Register Teams Now For The Tate Aggies Softball 11th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot
August 18, 2026
The Tate Aggies softball program will host its 11th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace.
Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by a safety briefing at 8:30 a.m. Shooting begins at 9:00 a.m.
Both breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with door prizes. Awards will be presented for top team, top shooter, top female shooter, and worst shooter.
Entry and sponsorship packages include:
- Showbird ($500): Four shooters.
- 410 Gauge ($800): Four shooters, station sign, and eight raffle tickets.
- 20 Gauge ($1,200): Four shooters, station sign, and 12 raffle tickets.
- 12 Gauge ($1,600): Four shooters, station sign, and 16 raffle tickets.
The deadline to register is September 5, 2026. Click here to register online.
The Santa Rosa Shooting Center is located at 6950 Quintette Road in Pace. For questions or additional information, contact Bryan Walker at (850) 712-3159 or email tatesoftballboosters@gmail.com.
Pictured: Scenes from the 2025 Tate Softball Sporting Clay Shoot. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Child Abuse After Allegedly Striking Juvenile With Stick
August 17, 2026
A Cantonment man was arrested after allegedly striking a juvenile with a wooden stick and violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence involving his ex-wife.
Gemal Fathygebri Floyd Sr., 40, was charged with felony child abuse without great bodily harm (domestic violence) and misdemeanor violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence.
According to an arrest report from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on the night of August 12, following reports of an altercation at a residence in Cottage Hill.
An investigation revealed that Floyd arrived at the home to confront a juvenile about why the youth’s phone location had been turned off. During an argument in the front yard, Floyd reportedly grabbed a wooden stick from the bed of his truck, stated “Let me show you something,” and struck the victim in the leg and left forearm, leaving a visible red welt. Multiple witnesses at the residence reported seeing the altercation and hearing the strikes.
Deputies also determined that Floyd violated an active, permanent domestic violence injunction held by his ex-wife. The order, originally served in 2023, strictly limited contact to civil text messages regarding their child. Investigators noted that Floyd violated the order by placing multiple calls and sending rude, threatening text messages to his ex-wife, telling her she would not have a job when he was through with her.
When interviewed by deputies, Floyd admitted to traveling to the Cottage Hill address after noticing the youth’s location was off, admitting he struck the juvenile with a stick before driving away and calling back to apologize. He also admitted to calling and texting his ex-wife, claiming he believed the injunction had been dismissed.
Floyd was taken into custody at a residence on Pine Street in Cantonment and booked into the Escambia County Jail, where he was held without bond. The incident was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Floyd remained in the Escambia County Jail on MOnday morning with bond set at $3,500.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Voters Will Decide On Tuesday’s Ballot
August 17, 2026
Should Escambia County have an elected or appointed superintendent? That will be decided by Escambia County voters in Tuesday’s primary vote.
The exact question on the primary election ballot is:
“Shall the superintendent of schools of Escambia County, Florida, be elected by the majority of the qualified electors of Escambia County, Florida? Yes or No.”
The referendum question is on all ballots, regardless of a voter’s party or district.
If it passes, Escambia voters will elect a school superintendent during the November 2028 general election. If it fails, the superintendent will remain appointed by the Escambia County School Board.
In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted by a narrow margin to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent.
The Escambia County School Board voted 3-2 on February 18, 2025, to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said at a February board meeting. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
Pictured: Current Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard was appointed by the school board.
Another Day, Another Heat Advisory With A Few Afternoons Showers Possible
August 17, 2026
Another day, another heat advisory in effect for Monday with a heat index as high as 108 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 108. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch This Week
August 17, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Aug. 16, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Median devices are in place near Patton Drive and Mills Avenue. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90A (West Nine Mile Road) Resurfacing, from Perdido River Bridge to S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) – The week of Sunday, Aug. 16, drivers on U.S. 90A will encounter the following construction-related traffic impacts:
- Intermittent eastbound lane closures near the U.S. 90 weigh station. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Inside lane closures, between Western Way Drive and Tower Ridge Road.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – Garden Street drivers will encounter a temporary westbound lane closure near the North D Street intersection on Monday, Aug. 17, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for stormwater drainage work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to guide drivers safely through the work zone. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street and D Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 22, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound on-ramp, which will remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers are reminded that the I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to the north near the U.S. 29 interchange. This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026. Additionally, ongoing traffic impacts include the following:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 21, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Aug. 16, through Saturday, Aug. 22, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing, from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 20, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Yellow River – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures, Monday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
New Traffic Pattern On I-10 Eastbound Near Highway 29 Exit
August 17, 2026
I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to provide a dedicated work zone just south of the interstate.
