Ernest Ward Eagles Celebrate 8th Grade Night; Fall To Central
September 9, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles celebrated 8th Grade Night on Tuesday night, honoring 8th grade football players and cheerleaders.
For a photo gallery, click here.
In game action in Walnut Hill, Ernest Ward fell 16-0 to the Central Jaguars.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Sweeps Northview In Straight Sets; Chiefs Take JV Win
September 9, 2026
The Flomaton Hurricanes swept the Northview Chiefs in varsity high school volleyball action Tuesday in Flomaton, winning in straight sets.
The Lady Canes took the varsity match 25-19, 25-16, 25-19. Northview fell to 2-5 on the season, and Flomaton went to 2-1.
Up next, Northview will host Pine Forest and Thursday, and Flomaton will travel to T.R. Miller on Thursday.
In junior varsity action on Tuesday, the Northview Chiefs earned a straight-set victory over Flomaton, winning 25-8, 25-18.
Century Walk Audit Project Moves Forward With Thursday Training Session
September 9, 2026
The Town of Century will hold a volunteer training session Thursday evening as work continues on an AARP Community Challenge grant project to assess local pedestrian safety and accessibility.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Century Town Hall.
The initiative is funded by a $2,500 grant through the nationwide AARP Community Challenge program. The project aims to identify barriers to mobility, document walking conditions, and highlight future infrastructure improvement opportunities for the town, with a special focus on residents aged 55 and older.
During an initial kick-off meeting, organizers and local residents began planning audit routes based on where pedestrian traffic is most common. The group selected three preliminary corridors for further evaluation:
- East Hecker Road
- The Dollar General area
- The Food Giant area
Thursday’s session will serve as the official walk audit training. Attendees will finalize the audit routes, develop a necessary supply list, and review the AARP Walk Audit reporting worksheets that volunteers will use to evaluate conditions in the field.
Organizers emphasize that participation is open to community members of all ages and abilities, and volunteers do not need to walk long distances to take part. Residents who prefer not to walk can assist from stationary positions—such as bringing a chair to observe traffic patterns, driver behavior, and pedestrian activity from a fixed location. Individuals with limited mobility are also encouraged to participate by evaluating the routes and offering observations using Google Earth.
The actual walk audits are expected to take place in late September or October. During the audits, volunteers will assess crosswalks, traffic speeds, sidewalks, signage, lighting, shade, and seating availability.
The findings will be compiled into a final report presented to the Century Town Council by December to help guide future pedestrian infrastructure decisions. The grant funding covers the study itself, while any future physical improvements will remain at the discretion of the town council.
Pictured top: Century Town Council member Sparkie Harrison (left) marks a typical walking route on an oversized map of Century in July. Pictured below: Some of the areas that were marked during a July 30 meeting. (Self-adhesive “Sign Here” indexing flags were being used to mark the map; they do not represent literal sign placements.) NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Marion ‘Mike’ Jackson, Jr.
September 9, 2026
Marion ‘Mike’ Jackson, Jr went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2026 at the age of 68.
Born in Pensacola, Mike spent the last several years in Oklahoma before returning home.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, MG Jackson; mother, Hattie Jackson as well as 3 sisters. He is survived by a wife, Diane Jackson; children, Gabe Jackson, Jessica Keef, Dixie Hadley, Josh Allen, Chelsey Hale and Trina Morris along with all of their families as well as a sister, Myra Harvey and many nieces and nephews. A lifelong heavy equipment operator and truck driver, Mike spent the last several years of his career driving for JRT Trucking, a company whose team loved and took care of him and he was proud to have been a part of. A special thanks to the ones who assisted and cared for him during his final days.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and a graveside at Pugh’s Chapel Cemetery in Molino to follow.
Wahoos Trounce Shuckers In Playoff Preview
September 9, 2026
In a preview of a playoff matchup beginning in a week, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos made a statement. A 9-run 8th inning led the Wahoos to a 15-7 over the Biloxi Shuckers.
Jacob Miller got off to a tough start on Tuesday night, allowing the first five batters to reach. The first three went single, walk, walk, loading the bases for the fearsome Andrew Fischer. Off the bat, it looked like Fischer had his 47th home run of 2026, but Colby Shade went over the wall and knocked it back into play. When the play was over, Fischer ended up with an RBI single. Two more runs crossed on an RBI knock from Damon Keith and a sac-fly from Eric Bitonti, giving the Shuckers a 3-0 lead before Pensacola could even come to hit.
