Escambia Lowers OLF-8 Selling Price By $14 Million, Keeps 171 Acres For Job Creation
March 27, 2026
The Escambia County Commission voted on Thursday to revise a purchase contract for the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road, keeping about one-third of acreage while lowering the purchase price.
Last year, the Escambia County Commissioners approved the $42.5 million sale of 540 acres of OLF-8 to Tri-W Development and Chad C. Henderson Enterprises of Pensacola.
The county will keep about 171 acres and lower the purchase price to $28,429,000, which is a $14,071,000 reduction.
Henderson said the plan will create a partnership with the county, giving it more control of job creation in an Employment Technology Innovation (ETI) District. He said the county is in a position to secure funding, grants, or even Triumph money.
The county commissioner voted 4-0 on Thursday, with Commissioner Mike Kohler voice support, but abstained from voting due to a previous campaign contribution from developers during a fundraiser just two days before the meeting.
“It’s not about a price reduction,” Henderson said during Thursday’s commission meeting “It’s not about because we don’t want to buy the 171 acres or we bit off more than we can chew. This is about curated approach to make sure we a have the best chance to have the successful outcomes.”
Once the official purchase agreement is revised, it will return to the commission for final consideration.
Escambia County Takes First Step Toward Tax Break For West Fraser Sawmill Expansion
March 27, 2026
The Escambia County Commission has taken the first step towards providing a tax break for the West Fraser sawmill in McDavid.
On Thursday, the commission voted to schedule a public hearing for May 7 to consider an ordinance to establish an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) for West Fraser.
What’s an EDATE?
An Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) under Florida law provides that new and expanding businesses may be exempted from ad valorem taxation.
Exemptions may be granted to eligible new or expanding businesses for up to 100% of the assessed value of all improvements to real property made by or for the use of the new or expanding business and tangible personal property of such business for a period of up to 10 years. Applications for exemptions shall be considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis for each application, after consideration of the Property Appraiser’s report on that application.
On June 8, 2023, the county commission adopted a resolution supporting the expansion and agreed to consider West Fraser’s forthcoming EDATE application. On February 23, 2026, West Fraser submitted an EDATE application for the assessed value of certain improvements to real property and tangible personal property located at 401 Champion Drive, off Highway 29 in McDavid.
What will the tax break cost the county?
It’s estimated the county could lose $70,252,000 in taxable real property and $3.4 million in tangible personal property.
Combined, that would result in a decrease of $590,969 in taxes for the county during the current fiscal year.
What will West Fraser do, and how many jobs?
According to West Fraser, the company will provide 30 additional full-time jobs while making $70,252,000 in capital improvements to the facility in McDavid.
The $70 million investment is planned for nearly $28 million in year one, $20.5 million in year two, $13.4 million in year three, and $8.3 million in year four.
The production jobs will have an average annual salary of $49,920 with a gross annual payroll of $10.7 million, according to paperwork West Fraser filed with Escambia County.
What happens next?
The Escambia County Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed EDATE exemption and consider a final ordinance at 5:31 p.m. on May 7, 2026.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Easter Egg Drop Are Saturday In Molino
March 27, 2026
The Blue Jacket Jamboree returns to Molino on Saturday at the Escambia County 4-H Property.
Running from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., this family-friendly event, hosted by the Northview FFA Alumni & Friends, promises a day filled with entertainment, agriculture, and lots of family fun.
The Jamboree will feature vendors offering a variety of crafts, and local goods. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, organized by Cruisers’ Unlimited. Kids will love the free egg drop (bring your own basket), and an egg scramble for kids age 5 and under.
A kids’ play zone will open until 2 p.m. with bounce houses and other activities with a $5 wristband.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree celebrates Northview FFA’s dedication to agricultural education and youth development, bringing together the community for a fun and educational experience.
Admission and parking are free. The Escambia County 4-H Property is located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino, just south of Molino Road.
In conjunction with the Jamboree, the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show will be taking place Friday and Saturday. Click here for more information.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sarah Mitchell Throws No-Hitter, Morris Homers As Tate Beats Escambia 20-0
March 27, 2026
Tate 20, Escambia 0
Sarah Mitchell pitched a no-hitter as the Tate Lady Aggies destroyed the Escambia Gators 20-0 on Thursday night at Escambia.
