One Injured In Cantonment Wreck When SUV Rear-Ends Tractor Trailer
December 16, 2025
One person was injured when they crashed their SUV into the rear of a tractor-trailer hauling a shipping container Monday afternoon on Becks Lake Road.
The crash occurred just before 1:30 p.m. near the railroad tracks, just east of the Highway 29 intersection. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Free Cantonment, Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Wednesday
December 16, 2025
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Cantonment and Farm Hill are will take place Wednesday, December 17. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
The cleanup was originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 and was rescheduled to Wednesday, December 17.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items for pickup should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. (Click map above to enlarge.)
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
- Yard debris (tree cuttings, branches, etc.)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
For questions,contact Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services at (850) 595-3130.
Since 2016, more than 7,435 tons (16,393,574 pounds) of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Northview Band Holds Winter Concert (With Gallery)
December 16, 2025
The Northview High School Tribal Beat band held its annual Winter Concert Monday night.
Ensembles performed selections that included Silent Night, Joy to the World, and Pat-a-pan. The Northview Concert Band then performed the lively Bobsled Run, Salvation is Created and Into the Arctic.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Northview band is under the leadership of Director Garsche Roble and Assistant Director Alisa Brown.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Senior Gage Coates Wins Esports Madden NFL Championship
December 15, 2025
Tate High School senior Gage Coates won the Esports Fall 2025 Madden NFL Central Region Championship Game, defeating his opponent from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers.
Coates earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with an impressive 7-1 regular season record. The national league, hosted by PlayVS, features 32 teams from across the United States, including competitors from states like Iowa, Alabama, and Kansas.
“I enjoy playing Madden because we get to play as our heroes and compete with people around the world,” Coates said. “Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to play as a guy we watched on Friday night, like Graham Gano.”
This victory marks the latest achievement in Coates’ esports career, following his impressive performance last season when he won the Central Region Madden NFL Championship with a 9-1 regular season record and an overall 14-1 performance.
In addition to Coates’s success, Tate’s esports program continues to thrive across multiple games. This year, multiple Tate teams qualified for the PlayVS playoffs, including two teams in Super Smash Bros. and two in Fortnite, showcasing the ongoing growth and success of Tate’s esports program.
The esports program at Tate High School was made possible through a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant, which has allowed students like Coates to excel in competitive gaming at the highest levels.
“We are incredibly proud of Gage and the dedication he brings to our esports program,” Principal Laura Touchstone said. “His hard work, leadership, and passion have set a high bar for our students. Our esports teams continue to demonstrate excellence, and Gage’s championship victory is a testament to the talent and commitment found here at Tate High School.”
PlayVS (Play Versus) is North America’s leading platform for scholastic and collegiate esports. Coates’s championship victory underscores the exceptional talent at Tate, and the support of the DoDEA grant has been crucial in making these achievements possible.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Brent Wipf Selected As Escambia County 2025 Employee Of The Year
December 15, 2025
Brent Wipf, Water Quality and Land Management division manager in the Natural Resources Management Department, has been named the Escambia County 2025 Employee of the Year.
In his role as division manager, Wipf oversees the Water Quality and Land Management branch of the Natural Resources Management Department, serving the community through development and oversight of local environmental resource-focused initiatives. Wipf and his team manage several programs including Surface Water Quality Improvements and Monitoring, Urban Forestry and Land Management, Air Quality Monitoring and Compliance, and Laboratory Services. Wipf was also recognized as the November 2025 Employee of the Month.
Wipf’s team has recognized him for his approachable demeanor, exceptional leadership, and professionalism in running the division. He began his career with Escambia County in October 2001, gaining over two decades of knowledge and experience that have helped him effectively balance ongoing operational responsibilities to ensure the division runs smoothly and efficiently.
“Brent is an exemplary public servant who shows dedication each day to protecting and improving the county’s natural resources,” Natural Resources Management Director Chips Kirschenfeld said. “The quality of work accomplished by our Water Quality and Land Management Division is reflective of his leadership abilities and sets a high standard for performance. He is an invaluable asset to our department, and it is an honor to recognize him as Employee of the Year.”
“My role as Escambia County’s Water Quality and Land Management Division Manager provides continual opportunities to make a meaningful difference for both our citizens and the environment,” Wipf said. “The work never gets old. There are always new problems to solve and challenges to overcome, and I feel truly rewarded by helping the citizens of Escambia County. I am fortunate to manage a fantastic team of scientists and environmental professionals who all share my commitment to public service.”
Escambia Fire Rescue Shares Winter Weather Heating Safety Tips
December 15, 2025
With the arrival of cold weather, Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater and carbon monoxide safety.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
Home Heating Tips
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Close all bedroom doors before going to bed. Remember this phrase: Close before you doze!
Portable Electric Heaters
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Inspect for loose connections or cracked, damaged, or broken plugs, and replace before using.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil and methane burn incompletely, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Exposure to carbon monoxide can have fatal results. Due to being invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide has been known as the “invisible killer.”
Safety Tips
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations of the home, including outside each sleeping area and every level of the home.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly. If the alarm sound is low, replace the batteries.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, immediately move to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1.
- Make sure all vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear.
- If a vehicle is located inside a garage, make sure the garage door is open before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Only use gas or charcoal grills outdoors.
- Use generators outdoors, as they produce carbon monoxide.
- Never use a gas stove to warm a home, as it can produce carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sleepiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
Those experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately get into fresh air and seek medical attention.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives
Escambia County Fire Rescue is available to provide and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge for residents. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376).
Photos: Third Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade
December 15, 2025
The third annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade was held Sunday afternoon, complete with a visit from Santa and the Grinch.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from entry fees were donated to a local family in need.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Low In The 20s Again Monday Night
December 15, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. East wind around 5 mph
Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
ECUA: Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures
December 15, 2025
With freezing temperatures in the forecast, it’s important to take steps now to protect your home’s plumbing, according to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.
ECUA offered a few simple tips to avoid costly repairs:
- Insulate Pipes and Faucets: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (garage, attic, crawl space) with insulation to prevent freezing.
- Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses: Remove hoses from faucets and let them drain to prevent frozen pipes.
- Run a Trickle of Water: Let a small stream of water run from the faucet furthest from your water line to keep your pipes from freezing.
- Protect Backflow Preventers: If you have a backflow preventer on your property (for irrigation, pools, etc.), wrap it with insulation or shut off and drain the water supply.
ECUA said taking these steps now can help prevent freezing pipes and costly damage later.
I-10 To Be Resurfaced From State Line To Near Highway 29 In $19.8 Million Project
December 15, 2025
The Florida Department of Transportation will soon begin a $19.8 million resurfacing project early next year on I-10, from the Perdido River Bridge at the state line to west of the Highway 29 (Exit 10).
The project also includes:
- Installation of an intelligent transportation system (ITS) wrong-way detection system, along with eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp extensions at the I-10/Pine Forest Road (State Road 297) interchange (Exit 7).
- Installation of high-tension cable barriers from the Perdido River Bridge to Beulah Road, and from Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) to west of U.S. 29 (Exit 10).
- Median crossover installation for emergency vehicles.
- Guardrail replacement.
- Expansion joint rehabilitation on the westbound approach slab of the Perdido River Bridge.
During construction, traffic shifts may be required for travel lanes, ramps and shoulders. Lane closures may also occur Sunday through Thursday, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027.