The Wahoos loaded the bases with nobody out off Manuel Rodriguez, but only brought home one run, thanks to a deep sacrifice fly from Max Williams. Miller would pitch around baserunners in the second and third innings to finish strong, ending his day with 3.0 innings and just the three first inning runs.
Jaydenn Estanista was the first man out of the pen and quickly surrendered two runs in the top of the fourth. A leadoff walk to Daniel Dickinson and a Braylon Payne single both came around to score on Josh Adamczewski’s two-run single, extending the Shuckers lead to 5-1. The Blue Wahoos offense didn’t let up though, matching those two runs in the home half of the fourth on a two-RBI double from Ethan O’Donnell.
The sixth inning saw the scoreboard flip for the first and final time. Max Williams led the inning off with a majestic moonshot to right field, his 4th in as many games with the Wahoos. Three straight singles followed, loading the bases before Colby Shade struck out. With one down, Dylan Jasso grounded a ball to short that looked like an inning ending double play, but an errant throw from Dickinson allowed two runs to score, putting the Wahoos ahead 6-5.
Tristen Stevens (W, 1-0) threw 2.0 hitless innings, lowering his ERA to 0.90 through his first 10.0 innings. Pensacola followed this pitching performance by unloading in the 8th inning, putting up 9 runs off of Wande Torres (L, 1-1)(BS, 1) and Edwin Jimenez. Dylan Jasso had two RBIs. Dylan Lewis, Max Williams, Ryan Ignoffo, and Ethan O’Donnell each had an RBI. And the inning was capped with a bases loaded, bases-clearing double from Colby Shade, putting the Wahoos up 15-5.
After Nigel Belgrave struck out the side in the 8th, Josh Hejka finished the game in the 9th. Jesús Made and Josh Adamczewski each took Hejka deep before the final out was recorded and the Wahoos took home the 15-7 win.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Montague Benton Haight Jr.
September 9, 2026
Montague Benton Haight Jr., “Benny,” 68, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife on September 5, 2026. Benny was a loving husband, son, father, Granddaddy, brother, Uncle, and friend to so many people.
Benny was born in DeLand, Florida on July 30, 1958. Benny grew up in DeLand, Daytona Beach, and Knoxville, Tennessee. At just 17 years old, Benny joined the United States Marine Corps and started his career on Embassy duty. His last tour was with General Wilson, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. as his personal bodyguard and chauffeur. Benny met fellow Marine Cathy in the last week of October 1978, he asked her to get married on December 19, 1978, and married her January 26, 1979, and swept her off her feet. They were married for forty-seven magnificent years. In 1980, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl Annie and moved to Pensacola, Florida from Knoxville to start a new life. In 1983, they welcomed their handsome son, Monty and completed their family of four. Benny worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier and Supervisor for over 30 years. For seventeen of those years, Benny walked the same ten miles a day through East Hill delivering mail. He genuinely loved his residents and made friends with so many of them over the years. You all held a special place in his heart. Benny and Cathy were youth advisors for over 10 years teaching the love of Jesus to every youth that walked through the doors of the church and many more outside of the church. You were all special to him, and he loved you like his own children. Benny coached Pre-T, T-Ball and Youth baseball for many years at Bellview Ballpark. He was excited for every win and every child he coached, including his own children. Benny was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and then St. Luke United Methodist Church until his health declined. The last year Benny defied the odds of survival after a devastating stroke last July. Benny was a devoted husband, father, and Granddaddy participating in every aspect of our lives to the best of his ability. Benny loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them. They were his life. Benny was a die-hard Tennessee Volunteers football fan and loved the orange and white! Go Vols! For the last few years, he even cheered for the LSU Tigers with his son-in-law and grandchildren! Geaux Tigers!
Benny is survived by his beloved wife Cathy, daughter and son-in-law Annie and Thomas Townsend, son, Montague Benton Haight III “Monty,” grandchildren, Baylen Matthew Payne, Allie Grace Townsend, Thomas Andrew Townsend Jr. “Andrew,” sisters, Sherry and Joe Nero, Deborah Cline, Vicky Curtis, Kathy and Nick Proffitt, Robin and Joe Brown, Aunt Betty Beck, Aunt Marion and Uncle Theron Padgett, Aunt Judy Caldwell, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his adopted daughters from UWF, and friends that were family.
