McDavid Man Riding A Lawnmower Struck And Killed On Highway 29 Friday Evening
July 5, 2025
A man riding a lawnmower was struck and killed on Highway 29 Friday night.
The 61-year-old McDavid man was driving a Cub Cadet lawnmower in the right northbound travel lane of Highway 29 near Bogia around 7:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A Honda sedan, driven by an 18-year-old female from McKenzie, Alabama, was also northbound on Highway 29 in the right northbound lane and approached the mower from behind.
“The driver of the Honda did not see the individual on the riding lawnmower with enough time to adequately apply the brakes in time to avoid a collision,” FHP said, noting that the speed limit in the area is 65 mph. “As a result, the front of the Honda sedan collided with the rear of the riding lawnmower.” The lawnmower was pulling an unoccupied children’s wagon.
The McDavid man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The teen was uninjured.
The crash closed northbound Highway 29 for several hours as FHP investigated the crash, which was about two miles south of the McDavid Fire Department.
The McDavid, Century and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County EMS.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Hunter Safety Courses This Month In Molino, Cantonment, Jay, Milton
July 5, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in Molino, Cantonment, Jay and Milton. Hunter safety courses are designed to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation.
Participants must take the online course before attending a class.
All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
The two-day events will be held as follows, and you must have completed an online hunter safety course and have a copy of the completion certificate or field day voucher prior to taking a Field Day.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
- July 7, 6 p.m. and August 2, 9 a.m. — Escambia County Extension, Cantonment
- July 14, 6 p.m. and August 2, 9 a.m. — Molino Community Center
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
- June 22, 6 p.m. and June 28, 9 a.m. — Santa Rosa Extension, Milton
- July 21 6 p.m., and August 2, 8 a.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes or by calling FWC safety coordinator Jeff Schumacher at (850) 767-3612 for more information or email.
Escambia Animal Shelter Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Today Through July 19
July 5, 2025
The animal shelter in Escambia County has free cat and dog adoptions through July.
Adoptions are free for cats and dogs one year or older. Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. An $11 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
The shelter is once again. taking part in the Bissell Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” event.
Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 324,000 pets find loving homes and is now the largest funded adoption event in the country. The program partners with more than 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states and Canada.
View all adoptable pets at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fire Marshal Investigating Fire That Destroyed A Bratt House Possibly Occupied By Squatters
July 5, 2025
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a home in Bratt Friday afternoon.
The vacant house, which authorities say had no active utilities, was a total loss. Investigators are looking into whether squatters may have been present before the fire.
The 1,400 square foot wood-frame home in the 4400 block of Rigby Road was fully engulfed in fire when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
The Walnut Hill, McDavid, Molino, and Century stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the blaze, along with the Atmore Fire Department.
The fire, which was reported about 3:05 p.m., was declared under control around 3:50 p.m. There were not injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP Seeks Driver With Only Two Front Teeth In Cantonment Hit And Run (With New Photo)
July 5, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol is still asking for the public’s help in locating a Jeep involved in a hit-and-run crash on Highway 29 last month.
NorthEscambia.com has now obtained dashcam images from FHP of the alleged hit-and-run driver.
About 2 p.m. on Monday, June 2, a gray Jeep Gladiator was observed traveling north on Highway 29 near Highway 95A in Cantonment. FHP says the Jeep failed to stop for traffic ahead, which resulted in it rear-ending a white Lincoln Navigator. The Jeep driver stopped briefly before fleeing north on Highway 29 toward Molino. Before he fled, he was captured on an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office dashcam, but the tag number is unreadable.
The driver of the Navigator described the driver of the Jeep as a white male in his 50s with only two front teeth and a blister on his left foot, according to troopers.
The Jeep Gladiator was described as having orange accent accessories with a small, unknown number Alabama tag. It was last seen northbound on Highway 29 passing Well Line Road.
“It is unknown at the time of the investigation if there is damage to the Jeep,” FHP said.
Anyone with information is asked to call *FHP.
Images from NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One More Show: Flomaton/Century Fireworks Show is Tonight
July 5, 2025
Residents across the area celebrated Independence Day with fireworks shows Friday night, and there’s one more show planned for tonight.
The annual Flomaton/Century joint fireworks show will take place Saturday night at Dewey J. Bondurant, Jr. Park in Flomaton—that’s the former Hurricane Park across from Flomaton High School on Highway 31. The day will begin around 3 p.m. with food trucks and more. Fireworks will be at dark—around 9 p.m.
Fun Facts:
- Total number of fireworks in the show: 820
- Number of fireworks in the main show: 338
- Number of fireworks in the grand finale: 442
- Producer: The show is produced by Pyro Shows, the company that presented the downtown Pensacola fireworks Friday night.
Century and Flomaton split the cost of the annual show and alternate as hosts.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Mostly Clear Overnight
July 5, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wahoos Fall to Shuckers On The Fourth Of July
July 5, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos couldn’t contain the Biloxi Shuckers or their sellout crowd on Friday night, falling 10-4 in front of a raucous Independence Day audience.
