• Home
• News
• Events
• Features
• Sports
• About
• Contact
• Advertise

Free Classifieds | Obituaries |

Over $63 Million In Bonuses Award To Law Enforcement Recruits In Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday in the Panhandle that Florida has awarded more than 9,400 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving the Florida Panhandle region, with an additional 734 bonuses distributed to recruits across the state.

Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.

“Today in Panama City, we welcomed new law enforcement recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties and awarded them $5,000 recruitment bonuses,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Many new officers across the state moved to Florida from soft-on-crime jurisdictions, where prosecutors allow crime to run rampant and local politicians denigrate law enforcement. Here in Florida, law enforcement officers are supported and appreciated—and criminals are held accountable.”

To date, more than 1,900 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 600 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 9,400 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $63 million to date.

The bonuses are part of a broader initiative to make Florida the most law-and-order state in the nation. Under the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, the Governor secured $49 million in pay increases for more than 16,200 state sworn law enforcement officers, raised the minimum base pay to $60,000, and provided significant raises for both entry-level and veteran officers. The state has also expanded wellness resources, enhanced penalties for crimes against officers, introduced law enforcement education programs in high schools, and launched the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program to cover training costs for new recruits.

In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, DeSantis said the benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, excellent health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Northview Chiefs Sweep The Pine Forest Eagles (With Gallery)

The Northview Chiefs made quick work of the visiting Pine Forest Eagles on Tuesday night in Bratt, delivering a dominant performance to secure a straight-set victory. The Chiefs controlled the match from start to finish, winning in three sets: 25-9, 25-18, and 25-16.

For a photo gallery, click here.

The Chiefs completely overwhelmed the Eagles in the first set, closing it out with a decisive 25-9 margin. Though the Eagles rallied and played tougher in the subsequent sets, managing to push the score to 25-18 and 25-16, the Chiefs maintained control.

The Northview Chiefs will end the regular season on Thursday as they host the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs from Uriah, Alabama.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Ernest Ward Eagles Celebrate 8th Grade Night

The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles celebrated 8th Grade Night on Tuesday night, honoring 8th grade football players and cheerleaders.

For a photo gallery, click here.

In game action in Walnut Hill, Ernest Ward fell to the T.R. Miller Tigers.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.

Megan Kristin Coyne

Mrs. Megan Kristin Coyne, age 39, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Mrs. Coyne was born in Pensacola, Florida, and has been a lifelong resident of Escambia County Florida. Megan enjoyed listening to music and hanging out with her friends. She loved to plan parties of all kinds. She attended all family events. Megan was the greatest mother to her children. She adored and loved them very much. Mrs. Megan is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather – Alvin Smith; paternal grandmother – Hazel Smith; maternal grandfather – Wilson H. Levins; maternal grandmother – Vera Levins Presley; cousin – Blake Croley.

She is survived by her father – Mervin R. Smith of Byrneville, FL.; mother – Henrietta Mae Williams – Damascus; two sons – Dalton Wolfe of Jay, FL. and Alston Wolfe of Kentucky; one brother – Marc (Angel) Smith of Byrneville, FL.; two sisters – Brenda Parrish of Starke, FL. and Morgan (Andrew) Evans of Brewton, AL.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Byrneville Community Church with Bro. Fred Stallworth and Bro. Steve Yuhaz officiating. Interment will be in the Byrneville Community Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Byrneville Community Church.

Pallbearers – Cole Wilson, Andrew Evans, Dylan Sims, Matthew Presley, Clay Smith, Chad Smith.

McDavid Double Shooting Ruled Apparent Murder-Suicide by ECSO

Investigators now say a deadly double shooting Monday in McDavid appears to have been a murder-suicide.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday afternoon that their investigation determined that the wife apparently shot her husband before turning the gun on herself in the family’s home.

Deputies discovered two people deceased from gunshot wounds inside a home in the 700 block of North Century Boulevard, about a half mile north of the McDavid Fire Station.

The ECSO said they were called Monday by the father of now-deceased husband to do a welfare check after  he did not arrive for work Monday. They found the victims’ vehicles at the home, but no one answered the door. Deputies made entry about 11:30 a.m.  and located a man and woman both deceased with gunshot wounds.

The Sheriff’s Office said there were no signs of a struggle, no forced entry into the home, and they do not believe there was any foul play by a third party.

The investigation is continuing.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

adf

Cantonment Man Faces Felony Strangulation, Battery Charges For Allegedly Attacking Children’s Mother

A Cantonment man is charged after allegedly strangling and cutting the mother of his two children.

Lamar William McDonald, 39, was charged with felony charges of aggravated domestic battery with a deadly weapon and domestic battery by strangulation.

The arrest report states that a responding deputy detained the suspect in his garage. Another deputy then made contact with the victim, the mother of the suspect’s two children, who was highly distressed and partially clothed.

The victim provided a statement alleging the assault began earlier at a sports bar. She claimed the suspect approached a vehicle she was in, forcibly pulled her out, and drove her back to their shared residence, the report states. During the drive, she was repeatedly struck and her clothing was ripped.

The assault escalated at the home, the report states. According to the victim, after being dragged inside, McDonald grabbed a kitchen knife with sharp prongs and knocked her to the floor in the kitchen, cutting her with the knife. McDonald then allegedly climbed on top of her, wrapped his hands around her throat, constricting her airway, and threatened to kill her.

The victim told deputies that she believed her life was in danger before she managed to break free and call 911 from her vehicle. Deputies observed multiple bruises, cuts, and redness on the victim consistent with her account.

When interviewed, the suspect was read his Miranda Rights and stated he did not wish to provide information that would incriminate him, though he acknowledged being at the bar, according to the arrest report.

