Escambia, Santa Rosa Partner To Turn Damaged Signposts Into Artificial Reefs
September 10, 2026
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are teaming up on an innovative “reef-cycling” initiative to repurpose damaged metal signposts into underwater micro-habitats. By embedding the scrap metal into concrete reef modules, the
collaboration unites local governments, vocational education, and coastal stewardship to enrich local marine ecosystems and coastal communities alike.
The pilot effort aims to test whether adding metal frameworks to selected concrete modules creates effective shelter for small fish and invertebrates. Funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through the Natural Resources Damage Assessment program, the broader undertaking will place 124 concrete reef units in the Escambia County near-shore east site, with the salvaged signposts serving as supplementary habitat structures.
Welding students from George Stone Technical College are playing an active role in fabrication, shaping the decommissioned signposts into attachments engineered for the reef modules. The work provides these students with direct, hands-on shop experience on a project that delivers tangible environmental value to their home waters.
“We’re excited about this partnership between both counties and George Stone Technical College, which not only provides valuable experience for George Stone welding students, but also benefits local divers, anglers, and marine life through this new underwater habitat,” said Robert Turpin, Escambia County Marine Resources Division Manager. “This new habitat will be a great addition to our artificial reefs, providing opportunities for important scientific research into the relationships between reef habitat and marine species.”
“Working with Escambia County on this project has shown what we can accomplish when we look for creative solutions together,” said Chris Verlinde, Natural Resources Coordinator for Santa Rosa County. “This collaboration extends beyond jurisdictional boundaries to protect and enhance our shared natural resources. By repurposing materials into artificial reef habitat, the counties are reducing waste, strengthening the region’s reef network, and creating benefits for marine life, education, and recreation.”
By turning roadside waste into submerged living systems, both counties are cutting landfill debris, reinforcing Northwest Florida’s artificial reef infrastructure, and training the area’s future technical workforce.
Tate Aggies Fall To Visiting Toros In Straight Sets
September 10, 2026
The Tate High School Aggies fell to the Spanish Fort Toros in straight sets Wednesday evening in Cantonment.
Spanish Fort, visiting from Alabama, took the match 25-14, 25-20, 25-14.
The loss comes just one day after Tate picked up a 3-1 victory over Booker T. Washington on Tuesday.
With the result, the Aggies moved to 8-2 on the season, while the Toros improved to 21-1.
Next up, Tate remains at home Thursday to host Pensacola Catholic (9-3).
Michael ‘Mike’ Jerry Amerson
September 10, 2026
Michael “Mike” Jerry Amerson went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Mike was born in Atmore, Alabama, on January 29, 1955, to Ruby and Wallace “Jerald” Amerson. He was raised in Bratt, Florida, and graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1973. He also graduated from Mississippi State University in 1978.
Mike was an avid ball player who played throughout his life until the age of 50. The friendships he made playing the game led to an awesome group of guys who remained close to him until the end of his life. He also loved playing golf and enjoyed spending time on the course with family and friends.
Mike spent many years as a teacher and coach, as well as overseeing the recreational facility at Century Correctional Institution. He finished his career as an instructor for Homeland Security, where he traveled throughout the United States to provide training and instruction at airports.
For 35 years, Mike was a loving member of Northview Baptist Church, where he had the opportunity to teach and preach.
Mike was a devoted husband to Cyndi for 34 years and a loving father to Kristen and Michael, who meant the world to him. He had a special bond with his mother, Ruby, whom he loved deeply and honored daily.
Those who remain to keep his memory alive are his wife, Cyndi Amerson; daughter, Kristen Amerson; son, Michael Joseph Amerson; and mother, Ruby Wells Amerson. He is also survived by his sisters, Pam (Kent) Stewart, Kathy (Tommy) Smith, and Linda (Darrell) Jackson; his brother, Jeff Amerson; brothers-in-law, Keith (Angela) Mott, Eldon Mott, and Bryan Mott; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Mike dearly.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Northview Baptist Church, with Pastor Keith Mott officiating. Interment will follow to Bratt Godwin Cemetery. See less
Timmons K Latner, Jr.
September 10, 2026
, known to family and friends as Tim, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida, at the age of 82.
Tim was born on January 20, 1944, in El Paso, Texas to the late Timmons K Latner, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Gould Latner.
Tim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He entered the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he completed A school. He was then transferred to El Centro, California, where he was stationed for two years. Later, he was reassigned to Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he served until his discharge. His military service was an important part of his life, and it reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment.
Following his service, Tim built a life centered on work and family. He was self-employed in many different areas of mechanics and land clearings, and he took pride in being able to work with his hands and figure out how to get things done. He was handy in every sense of the word, and his skills were valued by many over the years.
Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Latner; son, Keith Williams; daughter, Felecia Williams; parents; and brother, Robert Hughes.