Here is a look at morning commuters using the new, temporary traffic configuration. This aerial view is looking westward towards the Highway 29 exit.
The traffic shift allows crews to perform construction activities for future interstate widening and realignment and the replacement of the North Palafox Street bridge.
This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
Drivers are reminded that the posted speed limit in this area has been reduced to 50 mph. Drivers are advised to slow down and use caution when traveling through the work zone. Speeding fines may be doubled when workers are present.
Construction for the I-10 at U.S. 29 interchange improvement project is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Several Escambia County Voting Precincts, Including Century, Have Moved
August 17, 2026
Several voting precincts have moved this year, including Century, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender.
Precinct 22 voters in Century previously voted at the Century Town Hall, but the Century Precinct has permanently moved to the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century, the voting site for the 2025 special election. Bender said notices were mailed to Century Precinct voters.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18.
Polling Location Changes For 2026
Voters in the following precincts were mailed a notice of Permanent Polling Location Change and a new voter information card for the following locations:
Precinct 5 (Former Location – Wilde Lake Church): New Location – Klondike Church of Pensacola, 7201 Klondike Rd, Pensacola
Precinct 49 (Former Location – Grace Lutheran/CareerSource Escarosa): New Location – Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola
Precinct 77 (Former Location – Pensacola State College, Warrington): New Location – Lexington Terrace Community Center, 700 South Old Corry Field Rd, Pensacola
Precinct 98 (Former Location – St. John Divine Baptist Church): New Location – Bethel AME Church, 511 Woodland Dr, Pensacola
Precinct 101 (Former Location – Plainview Baptist Church): New Location – Hadji Temple, 800 West Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola
Precinct 106 (Former Location – Grace Lutheran/CareerSource Escarosa): New Location – Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North 9th Ave, Pensacola
Temporary Changes for 2026
Voters were mailed a notice of Temporary Polling Location Change at least 14 days before each election for the following locations:
Precinct 14 (Permanent Location – Fricker Resource Center): Temporary Location – Pensacola Main Library, 239 North Spring St, Pensacola
Precinct 70 (Permanent Location – Burgess Road Baptist Church): Temporary Location – The Gathering Place at Pensacola Christian College, 115 St. John St, Pensacola
Changes from 2025 Special Election
The following precincts were permanently changed during the 2025 Special Election:
Precinct 22 (Former Location – Century Town Hall): New Location – Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 North Century Blvd, Century
Precinct 24 (Former Location – Warrington Church): New Location – St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 Live Oak Ave, Pensacola
Returning to Precinct
After being at the Pensacola Main Library for the 2024 and 2025 Elections, Precinct 31 is returning to its permanent location at Christ Church.
Precinct 31: Christ Church Pensacola, 18 West Wright St, Pensacola
Pictured: Precinct 22 has been permanently moved from the Century Town Hall to the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century in 2025. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Are Slightly Lower Than Last Week
August 17, 2026
Florida gas prices slipped lower last week, even as oil prices moved higher. The state average fell a penny per gallon, declining from $3.88 last Sunday to $3.87 this week.
Sunday’s state average of $3.87 per gallon is one cent less than last week, two cents less than Saturday, and 79 cents more than this time last year.
In Escambia County, Sunday’s average was $3.57, down from $3.63 a week ago and $3.72 a month ago, while higher than $2.89 a year ago.
Sunday night, a low of $3.39 in North Escambia at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. The Pensacola area low was $3.36 at the warehouse clubs and several other stations.
“Florida drivers saw a little relief at the pump last week, even as oil prices moved higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That could limit how much further pump prices fall in the near term. If crude oil remains elevated, drivers could see renewed upward pressure at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Complete Six-Game Sweep Of Biloxi
August 17, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos swept a six-game series for the first time since 2023 on Sunday night, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 6-3 to complete a perfect weeklong road trip against their division rival.
