Patchy Fog Tonight, Low In The Mid 40s
February 25, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 74.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Community Health Fair To Offer Free Services In Jay On March 8
February 25, 2025
The Northwest Florida Rural Health Network is hosting a Community Health Fair on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Jay First Baptist Church Family Life Center, located at 14113 Alabama Street in Jay.
This free event will feature vendor health booths, door prizes, and giveaways aimed at promoting community wellness. Residents will have the opportunity to connect with health professionals, learn about available resources, and receive valuable health information.
For more information, contact the Northwest Florida Rural Health Network at (850) 675-4787 or email keithstrickling@nwfrhn.org.
Parkrun At UWF Celebrating 250th Event, Six Years
February 25, 2025
Pensacola’s Rec Plex North parkrun will mark two significant milestones on Saturday, March 1, celebrating its 250th event and six years of bringing the community together through its FREE weekly timed 5k (3.1 miles) run/walk. Since its inception in February 2019 as the first parkrun on the campus of an American university, the weekly event has drawn more than 2,600 participants who have collectively completed over 20,000 runs covering 99,825 kilometers (62,028 miles) on the University of West Florida’s (UWF) scenic wooded trail.
The event, which routinely draws around 100 participants, has become known in the community for its friendly crowd that welcomes newcomers of all ages and abilities. “At every one of our events there are runners, joggers and walkers – parkrun is for everyone,” said Rob Gryskiewicz, who has volunteered at more than 175 parkruns and is now the co-event director with Caleb Carmichael, UWF’s cross country coach. “We’d love to have a big turnout for our 250th event and celebrate what makes this community so special.”
The free, volunteer-organized 5K has become a tourist attraction, drawing participants from across the United States and countries including Ireland, Germany, Poland, Canada, Australia, South Africa and the UK. These “parkrun tourists” have generated over 425 hotel room nights for the Pensacola area during their quest to visit new parkrun courses.
Each weekly parkrun is made possible by a thriving group of volunteers. “It’s a joy to see how the community has engaged and supported this event,” said Robin Foley, who co-founded the event in 2019. “We’re going strong after six great years thanks to hundreds of volunteers and the support of UWF, who allowed the use of their field and trails to make our parkrun possible.”
The partnership has benefited both organizations. Since parkrun volunteers revitalized the overgrown trail for the launch of their event in 2019, the site has once again become home to major cross country events like the ESCAROSA High School Championships and the Argonaut Invitational.
“Community engagement is a hallmark of our mission,” said Howard Reddy, UWF Vice President for University Advancement. “Mutually beneficial collaborations have been a key driver of our effort to become a community destination, so we’re proud to host parkrun and contribute to the immense health and wellness benefits it brings to our community.”
The success of the Pensacola event mirrors the global parkrun movement, which began in 2004 with just 13 runners in London’s Bushy Park. Today, about 400,000 people participate each Saturday at more than 2,500 free events across 23 countries.
New participants can register for free at ParkRun.us to receive a barcode for tracking their performance.
● What: 250th Rec Plex North parkrun
● When: Saturday, March 1, 7:30 a.m.
● Where: UWF Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary entrance (behind Lot Z at Rec Plex North)
● Cost: Free
Alabama Woman Gets 13 Years for Fleeing Fatal Escambia County Crash Scene
February 25, 2025
A Lillian, Alabama, woman was sentenced to 13 years in state prison following a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a cyclist and injured another in Escambia County.
On October 19, 2022, Rachelle Johnson was driving a 2005 Toyota Highlander westbound on State Road 292 (Sorrento Road) when her vehicle veered off the road and struck two cyclists from Pensacola, who were riding on the road’s shoulder, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. One cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was hospitalized with injuries.
Johnson fled but was later found at her home in Lillian. During the investigation, videos from Walmart at Blue Angel and Sorrento show the Toyota driven by Johnson pulling into the grocery pickup area with significant damage to the front end. Witnesses followed Johnson and assisted in identifying the vehicle involved.
She pleaded guilty and received the maximum 13-year sentence for the leaving the scene of an accident involving death charge and four years, to be served concurrently, for leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury.
Russell (Rusty) H. LaCoste, Jr.
February 25, 2025
Russell (Rusty) H. LaCoste, Jr., 69, went to heaven on February 15, 2025. Rusty was born on June 26, 1955, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. He graduated from Woodham High School, was a proud member of the Moose Lodge, and retired from Ascend Performance Materials after years of dedicated service.
Rusty had a deep passion for family, cherished time with friends, and found true joy in the great outdoors. A true NASCAR enthusiast, he not only loved watching the races but also took to the tracks himself. Racing dirt tracks across Northwest Florida and South Alabama, Rusty’s competitive spirit and skill earned him many trophies. Above all, he enjoyed life most when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured forever. His warmth, adventurous heart, and dedication to what he loved left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Russell H. LaCoste, Sr. and Etta Mae LaCoste, and his beloved granddaughter, Alexa Haley LaCoste.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carole K. LaCoste; his children, Rachel H. LaCoste, Dusty (Jessica) LaCoste, and Autumn Welter; his grandchildren, Madison, Lilly, J.D., Chloe (Zachary) and Ethan; his great-grandchildren, Lucas and Remington; his sisters, Glenda LaCoste and Sandra (Mack) Cramer; his niece, Pam; and his grand-nieces and nephews.
