Tate Showband Of The South Performs For American Idol Finalist Keyla Richardson
May 8, 2026
The Tate High School Showband of the South played a big role in Wednesday’s Keyla Fest to celebrate and honor Keyla Richardson, a top 3 finalist on American Idol.
The band not only marched in a celebratory parade downtown, but also had the unique opportunity to perform a custom arrangement for Richardson.
Richardson visited the Life Shifting Learning Academy on Highway 29 in Ensley, where she teaches, and the Showband was there to bring a pep rally type atmosphere as she arrived.
“We had a special song as she had sung on American Idol on the way to her top three journey, which was ‘Signed, Sealed, and Delivered’ by Stevie Wonder. Myself and Mr. Joshua Nobles (assistant band director) went through her catalog of everything she sung and we made the decision that it has a special touch to it,” Showband director Ronald Gray said Thursday. “We contacted our arranger and had him write a very similar rendition to what she sung on TV so she could hear us perform it when she got there to the event.”
It took band students just three days to learn the music and put the entire presentation together after returning from state concert band evaluations in Tallahassee. At the school, students got a taste of Hollywood and real TV production, spending about two hours performing multiple takes for the American Idol film crew.
The final cut remains to be seen, but the Showband of the South performance, the parade, Richardson’s hometown concert and more will, in some form, air in a lengthy segment during American Idol’s national Monday night broadcast on ABC.
“I don’t think the kids have really digested the magnitude of what they have done,” Gray said. “I think once they see themselves on TV and see the coverage it is potentially going to get at the finale of American Idol, it’s probably going to hit them like, ‘wow.’”
“Despite the intense pressure to work with the TV crew, it was a unique and fun experience for not only myself, but for the Showband and Tate High School,” said senior Annika Spiekermann. “It’s not every day you can hear someone say they got to perform for an American Idol contestant, especially from your hometown. This is a huge opportunity for Pensacola and showing the world what we are about.”
“Wednesday was such a fun, unique experience,” sophomore Gracie Ferlo said. “We were all so proud of Keyla and we did our best playing as well as we could to celebrate her incredible feat.”
“I think this is a side of performance and show biz that the kids aren’t going to get to experience a whole bunch just because it is high school,” assistant band director Nobles remarked. “Having that experience so early in their musical careers is something I don’t think that they’ll ever forget about.”
“We did a whirlwind of events with these kids, and they did a phenomenal job, and it’s a testament to the consistency in which these kids show up and really want to perform and be at the next level with their presentation,” Gray added.
“Even amid the last-minute changes in our schedule and the pressure of working with television professionals, we continued to play our best for the chance we were given,” Courtney Gunter, a senior Showband member, said. “Being a part of the community that Ms. Richardson came home to after all of her hard work was absolutely amazing. This was an incredible experience and a perfect way to get the Showband back into the exposure and view of the crowd.”
Now, the Tate Showband of the South members are waiting with great anticipation to see the video from Keyla Fest events on national TV on Monday night. And they are getting ready to vote as many times as possible to help Richardson become the next American Idol.
But regardless of the outcome, Gray said she’s already a winner.
“She’s already a winner for us; she’s already won in life. People enjoy her presence, her poise on the stage,” he said. “Her performance ability is something that is very unique to her. It’s very attractive to people to fall in love with not just her voice but her story.:
“For us here in the Showband , she’s already a winner.”
Images above courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com. Photos below for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man With 23 Felony Convictions Facing New Trafficking and Weapon Charges
May 8, 2026
A Century man with a lengthy criminal history remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond following an incident involving multiple types of narcotics and a firearm.
Travis Montes Mitchell, 40, is facing several felony charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine (14 grams or over) , trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or over) , possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) with intent to distribute , possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon , and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the incident began around 8:38 AM when EMS personnel observed a blue Chevy Malibu parked in the middle of the roadway at the intersection of Beverly Parkway and North W Street. Medics reported seeing a male, later identified as Mitchell, slumped over the steering wheel.
Mitchell initially complied with a request to enter the ambulance for evaluation. However, upon seeing a law enforcement vehicle arrive, he reportedly jumped out of the ambulance and fled on foot. He was quickly detained by a nearby deputy and transported back to the scene.
Because the vehicle was a rental posing a traffic hazard, an Enterprise rental employee was called to take possession of the car. While conducting a company-mandated inventory of the Malibu, the employee discovered a clear bag containing a crystalline substance in the center console.
A subsequent search of the vehicle by deputies allegedly uncovered a significant cache of illegal items, including 304 grams of methamphetamine , 17 grams of fentanyl , and 25.5 grams of crack cocaine, according to an arrest report. Deputies also reported finding two Oxycodone pills , a silver Detonics .45 caliber handgun with ammunition , digital scales, and plastic baggies.
Mitchell told investigators he had been using the rental for about two weeks after it was rented for him by a friend and claimed he had passed out at the red light. He further stated he kept his clothing and personal items in the vehicle so that he could “always stay ready”, the report states. He told deputies that he jumped out of the ambulance because he did not like the way the EMT was treating him.
Records checks revealed Mitchell has 23 prior felony convictions, including past charges for trafficking in methamphetamines and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Awards Five Scholarships
May 8, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently presented five scholarships.
Recipients were:
Carter Hayden was the recipient of a $1,000 Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship. He will attend Mississippi State University.
Austin Jackson was the recipient of a $1,000 Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship. He will attend the University of West Florida.
Ava Jacobi was awarded a $1,000 Lynda Minchew scholarship. She will attend the University of West Florida.
