Michigan Man Confirmed As New Pensacola Police Chief
February 13, 2026
Thursday, the Pensacola City Council officially confirmed Eric Winstrom as the new chief of the Pensacola Police Department. The vote was unanimous.
Winstrom, who has been the chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will start with PPD on March 2. He was selected by Mayor D.C. Reeves after a nationwide search.
“Choosing the right person to lead our police department is perhaps the most important decision I will make as your mayor,” Reeves said recently. “My focus was on finding the person who is the right fit for our community with the ability to lead PPD into the future. After much consideration and feedback from the community throughout this selection process, I look forward to working with Chief Winstrom to help write PPD’s next chapter.”
Kristin Brown, who has been serving as PPD’s Acting Chief, will serve as the Deputy Chief during the transition.
In 2022, Winstrom was named the Chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city
“Trust is a key component not only of leadership within a police department but also between the department and the community it serves,” Winstrom said. “I’m well aware that trust is earned and there are no shortcuts in earning it. I am eager to get to work with the team already in place at PPD.
“Pensacola’s looking to strive to thrive in an ethical way, and in a way that lifts everyone up. Policing is an integral part of that effort. Everyone wants to be on a winning team. Pensacola is a winning team, and I am looking forward to being part of that.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Ernest Ward, Ransom Volleyball Wrap Regular Season
February 13, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle Eagles hosted the Ransom Middle Tigers in the final volleyball match of the regular season.
In junior varsity action, Ernest Ward downed Ransom, while the Tigers topped the Eagles in varsity play.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Ernest Ward also celebrated Eighth Grade night, recognizing
- Neveah Allen
- Evie Brooks
- Lola Chavers
- Ryleigh Crabtree
- Lily Lowery
- Brylynn McGhee
- McKenzie Norton
- Harleigh Grace Parsons
- Calee Satterwhite
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny Friday, Rain And Storms Saturday Night And Sunday
February 13, 2026
An approaching system looks to dampen the weekend, bringing high rain chances and potential thunderstorms by Saturday night and through much of Sunday. Before the rain arrives, expect a pleasant Friday with sunny skies and highs in the low 70s. Following the front, conditions should clear up just in time for a mild Washington’s Birthday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3am. Low around 61. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Washington’s Birthday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Tate Lacrosse Beats PHS 16-2
February 13, 2026
Tate High School Girls Lacrosse beat the Pensacola High Tigers 16-2 on Thursday night at Tate.
With the win, the Aggies are 1-1 on the young season, while PHS dropped to 0-2.
Up next, Tate will host the Milton Panthers in a district matchup on Tuesday, February 17, at 6 p.m.
‘Paint With Puppies’ On Saturday In Cantonment To Benefit Escambia Animal Shelter
February 13, 2026
The Northview 4-H Club and Escambia County animal shelter will host “Painting With Puppies” on Saturday, February 14, at the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
Participants will be able to make their own work of art and meet adoptable dogs during the event from 10 a.m. to noon.
The entry fee is $5, and additional monetary or pet supply donations are welcome. All proceeds will benefit the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center.
The Langley Bell 4-H Center is located at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
For The Third Time This Year, Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold At Highway 97 Retailer
February 13, 2026
For the third time this year, a Davisville lottery store has sold a winning Fantasy 5 lottery ticket.
A ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop, on Highway 97 just south of Atmore, was one of two top-prize winning tickets sold for the Thursday, February 12, evening drawing and is worth $55,609.50 each. The other winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Pompano Beach.
The winning numbers were 3-5-10-20-27.
The State Line Gift Shop sold a $55,328.49 winning ticket for the February 8 midday drawing, and a $55,272.07 winning ticket for January 15.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Preseason Softball: Tate Falls To WFHS
February 13, 2026
West Florida 20, Tate 10
The Tate Aggies fell to the West Florida Jaguars 20-10 in preseason softball on Thursday.
Aubree Gorum was 1-1 for the Aggies at the plate, and led the team with two RBIs. Madison Smillie was 3-5 to lead Tate at bat. Emorie Nelson, Mykamia Padgett, and Jordyn Banks each added a hit.
