Hernández’s Homer Not Enough In 7-1 Wahoos Loss
July 2, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saw their four-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday, falling 7-1 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Cristian Hernández opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo homer, but that would be one of only three hits mustered by the Pensacola offense on the night. Ryan Costeiu (W, 6-4) worked 6.0 solid innings, allowing two hits and striking out five, in a dominant start for the Trash Pandas.
Rocket City ambushed Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams (L, 4-7) in the home half of the first inning, as Nick Rodriguez doubled and came in on a Jake Munroe RBI single. Back-to-back RBI doubles from Caleb Bartolero and Jake Thompson with two outs in the inning put the Trash Pandas ahead 3-1.
Neither team scored again until the bottom of the seventh, when the Trash Pandas loaded the bases against Jack Sellinger. Tucker Flint was hit by a pitch to force in a run, and Thompson lashed a two-run single that ended up emptying the bases thanks to a throwing error from third baseman Juan Matheus. Thompson, who played for the Blue Wahoos from 2023-25 and was recently signed by the Angels out of independent ball, was 2-for-3 with three RBI in his Trash Pandas debut.
Blake Weiman, Chris Cortez and Luke Murphy finished off the Blue Wahoos with an inning each of scoreless relief from the Trash Pandas bullpen.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Thursday night.
Doyle Wayne Coleman
July 2, 2026
Doyle Wayne Coleman, 61, of Poarch, AL, passed away on June 29, 2026.
Doyle was born on January 27, 1965, at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA, to Earline and Staff Sergeant Ralph Coleman Sr. He was raised in Atmore, AL, graduated from Escambia County High School in 1983, and spent most of his career as an ironworker before later working as a crane operator.
A proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Doyle lived life on his own terms. His adventurous spirit led him down many paths and into experiences that became part of the stories he shared throughout his life. In his younger years, he rode bulls and competed in mixed martial arts, embracing challenges with the fearless attitude that defined him. In his later years, Doyle found joy in attending his grandchildren’s ballgames, spending time with his horses and dogs, and enjoying the simple country life he loved.
His faith was important to him. He attended churches of many denominations over the years and often shared words of faith and encouragement with people he met along the way. While his road was not always easy, those who knew him best remember a man with a good heart, a generous spirit, and a deep love for his family.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Nora and Jack Daughtry; and his paternal grandparents, B.C. “Neely” and Bessie Coleman.
He is survived by his children, Justin (Christa) Coleman, Austin Coleman, and Brittany Tutton; his grandchildren, Jamison Coleman, Kinzey Coleman, and Maddix Tutton; his siblings, Ralph (Ann) Coleman Jr., Cathy (ken) Langley, Homer (Brenda) Coleman, and Kenny Coleman; as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and the tribal community.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Alton Lister, Bro. Ray Ward, and Bro. Ralph Coleman, Jr officiating. Interment will be held at New Home Cemetery in Poarch, AL.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Biggs, Steve Carpenter, Randy “Oddie” Bryars, Curtis Hayes, Ben Andrews, and Clayton Coon.
Honorary pallbearers will be Deno Rolin, Jerry Wayne Bowen, Tinker Rolin, Waylon Rolin, Kendall Reed and Steven Ross.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eric John Smith
July 2, 2026
Eric John Smith passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a lifetime of service, leadership, and devotion to his family, students, and country.
Born in Independence, Missouri, Eric spent his early childhood there before his family moved to Drexel, Missouri, where he was raised. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, earning his first paycheck bailing hay on local farms. Those early experiences shaped the work ethic, humility, and determination that would guide him throughout his life.
Eric graduated from Drexel High School before attending the University of Missouri, where he participated in the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC). As a college student, he worked as a server at a sorority house, helping pay his way through school while earning meals. His dedication and perseverance during those years reflected the character that defined his life.
Following his undergraduate studies, Eric proudly served in the United States Navy. After completing his active-duty service, he returned to the University of Missouri to earn his master’s degree. His commitment to serving his country continued for many years through the Navy Reserve, where he honorably served for 22 years before retiring.
