One Injured In Molino Highway 29 Rollover Crash
February 11, 2026
One person was airlifted after a single vehicle rollover crash Wednesday morning in Molino.
The 19-year old female driver of a southbound Hyundai Venue lost control, crossed the median, struck a culvert, and overturned.
The crash occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Highway 29 at Camde Lane, just north of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and a self-storage facility. The vehicle came to rest upright just off the roadway.
The female driver, who was from Molino, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. She was airlifted by a Lifeguard helicopter to an area hospital in serious condition.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which temporarily shut down both north and southbound Highway 29.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambiac.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here’s What Is Happening To The Tom Thumb In Molino
February 11, 2026
Construction fencing surrounds a portion of the Tom Thumb in Molino, with gas pumps blocked off.
We reached out to EG America, which owns the store, to find out future plans, and learned that the construction is part of a long-awaited rebrand of the store located at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.
“We’re excited to continue investing in and serving the Molino community as part of our ongoing rebranding and store enhancement efforts,” EG America told NorthEscambia.com by email.
“The Tom Thumb location (in Molino) is slated to transition to the Cumberland Farms brand, with the updated store opening in April. The store will remain open throughout the construction process, and we look forward to welcoming customers and introducing them to Cumberland Farms and Krispy Krunchy Chicken.”
In March 2022, EG America announced it will rebrand its Tom Thumb store locations to the Cumberland Farms brand starting in May 2022. The $50 million project was set to span two years and include 113 Tom Thumb locations and new locations across Florida and Alabama.
Since that time, most Tom Thumbs in the area underwent the rebrand.
EG America, a subsidiary of EG Group, operates over 1,700 locations across ten brands throughout the USA – Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac Café, KwikShop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, QuikStop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill.
Pictured: The Tom Thumb store located at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Murdered 5-Year Old Weighed Just 20 Pounds When Found Dead Inside Trash Bag In Bay
February 11, 2026
A 5-year-old boy found dead in a trash bag in Perdido Bay last Friday was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report.
Jalynda Karie Smith, 36, was arrested hours later and charged with aggravated negligent manslaughter. In a hearing on Tuesday, a judge ordered that she be held without bond.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellular phone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Pictured top: Suspect Jalynda Karie Smith appeared in court on Tuesday. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
February 11, 2026
Escambia County’s Take Stock in Children program is accepting online applications from eligible sixth and seventh grade students until February 26. Program information, income eligibility requirements, applications, and instructions are available through middle school guidance offices and on the school district website.
Take Stock in Children is a statewide program operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, providing “scholarships, mentors, and hope” to selected financially-eligible students.
Students are selected through an application process, and requirements include financial need, U.S. citizenship, grades of all C or better, and good school attendance and behavior.
Once selected, Take Stock Scholars meet regularly at school with a trained volunteer mentor and the College Readiness Coach who monitors academic progress, and they attend college preparation workshops.
When standards are maintained, and upon high school graduation, students receive a 4-year Florida Prepaid scholarship at the state college rate.
For more information about the application process, becoming a mentor, or donating toward scholarships, contact Alexandra Bach, Take Stock in Children Student Service Coordinator, (850) 469-5458 or abach@ecsdfl.us.
George Stone Offers GED Classes At Molino Community Center
February 11, 2026
George Stone Technical College GED classes begin August 20 at the Molino Community Center, 6450 North Highway 95A.
Classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. for individuals of all ages who have not completed high school.
Taught by instructor Susan Winters, who has more than 10 years of experience, the classes focus on more than just passing the GED exam—they build confidence in a supportive, encouraging learning environment while covering the four core subject areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Earning a GED can open doors to higher education, stronger career opportunities, and increased earning potential, and the team at Molino Community Center is dedicated to helping students overcome common fears about returning to school. As program counselor Patricia Harrison explained, support is available at every step to ensure student success.
