Beulah Academy Honored At State FFA Convention
June 22, 2026
The Beulah Academy FFA Chapter received several honors at the 98th Florida State FFA Convention & Expo last week in Orlando, bringing home multiple top finishes in state-level competitions.
The academy’s Floriculture Team earned a fourth-place finish in the state. Team member Aubree Jones accepted the honors on stage on behalf of the squad, which also includes Luci Graham, Trinity Mangan, Mallory Mahoney, and Madi Heckman.
In addition to the team success, Beulah Academy reached the top of the podium in the State Agriscience Fair competition. Kinsleigh Robinson and Colton Howell captured first place for their division.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over the next few days, NorthEscambia.com will publish stories and photos from other North Escambia area schools that took part in the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
David Allen McGhee
June 22, 2026
Mr. David Allen McGhee, age 65, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Born on January 15, 1961, in Orlando, Florida, David was the son of Maxine McGhee Lassiter. He spent his life enjoying the simple pleasures that brought him happiness and cherished the time he spent with family and friends.
David worked in telecommunications and was known as a hardworking man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to others. He enjoyed riding his bicycle, spending time outdoors, sitting by the creek, hunting, fishing, riding three-wheelers, and gathering around bonfires with family and friends. He had a listening ear, a contagious laugh, and a great sense of humor that earned him a reputation as a true jokester. Those who knew David will remember his kindness, generosity, and the joy he brought to those around him.
He attended several churches throughout his life, cherished his faith in Jesus and loved his family.
David was preceded in death by his brother, Gary McGhee; his nephew, Joey McGhee; and his stepfather, Russell Lassiter.
He is survived by his mother, Maxine Lassiter of Atmore, Alabama; his children, Adam (Jennifer) McGhee of Stafford, Virginia, Brooke (Joshua) Turner of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Anna-Lisa (Brian) Huskey of Spanish Fort, Alabama and Cameron (Kaley) McGhee of Winnie, Texas his brothers, Rusty (Sonya) Lassiter of Atmore, Alabama, and Randy Lassiter of Ohatchee, Alabama; uncles, Larry (Robin) Bailey, William (Cheryl) Bailey; his aunts, Kathy (Joe) Ledkins, Cecilia (Rodney) Sanspree; and his beloved grandchildren:
Madilyn McGhee, Samuel McGhee, Abigail McGhee, Joshua McGhee, Margaret McGhee and Sarah McGhee, Emma-Catherine Turner, Elizabeth Turner, Rutherford Turner, Elli Cooper Turner, McGhee Turner, Mary-Caroline Turner, Anna-Jane Huskey, Baker Huskey, Lawton Wilder McGhee, Schaefer Camryn McGhee, Bodie Lee McGhee, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the chapel of Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Sister Helen Stewart and Brother Richard Daniels officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Timmy Bailey, Billy Bailey, Steven Ledkins, Randy Fretwell, Jr., Clint Lassiter, and Larry Bailey, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Rolin, David Kirby, William Bailey, Larry Bailey Sr., and Randy Fretwell.
Interment will follow in New Home Cemetery.
David’s memory will live on through the many lives he touched with his laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for family and friends.
Tonette Sheree Paternoster
June 22, 2026
Tonette Sheree Paternoster, age 69, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026. She was born on September 16, 1956, in Atmore, AL.
Tonette lived a life marked by kindness, service, and unwavering faith. She loved serving others, especially her customers at Scenic 90 Café and Skopelos on the Bay, many of whom became dear friends over the years. She cherished her intercessory prayer partners and held them close to her heart. Tonette found joy in studying the Word of God, camping, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. One of the greatest highlights of her life was traveling to Israel and touring the Holy Land, an experience she treasured deeply.
Even throughout her nine‑year battle with cancer, Tonette never lost her faith in Jesus. She continued to share His love, His hope, and His Word with everyone she met. Her strength, grace, and steadfast spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Tonette is survived by her sister Angela Dawn Gaddis, two daughters; Jennifer Crawford Rezek (Sean Rezek) and Wendy Crawford (John Neely) her grandchildren Christian Rezek (Savannah), Jacob Suskie (Elise), Juliana Roberts (Josh), Emily Grace, and Ansley Rezek; her great‑grandchildren Baker and Banks Roberts and her life partner Rodric (Rowdy) Jones.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Luverne Paternoster, and her grandparents, Freeman Dockens and Maggie Burkett Dockens.
Celebration of Life for Tonette will be held on
Saturday, June 27th, at 11:00 a.m.
Farm Hill Fellowship Church
1251 Muscogee Rd Cantonment, FL 32533
Tonette will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her deep love for her family, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
Vehicle Strikes Dollar General In Cantonment
June 21, 2026
A vehicle collided with a Cantonment Dollar General store Saturday evening.
The incident happened about 7:20 p.m. at the Dollar General on Highway 29 at Neal Road. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into the front wall of the store.
The driver sustained minor injuries. There were no other injuries reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
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Escambia Commission Joins Lawsuit Against Clerk Childers Over Blocked Donations
June 21, 2026
The Escambia County Commission has voted to join a lawsuit against Clerk of Courts Pam Childers, escalating a legal battle over who holds final authority over county tax dollars.
The 3-1 vote brings the county into an existing lawsuit filed by two local nonprofits—First Tee Gulf Coast and the Warrington Emergency Aid Center—after Childers refused to release two checks totaling $7,000 in board-approved community impact grants allocated by Commissioner Lumon May. Under longstanding county practice, each of the five commissioners is allocated $50,000 annually in discretionary funds to distribute to local organizations.
While commissioners maintain they have the sole legislative power to decide how public funds are allocated, Childers argues her constitutional duty as county auditor requires her to independently vet individual payments to ensure they serve a valid public purpose.
