Preseason Softball: Tate Falls To WFHS
February 13, 2026
West Florida 20, Tate 10
The Tate Aggies fell to the West Florida Jaguars 20-10 in preseason softball on Thursday.
Aubree Gorum was 1-1 for the Aggies at the plate, and led the team with two RBIs. Madison Smillie was 3-5 to lead Tate at bat. Emorie Nelson, Mykamia Padgett, and Jordyn Banks each added a hit.
The Aggies will open the regular season at home against Crestview on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Henry Thomas Lee
February 13, 2026
Henry Thomas Lee, Poppy. Age 87, born in Vernon, FL; to Barney and Emma Lee, and living most of his life in Pensacola, FL; passed away February 7, 2026. Henry had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether on a boat, in a tree stand, shucking oysters on the porch, or in the yard cleaning fish or skinning a deer, he was most at home in nature. The outdoors was not just something he enjoyed, it was a reflection of who he was. In his early years, Henry proudly served in the United States Army. Following his military service, he dedicated 20 years of hard work to St. Regis Paper Mill, where he remained until his retirement. Throughout those years, he also devoted time to volunteering with Escambia Search and Rescue, serving his community with pride.
He loved his wife Carol dearly and they were married for 65 wonderful years. Together, they built a large and beautiful family. Over the course of his life, Henry formed many lasting friendships, and to him, friends were family. He leaves behind countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Surrounded by family and friends, he passed peacefully and now he rest with God. He will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Emma Lee; brother, Franklin Lee; sisters, Odessa Lee Collier, Laura Lee Graham, and Ovedia Lee Bryant.
Henry is survived by his wife, Carol Lee; sons, Tommy Lee, Gary (Linda Wilson) Lee, and Scott (Ginger) Lee; grandchildren: Aaron Lee, Amber (Bobby Rosado) Lee, Trinity (Allen Rosas) Lee, Hayden (Connor) Lee, Jamie Thompson, Joslin Lee, Brandon (Jamie) Wiggins, Cody (Bailey) Wiggins, and Brandon Lee; great grandchildren: Emma, Nikolai, Eric, Xavier, Caden, Alexzia, Allen, Amia, Ellie, Bree, Gracyn, Suede, Saylor, Remi, and Rylie.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Visitation will be begin at 11:00 a.m. at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 60 Industrial Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503.
Jerry W. Findley
February 13, 2026
Jerry W. Findley, age 82, of Pace, FL passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Christ his Savior on the morning of February 12, 2026.
Jerry was born February 19, 1943, in Century, FL to Roy and Oneta Findley. He was a graduate of Tate High School Class of 1961. On March 13, 1971, he married the love of his life, Patricia Tucker Findley celebrating nearly 55 years of marriage. He worked in the Pensacola Mill of International Paper for 37 years.
Jerry committed his life to Christ and it resonated in every aspect of his life. He was a faithful husband, a loving father and “Papa”. He served as a deacon at Olive Baptist Church and was active in his Sunday School class. Even though Jerry worked shift work he always seemed to have time for his family and his many hobbies. He was a true “Jack of all trades.” Over the years he would explore his love of photography, travel, coaching, golf, fishing, sporting clays, and probably his most enduring hobby, cooking.
His love for cooking opened up doors for him, including becoming a certified BBQ judge and serving the culinary ministry at his church alongside Chef Bob. Jerry taught us all to “never pass up an opportunity to add more flavor.”
Jerry is survived by his wife, Pat Findley; two siblings, Leroy (Carolyn) Findley, and Shelby Duell; two children, son, Daniel (Brandi) Findley, daughter, Jennifer (Felipe) Valencia; five grandchildren, Levi, Elijah, and Caitlyn Findley, and Rex and Leo Valencia.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel – North, Wednesday, February 18th at 11am with visitation beginning at 10am. Graveside will follow afterwards at Highland Baptist Church in Molino, FL. Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Daniel Findley with special music from Rev. Jon Tyner.
The family would like to extend its deep thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice, especially Lisa and Ashley. Your kindness and care will not be forgotten.
