Ready For Football? It’s Kickoff Classic Week
August 14, 2026
School is back in session, and the big high school football games are nearly here.
This week, high school teams from across Escambia County will meet under the stadium lights for kickoff classics.
West Florida and Pace started things off Thursday night, while other area teams will face off on Friday night.
The regular season begins August 20 for Northview as the Chiefs face Rocky Bayou and Pensacola Catholic hosts Milton, and August 21 for other Escambia County teams, including Tate as the Aggies play host to Marianna.
August 13
- Pace 20, West Florida 0
August 14
- Navarre at Escambia, 7 p.m.
- Pine Forest at Tate, 7 p.m.
- Walton at Gulf Breeze, 7 p.m.
- Pensacola at Milton, 7 p.m.
- Booker T. Washington at Crestview, 7 p.m.
- Pensacola Catholic vs. Baker/Chipley at Chipley, 7 p.m.
- Marianna at Northview, 7 p.m.
- Central at Jay, 7:30 p.m.
Wahoos Hold On For Dear Life, Win Wild Extra-Inning Thriller 11-10 Over Biloxi
August 14, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos endured a pair of back-to-back homers in both the ninth and tenth innings to beat the Biloxi Shuckers 11-10 on Thursday night in one of the most remarkable games of the season.
In a game that saw the Shuckers run out of available pitchers and resort to a position player in extras, the Blue Wahoos had just enough offense to withstand two late Biloxi home run outbursts and win their third game in a row.
Shuckers starting pitcher Braylon Owens departed just three batters into the game due to an apparent injury, and the already-taxed Biloxi bullpen performed capably to get the game through nine innings. Against position player Jheremy Vargas (L, 0-1), pitching for the second game in a row in the tenth inning, the Blue Wahoos pushed across four runs in what proved to be the difference in the game.
One start after working 6.0 no-hit innings on his way to earning Southern League Pitcher of the Week honors, Blue Wahoos starter Eliazar Dishmey didn’t have his sharpest stuff. He allowed a run in the first inning for the first time in a dozen Double-A starts, and allowed three total runs on eight singles over 4.2 innings. The righty struck out seven without walking a batter, and left in a 3-3 tie thanks to RBI doubles from Dylan Jasso and Cristian Hernández.
A two-run double from Juan Matheus gave the Blue Wahoos a 5-3 lead in the top of the seventh, and Colby Martin (W, 5-4) escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half of the inning to preserve a 5-4 lead. Jasso homered and Hernández added an RBI single in the top of the ninth, giving the Blue Wahoos a 7-4 cushion heading to the bottom of the inning.
One out away from securing a seven-out save, Martin surrendered a two-run homer to Andrew Fischer that got the Shuckers within a run. After a mound visit from manager Nelson Prada, Martin was left in to face Damon Keith. On a 1-2 pitch, Keith launched a solo homer that sent the game to extras tied 7-7.
Any momentum gained by Biloxi’s ninth-inning rally was snuffed out when Vargas took the mound for the top of the tenth, a clear indication that the Shuckers pitching staff had reached its limit. Jasso brought home the first run on a sacrifice fly, and Hernández slashed a two-out, two-run double down the left field line for crucial insurance. Brandon Compton’s bloop RBI single to shallow center put Pensacola ahead 11-7, but once again the Shuckers had an answer.
Facing reliever Josh Hejka in the bottom of the 10th, Mark Coley II and Daniel Guilarte hit back-to-back homers to bring Biloxi back within a run. Dylan O’Rae dropped down a bunt single before the Blue Wahoos turned to Nigel Belgrave (S, 7) as a last resort with the tying run aboard. He got Vargas to fly out to deep right before coaxing a game-ending double play off the bat of Matthew Wood for an 11-10 final.
The Blue Wahoos stole six bases in the game, with all six coming in the ninth and tenth innings. Catcher Ryan Ignoffo threw out three Biloxi base stealers, tying a season high.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos remain 3.0 games ahead of the Montgomery Biscuits with 27 games to play in the race for the second half South Division title.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Friday
written by Erik Bremer
One Dead In Double Shooting At Century Park
August 13, 2026
One person was killed and another injured in a double shooting Thursday evening at a Century park.
About 6:30 p.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a shots-fired call at Showalter Park, off Hecker Road. They arrived to find an adult male with gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim later arrived at Jay Hospital, suffering from a through-and-through gunshot wound to the leg that was not believed to be life-threatening, according to Sgt. Melony Peterson.