He is survived by son, Todd (Jessica) Williams; daughter, Mylinda (Yurii) Dougherty; brother, David (Jane) Latner; sister, Pat (Danny) Schmitz; sister, Maryanne (Willie) Pierce; grandsons, Michael Dougherty and Thomas Dougherty; great-granddaughter, Eden Dougherty; great-grandson, Ryder Dougherty; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Jordan Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 12N prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Michael Dougherty, Barry Herron, Randy Mock, Charlie Chambers, Gene James, and Justin James.
Wahoos On The Wrong End Of Blowout In 9-2 Loss
September 10, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Biloxi Shuckers 9-2 on Wednesday night. It was the first time the Shuckers bested the Wahoos since July 19th.
For the second straight night, the Shuckers scored in the top of the first. And, for the second straight night, it was a sacrifice fly off the bat of Eric Bitonti with the bases loaded. The 1-0 lead didn’t hold long however, with Connor Caskenette blooping an RBI single into left field scoring Aiva Arquette.
Starters Alex Williams and Bishop Letson (W, 7-6) both locked it down for the remainder of their respective outings. Williams completed 3.0 innings and allowed just an unearned run on one hit and 5 Ks. Letson put together one of his best starts of the season, going 6.1 innings and allowing just four hits (one past the first inning) and one run on 9 Ks.
Biloxi managed to get to the Pensacola bullpen, putting up four runs off of Justin Storm (L, 2-1) and Mason Vinyard. All four runs came via the longball with Braylon Payne hitting an opposite-field solo shot in the 5th and Mike Boeve smashing a three-run tater in the 6th. With a 5-1 lead and Letson out of the game, the Wahoos got a run back in the 8th from a run-scoring single off the bat of Ethan O’Donnell.
The Shuckers put up four more runs in the top of the 9th off of the reigning Southern League Pitcher of the Week Juan Reynoso. Jesús Made, Josh Adamczewski, Eric Bitonti, and Jheremy Vargas all drove in a run on four base hits. Reynoso was unable to finish the inning, with Jack Sellinger entering to put out the fire by getting Darrien Miller to fly out to right.
Travis Smith and Ryan Birchard combined to get the final 8 outs and sink the Wahoos. The Shuckers improved to 64-66 overall and 29-36 in the second half while Pensacola fell to 77-56 and 41-23.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Shirley Joan (Stinson) Elliot
September 10, 2026
t, 82, of Pensacola, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 8, following a brief illness.
She was born in Chumuckla, Florida, on October 20, 1943. Shirley lived a life filled with happiness and brought joy to everyone around her. She enjoyed working in her yard, planting flowers, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Her hobbies included sewing and journaling. She recently made quilts for her children and grandchildren, and was so excited to share them!
She was always willing to help those in need and did so with great kindness and love. Shirley never complained and was always thankful for everything. She was a warm and caring person who consistently put others before herself. Her beautiful spirit and infectious laughter will be remembered forever.
She lived her life dedicated to reflecting Jesus with a deep, active faith and unconditional love for others.
She looked forward to the great reunion in Heaven with her honeybun, Howard; her beautiful daughter, “Paulie”; and the many loved ones who had gone before her.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Howard C. Elliott; her daughter, Paula Elliott; her father, Chester G. Stinson; her mother, Dottie N. Stinson; her sister, Carolyn Williams (Ted); her brothers, Don Stinson (Grace) and Winston Stinson (Judy); and her brothers-in-law, Bobby Nolen and Ross Snyder.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Samantha); her daughter, Michele (Joey) Hedden; her grandchildren, Brittany, Joey (Amanda), Jamie, Jacob (Kalie), Jessica (Dakota), Nikki, and Justin; and her great-grandchildren, Seth, Ashton, Brooks, Dawson, Dax, Demi, Theo, Eleanor, Odin, Brookelynn, Dillynn, and Colynn.
She is also survived by her sisters, Joy Snyder and Dorthy Nolen, and her brothers, Ray (Linda) Stinson, Larry (Ann) Stinson, Ken Stinson, and a host of family and friends.
Shirley also leaves behind her beloved dog, Khaza, who was a sweet and devoted companion.
Special thanks to the staff and nurses at People’s Hospice: Maddie, Annette, Peggy, Shay, LaQuawn, and Chaplain Gail.
Special thanks to Dr. Ted Traylor for his visit and prayers.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Hedden, James Elliott, Jacob Hedden, Dakota Singleton, Seth Hedden and Ashton Gaff
A visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, September 19, at Faith Chapel North, 1000 S. Hwy. 29, Cantonment, FL 32533.
Family: 9:00 AM
Friends: 10:00 AM
A service will follow at 11:00 AM.
Interment will take place at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, 8008 Chumuckla Hwy., Pace, FL 32571.
Escambia County Set To Return Century Property To Family Five Years After Back Tax Problem
September 9, 2026
The Escambia County Commission will consider formally deeding a Century home back to its original family next week after outstanding property taxes and liens were paid in full, concluding a multi-year effort to save the residence.
