Northview Chiefs Overpower J.U. Blacksher 12-2
March 10, 2026
The Northview Chiefs beat the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs (Uriah, Alabama) 12-2 on Monday night, in Bratt.
On the mound, Jack Boutwell earned the win for the Chiefs, giving up one hit and two unearned runs in five and one-third innings, walking two and striking out seven. Gauge Harrison went two-thirds of an inning in relief with no hits, no runs, and one strikeout.
At the plate, Grayden Sheffield went 2-3 for the Chiefs with one RBI. Harrison, Bryant Mason, Grayson Burns, Dane King, Easten Odom**,** and Jase Portwood each added one RBI.
Next up, Northview will host T.R. Miller on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Back-To-Back: Troy Wins 2026 Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Championship In Pensacola
March 10, 2026
Troy defeated Georgia Southern, 77-61, in the championship game of the 2026 Visit Pensacola Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Championship presented by Air Force Reserve on Monday evening at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Trojans punched a ticket to their fourth NCAA Tournament in program history and became the Sun Belt’s first back-to-back champions since Georgia State in 2018 and 2019. They will learn their seeding and regional destination during the NCAA Selection Show which will be televised nationally on CBS on Sunday, March 15 at 5 p.m. CT
Junior forward Thomas Dowd registered his 17th double-double of the season with a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting while adding three assists. He was named Sun Belt Tournament Most Outstanding Player as, senior forward Jerrell Bellamy added 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting to earn All-Tournament Team honors.
Troy shot 30-for-51 (.588) from the field, owned a 35-18 rebounding advantage and outscored Georgia Southern, 50-22, in the paint and 11-2 on second chances.
Georgia Southern scored the first basket of the game on a 3-pointer by graduate guard Tyren Moore, but Troy responded with eight-straight points capped by a transition basket in the paint from Bellamy.
Troy led for the remainder of the half and created its first double-digit lead of the night, 32-18, on a 10-2 scoring run capped by a 3-pointer off the hand of redshirt junior guard Cobi Campbell with 2:31 left before halftime. The Trojans shot 15-for-26 (.577) from the floor and outscored the Eagles, 26-8, in the paint whole holding them to just 8-for-26 (.308) shooting at the intermission.
Georgia Southern’s offense found a groove early in the second half, trimming its deficit to just four, 39-35, on a trey by graduate guard Jefferson Koulibaly with 16:07 to go.
Troy got the margin back to double digits, 49-39, on a Victor Valdes basket at the 12:34 mark. The advantage remained in double-digits for the rest of the night, as the Trojans shot 60 percent from the field in the second half.
James Madison Top Troy To Win Sun Belt Women’s Basketball Title In Pensacola
March 10, 2026
James Madison defeated Troy 69–52 on Monday afternoon to take the 2026 Visit Pensacola Sun Belt Women’s Basketball Championship title.
James Madison claimed its second title in four years, after winning their first tournament title in 2023. Earning the league’s auto bid James Madison will make its 14th NCAA tournament appearance.
Peyton McDaniel led the Dukes with a 28-point, 11-rebound, double-double, adding on four steals and four assists. A four-time Sun Belt All-Tournament Team honoree, McDaniel caps her Sun Belt tournament career being named the event’s Most Outstanding Player. The redshirt-senior averaged 25 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.0 assists per game through the Dukes three tournament games.
Teammate Ashanti Barnes was also named to the All-Tournament Team, producing a dominating 19-point, 10 rebound performances in the title game.
James Madison wasted little time taking control, opening the game on an 11–0 run fueled by McDaniel, who scored five of the Dukes’ first 11 points. The early surge forced Troy to burn a quick timeout as JMU set the tone on both ends of the floor.
The Trojans responded late in the first quarter. After falling behind by 14, Troy strung together a 6–0 run while the Dukes went cold offensively, trimming the deficit to single digits. James Madison still held a 20–12 lead heading into the second quarter.
A steal and full-court layup from Jackson pulled the Trojans within five, 23–18, and the momentum forced the Dukes to regroup as Troy threatened to cut the lead to just one possession midway through the quarter.
McDaniel halted the rally before halftime. The Dukes guard knocked down a deep three-pointer and followed it with a baseline layup, as the Dukes carried a four-point lead into the break.
James Madison seized control early in the third quarter scoring eight-straight points to start the half, pushing the Dukes’ advantage back to 14. The Trojans were unable to comeback and JMU maintained command, entering the fourth quarter with a 58–44 lead.
James Madison opened the fourth with eight-consecutive points, stretching the lead to 22. Troy made one last push, but the Dukes defense held for the 69-52 win.
James Madison enters the NCAA tournament with a 26-8 record overall. The team will learn of their March Madness opponent during the selection show on Sunday March, 15th at 7 p.m CT/ 8 p.m. ET.
Frank Michael Dellaccio
March 10, 2026
Frank Michael “Mike” Dellaccio, 72, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on March 6, 2026.