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at (850) 786-6515 or email pharrison@ecsdfl.us. Visit www.GeorgeStoneCollege.edu or explore additional GED class options offered by George Stone Technical College on the main campus and at Ensley Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, CareerSource Escarosa, and Weis Elementary.
Baseball Season Openers: Northview Falls To Catholic; Tate Blanks Pine Forest
February 11, 2026
Pensacola Catholic 5, Northview 3
The Northview Chiefs dropped their season opener to the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders 5-3 on Tuesday night in Bratt.
Catholic took a 1-0 lead into the top of the fourth on a fly-out. A Jase Portwood sacrifice fly tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth. Catholic regained the lead in the top of the seventh.
At the plate, Portwood led with one RBI. Taylor Curtis went 2-3, while Dane King and Luke Chavers were both 1-3.
For a Catholic at Northview photo gallery, click here.
Grayson Burns was first on the mound for Northview, giving up four hits and one run in six innings while striking out nine and walking three.
On Friday, the Chiefs will travel to Milton at 7 p.m.
Tate 23, Pine Forest 0
Tate blanked the Pine Forest Eagles on Tuesday night, 23-0, in the season opener for the Aggies.
At bat, Kannon Ham led Tate going 3-4 and Griffin Cook went 2-2.
On the mound, Bryton McLellan earned the win, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out four. Keelan Beasley pitched one, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out three.
The Aggies will return home Friday night at 7 p.m. to host the Pace Patriots.
Pictured: Pensacola Catholic defeated Northview Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
,Slight Chance Of Scattered Showers
February 11, 2026
A mix of patchy fog and stray showers will kick off the next few days before a beautiful, sunny stretch takes hold through Friday. The quiet weather won’t last long, however, as a robust system moves in late Saturday, bringing likely showers and the potential for heavy rainfall by Sunday morning. Conditions should clear up just in time for a bright and pleasant Washington’s Birthday on Monday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 51. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 60. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Washington’s Birthday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Tuesday Preseason Softball: Night Ends With Losses for Tate And Northview
February 11, 2026
Niceville 14, Tate 6
In preseason action Tuesday night, the Niceville Eagles defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 14-6.
Kaylie Mitchell hit a solo home run to left field for the Lady Aggies in the bottom of the fourth.
At bat, the Aggies were led by Sarah Mitchell with two RBIs as she went 1-3. Taylor Robinson went 3-4, while Brelynn Morries and Kayleigh Burt each had multiple hits.
Mykamia Padgett went three innings for the Aggies, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits while striking out five and walking three.
Up next, Tate will take on West Florida on Thursday.
Pace 6, Northview 2
It was a preseason battle between two runner-ups from last year as 6A Pace defeated Rural Division Northview 6-2 on Tuesday night in Pace.
Daviona Rudolph and Avery Stuckey both had one hit for Northview. Peyton Womack and Rudolph each had an RBI.
Mikayla McAnally was first in the circle for the Chiefs, giving up two hits and no runs in two innings, striking out four and recording no walks. Womack threw three innings in relief, surrendering nine hits and six runs (three earned), striking out three and walking zero.
At 4 p.m. Thursday, Northview will take on Navarre in Pace.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Frances Yvonne ‘Fran’ Wright
February 11, 2026
Frances Yvonne “Fran” Wright passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at the age of 88 in Pensacola, Florida. Fran was born in Lafayette, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University School of Nursing in 1958. While attending school, she worked at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway Medical Clinic on race days. Early in her career, she worked in polio wards, emergency rooms, and assisted in some of the early open heart surgeries performed in the late 50s.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lavaughn Renick of Flora, Indiana, her husband, John W. Wright of Pensacola, Florida, and her sister, Bonnie (Bill) Cassell of Yalaha, Florida.
Fran moved to Pensacola in 1975, where she was the operating room supervisor for Baptist Hospital. She later joined The Neurosurgical Group at Baptist Hospital as their surgical nurse, where she remained until her retirement in 2010. She was reluctant to retire from nursing, but eventually came to enjoy it.