Education became Eric’s lifelong calling. He dedicated many years to teaching at Pine Forest High School, where he inspired countless students through his knowledge, encouragement, and steady leadership. His passion for education led him to play an instrumental role in establishing West Florida Technical High School, helping build a school that would provide generations of students with opportunities for technical and career education. He later served as the school’s principal, where his vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the community.
Throughout his life, Eric believed in the importance of service, education, and leading by example. Whether wearing the uniform of his country or guiding students through the halls of a school, he dedicated himself to helping others succeed. He was respected for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for those around him.
Above all, Eric was a devoted family man whose love and guidance will continue to be felt by those who knew him best. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, educator, military officer, mentor, and friend.
His family will forever remember his unwavering love, steady guidance, generous spirit, and the example of integrity and service that he lived every day.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ethel Smith; brother, David Smith Jr.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Smith; his children, Ken Smith (Katie), Julie McLean (Meir); grandchildren, Hunter and Ty McLean, Aiden and Ian Smith; his beloved stepchildren, Valerie Massey (Kelly), Julie Duvall (Bryan); his cherished step grandchildren, Rachel Rogers (Kyle), Jace Dunsford, Jack Jordan, Emily and Arden Duvall; beloved step great-grandchildren Paisley and Callaway Rogers, along with numerous extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched throughout his career.
Mosquito Control To Spray Tonight In Parts Of Cantonment, Quintette, Cottage Hill
July 1, 2026
Escambia County’s Mosquito Control Division will conduct fogging missions portions of Cantonment, Quintette, and Cottage Hill
Fogging will begin at sunset and will continue during the evening as weather conditions allow. The timing helps target mosquitoes when they are active while reducing impacts on other insects.
Click maps to enlarge.
To request mosquito control service, call (850) 937-2198 or email mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com.
Escambia Schools Earn ‘A’ Grade; Here’s How Your Child’s School Scored
July 1, 2026
For the first time in recent memory, the Escambia County Public Schools system has earned an “A”, according to school grades released on Wednesday morning by the Florida Department of Education.
Overall, 83% of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances. Overall, 19 ECPS schools earned an “A”, 16 schools earned a “B”, 17 schools earned “C”. No Escambia County School earned a grade of D or F. This marked a third year of increases in the number of A and B schools in the district.
“We are proud of our schools and their dedicated efforts,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These excellent school grades reflect the commitment of our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. In addition to the progress we have made, we remain focused on continuous improvement. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members, and our actively engaged school board. Achieving our goals requires the collective effort and collaboration of all stakeholders.”
Blue Angels Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Beulah Middle, Ernest Ward Middle and Tate High each raised their grade from Bs last year to As this year. Scenic Heights Elementary increased from a C to an A. Montclair Elementary has increased its grade from an F to an A in three years. Lincoln Park Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle, and Workman Middle all raised their grades from Cs to Bs, while Navy Point Elementary had the greatest increase in points, with their school grade increasing from a D to a B.
Mathematics scores increased at rates surpassing the recently announced state increases, with the Middle school Algebra pass rate now leading the state average increases by 6% and 9th grade algebra pass rate matching the state average for the first time.
Escambia County Public Schools’ middle school acceleration rate was again among the highest in the state, increasing from 87% to 89%. The middle school acceleration rate measures proficiency on high school level courses taken by middle school students, such as Algebra and Biology, as well as high school level industry certifications earned by middle school students. For the first time, the middle school Algebra EOC pass rate exceeds the state average.