Bill Daniel
February 13, 2026
The family of Bill Daniel is deeply saddened to announce his passing on February 07, 2026 in Cantonment, FL at the age of 66.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Daniel; his mother, Sharon Daniel: daughter, Michelle Medeiros; son-in-law, Luiz Medeiros; grandson, Asher Daniel; granddaughters, Lucianna, Mariella and Julia Medeiros, sister Terri Ange and brother-in-law Ron Ange.
He was preceded in death by his father William Daniel.
Bill was a loving, kind and generous man who would fill any place and person with laughter and joy. He loved life, and we loved having him in ours. He enjoyed grilling, cooking, gardening, wildlife, the outdoors and life in general. He loved to host gatherings with friends at “The Curve Bar and Grill” at home. Bill will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of his life and world.
A celebration of life will be held at Faith Chapel February 20, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a service following. A private interment will be held at a later date. Donations to a wildlife preservation organization or wildlife rescue may be made in lieu of flowers.
Accidental Fire Heavily Damages North Escambia Home Wednesday Night
February 12, 2026
Fire heavily damaged a North Escambia home on Wednesday night.
The single-story residential fire was reported around 10:40 p.m. in the 500 block of Templehill Drive, just south of East Kingsfield Road.
When firefighters arrived, heavy flames and smoke were showing. With an aggressive attack, damage was limited to about half of the home and a total loss was prevented, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue. The situation was reported under control by 11:27 p.m.
Firefighters were able to save two dogs and a pet snake; however, a cat was discovered deceased. There were no other injuries.
ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire to be accidental. The American Red Cross has provided assistance to the displaced occupants.
The Ensley, Cantonment, Ferry Pass, and Brent stations of ECFR responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trial Set For Homicide Suspect That Claimed Self Defense In McDavid Main Street Drug Deal
February 12, 2026
During a hearing last week, a trial date was set for the suspect in a fatal shooting on Main Street in McDavid in February 2025. The suspect claims he shot the victim out of fear, but the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says it was murder.
Investigators charged Antonio Marshone DeSoto, now 26, with homicide for the shooting on Main Street, just east of Highway 29. During a February 4 hearing, Judge John Simon set a jury trial to begin May 11. DeSoto has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim, identified as Charles Black, was found lying in Main Street directly in front of the McDavid Post Office about 8:40 p.m. on February 18 suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was just a few feet away from the driver’s door of his Chevrolet SUV, which remained in the roadway.
After he was shot, Black was able to call 911 and tell dispatchers that DeSoto was the perpetrator, according to an arrest report. He was no longer able to speak to deputies after they arrived on scene. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to the nearby McDavid Fire Station before being airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to a Pensacola hospital where he later died.
Deputies received a tip that DeSoto had fled following the shooting to a residence in the 100 block of Highway 164, just west of Highway 29 and Driver Road, about a half mile from the shooting scene. Deputies searched the home and found nothing. ECSO said the homeowner said she was allowing DeSoto to stay in a room inside the house, but she had not seen him since earlier that afternoon. She told deputies that she had been advised by her daughter that she heard gunshots from down the road, but she did not see DeSoto after that.
DeSoto was taken into custody outside the home.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Breaks Ground On New Stadium
February 12, 2026
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.
University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement.
“We are celebrating a milestone that represents not just the start of construction, but the continuation of an extraordinary journey that began long before I arrived here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “The Darrell Gooden Stadium represents an important step forward for the University of West Florida, creating a place where students, alumni and the community can come together around shared traditions and feel proud to be Argonauts. I would like to thank the Tourist Development Council, the Gooden family and our generous donors for their long-term commitment to the growth and future of UWF.”
Designed to expand seating capacity from approximately 3,800 to 7,500, the new stadium will include premium seating, club areas and suites, along with modern amenities that enhance the game-day experience and allow the facility to host a wide range of events beyond football.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative era for Argonaut Athletics, providing our student-athletes with a championship-caliber home that matches their dedication on the field and ‘builds champions for life,’” said UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “By bringing football and major events directly to the heart of our campus, we are creating an unmatched game-day environment that will strengthen the bond between our University and the entire Pensacola community for generations to come.”