Mike was born on March 25, 1953, in Pensacola, Florida, to Joseph and Catherine Dellaccio. He became a resident of Atmore at the age of two and spent most of his life there. Mike attended Escambia County
schools, where he played both baseball and football, although baseball was always his favorite sport. In 1970, he met the love of his life, Diane Ardis, and the two shared a loving marriage for 53 years.
Mike began working at Elmore when he was just 16 years old. Throughout his adult life, he worked for several companies, including Sunbelt Chemical and Swift Lumber. He was known as a hardworking man
who took pride in providing for his family. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, but more than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Mike had a special gift for making people laugh and
bringing joy to those around him. His sense of humor and warm personality made every day brighter for the people who knew him.
Mike was a member of Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Atmore.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Dellaccio; his daughters Stephanie Skipper (John Skipper), Jennifer Rutherford (Christopher Rutherford), and Holly Young (Adam Young); and his six grandchildren,
Brooke Presley (Michael Hipa), Macey Jones, Adilyn Jones, Logan Young, Leah Young, and Lauren Young, all of Atmore.
He is also survived by his four great-grandchildren, Kinnedy McCarthy, Kyndall McCarthy, Tracen Hipa, and Teelen Hipa.
Additional survivors include his brothers Douglas Dellaccio of Birmingham and Joseph Dellaccio of New Orleans, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Dellaccio Sr.; his mother, Catherine Dellaccio; and his sister, JoAnn Pugh (“Sissy”).
Mike will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his ability to make others laugh. His presence brought joy to those around him, and he will be deeply missed by all who
knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the American Lung Association and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Southern Care Hospice.
Brenda Mae Simmons Wiggins
March 10, 2026
Brenda Mae Simmons Wiggins, 75, of McDavid, FL, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Pensacola, FL. Brenda was born on June 30, 1950, to Charlie Alexander Simmons and Verna Mae Darby.
Brenda was a seamstress with Vanity Fair and enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren. She was lovingly known as “Crazy Silly Nana”.
She attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and loved fellowship and cooking at church.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Jerry Darnell Wiggins; and siblings, Billy Simmons, Wade Simmons, Linda Findley, and Clyde Simmons.
She is survived by her son, Randy Wiggins of McDavid, FL; daughters, Alicia Wiggins (Tony Godwin) of Brewton, AL, Sherry Wiggins (Kenneth) Roley of Davisville, FL; her brother, David Simmons of Jay, FL; and her sister, Patricia “Patsy” (Arthur) Harrington of Louisiana. Brenda is also survived by seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tyler Roley officiating.
Interment will follow at Crary Memorial Cemetery in McDavid, FL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Gallery)
March 9, 2026
The 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century on Monday morning before continuing to Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line on a foggy morning. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Town Hall with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Additional legs of the run were scheduled for later in the day in the southern half of the county with the ECSO and other law enforcement agencies.
Each year, over 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the state carry the flame to the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The torch will travel over 1,500 miles, through Florida’s 67 counties to the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games with the law enforcement “Guardians of the Flame.”
Pictured: The 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century on Monday morning and continued south in Escambia County. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Train Strikes Vehicle At Cantonment Crossing Sunday Night
March 9, 2026
A train struck a vehicle Sunday night in Cantonment.
For an unknown reason, the passenger car was on the railroad tracks on Highway 95A at East Kingsfield Road when it was struck by a CSX train around 11:05 p.m., pushing the car away from the crossing.
First responders arrived to find no one in or around the vehicle, and a search of the area did not find anyone from the vehicle. There were no injuries to the train crew.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Photos by Kristi Barbour and submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County (AL) Woman Charged with Murder in Shooting Death Of 27-Year-Old Woman
March 9, 2026
An Escambia County, Alabama, woman has been charged with murdering another woman late last week.
Renotta Renee Seltzer was booked into the Escambia County (AL)Detention Center without bond charged with the shooting death of 27-year-old Anasty Brown on McGougin Road near Brewton.
Sheriff Heath Jackson said Seltzer confessed to murder.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office investigation continues.
Cadets Attend First Combined Area NJROTC Military Ball
March 9, 2026
Cadets from across the county traded their uniforms for dress blues as Northview High School joined four other area units for the first-ever combined NJROTC Military Ball at the NAS Pensacola Officers’ Club
Members of the Northview, Pine Forest, Washington, Escambia, and West Florida programs celebrated an evening of tradition and camaraderie, marking a historic milestone for the local corps.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Rain Today, Wednesday Night Cold Front On The Way
March 9, 2026
The next few days in the North Escambia area will feature a warm-up with highs reaching the lower 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday. While Monday and Wednesday afternoons carry a slight risk of a stray shower, the most significant weather arrives Wednesday night as a strong cold front brings a high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Once the front clears, Thursday will be noticeably cooler and breezy, leading into a clear and pleasant stretch of sunshine for the upcoming weekend.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers after 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 54. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.