McDonald was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

Coleman Named Tate High School Teacher Of The Year

Chip Coleman has been named the Tate High School Teacher of the Year.

Coleman currently serves as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor, where he inspires students to embrace leadership, innovation, and community through Agricultural Education.

According to the school:

A proud Tate High School alumnus (Class of 1996), Coleman’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education and service. After earning his Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola Junior College, he went on to receive a BSBA in Marketing with a minor in Management from the University of West Florida, along with certificates in Sales Management and Internet Marketing. He later pursued his passion for teaching, completing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of West Florida in 2018.

Coleman began his teaching career in 2012 as a substitute teacher with Escambia County School District, before moving into the classroom at Jim Allen Elementary, where he taught first and fifth grades for nearly a decade and served as RTI Coordinator. In 2022, he returned to his roots at Tate High School to teach agriculture and serve the FFA chapter, blending his background with hands-on agricultural education.

Guided by the three words that define him Faith, Family, and Outdoors Coleman brings authenticity and heart into the classroom. His leadership has strengthened Tate’s Agricultural Programs while instilling responsibility, work ethic, and pride in his students.

He is also guided by one of his favorite principles, a quote from Dale Carnegie: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

“Chip represents the very best of what it means to be an Aggie,” said Laura Touchstone, Principal of Tate High School. “He not only invests in his students’ education but also in their personal growth, preparing them to be leaders in agriculture and in life. We are thrilled to celebrate his dedication as our Teacher of the Year.”

Coleman’s recognition as Tate High School Teacher of the Year reflects his unwavering commitment to student success, his innovative teaching style, and his embodiment of the Tate Traditions.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Escambia Health Department Offers Free Or Low Cost Breast Cancer Screenings

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread important health education and encourage women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Florida. Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Mortality rates have decreased by over 5% in the past 10 years, partly due to improved screening, access, and treatment.

Prevention

• Routine screening and self-breast exams are important to breast wellness. Being familiar with your breasts can help you notice signs/symptoms such as lumps, discharge, or changes in size or nipple appearance. Contact your health care provider if you notice any signs/symptoms.
• Women ages 40 to 74 should schedule a mammogram every two years with their health care provider, or with DOH-Escambia if eligible for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
• At-risk women should schedule regular breast MRIs and mammograms every year. Risk factors include family history, genetics, breast density, and more.
• Healthy habits can help prevent breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle includes eating nutritious foods, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, regular physical activity, and adhering to recommended screenings.
• Breastfeeding lowers a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.

Early Detection Tips

DOH-Escambia provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings to women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet the program eligibility requirements. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat. To see if you qualify for these screenings, call (850) 316-2706 or visit Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Scattered Rain Today, Big Changes Later In The Week

There is a chance of scattered rain for Tuesday, and there’s a big cool down coming later in the week.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 57.

Columbus Day: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Escambia Public Schools Foundation Awards $100K In Grants To Area Schools

The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded over $100,000  in grants to teachers, schools and departments in the county through its Grants for Excellence program for this school year.

There were 20 grants totalling $100,213.86 awarded to teachers, schools, and departments in Escambia County Public Schools The high impact grants were awarded in the following priority areas: career/technical education, increasing graduation rates, literacy, low-performing students, STEM education, teaching quality/improving classroom instruction, and student resiliency.

The grant recipients were:

• Beyond the Textbook: Bringing Chemistry and Physics to Life

  • Tate High School, Patrice Morgan

• C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement)

  • Pine Forest High School, Tai Knight

• Creating a Calm Down Room for Social-Emotional Wellness

  • Hellen Caro Elementary School, Amanda Cravatt

• Electrathon Race Team

  • Northview High School, Michael Amerson

• Electric Racing Carts

  • West Florida High School, Brandon Cherry

• Empowering Education: Enhancing Access and Literacy Through Technology and Support

  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program, Kelly Jenkins

• FBLA Across Multiple Levels: Cultivating Career Readiness and Entrepreneurial Spirit

  • Bellview Middle School, Jessica Steele

• From America to Zimbabwe

  • Myrtle Grove Elementary School, Catherine Kozik

• Growing Minds: The Living Garden

  • Montclair Elementary School, Elizabeth Greenberg

• Immersive Career Exploration & Training for Students with Disabilities

  • District Extended Program:Project SEARCH, Lisa Armstead

• Keeping It Calm

  • Bellview Middle School, Carla Thompson

• Literacy Mentors: Empowering Students Through Buddy Reading

  • West Pensacola Elementary School, Sara Ratliff

• Opening Doors to Literacy: Guided Reader Library Project

  • Jim Allen Elementary School, Bernadette Smith

• Opera-tunity: Kids Creating Opera

  • Fine Arts, Barbie Spears

• Reading the World : Literacy as a Launchpad for STEM Thinking

  • Molino Park Elementary School, Rachel Gilmore

• Strumming Toward Literacy: Integrating Ukulele-Based Music Education in Core Curriculum

  • Montclair Elementary School, Stephanie Odom

• The Sensory Learning Pathway

  • Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, Molly O’Connor

• The Wizards of Ozobots: Tiny Robots Big Opportunities

  • Oakcrest Elementary School, Luciana Cajias

• TimeKettle for ELLs: Real-Time Translation for Equal Access

  • Scenic Heights Elementary School, Megan Currie

• Under the Sea

  • A.K. Suter Elementary School, Paula Stillman, Lead

  • Ferry Pass Elementary School, Laura Hobbs

  • Kingsfield Elementary School, Becky Mills

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Copyright © 2007-2025 NorthEscambia.com · P.O. Box 1207 · Century, FL 32535 · All Rights Reserved.