Martin “Buddy” Upshaw, Jr
March 18, 2026
Martin “Buddy” Upshaw, Jr., 80, of Pensacola, passed away Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.
He was born in St. George, SC on June 4, 1945 to Martin Upshaw, Sr. and Susan Thomas Upshaw. Buddy retired from NAS Pensacola flight line in 2000, he also worked at NADEP Pensacola after serving in the Air Force as a helicopter mechanic during Vietnam. He had a passion for working on cars, spending time at the drag strip, and sharing his knowledge of fixing things with his children.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Martin Upshaw, Sr. and Susan Upshaw.
He is survived by two sisters, Linda Tippin, and Pam (Kim) Huggins; two stepchildren from a previous marriage, Anissa Allen (Willie Gaines), Preston (Denise) Minton; children, Eric (Tammy) Rathburn, Janina Upshaw, Jennifer Pollmeier, and Janelle Schroeder (Chris Tucker); his beloved grandchildren, Kendra, Preston, Shelby, Xavier, Dustie, Raven, Jade, Paige, Drayton, Donovan, and Link; along with six great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews that he adored.
Pallbearers: Eric Rathburn, Preston Minton, Ryan Huggins, Drayton Schroeder, Chris Tucker, and Willie Gaines.
Aggie Classic Scores, Schedule
March 18, 2026
The 31st annual Harvesters Credit Union Aggie Classic is underway with teams from four states facing off across Pensacola
Here are scores through Tuesday night, along with the schedule for Wednesday.
Monday, March 16
- Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
- Gulf Breeze 16, Blanchard (OK) 6
- Pace 15, Broken Arrow (OK) 6
- Pensacola Catholic 11, Claremore (OK) 0
- Bixby 13 (OK), W.S. Neal (AL) 1
- Yukon 10 (OK), Christ Presbyterian (TN) 0
Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
In their opening game of the Aggie Classic, the host Tate Aggies easily defeated Union (OK) 10-3 on Monday.
Nathan Connors earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, allowing one hit and two runs in two and two-thirds innings, recoding four strikeouts and walking six.
Connors led the Aggies at the plate with three RBIs as he went 2-3 on the night. Connor Dethlefs went 1-1 with two RBIs while Cade McNair added one.
Tuesday, March 17
- Tate 5, Broken Arrow (OK) 2
- Pace 11, Claremore (OK) 1
- Yukon (12) W.S. Neal (AL) 2
- Gulf Breeze 9, vs Bixby ( OK) 8
- Blanchard (OK) 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
- Christ Presbyterian (TN) 11, Union (OK) 1
Tate 5, Broken Arrow 2
On the second night of the Aggie Classic, the Tate Aggies defeated the Broken Arrow Tigers (OK) 5-2 on Tuesday.
Bryton McLellan earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, surrendering four hits and two runs in a complete game seven innings, striking out five and walking four.
Taylor went 2-3 at the plate for the Aggies, driving in two runs. Nathan Connors,s, Kannon Ham, and Cooper Halfacre each had one hit.
Wednesday, March 18
Tate High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Union, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Claremore, OK
Pace High School
7:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Yukon, OK
Catholic High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Broken Arrow, OK
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Bixby, OK
Healthcare Comes to Molino: New Clinic Aims to Bridge Service Gaps and Promote Wellness
March 17, 2026
A new medical clinic is now open in Molino.
Nurse practitioner Rachel Bradley says Molino is the perfect place to open her office. With no other medical facilities and no grocery store with limited access to fresh food, she said, “Molino has challenges when it comes to making good food choices which impacts the health of individuals.”
“With limited resources, Molino residents have to travel, and that’s a hardship, to Atmore or Pensacola,” she said. “I hope to help make a healthy impact on the community.”
She is working to be approved as a Medicare provider, and can provide a “super bill” to file private insurance. IV hydration is available on a cash basis, and patients of record have access to exercise equipment for a monthly fee.
Bradley Medical Clinic, located in the Farm Bureau Building, at 153 Highway 97, is open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments are preferred at (850) 977-0028.
