UWF, Escambia Westgate Partner For Hands-On Applied Behavior Analysis
February 26, 2026
The University of West Florida Center for Behavior Analysis has launched a new hands-on learning opportunity for graduate students through a new internship partnership with Escambia Westgate School, a local public school serving pre-K through high school students up to age 22 with varying exceptionalities.
In addition to vocational classrooms, Westgate is also home to the Lacey A. Collier Snoezelen Complex, one of the largest multi-sensory therapeutic environments in the United States. Opened in 2005, the 11,000-square-foot facility is designed to support exploration, engagement and individualized learning. The complex features immersive rooms, including a polar room, space room, jungle room and magic room, that provide calming, multi-sensory stimulation to help students regulate and increase engagement in learning activities.
“Integrating future BCBA’s at the facilities offered at Westgate encourages collaboration among experienced personnel uniquely qualified to support these children from different professional perspectives,” said Dr. Leasha Barry, director of the UWF Center for Behavior Analysis. “The Snoezelen complex was specifically designed to encourage engagement through curiosity as well as relaxation or leisure. This provides an environment rich in potentially reinforcing stimuli, offering a unique opportunity for children and those who support them using behavior analysis in this context.”
UWF applied behavior analysis graduate student Kelsey Jordan began interning at Westgate to earn supervisory hours to count toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification while supporting valuable services at the school. Jordan, a former teacher, works alongside speech and occupational therapists, teachers and aides to support individualized programs and foster a safe learning environment. The internship allows her to translate classroom learning into practice while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Westgate’s Snoezelen learning environment is ideal for collaborating with educators and therapists to incorporate ABA methodologies and help students thrive,” said Michelle Lambert, associate director of the Center for Behavior Analysis. “Our graduate student, Kelsey, is a former teacher who effectively draws on her experience to build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, aides and therapists at Westgate.“
The Snoezelen® concept, rooted in a Dutch therapy concept centered on self-guided exploration, creates calming, immersive environments that support sensory regulation and engagement. At Westgate, the complex serves as a collaborative hub where multiple therapeutic disciplines work together to meet students’ individualized needs.
The UWF Center for Behavior Analysis provides a collaborative space where higher education, socially valued service and applied research synthesize into meaningful applications. They offer the complete educational path to a successful career in ABA, featuring online undergraduate and graduate level offerings and continuing education courses.
Pictured: (L-R) Kara Murphy, UWF alumna, and Kelsey Jordan, UWF ABA graduate student, in the Lacey A. Collier Snoezelen Complex. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High FFA Holds Teacher And Staff Appreciation Breakfast
February 26, 2026
The Northview High School FFA hosted a teacher and staff appreciation breakfast on Wednesday morning as part of National FFA Week.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warm Thursday Before Rain Moves In Overnight
February 26, 2026
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3am. Low around 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Final Nights for Tate High School’s ‘Shrek the Musical’
February 26, 2026
Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical is back for another run through Saturday night in the school cafetorium.
After opening to rave reviews last week, Shrek the Musical will be presented Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m.
The production is a heartwarming and hilarious adventure based on the popular animated film, featuring memorable characters, high-energy musical numbers, and an uplifting message about friendship and self-acceptance.
The production is a showcase of student talent and dedication. Every aspect of the show has been created entirely by students, including set construction, costume design, props, lighting, makeup, and wigs. The result is a fully student-designed theatrical experience that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of Tate’s thriving theatre program.
In addition, the production features double casting for the roles of Fiona, Dragon, Pinocchio, and Gingy. Each cast will perform on alternating nights, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy unique interpretations of these beloved characters.
Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door (cash only).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate JV Aggies Shut Out Escambia; Tate Freshmen Top WFHS
February 26, 2026
Tate 16, Escambia 0 (JV)
After scoring 11 runs in the first inning, the Tate JV Aggies shut out the Escambia Gators 16-0 Wednesday at Escambia.
