Possible Infant Skull Found In Wooded Area Near Byrneville Prompts Investigation — But It Was A ‘Realistic Fake’
August 24, 2026
An investigation determined that a possible human skull found Sunday evening near Byrneville was, in fact, not human or primate.
The small skull, described as an old but realistic-looking, was located in a wooded area on the east side of Rains Road, less than a mile north of West Highway 4 before 6 p.m. by someone feeding cats. Concerned that the skull might be that of an infant, the person finding it called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
At first glance, the “skull” pieces appeared to be real and belonged to an infant or even a primate like a monkey, according to the ECSO, which was attempting to locate an anthropologist for an opinion.
After further investigation, “the Medical Examiner determined that the “skull” is a realistic-looking fake,” Morgan Lewis, spokesperson for the ECSO said shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
George Stone Offering GED Classes At Molino Community Center
August 24, 2026
Adults looking to earn a high school diploma have a local option in North Escambia as GED preparation classes are now underway at the Molino Branch Library.
Offered through George Stone Technical College (GSTC) in partnership with the library, the program features open enrollment, allowing new students to register and begin classes at any time. Instruction will be led by new teacher Ken Marlin, combining traditional classroom lessons with individualized support to help students meet their educational goals.
Classes at the Molino Library meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Earning a GED opens the door to improved employment prospects, higher earning potential, and access to trade programs or higher education.
In addition to the Molino Library, GSTC provides GED prep courses across Escambia County, including:
- Blue Angels Elementary
- CareerSource Escarosa
- C.A. Weis Elementary
- GSTC Main Campus, 2400 Longleaf Drive
- Online classes featuring flexible scheduling and personalized instruction
For more information or to enroll, contact Patricia Harrison by email at pharrison@ecsdfl.us or call (850) 786-6515. Additional details about available courses and technical programs can be found online at gstc.escambiaschools.org.
Stock image.
No Serious Injuries Reported In Highway 97 Crash In Davisville
August 24, 2026
There were no serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Sunday night on Highway 97 at Nokomis Road in Davisville.
The driver of a northbound Silverado pickup truck on Highway 97 apparently attempted to turn left into the Marathon Station parking lot and traveled into the path of a southbound passenger car on Highway 97. Both vehicles came to a stop in the parking lot.
The passenger and driver of the sedan were transported by Escambia County EMS to a freestanding emergency room on Nine Mile Road with injuries that were not considered severe.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
High School Football Week 1: Winners, Losers, And Lots Of Photos
August 24, 2026
Week one of North Escambia area football in Florida is in the books.
The Northview Chiefs and Pensacola Catholic High Crusaders opened play on Thursday night, and walking away stong winners.
The Tate Aggies, Jay Royals, Washington Wildcats, Central Jaguars, and Pace Patriots were the Florida winners, while West Florida, Pine Forest and Pensacola High lost.
TATE AGGIES
- For a bonus photo gallery, from Tate with cheerleaders, Lil’ Aggies cheerleaders, Showband, and more, click here.
- For a Tate Aggies game recap and photos, click here.
NORTHVIEW CHIEFS
- For a Northview gallery with the band, cheerleaders, fans, and more, click here.
- For a Northview game recap and action photos, click here.
Complete scoreboard:
FLORIDA
Friday, August 21
- Tate 40, Marianna 13 [Story, photos...]
- Jay 35, Baker 6
- Walton 52, West Florida 7
- South Walton 50, Gulf Breeze 0
- Washington 27, Pine Forest 26
- Fort Walton Beach 41, Pensacola 6
- Central 37, Graceville 6
- Pace 41, Fairhope 0
- Florida High 37, Navarre 13
Thursday, August 20
- Northview 40, Rocky Bayou 6 [Story, photos...]
- Pensacola Catholic 20, Milton 0
Pictured: NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
AAA: Gas Prices Hold Steady Despite Higher Oil Prices, For Now
August 24, 2026
Florida gas prices remain relatively stable, despite rising oil and gasoline futures. The state average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.86 per gallon, about the same as a week ago.