A Pensacola native and longtime Molino resident, Bradley has dedicated nearly four decades to the healthcare field. Her career began in dentistry, where she advanced from a certified dental assistant to a registered dental hygienist after graduating from Pensacola Junior College. Transitioning into nursing, she earned her BSN from Pensacola State College and gained extensive experience as an RN in cardiac care, ICU, and labor and delivery units, as well as serving as a school health nurse.
In December 2020, Rachel earned her Master’s from the University of South Alabama as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is board-certified by the AANP and holds Autonomous Nurse Practitioner status in Florida, along with licensure in Iowa. Her recent professional work includes serving as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Deeply rooted in her community, Rachel and her husband of nearly 35 years, Scott, are active leaders at St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic churches.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Two Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Chase In Escambia County
March 17, 2026
Two people were arrested in Escambia County after deputies chased a vehicle stolen out of Port St. Lucie.
Last Thursday, a deputy was alerted by a license plate reader that a stolen vehicle was in the area. The deputy then spotted the vehicle, a white Nissan Versa, traveling westbound on Olive Road.
When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit began along Burgess Road. Deputies attempted a PIT maneuver, but it was unsuccessful. The driver then turned onto Born Drive, a dead-end street.
The ECSO said the driver traveled through the backyard of a residence, striking a child’s playhouse, before continuing into the wood line behind the property, where the vehicle eventually came to a stop.
Both the driver and passenger were given commands to exit the vehicle and were taken into custody without further incident.
The Sheriff’s Office said a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun, which had also been reported stolen out of Port St. Lucie, as well as a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver was identified as 29-year-old Michael Andre Peavy Jr., a convicted felon. He was charged with:
- fleeing and eluding
- grand theft of a motor vehicle
- grand theft of a firearm
- two counts of possession of a weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon
- felony criminal mischief
The passenger, 22-year-old Lilian McDaniel, was also arrested and charged with:
- possession of drug paraphernalia
- two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Just Below Or Near Freezing Temp Tonight
March 17, 2026
Tuesday night’s low will be near, or just below, freezing tonight across the North Escambia area. The more northern areas of the county near Alabama are expected to be around 30, but a few degrees warmer to the south near Cantonment.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody Is Retiring
March 17, 2026
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody is retiring after six years in the position.
His last official day will be on or about July 6, but he plans to use accrued leave with a last day in the office no earlier than May 26, which coincides with an ECUA board meeting. He expressed a willingness to help in the process to select his replacement.
“There is a time in every employee’s career to retire, and now is my time,” he told the board earlier this year after thanking ECUA employees and the board for a smooth time at the utility.
The search is underway for a new ECUA executive director, with a salary range of $195,000 to $256,880 annually. According to an online listing, the closing application date is April 15.
Pictured: ECUA Executive Director Bruck Woody address the Escambia County Legislative Delegation in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sixth Suspect In Atmore MLK Day Shooting Surrenders To Police
March 17, 2026
A sixth suspect has now been arrested in connection with a MLK Day shooting incident in Atmore.
Jovaughntai Henderson, 19, surrendered at the Atmore Police Department on charges of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle.
“Photos shown below depict Henderson wearing blue clothing and displaying a pistol-style rifle-caliber firearm on the night of the incident, shortly before the shooting occurred,” APD said Monday afternoon.
Atmore Police said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
A fifth suspect in the incident was recently arrested in Florida.
A U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emonee Demontaen Long (picturted left) recently on felony warrants from Atmore for felon in possession of a firearm and felony violation of probation on an original charge of discharging a gun into an occupied building. Once at the Walton County Jail, a large quantity of tobacco and spice were found hidden on his person, according to WCSO, and additional charges were filed for introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, felony possession of synthetic cannabis, possession of marijuana, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Four others were previously arrested and charged.
Jijavious Jadarrius Williams (first photo below, left) and Jitayvious Jamar Williams (first photo below, right), both from Baldwin County, were each charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, and one count of shooting into an occupied building.
