Escambia Master Gardeners Spring Sale Is Today
March 21, 2026
UPDATE: EVERYTHING IS SOLD OUT.
The Escambia Master Gardener volunteers are holding a vegetable plant sale today in Cantonment.
The sale begins at 7:45 a.m. and will include a variety of plants. Many of the tomatoes and peppers have flowers and some already have fruit. Basil, squash, and other plants will be available.
For a table layout map and list of available plants, click here (pdf).
The sale is cash or check only at the Escambia Extension Service, 3730 Stefani Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NHS Grad Ragsdale Named ACCC DII Softball Player Of The Week
March 21, 2026
Northview High graduate Chloe Ragsdale has been named the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division II Softball Player of the Week.
Ragsdale is a sophomore catcher for the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW) Saints has one home run, three RBIs, and after her first four games of the season.
Ragsdale is a 2024 Northview High School honors graduate.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Endangered Man Last Seen Months Ago In Cottage Hill
March 20, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing endangered man last seen months ago in Cottage Hill.
Corey Shane McBride, 39, last made contact with his family on January 1, 2026, according to the ECSO. He was last seen near the 1000 block of Wendy Drive, a private road off Parker Road.
He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Firefighters, Forest Service Battle 10-Acre Fire In Davisville
March 20, 2026
Firefighters and the Florida Forest Service spent hours battling a large brush fire in Davisville on Thursday afternoon.
The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. at Highway 97 and Greenland Road. According to Joe Zwierzchowski, Florida Forest Service spokesman, the fire reached about 10 acres in size.
Firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to residences in the area.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
The Walnut Hill, Century, Molino, and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, and the Nokomis Fire Department were dispatched to the fire, in addition to the Florida Forest Service.
Pictured: A wildfire burns along Highway 97 in Davisville on Thursday afternoon before the first firefighters arrive on scene. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Named ACM Station Of The Year For Sixth Time
March 20, 2026
For the sixth time, Cat Country 98.7 has won the 2026 ACM Radio Station of the Year Award from the Academy of Country Music (ACM). The announcement was made in Nashville by the Academy of Country Music at the annual Country Radio Seminar.
The winners of the 61st Annual ACM Awards will be honored at the Academy of Country Music Awards show on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“Our Cat Country 98.7 team’s dedication to our communities has always been our main priority, and it’s deeply satisfying when that commitment is recognized. To receive the ACM Station of the Year for these efforts is humbling and energizing for everyone here,” said Mary Hoxeng, general manager and owner of WYCT, Cat Country 98.7. “We are equally thrilled for our listener family; we all share this honor.”
Cat Country 98.7 was previously named the ACM Radio Station of the Year in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2022.
Pictured: Brent Lane, morning host and program director of Cat Country 98.7 receiving the ACM award from country artist Parker McCollum in Nashville this week. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spring Into Reading: Kingsfield Elementary Hosts Literacy Celebration (Gallery)
March 20, 2026
Kingsfield Elementary recently held its Spring Into Reading Literacy night.
It was a fun evening celebrating reading and creativity. Families enjoyed a spud book character contest, a lively recorder music program, a Reader’s Theatre with Tate Drama Club, and exciting reading games for all ages.
Organizers said it was a great time for families to come together, share stories, and spark a love of reading this spring.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Senior James Treick Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist
March 20, 2026
Tate High School senior James Treick has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalist, one of the most prestigious academic honors awarded to high school students in the United States. The recognition places Treick among an elite group of students nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
Treick has earned an impressive 5.15 weighted GPA at Tate. In addition to his coursework at Tate, he has been dual enrolled at Pensacola State College, where he has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has received President’s List recognition for his outstanding academic performance.
Beyond the classroom, Treick has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring and leadership in STEM education. For nearly three years, he has worked at Code Ninjas, where he mentors students, teaches coding to kindergarten through ninth grade students, and coaches teams in robotics design and programming. His work helps inspire younger students to explore technology, engineering, and problem-solving.
At Tate, Treick is actively involved in several academic and service organizations. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. He has also contributed to Tate’s athletic community as a member of the tennis team, where he demonstrated leadership by serving as team captain during his sophomore year. In addition, Treick has dedicated time to serving others as a missions volunteer, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
“James has distinguished himself through both his academic accomplishments and the way he invests in others,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “Whether he is excelling in the classroom, mentoring younger students, or leading among his peers, he consistently represents Tate High School with excellence. Being named a National Merit Finalist is an incredible accomplishment, and it reflects the dedication he has shown throughout his high school career. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see the impact he will continue to make in the future.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students across the country for exceptional academic performance and potential. Finalists represent the highest-achieving students in the nation. National Merit Scholarships will be awarded later this year.
Big Warmup Will Continue Through The Weekend
March 20, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 52. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Pineview Church Road South Of Jay Has Reopened
March 20, 2026
Pineview Church Road south fo Jay has reopened.
The bridge over Mare Branch Creek was closed on Monday for repairs, and reopened one day ahead of schedule.
Drivers in the area were detoured on Pineview Church Road south to Highway 89 and north to Hollandtown Church Road.
Pace Patriots Take Aggie Classic Championship; Tate Beats Blanchard
March 20, 2026
The Pace Patriots defeated Yukon (OK) 5-3 on Thursday night to claim the 31st Annual Aggie Classic Championship.
Thursday, March 19 Scores
- Pace 5, Yukon (OK) 3
- Tate 6, Blanchard 5
- Gulf Breeze 12, Broken Arrow (OK) 11
- Pensacola Catholic 15 Union (OK) 0
- W.S. Neal 9, Claremore (OK) 8
- Bixby (OK) 14. Christ Presbyterian (TN) 3
Tate 6, Blanchard 5
The Tate Aggies were down by five runs after three innings, but rallied Thursday night to beat the Blanchard (OK) Lions 6-5 on the final night of the Aggie Classic.
Hunter Clayton earned the win for Tate, giving up two hits and one unearned run in five innings, striking out seven and walking two. Keelan Beasley was first on the mound for the Aggies, surrendering three hits and four runs (three earned) in two innings, walking two and striking out five.
Nathan Connors went 2-3 with three RBIs, and Cal Foxworth went 2-3 with one RBI.
Next week, the Aggies return to action on Tuesday at Washington at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 Scores
- Tate 6, Claremore (OK) 5
- Pace 11, Blanchard (OK) 0
- Yukon (OK) 8, Gulf Breeze 1
- W.S. Neal (AL) 7, Union (OK) 5
- Broken Arrow (OK) 5, Christ Presbyterian (TN) 4
- Pensacola Catholic 6, Bixby (OK) 4
Tuesday, March 17 Scores
- Tate 5, Broken Arrow (OK) 2
- Pace 11, Claremore (OK) 1
- Yukon (12) W.S. Neal (AL) 2
- Gulf Breeze 9, vs Bixby ( OK) 8
- Blanchard (OK) 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
- Christ Presbyterian (TN) 11, Union (OK) 1
Monday, March 16 Scores
- Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
- Gulf Breeze 16, Blanchard (OK) 6
- Pace 15, Broken Arrow (OK) 6
- Pensacola Catholic 11, Claremore (OK) 0
- Bixby 13 (OK), W.S. Neal (AL) 1
- Yukon 10 (OK), Christ Presbyterian (TN) 0