Brandon Compton launched a three-run homer over the right field videoboard in the third inning to give the Blue Wahoos an early lead that they would hold for the rest of the night. It was the 17th for Compton in a Blue Wahoos uniform this season, tying him with Dillon Lewis for the team lead despite not joining the club until June 30.
Joey Volini (W, 1-2) earned his first Double-A win and pitched efficiently to establish a new career high in innings pitched. The lefty, who had never pitched beyond 6.0 innings in his professional career, worked 7.0 innings of three-run ball on only 83 pitches and became the first Pensacola starter since Luis Palacios in 2023 to pitch into the eighth inning.
Shuckers starter Jaron DeBerry (L, 7-7) allowed four unearned runs over 5.0 innings, but had only himself to blame. In the third inning with the game still scoreless, Adrian Santana hit a comebacker that would have been an inning-ending double play. DeBerry sailed his throw up the front slope of the mound into center field, opening the floodgates to a four-run inning. Aiva Arquette followed with an RBI single before Compton’s tape-measure homer.
Andrew Fischer and Mike Boeve each hit solo homers against Volini, but an RBI single from Santana in the top of the seventh inning and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Compton in the ninth gave the Pensacola bullpen added insurance. Colby Martin retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning, and Holt Jones (S, 5) remained perfect in save opportunities with a 1-2-3 ninth.
The series marked the first six-game sweep for the Blue Wahoos since September 2023, when they earned a road sweep in Rocket City. It also extended a miserable run for the Shuckers, who have now lost a franchise-record 11 in a row.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos remained 4.0 games ahead of the Montgomery Biscuits with 24 games remaining in the regular season as they pursue a second half South Division title and a date with the reeling Shuckers in the playoffs.
After an off day, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game home series against the Knoxville Smokies, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, on Tuesday night.
written by Erik Bremer
Flomaton Police Investigating After FPD Officer Accused Of ‘Road Rage’ Incident Near Tate High
August 16, 2026
The Flomaton Police Department is investigating after a social media post alleged one of its officers engaged in aggressive driving and a verbal confrontation outside Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida—more than 30 miles south of the department’s Alabama jurisdiction.
Flomaton Police Chief Justin Hetrick issued a statement late Saturday afternoon addressing the incident, confirming the department is looking into the claims.
“I am aware of a recent social media post regarding allegations involving an officer with the Flomaton Police Department,” Hetrick said. “This allegation will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly to determine whether any department policies or procedures have been violated.”
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Hetrick added that he has contacted the complainant and explained the process for filing a formal complaint, emphasizing that the department remains “committed to addressing all complaints fairly, professionally, and appropriately.”
The investigation stems from a Facebook post by a parent who described heavy traffic outside the school Friday evening while picking up her 14-year-old daughter from band at Tate as a Kickoff Classic football game was underway.
According to the post, the driver was pulling out from Tate School Road onto Highway 29 when a vehicle rapidly approached from behind. The driver alleged that the motorist began continuously blowing the horn “like a madman,” pulled in front to brake-check her, and slowed down to roughly 20 mph in a 45-mph zone.
When both vehicles stopped next to each other at a red light, the driver reported discovering that the vehicle was a marked Flomaton Police Department cruiser. The woman stated the officer rolled down his passenger-side window and yelled at her before driving away.
“I proceeded to tell him I was just as shocked that a police officer was acting like this and that I had my 14-year-old daughter in the car and he should know better to behave like this in front of myself and my child,” the woman wrote. “It was my first time seeing a police officer with road rage like that I’ve never been scared of police officers, but that was my first time I actually had a fear of a police officer.”
“This officer looked like someone waiting to explode. He was very angry and it’s scary to know someone like this is able to pull anyone over,” she posted. “And to know he’s someone with authority and he’s out there driving with so much road rage. So please be aware of this officer because I got the feeling he’s full of a lot of anger and just waiting to explode.”
After calling the Flomaton Police Department to report the encounter, the woman said she was informed that an officer with the department resides in the Cantonment/Pensacola area.
NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.