Meanwhile, the national average edged slightly higher over the past week, rising from $4.07 to $4.10 per gallon.
In the Escambia County area, the average was the lowest in the state at $3.79, while a low of $3.69 was available at stations in Cantonment.
The price of crude oil rose during the week, going from $84.50 to $87.06 per barrel. At the same time, gasoline futures increased from $3.27 to $3.35 per gallon. Those gains typically put upward pressure on pump prices because fuel retailers pay more for the gasoline they purchase from suppliers.
“Florida drivers didn’t see much movement at the pump last week, even though the cost of oil and gasoline futures moved higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If wholesale fuel costs remain elevated, drivers could begin seeing more upward pressure on pump prices in the coming days.”
Pictured: Regular unloaded gas at $3.69 on Sunday night in the North Escambia area. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Clutch Plays Gets Wahoos To 4th Straight Win
August 24, 2026
They say timing is everything, and that was ever present on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. A well timed home run, a big time double play, and a home run robbery at just the right time were all ingredients in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 4-3 win over the Knoxville Smokies.
The scoring got started in the bottom of the second. After Brandon Compton extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a leadoff double to begin the frame, Ethan O’Donell took Dawson Netz (L, 6-4) deep for his fourth bomb of the year over the left field wall, his second homer in as many days. And while that was happening, Joey Volini (W, 2-2) was cruising, setting down the Smokies down in order in each of the first three innings.
The Wahoos had a major threat in the bottom of the third, loading the bases with nobody out and the meat of their order coming up. Juan Matheus struck out on a ball in the dirt. Brandon Compton was able to bring home a run on a groundout to the pitcher, but Dillon Lewis went down swinging after. Though they were only able to scrape across one run, Pensacola was in a good place leading 3-0.
After retiring the first two batters in the fourth, Voilini blinked for the first time, giving up a solo home run to Miguel Useche, ending his perfect game and shutout. Two innings later, the Smokies would tack on one more with Andy Garriola bringing home a run on a groundout to third and cutting the score to 3-2. Jaydenn Estanista took over after that and ending the 6th inning with the tying run on third.
The bottom of the sixth brought on a very welcome sight, as Brandon Compton led off the inning with his team leading 19th homer of the year, putting the Wahoos up 4-2. The seventh inning, however, brought pressure. After retiring the first batter of the inning, Estanista allowed a first pitch single. He then proceeded to throw 12 straight pitches out of the zone to walk the bases full and eventually walk in a run, making it a 4-3 game. With the bases loaded, only one out, and the go-ahead run standing on second base, Nelson Prada called for Mason Vinyard out of the bullpen (S, 1).
Vinyard had spent his last 22 games at High-A Jacksonville and was making his first appearance for the Wahoos since late May. With no room for error, he got Useche to ground into a 5-4-3 double play, ending the threat and maintaining the lead.
The top of the eighth saw another threat from the Smokies. Andy Garriola led off with a single, which immediately brought the go-ahead run to the plate. Edgar Alvarez, who homered the night before, crushed a fly ball to right that died at the warning track. With one down, Ariel Armas dug in. And Armas hit his ball just a bit further. A ball with home run distance, bound for Pensacola Bay. And then Ethan O’Donnell rose up and snagged it out of the sky, robbing a home run that would’ve put the Smokies up by a run, receiving an ovation from every fan in the stands and every Wahoo on the field. Vinyard then struck Drew Bowser out looking to end the inning.
In the ninth, the tying run got as far as third base, but Alex Ramirez grounded out to third, closing the game out in dramatic fashion. The 4-3 win was the Wahoos fourth straight win, and their 13th win in 15 games. They now sit at a 69-50 overall and 33-17 in the second half while the Smokies fell to 64-55 and 26-24. The magic number to clinch a playoff spot dropped to 14.
The Blue Wahoos have a day off on Monday before heading to Montgomery for their final series against the Biscuits.
