Near 2 Million Gallons Of Wastewater, Stormwater Overflows From IP In Cantonment Into Local Creek
October 29, 2025
Almost two million gallons of a treated wastewater and stormwater mixture overflowered from the International Paper facility in Cantonment during heavy rains on Monday.
According to a report filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the 1.98 million gallons were released into Elevenmile Creek. However, FDEP said all permit requirements were met during the event.
IP Regional Communication Manager Whitney Fike said Tuesday,, “Following the extreme rain in our area this week, we experienced an overflow of rainwater and fully treated effluent into Elevenmile Creek. Samples of the water confirmed no threat to the environment.”
“This overflow occurred despite mill efforts to impound the excess water from the rain event. Healthy watersheds are essential to our community, and we are committed to working with regulatory agencies to resolve this issue, she added.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Oak Grove Baptist Donates Treats To Area Schools
October 29, 2025
Oak Grove Baptist Church recently made donations of treats and goodies to Bratt Elementary School, Byrneville Elementary School, Ernest Ward Middle School, and Northview High School. Pictured: Donations to Byrneville Elementary (top), Bratt Elementary (first below), and Northview High School (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
$3.6 Million Interstate Circle Bridge Replacement Project Concludes
October 29, 2025
The replacement of the Interstate Circle Bridge over Eight Mile Creek is now complete, the Florida Department of Transportation said Friday.
The bridge reopened to traffic in August, restoring the connection for local residents and daily commuters. Additional construction activities in the area continued with temporary lane closures.
The $3.2 million project addressed aging infrastructure, increasing safety and mobility in the region. The original bridge was constructed in 1970 and was considered functionally obsolete.
The newly reconstructed bridge features two 10-foot travel lanes (one in each direction), 5-foot paved shoulders, and new traffic railing that meets current standards.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny, Windy And Cooler
October 29, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Chili Fundraiser To Benefit Escambia Public Schools Foundation
October 29, 2025
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation will be hosting its annual chili cook-off on Saturday, November 1..
This year’s cook-off will be held at Fountain Park, 300 E. Zaragoza Street, in downtown Pensacola adjacent to Seville Square. The event will start at noon and run until 3:00 pm.
Proceeds from this year’s chili cook-off will be used for the Tools for Teachers program, which provides free classroom supplies to all educators in Escambia County Public Schools.
“This event brings the community together for a fun afternoon that benefits the students and teachers in our district,” said Escambia Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Jo McArthur.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by visiting the Foundation website or by texting CHILI to 850-930-9939. Tickets can also be purchased at the event. Tickets will allow you to sample a dozen different chilis, and also gets you a drink and dessert. Kids 10 and under are free.
Visitors will be able to enjoy performances by the bands from Ransom Middle School and Bailey Middle School. ECPS Teacher of the Year Kelly Reed will serve as a judge.
Santa Rosa Man Executed For 1998 Rape, Murder Of His Neighbor
October 29, 2025
A Santa Rosa County man was executed Tuesday night for raping and murdering his next-door neighbor in 1998.
Norman Mearle Grim Jr., 65, was pronounced deceased at Florida State Prison near Starke,
Grim was convicted of first-degree murder and sexual battery for the 1988 murder of his neighbor, Cynthia Campbell.
After she was reported missing, her body was found by a fisherman at the Pensacola Beach Bridge. She had suffered 11 stab wounds to her chest, along with multiple blunt-force injuries to her face and head that were consistent with being struck by a hammer.
Grim was the 15th inmate executed in Florida in 2025.
Tate Baseball Hits A Home Run With Fall Halloween Costume Game (With Gallery)
October 29, 2025
Tate Aggie Baseball hosted their annual Fall Baseball Halloween Game Tuesday evening.
The event started with trunk-or-treat with baseball players, volleyball, softball, and student council all coming together for a fun night. Trunk or treat was followed by an exhibition baseball game with players in full costume with games and prizes for the kids between innings.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Band, Fans And Cheerleaders
October 29, 2025
The Northview Chiefs celebrated Senior Night with a big 60-0 win over the Central Lions of Hayneville, Alabama, last Friday night.
For a bonsu gallery with the cheerleaders, band and fans, click here.
For a football action gallery and story, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wendy Michelle Booker
October 29, 2025
Wendy Michelle Booker, 60, of Jay, Florida passed away on October 26, 2025.
Wendy was a Jay High School graduating class of 1982. She enjoyed fishing with her husband, crafting, baking, thrifting, and traveling to Tennessee to see the leaves change color. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the Century Church of Christ.
She was proceeded in death by her father Billy Blackmon of Jay, FL and her former sister-in-law Misty Wright, of Jay, FL.
She is survived by her husband, Wally Booker of Jay, FL; her mother, Janice Blackmon of Jay, FL; her son, Chad (Kristie) Booker of Summerville, GA; her daughter, Brandy (Wade) Edwards of Bratt, FL; her grandchildren Braxton (Raegan) Edwards, of Canoe, FL; Bradi (Tyler Murphy) Edwards of Century, FL; Jordan (Grace Johnson) Mosley of Carrollton, GA; Cameron Booker of Summerville, GA; her brother, Scott (Wendy) Blackmon of Jay, FL; her sister, Amy (Brian) Hawthorne of Jay, FL; her brother-in-law Larry Booker of Jay, FL; her sister-in-law Ginger (Ronald) Steele of Brewton, AL; her nephews, Tyler (Morgan) Blackmon of Jay, FL; Nolan (Danielle) Hawthorne of Jay, FL; Zachary Blackmon of Jay, FL; her great-nephews Liam Hawthorne and Trajan Blackmon; her very close friends Evelyn and Joe Edwards of Brewton, AL. She is also survived by a magnitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
The Family wishes to thank the nurses with VITAS hospice for their wonderful care given during her time of sickness, Dr C. David Smith for being her physician for many years, and all the family and friends who have prepared food, sent cards, and visited during her time of sickness it was greatly appreciated.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home Jay Cornerstone Chapel, 4003 Highway 4, Jay, Florida 32565, with visitation from 1-2 p.m. and service at 2 p.m.
‘A Tragic Misunderstanding’ — Sheriff Details Accidental Shooting Of Walnut Hill Teen
October 28, 2025
A 16-year-old remains in critical condition after being accidentally shot in the chest early Sunday morning in Walnut Hill. Another teen is facing charges, but he is not charged with the shooting itself.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told NorthEscambia.com Monday afternoon that another 16-year-old took a weapon that belonged to his sister’s boyfriend out of the glove compartment of her car without permission.
“He and another 16-year-old were talking about the gun, and they thought if they removed the magazine the gun was empty,” he said. “And, unfortunately, that was a tragic misunderstanding on their part because one round was left in the chamber and that was the shot that went off when he pointed it at the 16-year-old victim.”
It happened at a gathering at a home around 12:05 a.m. Sunday near South Highway 99 and Morgan Road.
The victim was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. His mother has posted on social media that he has undergone surgeries and is continuing to fight for his life.
The sheriff said witnesses, the suspect, and the victim gave corroborating statements.
“Even the victim said to point the gun and pull the trigger for whatever reason,” Simmons said. “There’s obviously a lesson here, a very serious lesson here that had very serious consequences.”
The teen who discharged the 10mm semi-automatic weapon has been charged with grand theft of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.