Emily King Named Principal At Tate High School
July 27, 2026
Emily King has been named principal at Tate High School.
Her appointment was approved this week by the Escambia County School Board to replace Laura Touchstone, who was appointed director of high school education for Escambia County Public Schools.
“To be entrusted with the leadership of a school that is so full of traditions and legacies beginning in 1878 is an honor I do not take lightly,” King said of Tate, which recently earned the distinction of being the only traditional high school in Escambia County to ever earn an A school grade. “Together with the faculty and staff at Tate High School, we will continue to foster a culture where every student is challenged to reach their highest potential and graduate ready to become a productive citizen.”
“I am ready to get to work for the students and staff, and the entire Tate community. Go Aggies!” she said.
Most recently, King served as an assistant principal at Pine Forest High School for five years, overseeing curriculum, master scheduling, testing, and Title I planning while serving on the district START Review Board. Prior to that, she spent two years as assistant principal of discipline and facilities, managing school safety, student deans, transportation, and campus maintenance.
Before entering high school administration, King spent 11 years at Woodham Middle School, where she served as an instructional coach and Language Arts Department chair from August 2013 to June 2016, leading district writing data initiatives and professional development. She began her career at Woodham as an English Language Arts teacher from August 2005 to June 2013, earning selection as a top-five district Teacher of the Year in 2011, and served as the school’s head swim coach throughout her tenure.
King is a veteran educational leader with over two decades of experience in Escambia County Public Schools. A certified school principal, she holds State of Florida credentials in Educational Leadership, English 6–12, and Gifted Education. She was named the ECPS Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2024–2025 school year and selected for the Chancellor’s Leaders Academy.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Jailed On Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges
July 27, 2026
A Cantonment man is being held without bond following his arrest on multiple felony warrants alleging the sexual abuse of children.
Carlos Deonte Dubose, 42, remains in the Escambia County Jail. His bond is set at $1.5 million, but jail records show he has a hold from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office in Greenville, Alabama, and an Arkansas jail.
The charges stem from two separate investigations conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. In the first case, Dubose faces two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim 12 to 15 years old by an offender 18 or older and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition by an offender 18 or older on a victim under 16. Authorities state these incidents occurred during a three-month span in a timeframe centered around August 2024. The victim in this case was a female under the age of 16.
In the second case, Dubose is charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious battery, promoting a sexual act with a victim under 16 with a previous conviction, and one count of lewd or lascivious exhibition by an offender 18 or older on a victim under 16. According to arrest reports, that investigation covers a timeframe throughout 2020. The allegations involve a male child who was between the ages of 7 and 8 at the time, as well as a second male child and a female child who were also under the age of 16.
Dubose remains booked in the Escambia County Jail with no bond pending a court appearance.
Northview High’s First Graduating Class Holds 30th Reunion
July 27, 2026
The NHS Class of 1996 held the reunion at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt on Saturday, just a short distance from their alma mater.
Northview High School was established in 1994 and opened its doors in 1995 after the consolidation of Century High School and Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill.
Photo by Andrew Garner/Atmore Advance for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Teachers Can Now Add First Resiliency Endorsement In The Nation
July 27, 2026
Florida educators can now add a first-in-the-nation resiliency endorsement to their state teaching certificates following a new initiative approved by the State Board of Education.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the launch of the Resiliency Educator Endorsement, a specialized professional learning program designed to help teachers equip students with the necessary life skills to navigate obstacles and achieve long-term success. The new credential expands upon the state’s existing Resiliency Florida initiative.
“For several years, the Resiliency Florida initiative has led the nation in reframing the way mental health is taught in schools,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Building upon the eleven resiliency characteristics, we are thrilled to announce the Resiliency Educator Endorsement and continue to empower our educators with the tools they need to instill these important characteristics into young Floridians.”
The new program marks one of 14 endorsements certified educators can add to their credentials in Florida. The coursework focuses on practical, classroom-ready strategies that integrate Florida’s 11 Resiliency Characteristics directly into daily instruction.
f
State education officials highlighted the program as a significant step forward for both teacher training and student development.