After overcoming an early 3-0 deficit, the Blue Wahoos couldn’t answer seven middle-inning Biloxi runs as the Shuckers racked up 10 total runs for the second time in four games.
Ike Buxton (L, 0-2) ran into trouble right away in the first inning, falling behind 2-0 on a bases-loaded walk to Zavier Warren and Ethan Murray double play grounder. The Shuckers added another in the second inning on a Jheremy Vargas run-scoring fielder’s choice, taking a 3-0 advantage.
The Blue Wahoos rallied back against Shuckers starter Tate Kuehner (W, 7-4), as Tony Bullard hit a solo homer in the third inning to get on the board. A Johnny Olmstead RBI double and Ryan Ignoffo RBI single in the fourth inning briefly tied the game 3-3.
The Shuckers quickly answered and took the lead for good, scoring three runs against Buxton in their half of the fourth inning. RBI singles from Vargas and Luis Lara marked the end of the night for the Pensacola starter, and reliever Alex Williams fared little better. The righty allowed three more runs in the fifth on RBI doubles from Murray and Matthew Wood, and another in the sixth on a Warren RBI single.
Ignoffo doubled in the seventh and scored on a wild pitch for the fourth Pensacola run, but the Biloxi bullpen effectively protected the lead to secure a 10-4 final in front of a sellout crowd of 6098 fans.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Saturday night. First pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Big List: Where To Find Fireworks Shows On The 4th (And The 5th)
July 4, 2025
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area on July 4-5
Friday, July 4
Pensacola’s 4th of July Fireworks
Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display featuring a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, meticulously choreographed pyrotechnics, and awe-inspiring special effects. The night sky will come alive as the fireworks are expertly synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack provided by CatCountry 98.7. Renowned pyrotechnicians from PYRO Shows have been commissioned to design a show that surpasses all expectations, promising a truly enchanting atmosphere of wonder and awe.
This year, the annual July 4th celebration welcomes new hosts, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and Pensacola Young Professionals, who are excited to collaborate in bringing the Fourth of July Fireworks to Downtown Pensacola.
Pensacola residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets, chairs, and radios and plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along Bayfront Parkway and fully immerse themselves in the festivities. The evening’s celebrations kick off with Symphony Sparks & Stars, a free Pensacola Symphony concert at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium starting at 7:30 pm.
Pro tip: Radios are highly encouraged to enjoy the synchronized music on CatCountry 98.7 and avoid the delays that come with streaming apps. Additionally, an exciting lineup of local food trucks will be serving up fantastic eats in Bartram Park from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Fireworks at the Beach
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce will present Fireworks at the Beach at 9 p.m. on July 4 at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Live radio simulcast on CatCountry 98.7 beginning at 9 p.m. Bring a radio – streaming apps have a delay.
Riverfest Milton
The City of Milton is making a splash this Independence Day with Riverfest 2025, taking place Friday, July 4, at the Riverwalk and Jernigan’s Landing along the Blackwater River.
This free, family-friendly celebration features water slides, live music, The Great Milltown Duck Race, and a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. The day’s festivities begin at 3 p.m. when water slides open at Jernigan’s Landing (5158 Willing Street). The Great Milltown Duck Race begins from the Highway 90 Bridge at 5 p.m. A Bands on the Blackwater concert featuring The Chase Mitchell Band will begin at 7 p.m.
The big fireworks show over the Blackwater River beings at 9 p.m.
McDavid
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will present a family friendly celebration for the community on Friday, July 4 from 5 -9 p.m. at Hamilton’s Pond on South Pine Barren Road in McDavid. There will be family picnic with hamburgers, hotdogs and sausage dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, live music, door prizes, waterslide for kids, and fireworks at 9 p.m. $5 food tickets include entrée, chips and drink.
Molino
The Fourth Annual Fireworks Extravaganza at CrossFaith Church, 5701 North Highway 29, will be Friday, July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Bring a chair. The community family event will include food trucks, a watermelon eating contest, fun for kids, a tug-of-water, and more. A big fireworks show will end the evening.
Jay
The 26th annual Celebrate Freedom Run will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, July 4 at the Jay Community Center on Booker Lane. The One Mile Run will follow about 9:15 a.m.
Fireworks in Jay will be “at dark” — about 8:45 to 9 p.m. from the Bray-Hendricks Park area. Parking is in the Industrial Park on Higdon Drive.
Atmore
Wind Creek Casino will present fireworks at 9 p.m. at the amphitheater. The fireworks are viewable from the surrounding area. Free.
East Brewton
East Brewton fireworks will begin at 0 p.m. A duck race and horseshoe tournament will start at 4 p.m. in the parking lot next to the Piggly Wiggly.
Saturday, July 5
Flomaton/Century Joint Fireworks Show
The Flomaton/Century Fireworks display will return on Saturday, July 5. at Dewey J. Bondurant, Jr. Park in Flomaton—that’s the former Hurricane Park across from Flomaton High School. The day will begin about 3 p.m. with food trucks and more. Fireworks at dark — about 9 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Happy Fourth of July! Very Small Chance of An Isolated Shower Tonight
July 4, 2025
Happy Independence Day! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 73. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.