WFHS Jag John Hatch Signs With Baptist University Of Florida
May 20, 2026
West Florida High School’s John Hatch of Molino signed on Tuesday to continue his academic and baseball career with the Baptist University of Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Airport Receives $9 Million Grant To Fund Terminal Modernization
May 20, 2026
Pensacola International Airport has been awarded a $9 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP).
The award was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration as part of the fifth and final round of the ATPm to modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and strengthen the passenger experience at airports across the country.
The grant will support the continued expansion and modernization of Pensacola International Airport’s terminal facilities, specifically funding the expansion of the airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint.
The project will add approximately 8,400 square feet of new space, expand the checkpoint to six screening lanes, improve passenger queuing areas, construct additional restrooms, and modernize critical baggage handling infrastructure to enhance the family travel experience.
“This investment is transformational for Pensacola International Airport and for the future of air travel in our region,” said Matt Coughlin, the airport’s Executive Director. “Our community continues to experience tremendous growth, and this funding allows us to accelerate critical infrastructure improvements that will enhance the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and position PNS for the next generation of growth. We’re incredibly grateful to the FAA and our congressional delegation for their continued support of our region’s infrastructure.”
The checkpoint expansion project is a key component of PNS’s larger Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program, which ultimately will deliver expanded passenger capacity, improved amenities, enhanced accessibility features, upgraded infrastructure, and future gate expansion opportunities to support continued air service development.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said news of the grant award is a testament to the dedication of the Airport team and to partners at the federal level who advocated for our community.
“This grant program is the best opportunity to have less burden on bonds and on the airport passengers,” Reeves said. “Receiving these grant dollars ultimately helps keep costs low, and that’s what’s made Pensacola so competitive. The fact that we are able to get this funding does have a bottom-line impact to the users of our airport. We’re very grateful to everybody involved.”
U.S. Rep Jimmy Patronis, who is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, praised the grant as an investment in a vital economic asset in Northwest Florida.
“When we invest in transportation infrastructure, we support jobs, strengthen our economy, and create opportunities for growth,” Patronis said. “I’m proud to help bring this $9 million investment home to Pensacola.”
Construction on the checkpoint is planned to begin at the end of 2026.
The New Nine Mile Road Costco Has A Grand Opening Date
May 19, 2026
An opening date has been announced for the highly anticipated Costco on Nine Mile Road, and it’s just over a month away.
The new warehouse store at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of Chemstrand Road, is set to open at 8 a.m. on June 25. The 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 830 parking spaces was approved by Escambia County and construction started at the beginning of the year.
In April, the company listed numerous jobs available at the store. Now, those employees will soon start stocking the store and making final preparations for the big opening day.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco is expected to start selling memberships location outside the store before grand opening day.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive: $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star: $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Pictured: The Costco store in Montgomery, Alabama. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cliff Masaitis From Walnut Hill Bus Garage Recognized As Employee Of The Quarter
May 19, 2026
The Escambia County School District Transportation Department recently recognized Cliff Masaitis as the Garage Employee of the Quarter for his exceptional service and dedication to Escambia County Public Schools over the past 23 years.
Masaitis works at the Walnut Hill Bus Garage.
The transportation department said:
“Cliff is known for consistently going above and beyond in his role. He is a dependable and hardworking employee who takes pride in ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. No matter how busy he may be, Cliff always makes time to assist bus drivers, answer questions, and provide support whenever it’s needed.
His willingness to help in any situation and his commitment to getting the job done make him an invaluable part of the team. Cliff’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dedication to his coworkers have earned him the respect and appreciation of everyone he works with.
He truly embodies what it means to be a team player—always stepping in, going the extra mile, and making sure things happen when they need to. Cliff is an all-around outstanding employee and coworker.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
May 19, 2026
Northview High School has named their Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian.
They are valedictorian Braylan Hope Shelly and salutatorian Ayden Brice Crabtree.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
County Shifting Gears On Design Contract For $10 Million Century Shelter Project
May 19, 2026
A multimillion-dollar federal grant will bring a brand-new emergency community shelter to Century, and the Escambia County Commission is expected to make a decisive pivot this week on the project’s architectural firm.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is slated to officially award a $611,840 architectural design contract to Montgomery-based firm Seay, Seay and Litchfield, P.C. during its meeting on Thursday. The contract covers the design of the new Century Community Shelter, which will be constructed at 720 Hecker Road — using the “bones” of the the former Century High School gymnasium.
The milestone follows an earlier, vital step in the project’s development. In November 2025, the county commission approved a separate $1,182,900 contract with QSC Services, LLC to provide owner’s representative alongside construction, engineering, and inspection (CEI) services, ensuring strict oversight for the multi-million dollar transformation.
While funding has remained secure, the road to securing a design firm required a sudden pivot. The county originally entered formal contract talks with top-ranked Jacobs Engineering Inc. after advertising the project in January 2026. However, after six extensive negotiation sessions reached a complete standstill, a county selection committee voted on April 27, 2026, to abruptly terminate talks and pivot to the second-ranked firm, Seay, Seay and Litchfield of Montgomery.
For more photos from our October 2025 tour, click here.
County staff hammered out a final deal with the new firm after just one round of negotiations on April 30, 2026, securing a “Best and Final Offer” of $611,840 for all design services.
The upcoming vote on May 21 will officially authorize County Administrator Wesley Moreno to execute the design contract and issue the formal purchase order so blueprints can be drafted. The agreement has already cleared local legal hurdles, receiving sign-off from the county attorney.
Preserving “Good Bones”
Built in 1960 out of steel, concrete, and solid brick, the former Century High Blackcats gym has spent years being ravaged by time and vandals. Despite heavy interior damage, officials note the building remains remarkably resilient.