The Aggies will open the regular season at home against Crestview on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Henry Thomas Lee
February 13, 2026
Henry Thomas Lee, Poppy. Age 87, born in Vernon, FL; to Barney and Emma Lee, and living most of his life in Pensacola, FL; passed away February 7, 2026. Henry had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether on a boat, in a tree stand, shucking oysters on the porch, or in the yard cleaning fish or skinning a deer, he was most at home in nature. The outdoors was not just something he enjoyed, it was a reflection of who he was. In his early years, Henry proudly served in the United States Army. Following his military service, he dedicated 20 years of hard work to St. Regis Paper Mill, where he remained until his retirement. Throughout those years, he also devoted time to volunteering with Escambia Search and Rescue, serving his community with pride.
He loved his wife Carol dearly and they were married for 65 wonderful years. Together, they built a large and beautiful family. Over the course of his life, Henry formed many lasting friendships, and to him, friends were family. He leaves behind countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Surrounded by family and friends, he passed peacefully and now he rest with God. He will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Emma Lee; brother, Franklin Lee; sisters, Odessa Lee Collier, Laura Lee Graham, and Ovedia Lee Bryant.
Henry is survived by his wife, Carol Lee; sons, Tommy Lee, Gary (Linda Wilson) Lee, and Scott (Ginger) Lee; grandchildren: Aaron Lee, Amber (Bobby Rosado) Lee, Trinity (Allen Rosas) Lee, Hayden (Connor) Lee, Jamie Thompson, Joslin Lee, Brandon (Jamie) Wiggins, Cody (Bailey) Wiggins, and Brandon Lee; great grandchildren: Emma, Nikolai, Eric, Xavier, Caden, Alexzia, Allen, Amia, Ellie, Bree, Gracyn, Suede, Saylor, Remi, and Rylie.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Visitation will be begin at 11:00 a.m. at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 60 Industrial Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503.
Jerry W. Findley
February 13, 2026
Jerry W. Findley, age 82, of Pace, FL passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Christ his Savior on the morning of February 12, 2026.
Jerry was born February 19, 1943, in Century, FL to Roy and Oneta Findley. He was a graduate of Tate High School Class of 1961. On March 13, 1971, he married the love of his life, Patricia Tucker Findley celebrating nearly 55 years of marriage. He worked in the Pensacola Mill of International Paper for 37 years.
Jerry committed his life to Christ and it resonated in every aspect of his life. He was a faithful husband, a loving father and “Papa”. He served as a deacon at Olive Baptist Church and was active in his Sunday School class. Even though Jerry worked shift work he always seemed to have time for his family and his many hobbies. He was a true “Jack of all trades.” Over the years he would explore his love of photography, travel, coaching, golf, fishing, sporting clays, and probably his most enduring hobby, cooking.
His love for cooking opened up doors for him, including becoming a certified BBQ judge and serving the culinary ministry at his church alongside Chef Bob. Jerry taught us all to “never pass up an opportunity to add more flavor.”
Jerry is survived by his wife, Pat Findley; two siblings, Leroy (Carolyn) Findley, and Shelby Duell; two children, son, Daniel (Brandi) Findley, daughter, Jennifer (Felipe) Valencia; five grandchildren, Levi, Elijah, and Caitlyn Findley, and Rex and Leo Valencia.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel – North, Wednesday, February 18th at 11am with visitation beginning at 10am. Graveside will follow afterwards at Highland Baptist Church in Molino, FL. Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Daniel Findley with special music from Rev. Jon Tyner.
The family would like to extend its deep thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice, especially Lisa and Ashley. Your kindness and care will not be forgotten.
Bill Daniel
February 13, 2026
The family of Bill Daniel is deeply saddened to announce his passing on February 07, 2026 in Cantonment, FL at the age of 66.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Daniel; his mother, Sharon Daniel: daughter, Michelle Medeiros; son-in-law, Luiz Medeiros; grandson, Asher Daniel; granddaughters, Lucianna, Mariella and Julia Medeiros, sister Terri Ange and brother-in-law Ron Ange.
He was preceded in death by his father William Daniel.
Bill was a loving, kind and generous man who would fill any place and person with laughter and joy. He loved life, and we loved having him in ours. He enjoyed grilling, cooking, gardening, wildlife, the outdoors and life in general. He loved to host gatherings with friends at “The Curve Bar and Grill” at home. Bill will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of his life and world.
A celebration of life will be held at Faith Chapel February 20, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a service following. A private interment will be held at a later date. Donations to a wildlife preservation organization or wildlife rescue may be made in lieu of flowers.