Northview Gets 11-Inning Spring Break Shutout of T.R. Miller
March 18, 2026
The Northview Chiefs earned a Spring Break shutout 3-0 over T.R. Miller in 11 innings Tuesday night.
Jase Portwood earned the win for the Chiefs in relief, giving up three hits and no runs in four and two-thirds innings, while striking out four and walking three. Boutwell opened on the mound for NHS, surrendering five hits and no runs in six innings, striking out five and walking two.
Grayden Sheffield led Northview at the plate with two RBIs and was 1-5 on the night. Portwood led Northview in hits, going 2-4.
The Chiefs will enjoy the rest of Spring Break off before returning to acton of March 24 at West Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northwest Florida Congressman Patronis Speaks Out On Shutdown And TSA
March 18, 2026
Tuesday, Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis spoke out amid TSA staffing shortages and nationwide travel disruptions as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters its 32nd day.
“The American people shouldn’t be paying the price for Democrat dysfunction,” said Patronis. “TSA agents are being pushed to the brink, working without pay, struggling to make ends meet, and in some cases leaving their jobs. Travelers across the country are feeling the strain, from longer security lines to widespread flight delays. We need immediate action to fund DHS, support our frontline personnel, and restore stability to our nation’s skies.”
Patronis continued, ‘With uncertainty abroad, including threats from Iranian sleeper cells, Democrats are putting Americans’ safety at risk by using Homeland Security funding as a political bargaining tool. For over a month, essential personnel have continued to serve without pay. TSA agents are keeping our skies safe, the Coast Guard is defending our shores, and FEMA’s disaster preparedness remains uncertain, all while critical funding is stalled. This is neither sustainable nor responsible. Americans deserve better than a standstill when it comes to protecting our nation.”
THe Congressman said the shutdown has already made a significant impact, adding that:
- Over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and call-out rates have doubled during peak travel.
- As of Tuesday morning, 900+ flights were canceled and 2,600+ delayed.
- Strong winds across the Northeast, affecting roughly 34 million Americans, are worsening delays.
The Senate has not yet announced a date for the next vote on the DHS funding package.
Franklin Nelson “Frankie” Bell
March 18, 2026
Franklin Nelson “Frankie” Bell, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Atmore, Alabama, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Frankie was born in Century, FL on July 10, 1944. He was a devoted husband, father, and longtime football coach whose life was marked by dedication to his family, his community, and the many young athletes he mentored throughout his career.
Frankie was a graduate of Flomaton High School in Flomaton, Alabama, Class of 1962. As a senior, he was named to the 1961 All-State Football Team. After high school, he attended Mississippi State College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and proudly played football for the Bulldogs for all four years. He graduated with the Class of 1966.
Upon graduation, Frankie began his coaching and teaching career, from 1965-1968 in Talladega, Alabama. He later transferred to Haralson County High School, Tallapoosa Georgia, where he coached for six years (1968-1975) with the Rebels. He then came to Escambia County High School, in 1976. He remained a cornerstone of the Escambia County High School faculty and athletic program until 2005, finishing his career as Head Football Coach, as well as, contributing to the athletic program as the school’s tennis coach. During his tenure, Frankie and the coaching staff led the ECHS Blue Devils to a State Championship in 1983. Simultaneously, through his 39 years at ECHS, he was a part of the Summer Recreation Program until his retirement.
Throughout his years at Escambia County High School, he became known for his strong defensive teams, shutout games, and his deep appreciation for the athletes and students who came through the program. When asked in an article with The Atmore Advance during his retirement why he never left Escambia County, Frankie simply replied, “When you come to a place, it’s your home. This is still going to be my home. I never found a reason to go anywhere else.”
In retirement, Frankie cherished time spent with his family and rarely missed the opportunity to attend their extracurricular activities. Frankie also enjoyed caring for horses, a passion he had carried with him since his younger days. He took his love for coaching, and turned that into personal training as a Wellness Trainer with Poarch Creek Indians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Nelson Bell and Elvia “Inez” (Knowles) Bell.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 39 years, Althea Bell; children Michael Bell of Texas, Jeffrey (Kelley) Bell of Flomaton, Alabama, Holly (Jane) Bell of Atmore, Alabama, Brian (Emily) Bell of Walnut Hill, Florida, Brent Bell of Atmore, Alabama, and Brooke (Coty) Rolin of Poarch, Alabama; along with 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Colbert, Carl Ward, Raymond Robinson, Hank Lee, Tomorrion Barnes (T-Bone), and Ron Middleton.