Hot, Humid And Scattered Storms This Week
August 24, 2026
A hot day is on tap for Monday, with increasing rain and storm chances aas we head into the workweek. Any storms that develop will have the potential to produce strong wind gusts.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 89. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Herman ‘Buck’ Lee Stewart
August 24, 2026
Herman, better known as “Buck” to all of his family and friends, was born to Augusta and Earnestine Stewart on March 13, 1945 in Molino, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Augusta Stewart and Earnestine Stewart Dykes; paternal grandparents, Elvis and Eliza Stewart; maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Ard; two sisters, Carol Stewart and Sandy Madden; three brothers, Carl Stewart, Tim Jordan (Donald Ray), Tom Bunn (Thomas Earl).
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bessie Stewart; three sons, Charles Stewart, Chester (Tina) Stewart, all of Quinteet, Lee (Laurie) Stewart of Molino; two granddaughters, Whitney and Sabra; brother, Joey (Denise) Jordan; seven sisters, Jerlain (David) Folk of Earhart, South Carolina, Catherine Lowery of Molino, Florida, Rosie (Glen) Johnson of Georgia, Ann (Tracey) Ford of Cantonment, Florida, Alice Smith, Betty “Kay” Smith, and Linda (Greg) Baurer, all of Pensacola, Florida.
Buck was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ August 23, 2026 at the age of 81 years old. He was loved and respected by everyone he came in contact with.
He retired from Apec Construction 12-13 years ago, but he never stopped working. He always had something he had to do around the house, or if a friend called needing help with something, he was always there. Buck loved his animals! He had donkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and dogs.
Buck is going to be missed by everyone, especially Kay. He was always there to give her a helping hand when she needed it. He loved all of his family and worried about all of them.
A service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Ken Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated.
FDLE Warrant Details Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges Against McDavid Man
August 23, 2026
Newly obtained court records outline the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation leading to the recent arrest of a McDavid man on multiple child sexual abuse material charges.
James Thomas McDuffie, 49, of Highway 97A in McDavid, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on an FDLE arrest warrant charging him with 20 second-degree felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, two third-degree felony counts of possession of computer-generated child sexual abuse material, and one third-degree felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to the arrest affidavit, the investigation began in September 2025 after the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Investigators said Yahoo! reported that an email account associated with McDuffie’s phone number had uploaded multiple files of illicit content.
According to court documents, detectives tracked the account’s login history to an IP address assigned to a residence in the 10000 block of Highway 97A in McDavid. Because the activity was determined to have occurred in Escambia County, the case was officially transferred to the FDLE in May 2026.
An FDLE special agent stated in the warrant that a forensic digital analysis of McDuffie’s seized smartphone uncovered approximately 55 files depicting sexual battery and exploitation of both boys and girls, with victims ranging in age from one year old to teenagers. In addition to the real imagery, the report notes investigators found two computer-generated or manipulated files. The affidavit also states investigators found email correspondence linked to the suspect account discussing the material with other users.
During an interview with law enforcement, McDuffie acknowledged viewing and receiving illicit files through email and links from an overseas image platform, according to the report. Investigators said McDuffie claimed people sent him the images after he posted online about his own past personal trauma. The affidavit notes that McDuffie denied ever harming or molesting any children.
McDuffie remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $230,000.
Escambia County Unemployment Rate Holds Nearly Steady At 5.1%
August 23, 2026
The latest data released on Friday by the Florida Department of Commerce shows the Escambia County unemployment rate nearly steady over the previous month.
The Escambia County unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, a slight increase from 5.0% one month ago. The net increase for the year stood at 700 jobs.
The labor force was 241,625, down 1,808 (-0.7 percent) over the year. There were 12,276 unemployed residents in the region.
The professional and business services (+1.2%); other services (+1.1%); and trade, transportation, and utilities (+0.3%) industries grew as fast or faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.
Florida’s statewide unemployment stood at 4.6%. This reflects a 0.1% drop, with an estimated 515,000 out-of-work Floridians out of a labor force numbering 11.1 million.