Here are the individual school grades:
Elementary Schools
- A. K. Suter Elementary School — A
- Bellview Elementary School — A
- Beulah Elementary School — B
- Blue Angels Elementary School — A
- Bratt Elementary School — B
- Brentwood Elementary School — C
- Byrneville Elementary School — C
- C. A. Weis Elementary School — C
- Cordova Park Elementary School — B
- Ensley Elementary School — C
- Ferry Pass Elementary School — B
- Global Learning Academy — C
- Hellen Caro Elementary School — B
- Jim Allen Elementary School — B
- Kingsfield Elementary School — B
- L. D. McArthur Elementary School — B
- Lincoln Park Elementary School — B
- Longleaf Elementary School — B
- Molino Park Elementary — A
- Montclair Elementary School — A
- Myrtle Grove Elementary School — C
- N. B. Cook Elementary School — A
- Navy Point Elementary School — B
- O. J. Semmes Elementary School — C
- Oakcrest Elementary School — C
- Pensacola Beach Elementary School — A
- Pine Meadow Elementary School — A
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School — A
- R. C. Lipscomb Elementary School — A
- Reinhardt Holm Elementary School — B
- Scenic Heights Elementary School — A
- Sherwood Elementary School — C
- Warrington Elementary School — C
- West Pensacola Elementary School — C
Middle Schools
- Bellview Middle School — C
- Beulah Middle School — A
- Brown Barge Middle School — A
- Ernest Ward Middle School — A
- Ferry Pass Middle School — B
- J. H. Workman Middle School — B
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School — B
- Ransom Middle School — A
High Schools
- Escambia High School — C
- J. M. Tate Senior High School — A
- Northview High School — C
- Pensacola High School — C
- Pine Forest High School — C
- Washington Senior High School — C
- West Florida High School/Technical — A
Other
- Beulah Academy Of Science — A
- Escambia Virtual Academy Franchise — B
- Pensacola State College Charter Academy — A
- Warrington Preparatory Academy — C
Storm Packs a Punch in North Escambia: Trees Snapped, Lines Downed, and Hundreds Left in the Dark
July 1, 2026
A strong evening thunderstorm Tuesday evening in North Escambia left hundreds without power and caused minor damage.
High winds left about one-third of Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s members in Escambia County without power after numerous poles and power lines were knocked down.
At one point in the evening, EREC reported about 1,600 members without power, with about 500 of them along South Highway 99 in Walnut Hill, Bay Springs, and Barrineau Park. Shortly after 6 p.m., at least seven poles were downed or snapped, bringing power lines down alongside or across South Highway 99 about half a mile south of Highway 97.
EREC crews worked for hours, restoring power on that feeder line by about midnight.
Several small trees in the area were also snapped at residences on South Highway 99.
Additional power poles and lines were downed on Highway 97 and Highway 97A.
Officials said it appeared the damage was caused by straight-line winds. There were no injuries reported.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Heavy Thunderstorm Flips Aircraft, Damages Metal Building In Walnut Hill
July 1, 2026
A heavy thunderstorm that moved through Walnut Hill on Tuesday evening flipped an aircraft and damaged a large metal building.
The glider was apparently anchored at a grass airstrip operated by Solace Aerial on Railroad Road, near the Genesis Rail Systems transfer station. The glider was blown approximately 200 yards, coming to rest upside down in a field.
A nearby metal building was also damaged, with large doors blown down. It also appeared that building contents may have been shifted.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded and did not find anyone around the facilities.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Veterans Services Outreach In Molino On Thursday
July 1, 2026
The Escambia County Veterans Services Office will hold an outreach event in Molino on Thursday, July 2.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Molino Community Center, located at 6450 Highway 95A.
Veterans Services Office staff members will be available to help with topics including reviewing VA benefits, filing a VA claim, and re-evaluating VA disability. Additional vendors include:
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Council on Aging of West Florida
- Legal Services of North Florida
- Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging
- Pensacola Vet Center
- United Way of West Florida
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. No appointment is required.
Pickup Hydroplanes During Heavy Thunderstorm, Crashes Into Flooded Ditch
July 1, 2026
A driver crashed into a flooded drainage ditch during a heavy thunderstorm in Walnut Hill Tuesday evening.
The man said he was traveling north on South Highway 99 near Morgan Road when he hydroplaned in deep water crossing the roadway during the storm. He lost control, with his GMC Sierra, and trailer landing in the deep ditch.
The man was not injured. The Florida Highway Patrol investigated.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hot, Humid Summer Days Ahead
July 1, 2026
Scorching summer heat will dominate the next few days, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and heat index values pushing a stifling 105 degrees. While mostly sunny skies are on tap through Friday, standard afternoon storm chances return just in time for Independence Day. A much more active weather pattern sets up by the conclusion of the holiday weekend, bringing a high probability of rain and thunderstorms by Sunday afternoon.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Independence Day: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.