Honorary pallbearers include former players, coaching colleagues, and faculty members who had the privilege of working alongside him and witnessing the lasting impact he made on generations of students and athletes.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. Interment to follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jonah McIntyre and Southern Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care given to Frankie during his illness.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Kaylee Sanspree and Melvin Middleton for their care and coordination before, during, and after Frankie’s passing.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martin “Buddy” Upshaw, Jr
March 18, 2026
Martin “Buddy” Upshaw, Jr., 80, of Pensacola, passed away Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.
He was born in St. George, SC on June 4, 1945 to Martin Upshaw, Sr. and Susan Thomas Upshaw. Buddy retired from NAS Pensacola flight line in 2000, he also worked at NADEP Pensacola after serving in the Air Force as a helicopter mechanic during Vietnam. He had a passion for working on cars, spending time at the drag strip, and sharing his knowledge of fixing things with his children.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Martin Upshaw, Sr. and Susan Upshaw.
He is survived by two sisters, Linda Tippin, and Pam (Kim) Huggins; two stepchildren from a previous marriage, Anissa Allen (Willie Gaines), Preston (Denise) Minton; children, Eric (Tammy) Rathburn, Janina Upshaw, Jennifer Pollmeier, and Janelle Schroeder (Chris Tucker); his beloved grandchildren, Kendra, Preston, Shelby, Xavier, Dustie, Raven, Jade, Paige, Drayton, Donovan, and Link; along with six great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews that he adored.
Pallbearers: Eric Rathburn, Preston Minton, Ryan Huggins, Drayton Schroeder, Chris Tucker, and Willie Gaines.
Aggie Classic Scores, Schedule
March 18, 2026
The 31st annual Harvesters Credit Union Aggie Classic is underway with teams from four states facing off across Pensacola
Here are scores through Tuesday night, along with the schedule for Wednesday.
Monday, March 16
- 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
Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
In their opening game of the Aggie Classic, the host Tate Aggies easily defeated Union (OK) 10-3 on Monday.
Nathan Connors earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, allowing one hit and two runs in two and two-thirds innings, recoding four strikeouts and walking six.
Connors led the Aggies at the plate with three RBIs as he went 2-3 on the night. Connor Dethlefs went 1-1 with two RBIs while Cade McNair added one.
Tuesday, March 17
- 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
Tate 5, Broken Arrow 2
On the second night of the Aggie Classic, the Tate Aggies defeated the Broken Arrow Tigers (OK) 5-2 on Tuesday.
Bryton McLellan earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, surrendering four hits and two runs in a complete game seven innings, striking out five and walking four.
Taylor went 2-3 at the plate for the Aggies, driving in two runs. Nathan Connors,s, Kannon Ham, and Cooper Halfacre each had one hit.
Wednesday, March 18
Tate High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Union, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Claremore, OK
Pace High School
7:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Yukon, OK
Catholic High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Broken Arrow, OK
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Bixby, OK
Healthcare Comes to Molino: New Clinic Aims to Bridge Service Gaps and Promote Wellness
March 17, 2026
A new medical clinic is now open in Molino.
Nurse practitioner Rachel Bradley says Molino is the perfect place to open her office. With no other medical facilities and no grocery store with limited access to fresh food, she said, “Molino has challenges when it comes to making good food choices which impacts the health of individuals.”
“With limited resources, Molino residents have to travel, and that’s a hardship, to Atmore or Pensacola,” she said. “I hope to help make a healthy impact on the community.”
She is working to be approved as a Medicare provider, and can provide a “super bill” to file private insurance. IV hydration is available on a cash basis, and patients of record have access to exercise equipment for a monthly fee.
Bradley Medical Clinic, located in the Farm Bureau Building, at 153 Highway 97, is open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments are preferred at (850) 977-0028.
