Tate Cheerleading’s Lillian Abner Commits to D1 Morehead State
July 22, 2025
Lillian Abner is the Tate High School cheerleaders’ first college commit of the 2025-2026 season. She is set to continue her academic and athletic career at Morehead State. The NCAA Division I school is renowned for its 54 college national championships. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blaise Ingoglia Sworn In As Florida CFO
July 22, 2025
Monday, Blaise Ingoglia was officially sworn in by Governor Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Ingoglia replaces Jimmy Patronis, who was elected to represent Florida’s First Congressional District in a special election to replace Matt Gaetz.
He is a longtime ally of DeSantis, a homebuilder, former state senator, and former Florida GOP chairman.
As Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal, Ingoglia serves as the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees billions of dollars in state funds and is charged with protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential services that support the state’s excellent economy.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jacqueline B. Freisinger
July 22, 2025
Jacqueline B. Freisinger
February 16, 1931 – July 19, 2025
She was born February 16, 1931. in Pensacola, to Andrew Dowling and Maggie Mae Nicholson Bowman. She was a lifelong resident of Escambia County and a descendent of several pioneer families to Florida.
She held membership in Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years and later in the Highland Baptist Church in Molino, always an active member.
Her family was very special to her. She made her career with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved the natural environment. Her retirement years were spent in church ministry and civic endeavors in the community. She was an avid genealogist with membership in local historical and genealogical societies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Marvin Lee Lucas, who passed away December 31, 1952, and her sister Doris Coon. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard William Freisinger. She is survived by her son, Marvin Lee and Sharon Cutts Lucas, and daughter, Carol Ann Freisinger and Harry Swinford; grandchildren Heather Lucas and Joshua Bedwell, William Ashton and Amber Williams Lucas, Marvin Dowling and Chelsea Prather Lucas, and Margaret Huston Swinford; great grandchildren, Mollie Lenea Bedwell, Madalyn Lei Bedwell, Anson Lane Bedwell, Aidan Loche Bedwell, Skye Grace Marie Tanton, Kora Leigh Lucas, Jacqueline Aniece Lucas, William “Liam” Ashton Lucas II, Laurance Graham Lucas and Huston Mackenzie Lucas; brother, Julian Duane and Shirley Bowman, sister, Faye and Jimmy Silvia, sister-in-law Ollie Mae Freisinger, along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private family burial at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia, Florida. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the family will receive family and friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 4-7 p.m.
The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to Virginia, Lillie, Debra S. and Debra G. Also, Life Care Center of Pensacola and Vitas Healthcare.
The family would welcome memorial contributions be made to a local charitable organization of your choice.
Robb Whitfield Named New Athletic Director At Flomaton High School
July 22, 2025
Robb Whitfield has been named the new athletic director at Flomaton High School and assistant principal at Flomaton Elementary School.
Whitfield is a Tate High School graduate and spent a total of 14 years coaching baseball and football at Tate and West Florida high schools.
After three years at W.S. Neal Middle School, he moved to W.S. Neal High School as the assistant principal and athletic director for the past two years.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Youth Benefit From Escambia Summer Youth Employment Program
July 21, 2025
Over 200 local youth gained valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals during the annual Escambia County Summer Youth Employment Program.
Through the paid internship program, participating youth worked up to 30 hours per week in various county departments and with partner agencies, learning a variety of practical job skills along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Two of the youth worked behind the scenes at Century Town Hall since early June as part of the Youth Employment program, working on filing, paperwork and scanning documents to help modernize record keeping.
“We are very appreciative of them; they have been a big asset,” Century Mayor Ben Boutwell said. “We loved having both of them here.”
Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill is a 2025 Northview High School graduate. She plans to attend Pensacola State College in the fall. She’s undecided on a major, but she’s looking at political science as a strong foundation for law school on her way to becoming a criminal or divorce lawyer.
“This summer program was a huge learning experience and opportunity,” Fountain (pictured left) said. “It opened my viewpoint as to how things are ran and how people that hold positions make decisions.”
“Being able to be in those rooms where decisions that had an actual impact on the community had to be made and watching the mayor and all his amazing team work to do what’s best was so awesome to watch,” she added. “As well as watching Ashtin and Shanti (office staff) handle hostile people with the most gracious hearts.”