Brelynn Morris hit a two-run home run to left field as the Aggies took an early 4-0 lead in the top of the first. Tate scored 10 runs in the top of the fourth on the way to the mercy rule win.
Mitchell, a sophomore, struck out nine and walked just one in four innings in the circle. Mitchell and Ke’Anna Smith each had three hits for the Lady Aggies. Carmen Morris and Brelynn Morris each added two. The Aggies recorded nine walks.
Friday night, the Tate Lady Aggies will host the Jay Royals in Cantonment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grand Jury Indicts Mother In Death Of Malnourished 5-Year-Old Found Dead In Bay
March 27, 2026
The woman accused of murdering her 5-year-old son before throwing his body into Perdido Bay has been indicted.
On Thursday, an Escambia County grand jury indicted Jalynda Karie Smith on the charges of first degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The boy, found dead in a trash bag, was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report. Smith was arrested just a few hours later.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellphone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Top photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Celebrates Senior Night With 3-1 Win Over Destin
March 27, 2026
The Northview Chiefs celebrated senior night with a 3-1 win over the visiting Destin Sharks.
Starting pitcher Grayson Burns earned the win for the Chiefs, surrendering four hits and one unearned rn in five and two-thirds innings, while striking out nine and walking one. Bryant Mason pitched one and one-third innings with no hits and no runs, walking two and striking out three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Jase Portwood led Northview at the plate with two RBIs, while Dane King went 2-.
Before the game, the Chiefs honored this year’s seniors:
- Jack Boutwell
- Jackson Bridges
- Luke Chavers
- Cole Davis
- Brayden Gindl
- Gauge Harrison
- Dane King
- Bryant Mason
- Same Reid
- Grayden Sheffield
NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hubbard and Sappington Combine for Eight Goals As Tate Lacrosse Overpowers PHS
March 27, 2026
The Tate Aggies girls lacrosse team earned a dominant 12-4 road victory over the Pensacola High Tigers on Thursday,.
The Aggies established control early, ending the first half with a narrow 3-2 lead. However, Tate broke the game open in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 9-2 to seal the win.
The Aggies’ offense was led by seniors Taelyn Hubbard and Tori Sappington, who each found the back of the net four times. Hubbard added an assist to finish with a team-high five points. Junior Kira Bigalow also had a multi-goal performance with two scores and an assist. Other goals were contributed by I. McNeill and Trinity Torres.
Defensively, the Aggies were anchored by sophomore Ashlee Edgar, who recorded four saves to limit the Tigers’ scoring opportunities. Tate’s aggressive play was reflected in their 29 shots on goal compared to Pensacola High’s limited offensive production.
The victory marks a season sweep for Tate over the Tigers, following a 16-2 win earlier in February.
Up next, the Aggies will travel to Milton on Monday.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Womack And Day Homer As Northview Falls At Pace
March 27, 2026
Pace 10, Northview 3
The Northview Lady Chiefs dropped a road contest to Pace 10-3 on Thursday night.
Mikayla McAnally went for five innings in the circle, allowing five hits and seven runs (three earned), walking one and striking out four. Peyton Womack pitched one inning, surrendering two hits and three runs, walking one.
Peyton Womack had a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning to right field. In the seventh inning, Daviona Randolph hit a solo home run to left field.
McAnally, Womack, and Daviona Randolph each had one hit and one RBI, while Riley Brooks added one hit.
Northview will host Milton at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Sunny, About 85 Friday; A Little Cooler On Saturday
March 27, 2026
Expect a warm Friday before a breezy cold front ushers in a sunny and cooler Saturday. Sunday remains pleasant with filtered sunshine and highs in the lower 70s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Gradual clearing, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72. East wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
ECSO Locates Missing Teen Last Seen At Milestone Park
March 26, 2026
UPDATE: THIS MISSING TEEN HAS BEEN LOCATED.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was searching early Thursday morning for a missing endangered teen lass seen at Milestone.
Adrian Zane Robertson, 14, was last seen about 7 p.m. Wednesday near the basketball courts at Milestone Park on Nine Mile Road.
He was wearing a dark blue zip-up jacket, light blue shorts with stripes, and red tennis shoes. He is 6 feet tall, has black hair, and wears glasses.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.