“Thanks to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ leadership through the Resiliency Florida initiative, Florida continues to successfully prepare students not only for academic achievement in the classroom but also for success in life,” said Commissioner Henry Mack. “The Resiliency Educator Endorsement will give teachers access to high-quality professional learning to better support students as they develop the skills to overcome the obstacles within their lives and become more resilient.”
State Board of Education Chair Ryan Petty added that the endorsement provides teachers with actionable tools to foster perseverance among students.
“Florida continues to lead the nation by equipping educators with innovative professional learning opportunities,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “The Resiliency Educator Endorsement empowers teachers with practical strategies to cultivate resilience in the classroom, helping students build the confidence, perseverance, and life skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
Certified educators who complete the training modules and satisfy all state requirements can formally add the endorsement to their valid Florida educator certificate.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
July 27, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and project in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 26, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, July 26, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between the Perdido River Bridge and west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, Aug. 1, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound on-ramp, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Beginning the week of Monday, July 27, West Hope Drive will be closed at North Palafox Street for drainage construction. During the closure, traffic on North Palafox Street will be detoured via Tower Drive and Burgess Road. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the detour. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, Aug. 1, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Compton Strikes Again In 4-2 Wahoos Win
July 27, 2026
Another big game from Brandon Compton powered the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a 4-2 win over the Columbus Clingstones on Sunday evening.
The Blue Wahoos (51-44, 15-11) finished the series with a 5-1 mark over the visiting Clingstones (43-48, 14-13) and closed out the regular season against Columbus with a dominant 13-5 record.
Compton continues to make a splash in Pensacola. He was responsible for driving in all four runs of the evening and managed his second home run in as many days.
Compton has hit 11 home runs since joining the Blue Wahoos on June 30, the third-most on the team behind Fenwick Trimble (13) and Dillon Lewis (17).
Both sides traded blows to open the series finale. Columbus put a run up first with a Jordan Groshans sacrifice fly in the first inning, yet Pensacola responded in the bottom of the frame with a Compton RBI double. The line drive was buried into the corner of right field at an eye-popping rate of 116.6 miles per hour to knot the game at 1-1.
The Clingstones wrestled a one-run edge back in the fifth. A high-flying hit by the Clingstones’ Colby Jones disappeared in the sun, allowing him to reach third and score on a subsequent groundout.
The lead would be short-lived as the Pensacola offense surged in the sixth. Brendan Jones and Cristian Hernández got on base with back-to-back singles into right field, and Compton handled clean-up duty with a scorcher over left field off of Columbus’ Owen Hackman (L, 2-3). The three-run homer put the Blue Wahoos ahead 4-2, which they would not relent through the remainder of the game.
The Pensacola pitching staff put together a great performance from the mound. Newly-acquired Joey Volini made his second start of his Double-A career and pitched 5.2 innings that saw two runs on six hits, earning four strikeouts. Nigel Belgrave (W, 4-5) delivered 3.1 innings of strong relief to take the win, allowing no hits and picking up five K’s.
The Blue Wahoos scored their four runs on seven hits, drawing one walk. The team was led at the plate by Compton and Hernandez, who each went 2-for-4. Jones, Juan Matheus, and Emaarion Boyd collected a hit each.
The Blue Wahoos will take Monday off before hitting the road for a series with the Knoxville Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, beginning on Tuesday.
written by Maddy Branning
Right Now, Century Is The Only Place In Escambia County Where A Data Center Could Be Located
July 26, 2026
Right now, there is only one place in Escambia County where a data center could feasibly be located.
Thursday, the Escambia County Commission voted unanimously for a resolution to ban data centers in the unincorporated area of Escambia County, and it will back it up with an ordinance at a meeting in August.
The City of Pensacola previously approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale or large-load data centers in the city limits. While the moratorium applies to large-scale data centers with greater than a 50-megawatt load, the city attorney says he does not think anything below 50 megawatts would be allowed, according to Rick’s Blog.