The stadium is funded through a combination of institutional investment and donor support, including a lead gift in excess of $9 million that secured the facility’s name. The project also received a $2 million grant from Escambia County’s Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax, recognizing the stadium’s impact on tourism and economic activity.
“The stadium is a whole new game changer, and I think it will really change the program for the betterment of the University,” Gooden said. “I’m just blessed and proud, and I feel very honored that the stadium is going to be named after me. I think that’s just a great honor, and I’m really excited to see this thing move forward and get the new stadium done.”
The first kickoff at Darrell Gooden Stadium is planned for Fall of 2027. Construction on Darrell Gooden Stadium will continue while the Argos compete during the 2026 season. As part of the phased development, a new state-of-the-art LED video board — measuring 85 feet wide by 30 feet tall — will be installed in the end zone opposite the Darrell Gooden Center and will be in place for the 2026 season. The video board will enhance the game-day experience for fans while supporting future media, marketing and community event opportunities as the stadium project moves toward full completion.
“This stadium changes what’s possible for our program,” said Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles. “It enhances recruiting, allows us to attract quality opponents, and gives our student-athletes a first-class environment that reflects the direction of UWF Athletics. Most importantly, it gives our fans and community a place they can truly call home.”
Economic impact studies from the UWF Haas Center project substantial benefits from the new stadium. Over a five year period, the football program alone is expected to generate $23.3 million in economic output and contribute $8.7 million to Escambia County’s gross regional product, excluding construction costs. Historically, UWF Athletics has generated $248.6 million in total economic output over a five year period, while the University contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually.
Sunshine Holds Firm Through Friday Before Weekend Rain Moves In
February 12, 2026
The weather pattern over the next few days starts with a beautiful stretch of sunshine and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities through Friday. However, a significant shift arrives Saturday as moisture builds, leading to likely showers and thunderstorms by Saturday night. Sunday looks to be the wettest day of the period with a 100% chance of rain and gusty winds before the system clears out just in time for a pleasant Washington’s Birthday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 60. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Washington’s Birthday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Jay Father And Son Charged With Stealing 20 Tons Of Asphalt Millings From Santa Rosa County
February 12, 2026
A Jay man and his son are both facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing tons of asphalt millings from a county lot.
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Jason Scott Wolfe and his 18-year-old son, Tanner Riley Wolfe, were both charged with one count of felony grand theft. They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on bonds of $2,500 each.
According to an arrest report, a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant observed a white truck with a dump trailer and John Deere cab tractor at a Santa Rosa County surplus yard on County Mill Road. The trooper said he recognized Jason Wolfe and his son, Tanner Wolfe. He said Tanner was standing near the tractor, and Jason was walking toward the truck while the dump trailer appeared to be loaded with asphalt millings.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop, and Jason Wolfe told him that several county employees had told him he could take the asphalt millings, but he refused to provide any names, the report states.
Santa Rosa County Public Works advised the public is not allowed to remove county materials, and no employee authorized the Wolfes to remove material. They estimated 20 tons of millings worth $1,000 were missing from what had been a 60-ton stockpile. Freshly deposited asphalt millings were reportedly located on Jason Wolfe’s property.
Jason Wolfe told an SRSO deputy that three county employees had “told people they were allowed to take materials,” the report states. “He also stated that the county had previously delivered millings to his property on County Mill Road.” He would not provide the names of the county employees, and he said there was no equipment present and he did not shovel any materials, but there was no sign indicating it was wrong.
“Jason also stated he knew the property owner and believed the materials were dumped there illegally so he did not believe the county had a leg to stand on,” the report states.
The deputy reported that a “County Property Do Not Remove Dirt” sign was on the ground near the wood line at the county site that appeared to have recently been taken down.
Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Reopen Following Maintenance
February 12, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill have reopened following Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway maintenance.
The crossings were closed last week on South Highway 99 and Deer Run Road.
According to Escambia County, both crossings have reopened. The county noted that the variable message boards (electronic information signs) may still be present until they are removed by a contractor.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