A Pensacola native and longtime Molino resident, Bradley has dedicated nearly four decades to the healthcare field. Her career began in dentistry, where she advanced from a certified dental assistant to a registered dental hygienist after graduating from Pensacola Junior College. Transitioning into nursing, she earned her BSN from Pensacola State College and gained extensive experience as an RN in cardiac care, ICU, and labor and delivery units, as well as serving as a school health nurse.
In December 2020, Rachel earned her Master’s from the University of South Alabama as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is board-certified by the AANP and holds Autonomous Nurse Practitioner status in Florida, along with licensure in Iowa. Her recent professional work includes serving as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Deeply rooted in her community, Rachel and her husband of nearly 35 years, Scott, are active leaders at St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic churches.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Two Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Chase In Escambia County
March 17, 2026
Two people were arrested in Escambia County after deputies chased a vehicle stolen out of Port St. Lucie.
Last Thursday, a deputy was alerted by a license plate reader that a stolen vehicle was in the area. The deputy then spotted the vehicle, a white Nissan Versa, traveling westbound on Olive Road.
When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit began along Burgess Road. Deputies attempted a PIT maneuver, but it was unsuccessful. The driver then turned onto Born Drive, a dead-end street.
The ECSO said the driver traveled through the backyard of a residence, striking a child’s playhouse, before continuing into the wood line behind the property, where the vehicle eventually came to a stop.
Both the driver and passenger were given commands to exit the vehicle and were taken into custody without further incident.
The Sheriff’s Office said a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun, which had also been reported stolen out of Port St. Lucie, as well as a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver was identified as 29-year-old Michael Andre Peavy Jr., a convicted felon. He was charged with:
- fleeing and eluding
- grand theft of a motor vehicle
- grand theft of a firearm
- two counts of possession of a weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon
- felony criminal mischief
The passenger, 22-year-old Lilian McDaniel, was also arrested and charged with:
- possession of drug paraphernalia
- two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Just Below Or Near Freezing Temp Tonight
March 17, 2026
Tuesday night’s low will be near, or just below, freezing tonight across the North Escambia area. The more northern areas of the county near Alabama are expected to be around 30, but a few degrees warmer to the south near Cantonment.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody Is Retiring
March 17, 2026
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody is retiring after six years in the position.
His last official day will be on or about July 6, but he plans to use accrued leave with a last day in the office no earlier than May 26, which coincides with an ECUA board meeting. He expressed a willingness to help in the process to select his replacement.
“There is a time in every employee’s career to retire, and now is my time,” he told the board earlier this year after thanking ECUA employees and the board for a smooth time at the utility.
The search is underway for a new ECUA executive director, with a salary range of $195,000 to $256,880 annually. According to an online listing, the closing application date is April 15.
Pictured: ECUA Executive Director Bruck Woody address the Escambia County Legislative Delegation in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sixth Suspect In Atmore MLK Day Shooting Surrenders To Police
March 17, 2026
A sixth suspect has now been arrested in connection with a MLK Day shooting incident in Atmore.
Jovaughntai Henderson, 19, surrendered at the Atmore Police Department on charges of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle.
“Photos shown below depict Henderson wearing blue clothing and displaying a pistol-style rifle-caliber firearm on the night of the incident, shortly before the shooting occurred,” APD said Monday afternoon.
Atmore Police said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
A fifth suspect in the incident was recently arrested in Florida.
A U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emonee Demontaen Long (picturted left) recently on felony warrants from Atmore for felon in possession of a firearm and felony violation of probation on an original charge of discharging a gun into an occupied building. Once at the Walton County Jail, a large quantity of tobacco and spice were found hidden on his person, according to WCSO, and additional charges were filed for introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, felony possession of synthetic cannabis, possession of marijuana, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Four others were previously arrested and charged.
Jijavious Jadarrius Williams (first photo below, left) and Jitayvious Jamar Williams (first photo below, right), both from Baldwin County, were each charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, and one count of shooting into an occupied building.
Nathaniel Crenshaw (second photo below, left) was charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle. His brother, Tobijah Keimond Crenshaw (second photo below, right and bottom photo) was arrested during a traffic stop for two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and on count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle.