That, at least for the next year, effectively bans data centers in unincorporated Escambia County and in the City of Pensacola. Escambia County has two incorporated municipalities — Pensacola and Century.
And Century has not issued a ban or moratorium on data centers of any size, and apparently will not in the near future.
But that does not mean that Century is open for data center business; town infrastructure simply can’t support it, according to Mayor Ben Boutwell.
“The Town of Century cannot support the infrastructure for a data center,” Boutwell told NorthEscambia.com on Friday afternoon. “Where am I going to put it? Where’s the infrastructure? I have two water wells that are down now.”
Century only has three water wells. There are two that can support the town’s needs, but the well on Academy Street is down until it returns to service after completion of an ongoing rehabilitation project. The third well is located at the Century Correctional Institution and is designed to primarily provide water to the prison. That prison well is also out of service, and water has been supplied to the prison by the Town of Century using a temporary interconnect to rural provider Central Water Works over six years. That interconnect started on an emergency basis with fire hoses across Tedder Road and was later upgraded to in-ground piping.
“We simply don’t have water capacity for a data center,” the mayor said.
Both Boutwell and Town Manager Dave Murzin stressed that no one has contacted the Town of Century about potentially locating a data center in the town limits.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” Murzin said. “If they did, we would work with the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance to define the parameters. I’m not an economic development expert, and the mayor is not an economic development expert. We would look toward people that are.”
As the county finalizes a firm ordinance legally banning data centers, Boutwell said he sees that Century’s path forward on data centers is clear.
“It’s kind of obvious,” he said. “We would follow the county.”
Library Media Sale With Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, Audiobooks, And More Continues Today
July 26, 2026
Sunday is the final day of The Friends of the West Florida Public Library Summer Media Sale this weekend.
The sale will take place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 239 North Spring Street in Pensacola. Admission is free.
The sale will include audiobooks, movies on DVD, music CDs and cassettes, and vinyl records in all genres. There will be a special area for DVD sets of television shows and jigsaw puzzles. Prices will range from $1 to $10.
Cash or credit cards are accepted.
Cantonment Woman, Two Pensacola Men Arrested When Deputies Interrupt Home Burglary
July 26, 2026
A Cantonment woman and two Pensacola men were arrested when deputies interrupted a burglary in progress late Friday night, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a trespassing call at a vacant residence on Twin Lakes Drive. That’s where they located three suspects trying to burglarize the property.
Amber Danielle Creighton, 35, of Cantonment, was charged with burglary and drug equipment possession.
Michael Joseph McCarthy, 62, was charged with burglary, loitering and prowling, and impersonation. Deputies said the impersonation charge was filed because he possessed another person’s identification. Damen Anthony Bechtel, 38, was charged with burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
All three were booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘This Drug House Is Closed’ – Search Warrant Nets Kilo Of Meth; One Arrest
July 26, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT team closed a local drug house on Friday, resulting in one arrest and the seizure of a substantial cache of illegal narcotics and cash, according to the ECSO.
Law enforcement officials served a search warrant at a residence located one Doris Avenue in Ensley as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
During the raid, investigators discovered and seized a wide variety of illegal substances, including over a kilogram of methamphetamine. The full inventory of seized narcotics includes approximately:
- 1,006.5 grams of methamphetamine
- 51 grams of alprazolam pills
- 28.5 grams of marijuana
- 14.5 grams of cocaine
- 5.5 grams of oxycodone pills
- 3 grams of tramadol pills
- 0.5 grams of fentanyl
In addition to the narcotics, deputies seized $5,364 in U.S. currency.
The suspect, identified as Kelvin Crenshaw, was taken into custody at the scene. Crenshaw faces multiple felony charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine; possession of cocaine, alprazolam, and marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver; possession of tramadol, fentanyl, and oxycodone without a prescription; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $81,000.
Sheriff’s Office officials said that operations of this scale are vital to community safety, stating that every arrest of this nature removes dangerous narcotics from local neighborhoods and helps make Escambia County a safer place to live.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
