woeber closed out the scoring with a 39-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to give UWF a 42-20 lead.
KEY PERFORMANCES
DB Roderick Webb had two first half interceptions, the first of his career with UWF
Tony Newsome took a punt back 56 yards for a touchdown right before the end of the first half
QB Marcus Stokes went 19-of-26 for 258 yards, three passing touchdowns on one rushing TD
Corey Scott made five receptions for 95 yards receiving yards.
Avery Giddens recorded his first touchdown of the season on a 21-yard TD catch
Tyshon Mansell had his first receiving touchdown for the Argos.
TJ Lane has now had a receiving touchdown in each of the first three games
Punter Michael Shine had five punts with three punts of over 50 yards and downed inside the 20-yard line.
Brian Hooks had his first career interception
The defense only allowed 87 passing yards (204 total yards of offense) and had 11 tackles for loss
COACH NOBLES
“It was huge momentum getting the touchdown right before halftime,” head coach Kaleb Nobles said. “It was awesome. Tony Newsome did a great job setting up the wall. We talk about how a couple plays can change a game, and that play changed the game right there.”
“To be able to create TFL’s on first and second down is something we set a standard for and make second and long and third and long tougher play calls for the opponent. Our guys have done a great job of that.”
NEXT UP
UWF will travel to North Greenville for a Saturday evening game at Younts Stadium in Tigerville, S.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT. NGU is 1-1 this season.
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