Nathaniel Crenshaw (second photo below, left) was charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle. His brother, Tobijah Keimond Crenshaw (second photo below, right and bottom photo) was arrested during a traffic stop for two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and on count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students of The Month
March 17, 2026
Byrneville Elementary School recently named its February Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Tayla Nichols and Ellie Vollmer
- 1st Grade: Colten McPhaul and Bo Koski
- 2nd Grade: Jani’la Durant and Manny Gifford
- 3rd Grade: Elli Macyn Plant and Jacob Vollmer
- 4th Grade: Baylee Gafford and Ellie Edwards
- 5th Grade: Chaplin Grassia and Myra Gill
- Art: Suzi Pope
- Music: Daviyelle Young
- PE: Harper Ellis
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Today
March 17, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution today, March 17, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification with a limit of three people with identifications per vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Carol Ann (Ward) Driver
March 17, 2026
Carol Ann (Ward) Driver passed away on March 12, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. She was 83 years old.
Carol Ann was born on September 14, 1943, in Atmore, Alabama, at Greenlawn Hospital to Ernest and Frances Ward. She was raised in Walnut Hill, Florida, and later in life moved to her husband James Lloyd Driver’s home in Loxley, Alabama.
She graduated from Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill, Florida, where she was honored as Senior Class Homecoming Queen, Drum Major, and Lead Majorette. Her senior class also voted her “Beauty.” She was active in sports and played both softball and volleyball.
Carol Ann was a lifelong member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church in Walnut Hill, Florida, where she attended faithfully for many years. Later in life, after moving to her husband James Lloyd Driver’s home in Loxley, Alabama, she regularly attended Loxley Church of God, now known as Loxley Church, while continuing to return to Walnut Hill Baptist Church for special gatherings and homecoming services.
Carol Ann loved her family and was known for her joyful spirit. She enjoyed laughing, baking, cooking, playing the piano, watching westerns, and getting her hair and nails done. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cherished every moment shared with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Frances Ward; her brother, Jeff Ward; her husband, James Lloyd Driver; and her daughters, Lisa Littles and Lynn Driver.
She is survived by her children, Lana Pulido (Raul Pulido), Luci Parmer (Bryan Parmer), and Horace Lloyd Driver.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Reid Carrillo, A.J. Sappenfield, J.D. Sappenfield, Justice Smith, Samantha Langham (Chase Langham), Raul Pulido, and Sabrina Pulido.
She is further survived by her great-granddaughter, Lennox Langham.
She is also survived by her siblings, Judy Eicher (Wallace Eicher) and Harry Ward (Judy Ward).
Carol Ann will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her senior quote was, “Leave with no tears and few regrets.”
Active pallbearers will be Reid Carrillo (grandson), Raul Pulido (grandson), Vic Eicher (nephew), Brett Ward (cousin), Chase Langham (granddaughter Samantha Langham’s husband), and Julio Atenza (family friend).
Honorary pallbearers will be A.J. Sappenfield (grandson), J.D. Sappenfield (grandson), Justice Smith (grandson), Lloyd Duncan (brother-in-law), Tim Gibbs (niece Gina Gibbs’ husband), Charles Driver (cousin), and Jeff Smith (family friend).
Ladies of the Privy Chamber will be Kathy Baker (sister-in-law), Katherine Breeden (sister-in-law), Marilyn Bridges (cousin), Lynn Wilson (family friend), Sue Crook (caregiver and family friend), and Neak Charnease (family friend).
Ladies in Waiting will be Samantha Langham (granddaughter), Sabrina Pulido (granddaughter), Lennox Langham (great-granddaughter), Mary Helen O’Quin (cousin), Joyce Dempsey (family friend), and Alicia Williams (family friend).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sue Crook, her caregiver, for the kindness, compassion, and friendship she shared with Carol Ann.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Loxley Church with Lead Pastor Kevin Mills, located at 5220 S Hickory Street, Loxley, Alabama 36551.
Celebration of Life funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Lead Pastor Ted Bridges (cousin), located at 5741 Arthur Brown Road, Walnut Hill, Florida 32568.
Burial will follow in the Driver family plots at Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, where Carol Ann will be laid to rest beside her husband, James Lloyd Driver.
Arrangements are being handled by Mack Funeral Home in Robertsdale, Alabama.