In Fran’s early years, she bred and showed doberman pinschers, founding The Doberman Pinscher Club of America in Pensacola in the 70s. Fran enjoyed reading crime novels, knitting caps and booties for premature babies at Sacred Heart Hospital and baby blankets for expectant mothers, camping with friends, shopping for antiques, tending flowers and boating. She especially loved traveling and had the opportunity to take a trip to Europe. Her favorite times were spent with her family and close friends. She lived her life to the fullest.
Fran is survived by her three children, Seane (Carl) Walters of Newton, Mississippi; Sherri (Terry) Boatright of Talihina, Oklahoma; and Andy (Tracy) Walker of Pensacola, Florida; her grandson, Wesley (Chelsea) Walker of Ormond Beach, Florida; and her four step-children, Helen Ann (Kalani) Jones of Poway, California; Gina (Fidencio) Lopez of Boise, Idaho; Roberta (Scott) Harman of Meridian, Idaho; and Mary Branscombe of San Diego, California.
To her children, Fran will always be remembered as a loving and kind mother who put the needs of her children above her own. To her friends she was family, caring for them when needed.
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:26-28.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Barrancas National Cemetery at Pensacola Naval Air Station, and she will be laid to rest with her late husband, John.
A Week Of Championship Basketball As Sunbelt Tournament Returns To Pensacola
February 11, 2026
Basketball fever returns to Pensacola as the 2026 Visit Pensacola Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, presented by Air Force Reserve, tip off Tuesday, March 3, at the Pensacola Bay Center. For one high-energy week, the city will host nonstop college basketball as the Sun Belt’s best teams compete for conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths.
All 14 Sun Belt Conference schools will compete in a single-elimination tournament running March 3 through March 9, with both the men’s and women’s championships held at the Pensacola Bay Center. Each game brings high stakes, as teams battle for an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.
“The Sun Belt Conference’s student-athletes, coaches, and fans always look forward to starting the road to March Madness in Pensacola,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill. “We are excited to once again showcase our competitive spirit and growing national profile of Sun Belt basketball in a community that continues to welcome us with open arms.”
Sun Belt Conference teams include App State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana, ULM, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Troy.
By the end of play on Monday, March 9, one men’s team and one women’s team will emerge as conference champions, earning automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament and the opportunity to compete on college basketball’s biggest stage.
“Championship week brings an incredible level of excitement and energy to Pensacola,” said Darien Schaefer, president and CEO of Visit Pensacola. “We are proud to host the Sun Belt Conference once again and invite fans to experience great basketball alongside our beaches, downtown attractions, and outstanding local restaurants.”
Beyond the games, fans can take part in several free, family-friendly events throughout the week:
- Sun Belt Fan Fest: Join us outside the Bay Center on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free family-friendly celebration featuring a DJ, spirit teams, bands, games, and food and drinks. Early arrivals can even snap photos with the Championship Trophy inside the Bay Center Arena.
- 2026 Sun Belt Dribble Drive: On Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., kids ages 3-12 can participate in this free event at the Bay Center. Children are encouraged to dribble around the venue and receive a free t-shirt, basketball, and two tickets to the Women’s quarterfinal game at 2:30 p.m. Registration is required as spots are limited to 650 participants!
The full schedule of Sun Belt Basketball Championship games, entertainment and events can be found at visitpensacola.com/sunbelt.
All Games, One Ticket, Plus a Free Tournament Cooler
Now through February 15, fans can purchase an All-Session Ticket Book for the 2026 Sun Belt Basketball Championships and receive one free official tournament cooler with each ticket book purchased. The offer includes access to every men’s and women’s game. Instructions for picking up your cooler voucher will be provided with purchase so you can redeem it at the merchandise stand during the tournament, March 3–9. More info: https://www.visitpensacola.com/sunbelt/sun-belt-january-cooler-promo/
Tickets are available online here at Ticketmaster. Group tickets start at $5 per person.