“It has good bones,” Century Mayor Ben Boutwell noted during a walkthrough last year. “With a steel frame and solid brick and concrete construction, it will make a good shelter.”
County staff indicated that the building’s structural integrity appears stout enough to meet strict hurricane shelter ratings, which a structural engineer will formally verify. The finalized plans will convert the building into a fortified complex featuring an expansive multipurpose area for community meetings, shelter space, and indoor youth sports. It will also feature a full kitchen and a heavy-duty emergency generator.
The property originally belonged to Pensacola State College, which deeded the gym over to Escambia County at no cost following an environmental study. While the existing football field will be preserved for youth sports, the old remaining bleachers and a press box—severely damaged during a 2016 tornado—will be removed for safety reasons.
Pictured:Town and county officials toured the old Century High School gym in November 2025. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hospital Parking Lot Wreck Leaves Man Dead
May 19, 2026
A motorist died Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in a local hospital parking lot.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 4:06 p.m. at West Florida Hospital on North Davis Highway.
State troopers reported that a silver sedan driven by a 48-year-old Pensacola man was traveling westbound within the hospital parking lot near the emergency room. The driver failed to negotiate a turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb, a sign, and a junction box.
“The driver of the sedan was subsequently pronounced deceased at the nearby hospital,” FHP said.
Troopers did not say if a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.
File photo.
Sunshine Before Showers: Warm Week Ahead Leads To Unsettled Holiday Weekend
May 19, 2026
Warm sunshine will dominate the first part of the week before a return of humid conditions brings a daily chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms just in time for the upcoming holiday weekend. Afternoon highs will remain steady in the mid to upper 80s, while overnight lows gradually warm from the upper 60s into the lower 70s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Memorial Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Non-profit Gifts Fishing Rods To Century Youth To Close Outreach Program
May 19, 2026
The non-profit Extra Mile Club Straight Up Soul Train Club closed its Friday-only outreach program at Century Woods Apartments by gifting fishing rods to 25 youth.
The youth also enjoyed pizza on Friday afternoon at the apartment complex’s playground.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Professor Awarded Patent For Early Alzheimer’s Detection Tech
May 19, 2026
Dr. James Arruda, professor of psychology at the University of West Florida, has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for an electroencephalographic, or EEG, platform capable of detecting mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s dementia, a milestone that brings a non-invasive, accessible early-detection tool one step closer to clinical use.
The allowed patent covers the Flash Visual Evoked Potential-P2, or FVEP-P2, platform, which Dr. Arruda developed and refined over the course of his research career. The technology measures the speed at which the brain responds to brief flashes of light, a response that is selectively delayed in patients with the type of mild cognitive impairment that often precedes Alzheimer’s disease. This neurophysiological marker may allow clinicians to detect abnormalities years before cognitive symptoms appear. Unlike diagnostic approaches such as positron emission tomography, or PET, imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, the EEG-based platform uses widely available clinical equipment and offers a non-invasive, lower-cost alternative for identifying patients who may be at risk.
“This Notice of Allowance brings us closer to giving clinicians a tool that is less expensive, more accessible and less invasive than the current standard for early Alzheimer’s detection,” Arruda said.
Alzheimer’s disease is typically diagnosed after symptoms are already present, limiting the effectiveness of available treatments. With the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the first disease-modifying therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease, the need for accessible tools that can identify patients earlier in the disease process has become increasingly urgent. Dr. Arruda’s newly patented platform offers a non-invasive, cost-effective method to enable earlier detection and intervention, potentially slowing disease progression and improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.
In 2022, UWF entered a licensing agreement with BIOPAC Systems Inc., a California-based biomedical research company, to support continued development of the FVEP-P2 platform and potential commercialization of the technology to be used in primary care practices, memory clinics, neurology offices and more. The agreement marked UWF’s third licensing agreement and a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to translate faculty research into real-world solutions, with the newly allowed patent representing another critical step toward advancing the technology as a scalable clinical or research tool.
“The FVEP-P2 developed by Dr. Arruda is a significant innovation that allows non-intrusive detection of early cognitive declines,” said Jerry Lin, associate vice president of Research Administration and Engagement. “This is a unique technical advancement with commercialization potential that will benefit many patients in need and substantially reduce the medical costs associated with treating cognitive impairments.”
Initial clinical trials conducted at Brown University produced results supporting continued development. With the patent now allowed and clinical work continuing, Dr. Arruda and BIOPAC are preparing for pre-submission with the FDA on the regulatory pathway toward clinical deployment, a process that may be expedited by the fact that the underlying EEG hardware is already an established, FDA-cleared medical device.
“BIOPAC is proud to continue working alongside Dr. Arruda and the University of West Florida to advance this promising technology toward clinical use,” said Frazer Findlay, CEO of BIOPAC Systems, Inc. “The patent allowance marks an important milestone in the commercialization process, and as we move into the next phase of development and engage with the FDA, we remain focused on bringing this innovative diagnostic tool to clinicians and, ultimately, to the patients who could benefit from earlier intervention.”
For Dr. Arruda, the patent represents the culmination of decades of research, clinical investigation and collaboration aimed at developing a more accessible approach to detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages. As the technology advances toward regulatory review and potential clinical deployment, the milestone marks both a significant professional achievement and a promising step toward bringing the platform from the research lab to the patients and clinicians it was designed to serve.
“I have been studying this particular brain response for the past 29 years,” Arruda said. “It is gratifying to know that my work has contributed to the scientific and medical community’s understanding of information processing in general, and that it may also prove clinically useful to those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia.”
Photo by UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.