Benny is proceeded in death by his parents, Montague Benton Haight Sr. “Monty” and Barbara Cox Caldwell, Step-Father Bobby Joe Caldwell, father-in-law, Dillon Gregory Touart Jr., son-in-law, Richard Manning Hutson, brother-in-law Allen Curtis, Uncle Fred Parantha, Uncle Joe Parantha, Aunt Bee and Uncle Mike Ruff, Uncle Fred Beck, and Uncle William “Billy” Haight.
Our Grandaddy, Daddy, Hubby, Son, Brother, Munchkin, and friend will be missed dearly by all. His wit and wisdom kept us on our toes, and his knowledge of life was always beyond his years. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Sullivan, Tracy, Kendall, and the entire staff at Emerald Coast Hospice for the last 14 months of care, love and concern you have shown Benny and Cathy and our entire family. We are profoundly grateful for all you have done for us.
A memorial visitation will be held on September 12, 2026, at 2pm at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 S Hwy. 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Graveside services will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola at a later date.
Please wear your Orange and White to celebrate Benny’s love of the Tennessee Volunteers and his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your local Veteran’s Association.
Living Her Best Life: Childhood Cancer Survivor Cheers Alongside Tate Aggies
September 8, 2026
Five-year-old Kinslee Gibson was living her best life on Friday night, cheering with the Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders.
Kinslee is a four-year cancer survivor who was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor, a rare type of kidney cancer that affects mostly young children. After bravely facing chemotherapy, she’s now living life to the fullest as a sweet, strong, and courageous little girl.
“She reminds us all that there is so much strength in the smallest of warriors,” the announcement in Pete Gindl Stadium said.
All of the cheerleaders, including Kinslee, wore yellow ribbons to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Commission To Consider Hearings For 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
September 8, 2026
This week, the Escambia County Commission is set to consider setting a public hearing on the way to establishing a data center moratorium, which will be in addition to previous anti-data center actions.
In July, the commission approved a resolution going on record to memorialize its interpretation that data centers are not allowed as principal uses under the Escambia County Land Development Code. And, in August, the commission approved an ordinance banning large-scale data centers.
On Thursday, the BOCC will consider advertising two public hearings in order to vote on a 12-month moratorium on “certain data center facilities.” As currently drafted, the ordinance would impose the moratorium on data centers with an anticipated monthly peak load of at least 10 megawatts but less than 50 megawatts to allow county staff time “to evaluate the potential impacts of such facilities on public infrastructure, natural resources, and surrounding communities and to determine whether additional action is necessary or appropriate.”
At or above 50 megawatts, a state law kicks in to ensure large-scale data centers pay for their own energy and infrastructure costs instead of shifting those expenses onto residential and small business utility ratepayers.
If the commission moves forward at its meeting on Thursday, September 10, the moratorium public hearings will be held October 1 at 5:31 p.m. and October 15 at 9:01 a.m.
To read the complete orginance, click here (pdf).
Mostly Clear, Low In The 70s Tonight
September 8, 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.
Longtime ECUA Board Member Dale Perkins Passes Away
September 8, 2026
Longtime Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 4 Board Member Walter “Dale” Perkins died Sunday, September 6. He was 64.
Perkins served on the ECUA Board for 32 years, having first taken office in 1994. His final term was scheduled to conclude in November after he chose not to seek reelection.
Earlier in 2026, a commemorative plaque honoring his tenure was dedicated near the entrance to Pensacola Beach, placed in front of the ECUA water tanks. The plaque notes his background as a fisherman and environmentalist, citing him as the longest-serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.
Outside of his public service with the utility authority, Perkins worked professionally as a social worker, a substance abuse counselor, and a military and family life counselor. He also worked as a local fishing boat captain.
Perkins is survived by his daughters, Jade Perkins and Stacey Livingston; his mother, Marcia Perkins; and seven siblings: Bill, Mike, Jeff, Melanie, Libby, Sandi, and Patti.
Pictured top: Dale Perkins at an August 25 ECUA board meeting. Pictured below: A plaque honoring Perkins on Pensacola Beach. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