A Visitation with family will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st, at Faith Chapel North.
Rusty’s legacy of love, adventure, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Rex Morgan Sheldt
February 25, 2025
Mr. Rex Morgan Sheldt, aged 69, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2025. He was originally from Willoughby, Ohio, and had previously lived in Painesville, Ohio, before moving to Davisville, Florida, where he resided for the last nine years. His warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.
He loved spending his free time enjoying the great outdoors, whether it was hunting in the crisp morning air or fishing by the quiet lakes. Gardening was another passion of his, especially when it came to growing juicy tomatoes that he often shared with family and friends. In the evenings, he found joy in watching shows like “Swamp People,” “Pawn Stars,” and “Ax Men,” always fascinated by the stories they told. He also had a soft spot for tales of Big Foot, which added a sense of adventure to his downtime. Traveling to Ohio was a regular part of his life, allowing him to stay connected with family while cheering on his favorite football team, the Cleveland Browns. Being surrounded by loved ones during those visits made every moment special.
Mr. Sheldt is survived with loving wife of nine years Terresa Michelle Sheldt of Davisville, Florida; two step-sons, Joey (Maryanne) Palachek of Painesville, Ohio, and Mike (Amber) Palachek of Painesville, Ohio; step-daughter, Bethany Prado of Atmore, Alabama; his dog Max; brother, Steve (Angela) Sheldt of Sierra Vista, Arizona; four sisters, Janet (Dave) King of Madison, Ohio, Cynthia Hendricks of Pensacola, Florida, Paula Dyson of Key West Florida, and Marla Sheldt of Key West, Florida; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
New Escambia EMS Strategy Aims to Enhance North Escambia Response Times
February 24, 2025
Currently, North Escambia EMS crews report to work at the Walnut Hill Fire Station or EMS “Post 50″ on Industrial Boulevard in Century. But that will soon change.
“The intent is not taking ambulances from up there,” Escambia EMS Director Chris Watts said. “The only change is going to be where they’re physically deployed out of…there’s some limitations with having the crews report directly to Century and Walnut Hill to start their day.”
Under the new plan, EMS crews that will work in the northern part of Escambia County will report to work at the main EMS headquarters on W Street and then drive an ambulance north to either Century or Walnut Hill.
“Some of the issues that we’ve run into is when you have people call out sick or can’t get to work,” Watts said, citing January’s ice and snow as an example. There are also situations, he said, when a crew could currently arrive to work Century or Walnut Hill to find that there’s no ambulance because it’s on a transport to Pensacola. If that same crew had reported to Post 10, they would have had an ambulance to take north.
Expansion of EMS Services in North Escambia
Upcoming changes also include plans for a third North Escambia ambulance that will station in McDavid or Molino. “Probably Molino just, so it’s a little bit further south, which provides a little bit better coverage for the North End of the county, especially where we’re starting to get more and more development as we, you know, move north of Cantonment.”
Watts is quick to admit that a crew destined for Walnut Hill, Century or Molino might come on duty at W Street and then get dispatched to an urgent call elsewhere in Pensacola.
“If that is the case, the intent is that the night shift hasn’t gone home yet and they’re still in the north end,” Watts said, explaining that start times for northern crews will be staggered. “So, you are still not eliminating coverage. It’s not like we are going to abandon (the north end) and bring everybody back to Post 10 off W Street and then deploy resources….After they get up there, then we can bring the night crews down.”
New Partnership with Newman’s Ambulance Service
In addition, Escambia County has a new agreement in place with Newman’s Ambulance Services, the oldest privately owned ambulance company in Alabama and the second oldest privately owned service in the United States.
Newmans’ Ambulances units are now staging at the Flomaton Fire Station, just across the line from Century. Watts said they have agreed to accept Florida calls when a Century or Walnut Hill unit is unavailable.
Watts said he is confident that EMS response will improve in North Escambia. He said the new plan and schedule will be evaluated once it goes into effect in March, and he will make adjustments, if needed, to address any problems that arise.
Pictured: Escambia County EMS ambulance on scene at calls in North Escambia. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students, Employee Of The Month
February 24, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their January Students of the Month and their January Employee of the Month.
The are:
- 6th grade–Siana Bonville
- 7th grade–Harleigh Grace Parsons
- 8th grade–Kaden Smith
- Employee–Phyllis Malone
Pictured: Ernest Ward Middle Principal Tyvanna Boulanger with Students of the Month (L-R) Kaden Smith, Harleigh Grace Parsons, and Siana Bonville. Below: Boulanger with Employee of the Month Phyllis Malone. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Students Give Back to Escambia Animal Shelter
February 24, 2025
Bratt Elementary School students are making a difference for animals in need. As part of their School Service Learning Project, students organized a supply drive recently to support the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare.
The school collected 208 donations, including cleaning supplies and blankets, to help shelter animals stay comfortable while they wait for their forever homes.
To show their appreciation, Lead Animal Welfare Officer Sgt. Merideth Roberson and Animal Welfare Coordinator Gaby Negrete visited Bratt Elementary yesterday. They personally thanked the students for their generosity and shared ways the community can continue supporting local animals.
Warmer Weather On The Way This Week
February 24, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.