The suspect or suspects fled the scene and have not yet been identified, according to the ECSO.
The investigation is continuing, and further details have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s ‘Meet The Chiefs’ Is Tonight
August 13, 2026
Northview High School’s annual “Meet the Chiefs” will be held at 6:00 this evening at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Fans will be introduced to the Northview Chiefs football team, cheerleaders and Tribal Beat band. The football teams and cheerleaders from other area youth teams are also scheduled to be introduced.
Friday night, the Northview Chiefs will host a Kickoff Classic with Marianna beginning at 7 p.m.
Pictured: Last season’s Meet the Chiefs was moved indoors due to weather. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
$8.7 Million Grant To Expand Healthcare Access In Century, Reopen Second Clinic Location
August 13, 2026
Community Health Northwest Florida has been awarded an $8.7 million five-year grant that will be used to improve healthcare in Century, with $3.99 million allocated for the first year.
Community Health with expand service at its existing Industrial Boulevard location in Century for adult primary care and pediatric care. Community Health will also reopen a second location on Church Street in Century (the former Century Pediatrics location) for services including women’s health, behavioral health and psychiatry, and treatment for opioid use disorder.
“This is truly a transformational opportunity for every rural patient in Northwest Florida,” said Chandra Smiley, CEO of Community Health Northwest Florida and chair of the Northwest Florida Health Council Board of Directors. “We will be able to provide care closer to where our patients live, and also help keep them out of emergency rooms. It will improve lives, save lives, and save money in the process.”
The Rural Health Transformation Program grant was awarded by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to bring transformative care to the most rural parts of Northwest Florida.
The Community Health Northwest Florida location on Industrial Boulevard in Century opened in August 2019. Century Pediatrics moved from Church Street into the Industrial Boulevard location in July 2025.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Semi-Truck Falls Off I-110 In Pensacola
August 13, 2026
A semi-truck fell off I-110 in Pensacola on Wednesday afternoon.
The driver lost control, crashed the truck over a concrete guardrail, and the truck fell to a grassy area below. There were no other vehicles involved.
There were no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Superintendent: Smooth Start Sets High Expectations For Escambia Schools As New Year Begins
August 13, 2026
The first day of school in Escambia County was a success, according to Superintendent Keith Leonard, and he says more good things are to come for the district.
“We have close to 32,000 students,” he said on his way home after a long day Wednesday of visiting schools. “We were able to get them all safely transported to and from school. For the most part, I believe everyone had a full schedule, a full day of activity. I would say we had a very successful full day of school here in Escambia County Public Schools.”
The school district is starting the year ranked at the top of the state’s grading system, earning an overall A, but there is still room for improvement for some schools.
“Our goal is simply to improve. If we improve from our last year’s score, that will be pretty substantive, so that is our goal.”
File photo.
‘An Honor And A Privilege’ – Former Century Mayor, Councilman Luis Gomez, Jr. Dies
August 13, 2026
Former Century mayor and councilman Luis Gomez, Jr. has died. Gomez resigned as mayor in early 2025 for medical reasons. He was 64.
“It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as mayor of the Town of Century effective January 10, 2025,” Gomez said on January 7, 2025, reading from a letter to the town council. “This decision comes after much reflection and is based on a personal medical reasons that I now require all my full attention. Serving the Town of Century has been an honor and a privilege.”
“When the former mayor abruptly resigned in 2023, I stepped into the role of interim mayor by a 4-1 vote to provide leadership and stability. With the support and approval of the council, I took immediate action to address critical issues and set a foundation for Century’s future,” he said before citing specific accomplishments including insurance savings of nearly $200,000, hiring a professional management consulting firm, and outsourcing management of the wastewater treatment plant.
“These accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to the progress and fiscal responsibility, and I am proud that we were able to achieve it together in such a short time,” Gomez said. “I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and full confidence that the foundation we built to sustain and propel the town forward. Thank you for your trust, collaboration and the opportunity to serve this incredible community.”
Gomez received a standing ovation for his service from the council.
Gomez was appointed interim mayor in August 2023 after the resignation of then-mayor Ben Boutwell. He was later elected to the position with no opposition in 2023 in a special election to finish Boutwell’s term and again with no opposition in 2024 for another four-year term that just started on January 1, 2025. He was first elected to the town council in 2017.
Funeral services have not been announced.