Tanner Clark opened on the mound for the Aggies, giving up no runs and no hits, striking out one and walking none.
Seifert led the Aggies with three RBIs, going 2-3 on the day. Mason Williams, Mason Bryant, Trent Godwin, Carter Petero, Caileb Javier, Hunter Taylor, Kash Brown, and Bryson Adams each added one hit.
Tate 4, West Florida 1 (Freshmen)
The Tate freshmen defeated West Florida 4-1 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at West Florida.
Grayson McLellan earned the win for the Aggies, surrendering three hits and one run in five innings while striking out six and walking three.
Trent Madden, Carter Stewart, AJ Williams, and Frederick Woods III each had one hit for Tate.
Barth, Molino Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Next Week
February 26, 2026
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in a portion of Barth and Molino will take place Wednesday, March 4. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Please have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. Residents who live in the targeted area will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.
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
During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Contact the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency at 850-595-3217 or cra@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.
Upcoming North Escambia area cleanups will be Wednesday, March 18 in Quintette, Wednesday, April 15 in Cottage Hill
Ribbon Cutting Held For New 7 Brew On Nine Mile Road
February 25, 2026
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for the new 7 Brew on Nine Mile Road at Chemstrand Road.
“We’re thrilled to continue serving the Pensacola community with the addition of our third location,” said Zac Cockman, 7 Brew Pensacola director of franchisees. “It is an honor to continue our partnership with Feeding the Gulf
Coast to help feed those in need in the Panhandle.”
Prior to the ribbon cutting, the stand opened with a “Swag Day” that saw cars lined up through the neighboring shopping center.
During the ceremony, 7 Brew donated $1,500 to Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The 7 Brew stand will add 50 jobs to the area, according to the company. The company has over 630 stands across the country.
The company has also proposed locations nearby at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road at the site of an AT&T store and Maynard’s Donuts , and at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and University Parkway near Target.
Escambia County Approves $8 Million To Resurface 47 Roads
February 25, 2026
The Escambia County Commission recently approved $8 million to resurface 47 roads across the county.
The commission voted to advance 2027 funds of $2,048,705 to 2026 for arterial and collector (higher traffic) roads in District 3 and District 5 such as W Street, Kingsfield Road, and Chemstrand Road.
The $7,991,129.05 total contract was awarded to Roads, Inc. of NWF.
Funds were allocated as follows:
District 1 — $958,544.60
District 2 — $828,441.79
District 3 — $3,972,110.85 District 4 — $372,133.40
District 5 — $1,859,898.41
Total — $7,991,129.05
A timetable for individual roads has not been announced. Here is the list of scheduled 2026 resurfacing projects, organized by district:
District 5
- Meadows Ln. — from Atmore Hwy. (SR 97) to Nokomis Rd.
- Camaree Pl. — from 10 Mile Rd. to Cul-de-Sac
- Chemstrand Rd. — from 10 Mile Rd. to E. Kingsfield Rd.
- Chemstrand Rd. — from E. Kingsfield Rd. to Old Chemstrand Rd.
- E. Kingsfield Rd. — from CR 95A to Chemstrand Rd.
District 1
- Innerarity Point Rd. — from Sorrento Rd. (SR 292) to Causeway
District 2
- Mier Henry Rd. — from S. 72nd Ave. to West End
- Dowdy Dr. — from West Lake Dr. to St. James Pl.
- Westlake Dr. — from Mier Henry Rd. to South End
- Rossi Way — from Mier Henry Rd. to Dowdy Dr.
- St. James Pl. — from Rossi Way to South End
- Ronji Way — from St. James Pl. to Dowdy Dr.
- Huntington Dr. — from West End to Nottingham Way
- Nottingham Way — from Fountain Abbey to Gilbert Cir.
- Corrydle Rd. — from Quigley Rd. to Lavaon Dr.
- E. Winthrop Ave. — from S. Navy Blvd. to Live Oak Ave.