Alex Andrade, the attorney representing the two nonprofits, explained during the meeting that because the litigation directly challenges the county’s 1985 ordinance governing these charitable donations, state law mandates the county be involved in the case. Andrade advised the board that joining voluntarily as co-plaintiffs would allow them to actively defend their spending authority, rather than being dragged into the suit later as defendants.
The board conditioned its involvement on an agreement that they will not seek personal financial damages against Childers if she loses the case.
Commissioners Mike Kohler, Steve Stroberger, and Lumon May voted in favor, stating a judge needs to permanently clarify the boundaries between commission appropriations and clerk oversight. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that property taxes should fund local infrastructure rather than charitable groups or lawsuits. Commissioner Steven Barry was absent.
“I am not going to sue to say that take property tax dollars that we require people to pay,” “and then turn around and give them to whatever charity we think is the best one. We have people begging for property tax reform, and we are going to turn around and sue to give that money away? Instead of building sidewalks, putting in cameras, or anything else we could be doing. That is absolutely freaking ridiculous.”
“This is about political theater,” Commissioner Mike Kohler said, after noting that Childers made the payments over over 12 years before refusing. “I don’t even know how this is normal accounting practices where you do something for 12 years, and then you just decide that you are not going to do it. It does not make any common sense to me.”
Tate High FFA Chapter Earns Multiple State Awards At Annual Convention
June 21, 2026
Forty-one members of the Tate High School FFA chapter traveled to Orlando last week to showcase their agricultural expertise and leadership at the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo. The week concluded with numerous individual accolades, state championships, and premier chapter recognition for the Tate FFA.
Among the highest individual honors, six seniors received their State FFA Degrees: Raevyn Aldridge, AT Bridgers, Maegan Coleman, Taelyn Hubbard, Miller Richards, and Madison Wise. Additionally, Christian Hollingsworth and Ellen Rigby were awarded the American FFA Degree, the highest credential bestowed by the National FFA Organization.
Tate FFA was also recognized collectively on the state stage, earning designation as a Premier FFA Chapter and receiving Florida’s Finest recognition through the National Chapter Award Program.
In individual and team competitive events, several students secured top finishes across the state:
- Aquaculture: Henry Merritt, Aden Bailey, Luke Graham, and Daniel Aldridge were crowned State Champions. Henry Merritt also earned High Individual honors for the event.
- Environmental Science: Luke Graham, Parker White, Daniel Aldridge, and Henry Merritt placed second in the state.
- Farm and Agribusiness Management: William Mason, Lucas Jones, Hailey McVoy, and Isabella Towns secured a fifth-place finish.
- Agriculture Education: Madison Wise placed fifth individually in the state.
- Prepared Public Speaking: Maegan Coleman represented the chapter as a state participant.
In the Proficiency Award categories, which recognize outstanding student achievement in specialized agricultural career areas, Rieslin Colvin was named the State Winner in Veterinary Science. Katie Byrd was recognized as a Top 4 Finalist in Agricultural Services, and Ava Atiyeh was named a Top 4 Finalist in Equine Placement.
Beyond competitions, members actively supported the convention’s operations. Daniel Aldridge, Luke Graham, Noah Jacobs, and Henry Merritt served as volunteers in the Courtesy Corps, assisting with general sessions and competitive event halls.
Luke Graham, who serves as the Tate FFA Chapter President, was elected by his peers to serve as the District 1 Secretary for the 2026-2027 year.
Over the next few days, NorthEscambia.com will bring stories and photos from other North Escambia area school that took part in the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flood Warnings Continue For Escambia And Perdido Rivers
June 21, 2026
Flood warnings continue for the Escambia and Perdido rivers in North Escambia.
Escambia River
A flood warning continues until further notice for the Escambia River.
At 9 p.m. Saturday, the stage of the Escambia River at Century was 19 feet Flood state is 17 feet, and at 19 feet, low lying pastures will flood.
The river will rise to 19.8 feet Sunday evening. It will then fall to 19.3 feet Tuesday morning. It will rise to 19.5 feet early Wednesday afternoon. It will then fall again but remain above flood stage.
Perdido River
A flood warning continues for the Perdido River until Monday evening.
At 9 p.m. Saturday, the stage of the Perdido River at Barrineau Park was 17.8 feet. Flood stage is 13.0 feet.
The river is expected to fall below flood stage Monday afternoon and continue falling to 7.7 feet Thursday evening.
At 14.0 feet, water begins to flood the bridge roadway and Florida side of bridge. The Barrineau Park Road (Highway 196) bridge is closed on the Florida side at South Highway 99 and closed on the Alabama side at Highway 112.
I-10 Westbound Ramp To Davis Highway Closed Nights Through Thursday
June 21, 2026
The I-10 westbound off ramp at Davis Highway (Exit 13) will be periodically closed during Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
During the closures, I-10 westbound drivers will be detoured via Interstate 110 southbound and Airport Boulevard to N. Davis Highway. Law enforcement will be on site, and flaggers will be present to direct drivers through the work zone.
Additionally, drivers are reminded that there may be intermittent I-10 lane closures between U.S. 29 to Davis Highway (Exit 13) for roadway construction.
These activities are a part of the $7.4 million resurfacing project on I-10 from U.S. 29 to Davis Highway (Exit 13) that also includes guardrail installation, stormwater management enhancements, and new signing and pavement markings. This project is scheduled for completion later this summer.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview 4-H Club Donates Food, Recipes To Escambia County Program
June 21, 2026
The Northview 4-H Club recently donated bags of food to the Escambia County expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
The donation also included recipes for using the food. EFNEP will distribute the food and recipes at sites countywide.
EFNEP is a free program for youth and families with limited resources. It is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and managed by the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
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Rain For Sunday, Dry By Monday
June 21, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.