Pictured top: Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. reads his letter of resignation on January 7, 2025. He received a standing ovation for his service from the town council (first below). Just reelected, he was sworn in as mayor (pictured second below) on January 7, 2025, to serve just a few days after resigning in the same meeting. Gomez was first elected to the town council in 2017 (third photo below). Gomez was also known for community service, hosting events such as block parties for youth (fourth below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Awards $9 Million Grant To Bring 2,000 Shipbuilding Jobs To Pensacola, Escambia County
August 13, 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the Port of Pensacola on Wednesday to award $9 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to the City of Pensacola, supporting the establishment of Birdon America Inc.’s Southeastern headquarters and creating 2,000 new jobs.
The grant funding will aid in public infrastructure enhancements and capacity building to support the construction of two shipbuilding facilities totaling approximately 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space at the Port of Pensacola. The new facilities will expand Florida’s maritime manufacturing capacity, allowing the port to produce complex Navy ship modules for submarines and surface vessels up to 400 feet long.
The project will support economic development not just in the City of Pensacola, but throughout Escambia County and the entire Northwest Florida Region, creating approximately 2,000 manufacturing and related jobs connected to advanced shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing operation, according to Escambia County officials.
“We have a strong economy because we have our priorities straight,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We have delivered record tax relief while making strategic investments in workforce education, infrastructure, and economic development projects that bring industry and jobs to our state. Today, we’re building on that track record with a $9 million investment to support the construction of two boatbuilding facilities at the Port of Pensacola. These facilities will produce complex Navy ship modules for submarines and surface ships, and they are projected to create 2,000 jobs for Floridians in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing.”
DeSantis and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly made the announcement alongside Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves at the American Magic High Performance Center, located at the port.
“There are moments in a city’s history that define trajectory for not just years but for generations, and I certainly think this is one of those days,” Reeves said, noting Pensacola’s deepwater port history dating back to 1721. “The maritime industry is more than part of our history; it is part of our DNA. I thank Gov. Ron DeSantis for believing in Pensacola’s maritime future, for his commitment to infrastructure, high-wage job creation and Florida’s working waterfront. This grant is a massive vote of confidence in Pensacola.”
“I’m excited, I think everyone here should be excited,” DeSantis said. “This is going to continue the momentum. It’ll be really good.”
The $275 million overall project marks the largest job creation project in Pensacola’s history. The expected 2,000 new positions include 1,437 jobs with an average annual salary of $68,000 and 563 jobs averaging $112,000 annually.
DeSantis noted that these positions could draw former military personnel exiting nearby regional installations into Birdon and related positions, strengthening the local economy while supplying critical modules for warships and submarines.
“If you do the right things on job training and workforce development leading into that pipeline, it’s going to be a natural fit,” DeSantis said.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has ensured our state remains economically competitive through strategic investments that increase Florida’s maritime manufacturing capacity—bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to Florida communities,” Kelly said. “By investing in this project, supporting our local and regional partners, and adding capacity to Florida’s overall industrial base, we are strengthening Florida’s growing maritime economy and doing our part to enhance our nation’s security.”
The City of Pensacola will maintain public ownership of the new infrastructure and enter into a long-term ground lease with Birdon America Inc. The $105 million facility construction phase includes a Phase 1 panel line and module fabrication warehouse along with a Phase 2 assembly bay.
Funding for the total $275 million initiative will combine state, federal, and private sources, including an expected $76 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, $33 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and $152 million from Birdon. Reeves stated the city hopes to bring the final agreement to the Triumph Board later this summer.
“Creating these high-wage, high-quality manufacturing jobs for our residents provides lasting opportunity to build a life, build a family, and build a future in Pensacola,” Reeves said.
To support the pipeline for this project and the surrounding industrial base, local partnerships are planned with the University of West Florida’s WAVE Center, Pensacola State College, and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. The city is also continuing its aerospace workforce integration at Pensacola International Airport, where Pensacola State College recently broke ground on a $16 million Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics facility near ST Engineering. Hangar 3 for ST Engineering achieved substantial completion this summer, with construction on Hangar 4 slated to begin later this year for completion by late summer 2027.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 13, 2026
Wednesday was the first day of school in Escambia County.
As is an annual tradition, we asked parents to submit their North Escambia area back to school photos. We received hundreds of photos and have published as many as possible in the gallery linked below.
There are hundreds of photos in six galleries:
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