- E. Palmetto Ave. — from S. Navy Blvd. to Live Oak Ave.
- S. 3rd St. — from Barrancas Ave. to Commerce St.
- Commerce St. — from S. 3rd St. to Live Oak Ave.
- Live Oak Ave. — from Commerce St. to Star Lake Dr.
- Live Oak Ave. — from Barrancas Ave. to Commerce St.
District 3
- Ballard St. — from St. Regis Dr. to Madison Dr.
- St. Regis Dr. (Loop) — from Ballard St. to St. Regis Dr.
- St. Regis Dr. — from Ballard St. to Mississippi Cir.
- Utah Ct. — from New York Dr. to Cul-de-Sac
- New York Dr. — from New Mexico Dr. to Utah Ct.
- Opal Ave. — from Topaz Ave. to Aquamarine Ave.
- Topaz Ave. — from Ruby Ave. to Aquamarine Ave.
- Aquamarine Ave. — from Ruby Ave. to Emerald Ave.
- Ruby Ave. — from Topaz Ave. to Aquamarine Ave.
- Emerald Ave. — from Fairfield Dr. to Aquamarine Ave.
- Louisiana Dr. — from New York Dr. to Kentucky Ave.
- New Mexico Dr. — from New York Dr. to Kentucky Ave.
- Market St. — from Fairfield Dr. to RR Tracks
- Market St. — from RR Tracks to Massachusetts Ave.
- Truman Ave. — from W St. to Kelly Ave.
- Kemp Rd. — from Longleaf Dr. to Rolling Hills Rd.
- N. W St. — from Mobile Hwy. (US 90) to Fairfield Dr. (SR 295)
- N. W St. — from Fairfield Dr. (SR 295) to N. Airport Blvd.
- N. W St. — from N. Airport Blvd. to Pensacola Blvd. (US 29)
District 4
- St. Adela Ave. — from St. Barnabus St. to St. Eusebia St.
- St. Eusebia St. — from St. Alban Rd. to Rawson Ln.
- St. Cedd Ave. — from St. Alban Rd. to St. Timothy
- St. Timothy — from South End to St. Eusebia St.
- St. Cloud — from Airport Blvd. to St. Sabas St.
- Lewis St. — from Davis Hwy. (SR 291) to Westview Ln.
- Chambord Ln. — from Northpointe Blvd. to City Limit
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Allegedly Cashing Business Checks Meant To Pay Sales Tax
February 25, 2026
A Cantonment woman was charged with fraud and grand theft for allegedly cashing checks from her employer that were meant to pay business taxes.
Wendy Joan Moye, 48, was charged with one count of felony grand theft and three felony counts of uttering a forged instrument.
The owner of Franklin Antiques reported that Moye, her employee, wrote a total of six checks from a Regions Bank business checking account for $8,095 and cashed them. The business owner told deputies that Moye had permission to fill out the checks, but did not have permission to sign her name to them. She stated that six fraudulent checks were written for business taxes; however, her sales taxes were never paid.
Through a subpoena, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained video surveillance and still photographs of female identified as Moye cashing or depositing checks on October 17, 2025, October 31, 2025, and November 13, 2025 at two separate Regions Bank locations, according to an arrest report.
The business owner was shown images from video surveillance of three transactions and positively indemnified Moye as the person in the images, according to the ECSO.
The ECSO investigators set a January 13, 2026, interview meeting with Moye at the main Sheriff’s Office.
“I subsequently received a phone call from a male slating he was Moye’s legal counsel and that she would not attend the meeting,” the deputy wrote in the report.
After a warrant was signed by a judge, Moye was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail with bond set at $9,000.
Jay Lady Royals Advance To Rural State Championship Game
February 25, 2026
The Jay Lady Royals are headed to the FHSAA Rural Class girls state championship.
On Tuesday, the Lady Royals beat Hilliard 53-39.
Jay will face Williston on Friday at 6 p.m. EST at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.