Sa Dayveon “Davy” Bradley was alwarded a $500 Mildred Haupert scholarship. He will attend Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
Ayden Crabtree was awarded the $500 Louis Crabtree, Jr. scholarship. He will attend the University of West Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain, Severe Storms Possible Through The Weekend
May 8, 2026
Several rounds of storms are expected to move across the region from Friday through Saturday with severe storm development possible and locally heavy rainfall. A marginal risk of severe storms exists Friday, mainly during the daytime and may continue into the overnight hours. For Saturday, the marginal risk exists for the entire area through the evening hours.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 77. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Is Saturday
May 8, 2026
Letter carriers to pick up tons of much-needed food donations at mailboxes across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this Saturday, May 9, as part of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, the largest one-day food drive in the nation.
Simply fill the bag left in your mailbox —or any bag— with nonperishable food items and leave it beside your mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will collect donations along their routes and deliver them directly to local food pantries. If you do not have a traditional mailbox, can leave their donations near where they typically receive mail or drop off nonperishable food items at a local USPS post office on or before May 9. Letter carriers will collect donations along their routes and deliver them directly to local food pantries.
Residents are encouraged to leave a bag of healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned fruit in 100% juice, canned mixed vegetables, canned chicken, canned tuna, dry breakfast items (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal), peanut butter, and/or dry beans. Residents should NOT donate items in glass containers or items that have been opened or homemade.
Local food donations will benefit individuals and families served by Manna Food Pantries, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries, and Warrington Emergency Aid Center.
“Stamp Out Hunger plays a vital role in helping us keep our shelves stocked during a time when many families are facing increased financial pressure,” said Kerri Smayda, associate executive director of Manna. “Every bag of food collected represents hope for someone in our community, and the generosity of our neighbors makes it possible for us to continue serving those who need it most.”
In 2025, local letter carriers collected more than 150,000 pounds of food across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. With demand for food assistance continuing to rise, organizers are hopeful the community will once again step up in a big way.
“This is one of the simplest ways our community can come together to make a real difference,” said Laura Gilliam, president and CEO of United Way of West Florida. “For many of our neighbors, especially ALICE households who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet, access to food is not guaranteed. Stamp Out Hunger gives everyone an easy opportunity to help ensure families don’t have to choose between groceries and other basic needs.”
Tate Aggies Crimson And Gray Game Is Tonight
May 8, 2026
The Tate Aggies Crimson and Gray game is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Tate Quarterback Club will be selling concessions, including pork nachos and sandwiches, hamburgers, drinks, candy, and chips.
Tickets are available on GoFan. Cards are accepted for concessions and at the Aggie Shack.
Mississippi Man Killed In Fiery I-65 Crash North Of Flomaton
May 8, 2026
A Mississippi man was killed in a fiery crash on I-65 in Escambia County, Alabama.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 6 a.m. Monday on I-65 approximately 18 miles north of Flomaton, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said on Thursday.
Brandon G. Wascom, 46, of Carriere, Mississippi, was fatally injured when his 2018 Chevrolet Silverado struck the rear of the 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by Jaron K. Bush, 34, of Mobile. After the initial impact, the pickup caught fire. Wascom was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
Reader submitted photo.
Lewis Jr. Homers In Wahoos 7-3 Loss To Trash Pandas
May 8, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas by a final score of 7-3 on Thursday night.
Pensacola was playing catch up early, when two runs scored on a ground ball that ate up Wahoos shortstop Payton Green off the bat of Rocket City leadoff hitter Wade Meckler, Green’s first error of the year.
The Blue Wahoos would answer back in the fourth inning, when Dillon Lewis walked with one out and Ian Lewis Jr. would send one over the right field wall for a 2-run homer, his third blast of the year. Two batters later, Payton Green would hit his team leading 8th double of the year and would eventually score on a Ryan Ignoffo go ahead RBI single, giving the club a 3-2 lead. Ignoffo had entered the game in the second inning, filling in for an injured Spencer Bramwell.
Pensacola starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr would be taken out of the game in the 5th after allowing back-to-back singles to Kyren Paris and Gustavo Campero. Mason Vinyard would be the first arm called on out of the pen, and while he would retire three consecutive batters, a flyball and a ground out would move Paris to third and home, tying the game at 3-3.
That score would hold until the top of the 7th, when Pensacola reliever Logan Whitaker (L, 2-1) would allow two runs on a two run bomb off the bat of Rocket City’s Matthew Lugo, giving the Pandas a 5-3 lead. They would add to that lead in the top of the 8th, when Nick Rodriguez would send the first pitch he saw into left field for a two out, two run single, making it a 7-3 game.
The offense would threaten in the 8th, but ultimately come up empty before going down quietly in the 9th, finalizing the 7-3 loss. Trash Pandas reliever Camden Minacci (W, 1-2) was credited with his first win of the season and Luke Murphy locked down his third save of the season.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Friday evening.
written by Charlie Hobert
Thousands Attend American Idol Finalist Keyla Richardson Hometown Concert (With Photo Gallery)
May 7, 2026
Thousands turned out Wednesday night for a concert featuring Keyla Richardson, a Top 3 finalist on American Idol.
Keyla Fest was held at the Hunter Amphitheater with overflow seating in Blue Wahoos Stadium. The concert, a hometown parade, and more will be featured in next Monday night’s American Idol finale.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Students Among Hundreds Attending Blue Wahoos Education Day Game
May 7, 2026
Students from Jim Allen Elementary School were among hundreds who attended a Pensacola Blue Wahoos Education Day game on Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
American Idol Top 3 finalist Keyla Richardson made a surprise appearance at the game.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