At their meeting on Thursday, commissioners will vote on a recommendation to rescind a 2021 surplus declaration and authorize the commission chair to sign a deed conveying the property at 511 Hecker Road to Shawanda (Newton) Poindexter, Latoya Redmond, Lalita Simpson, the heirs of Earwin Newton, and Amber Redmond.
The property escheated to Escambia County on January 7, 2021, after property taxes went unpaid for seven years. At the time, the total amount owed in back taxes and fees was calculated at $22,516.71 by the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office. Because no bidder purchased a tax certificate on the parcel, ownership transferred directly to the county, which zeroed out the tax rolls.
On April 22, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners declared the property surplus and authorized the County Attorney’s Office to begin eviction proceedings to remove occupants and abandoned vehicles so the county could sell the home at a public auction.
However, at the board’s May 6, 2021, meeting, Poindexter appeared before commissioners to plead for an opportunity to redeem the home, which was left to her and her siblings after their mother passed away.
“Give me time to pay this so me and my siblings can redeem the property please,” Poindexter asked the commission.
Commissioners agreed to halt the eviction process and grant an extension a Florida law which governs the reconveyance of escheated lands back to former owners or their heirs. Under that statutory process, former homestead owners are given the opportunity to reclaim the property by satisfying the required underlying taxes and liens while having certain sale penalties waived.
According to county documentation, Poindexter contacted the County Attorney’s Office in January of this year to report that funds were available to settle the debt. County officials confirmed that the taxes and liens identified in 2021 required for the return of the property have since been paid in full.
Under the terms of the agenda item, all remaining costs associated with accepting and recording the new deed will be paid by the property owners.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida AG Seeks Criminal Penalties For Chatbot Companies Abetting Crimes
September 9, 2026
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who already has a probe underway involving an OpenAI chat platform, said Tuesday he’ll push for new laws imposing criminal penalties on tech companies whose artificial intelligence products aid or abet crimes.
“These chatbots are designed to mimic human emotions,” Uthmeier said at a press conference in Tampa. “We’re going to propose criminal sanctions for these companies when their chatbots break the law.”
Under his proposal, any company that owns, controls or distributes an AI product that participates in a crime is liable. Tech companies with “practical control” over the design, training, deployment and safety settings would be targeted, and face hefty fines, payment to victims, court-ordered monitorship and even suspension of activity in the state.
Uthmeier said he’s spoken with several lawmakers interested in the issue, but unless a special session is called, any legislation won’t be considered until the next regular legislative session begins in March.
“AI is only going to get more advanced,” Uthmeier said. “If we don’t get in front of it now as public citizens, as community leaders, as law enforcement, it will be too late.”
The ongoing investigation was first announced in April and expanded two weeks later into a criminal probe over the use of ChatGPT by Phoenix Ikner, the alleged gunman who killed two people and injured five others in a 2025 mass shooting on Florida State University’s campus.
Other incidents have been cited by Uthmeier, including those involving chatbots encouraging users to take their own lives. AI is also being used to create child sexual abuse material, Florida Department of Law Enforcement director Mark Glass said, and legislation may be needed to combat it.
“Child sexual abuse material is dangerous and deeply damaging, even when fabricated. AI generated child sexual assault material can delay investigations, creates new pathways for exploitation, and can devastate real children and families,” Glass said. “By staying vigilant and protecting our children, we can ensure AI is used to strengthen our communities, not harm them.”
Another plank of Uthmeier’s plan involves holding chatbots liable for giving medical advice, which he said, has already led to incidents of adverse health issues resulting from people relying on AI bots instead of medical professionals. Uthmeier said he’ll work with the state Board of Medicine to develop rules around the AI chatbots and their unlicensed practice of medicine.
Uthmeier has consistently called for harsh punishments for tech companies whose products abet crimes or cause harm, but he acknowledged Tuesday that AI isn’t going away.
“This is not a ban on AI. AI is here, whether we like it or not it,” Uthmeier said. “We want AI to facilitate mankind … to give us the tools to be successful to go out and catch bad guys.”
Molino Tax Collector’s Office Enhances Safety While Highlighting Florida Specialty Plates
September 9, 2026
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office in Molino has taken an innovative approach to safety, while also taking the chance to promote two specialty license plates of local interest.
Previously, photo background screens hanging from the ceiling were used for driver’s license photos. Sometimes, people would lean against the screens, which were not stable, creating a fall hazard, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
Now, the two photo screen backgrounds are mounted on a sturdy metal frame. The backs of the metal frames, which face the waiting area, are being used for signage to promote two Florida specialty license plates — “Save the Bees” and the Florida Agricultural Education specialty license plate.
Florida offers over 100 different specialty license plates for various organizations in support of the causes they represent. The money raised from the sale of these license plates goes directly to the organization. Since the inception of specialty license plates, millions of dollars have been raised for the organizations.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny Wednesday Before Rain And Thunderstorm Chances Spike Thursday
September 9, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Thursday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.