“I thank God for this opportunity he allowed me to have this summer,” Fountain said.
Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid is attending Pensacola Christian College where she is majoring in professional writing. She hopes to become a romance or fantasy novelist, or perhaps teach as a second resort.
“This has been a really amazing opportunity to learn about Century,” Rydzowski (pictured left) said. “I had never set foot in here (town hall), and it’s been great to see all of the little roles that make up the big picture of how a town operates.”
The Youth Employment Program
In addition to learning new skills through their day-to-day work duties, program participants received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance.
Youth worked in a variety of county departments this summer, including Animal Welfare, the Board of County Commissioners, Building Services, Corrections, County Administration, Development Services, Engineering, Escambia County Area Transit, Human Resources, Library Services, Natural Resources Management, Neighborhood and Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, and Public Works.
Several interns also spent the summer working for community partners and constitutional offices, including Circuit Court Judge Miller, the City of Pensacola, Community Health Northwest Florida, Cordova Mall, the Escambia County School District, Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce, Just Ice Served LLC, and the Town of Century.
“The goal of this program is to give young people an opportunity to learn the skillsets to be able to get jobs and to be employed,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, we hope to expose them to opportunities and create an atmosphere where they would want to live, work and play right here in Escambia County. The sky is the limit for these bright young people, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they will make as they work toward reaching their goals.”
Escambia County’s 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program participants were recognized by May and Neighborhood and Human Services staff for their hard work this summer during a ceremony Friday, July 18 at the Brownsville Community Center.
“I know that internship opportunities make a difference in the lives of children,” Commissioner May said. “Maybe because they made the best relationships that they could possibly make with staff, with other commissioners, they’ll get an opportunity one day to stay right here in Escambia County and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Pictured: Escambia County Summer Youth Employment participants Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid (top) and Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill (below) worked at the Century Town Hall. NorthEsambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office K-9 Locates Endangered Person Using ‘Scent Kit’
July 21, 2025
Escambia County Deputy Katie Touchstone and K-9 Buster were able to successfully locate an endangered person last week with the help of a “Scent Kit.”
The person had been missing for between two and four hours. Utilizing a Scent Kit, Touchstone and Buster were able to track the missing person over a half-mile trail, and determine the person’s direction of travel. They were able to guide patrol units to the area where the subject was safely located unharmed.
The Scent Kit essentially preserves the unique smell from a person, allowing the K-9 to get a whiff of the person before searching for those who are missing.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is a participating agency in Florida’s “Bringing The Lost Home” program with the Scent Kit.
To learn more about how Scent Kits can help locate a missing person, visit ScentEvidenceK9.com.
Heat Advisory In Effect For Today
July 21, 2025
There is a heat advisory in effect on Tuesday for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. Heat indexes up to 110 degrees are expected.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 88. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Florida Attorney General Charges Woman With Exploitation of Elderly Escambia Man
July 21, 2025
A Panama City woman faces charges of financially exploiting an elderly Escambia County man under her care.
The investigation alleges Lewis abused her role as the victim’s power of attorney, systematically withdrawing funds directly from the victim’s bank account.. Between August 9, 2022, and February 28, 2023, Lewis allegedly transferred approximately $46,788.60 to her accounts and made cash withdrawals. The Florida Attorney General’s Office states Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time.. Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
“We will not tolerate those who take advantage of vulnerable Floridians for personal gain,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Our office will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who abuse positions of trust and exploit the elderly.”
Lewis is charged with one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will prosecute the case through an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.
Learn How To Become Involved: Ransom Middle School PTSA To Meeting This Evening
July 21, 2025
Ransom Middle School’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) will host an important meeting on Monday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the school’s media center.
The PTSA is actively seeking dedicated individuals to volunteer for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The organization is also looking for a new PTSA President to lead their efforts.
All parents, teachers, students, and community members interested in contributing to the school’s success are encouraged to attend. Even those unsure about their involvement or what the PTSA entails are welcome to join, as the meeting will provide an opportunity for planning, collaboration, and questions.
Escambia and Santa Rosa Weekly Traffic Advisory
July 21, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Beulah Road is temporarily closed at the Beulah Church Road intersection for drainage construction. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, July 20 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete repair work and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, July 20, through Friday, July 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.