Back-to-Back: Tate Track Takes Top Spot At Battle By The Beach
March 16, 2026
For the second straight week, the Tate High School Girls’ Track and Field Team earned a first-place win.
The Aggies took the top spot in the Second Annual Battle by the Beach Spring Break Invitational hosted by Pine Forest High School on Saturday. A week ago, the Aggies won first place in the Wildcat Invitational.
For more photos from the meet, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Men’s Basketball Falls In NCAA Tournament First Round
March 16, 2026
West Florida (25-9, 15-7 Gulf South) fell to West Alabama (27-5, 19-3 Gulf South) with a final score of 53–58 on Saturday at Rick Case Arena in the NCAA South Regional Tournament. This game marked the fourth time the two teams have faced each other this season.
Despite the loss, this season concluded as one of the most successful in program history, with the Argonauts achieving the second most wins in a season at 25-9. The season also featured one of the biggest turnarounds in school history, as the team had won only 16 total games in the last two seasons. Additionally, UWF claimed their second Gulf South Conference championship this season.
West Florida’s defense recorded eight steals, contributing to a tense game with 12 ties throughout the contest. The first half began with West Alabama taking an early lead, thanks to free throws by Elliot Tulip, putting the score at 3-0. West Florida quickly responded with a jumper from Aric Demings and a 3-pointer by Elijah Wyche, assisted by Demings, to edge ahead 5-3 at the 16:26 mark. The game remained closely contested with both teams exchanging leads, highlighted by a 3-pointer from the Argonauts’ Christian Monroe at 9:51, bringing the score to 14-11. As the half drew to a close, both teams were tied 29–29 after a late driving layup by Christian Valarezo with 36 seconds remaining.
West Alabama pulled away in the second half to secure the five-point victory over the Argonauts. Rasean Frederick scored the opening points with a jumper, giving the Tigers an early momentum. West Florida tied the game at 33 with Wyche’s tip-in at the 16:54 mark. However, Jakobe Singleton’s consistent scoring, including a layup with 1:35 remaining, helped the Tigers maintain their lead. Although West Florida’s Colby McAllister hit a late 3-pointer with five seconds left to cut the deficit, West Alabama sealed the win with two free throws by Singleton.
McAllister led the scoring for the Argonauts with 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Demings contributed nine points, converting all five of his free throws, and recorded three assists. Tim Hall Jr. was active defensively, finishing with two steals and five rebounds. Wyche scored seven points and blocked a shot, making three of his four field goal attempts.
Water Safety Takes Center Stage as Cantonment Rotary Club Visits Bratt Elementary
March 16, 2026
The Cantonment Rotary Club brought its “Josh the Baby Otter” book project to Bratt Elementary School recently.
Club members have read the book to over 1,000 students at North Escambia area elementary schools.
The book Josh the Baby Otter teaches kids about water safety and learning how to float.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lillie Miller Stocke
March 16, 2026
Lillie Miller Stocke’ passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at age 98.
Lillie Miller Stocke’ was born and raised in Elba, Alabama. She married Donald Duane Miller in 1946. They lived in Molino for 32 years, until he passed away in 1978. Later, she married William (Bill) Stocke’ and moved to Elberta, Alabama. They were married 28 years before she was widowed again in 2008. Lillie then moved to Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, Alabama.
Lillie was a homemaker and enjoyed a career in catering. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. She baked many beautiful birthday and wedding cakes and shared in many happy celebrations along the way. She also owned a Family (Miller’s) Restaurant in Molino, home of the Miller Burger, where she enjoyed cooking and meeting the public.
While she and Don raised their family, they enjoyed water sports, dancing and traveling. When she and Bill married, they also enjoyed similar interests. Two blessed marriages. Later in life at Westminster Village, she enjoyed Casino Trips and playing Cards and Domino’s with friends.
Lillie is survived by her Children: William Duane Miller (Maria) of Elberta, Rick (Anita) Miller of Pensacola and Donna (Al) Jackson of Gulf Breeze and Grandchildren: Duane Dean Miller, Shane (Tammy) Miller, Jennifer Jackson, J.R. (Katie) Miller and Ricki Michelle (Chris) McWilliams. Along with several Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Special Thanks to Hospice (Tara) and the West Minster Family (Glorianna, Maxine and Staff) for their care during her stay.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at Highland Baptist Church in Molino with her nephew Chuck Hendrix presiding.
Her time here is complete, a job well done … Now Her Journey Continues …
Jesus said I will receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.
Ruth Elizabeth Stone
March 16, 2026
Ruth Elizabeth Stone was born in Pensacola Florida on March 4th, 1952, and died in Sant Pere de Ribes Spain on December 31st, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents George G. Stone and Pattie O. Stone.
Ruth leaves behind her son George Aaron Black of Washington DC and granddaughter Eleanor of Philadelphia, son Patrick Ezell of Dadeville, Alabama, and daughter Stacey Ezell (Mouloud) and granddaughter Cosima of Sant Pere de Ribes Spain.
Ruth also leaves behind four siblings, Bruce Stone (Anita), Laura Ferrell (Jerry), Jean Wiggins (Glen), Bob Stone (Cathy), and nineteen nieces and nephews. A private memorial service was held.
Ruth graduated as Valedictorian from Ernest Ward High School, Walnut Hill Florida in 1970. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from Florida State University and then in 1976 graduated with honors from Florida State University College of Law with a Juris Doctor.
Ruth’s career highlights include practicing with Florida Legal Services, assistant state attorney in the juvenile division of the First Judicial Court State Attorney’s Office, managing attorney for Legal Services Corporation of Alabama, and last in Ruth’s career, she was the Wayne and Pat Hogan Professor of Trial Practice at FSU. She was the faculty advisor for the FSU Law Trial Team and had served as a coach for mock trial competitions. The many highly acclaimed mock trial problems that Ruth wrote for FSU sponsored competitions included topics such as gun violence, right of access to Florida beaches by the public, use of drones, and more. Ruth retired from the university after serving for more than 22 years as a member of the clinical faculty.
Ruth led an adventuresome life. In addition to writing, Ruth was an avid reader, a member of many book clubs, a past president of the Tallahassee Women Lawyers, a joyful shopper of local arts, crafts, and food markets, a worldwide traveler, and our family historian. In her earlier years, she loved to camp, hike, and canoe with her friends and family.
Ruth had a kind and generous heart and will be missed by all who knew her.
Community Honors Cantonment Veteran Critically Wounded In Operation Epic Fury (With Gallery)
March 15, 2026
Hundreds of people came together Saturday to honor retired former serviceman Hunter Girdner of Cantonment, who was critically wounded while saving a member of his military contract crew in support of Operation Epic Fury.
“I appreciate everyone for coming,” Girdner (pictured left) told the crowd gathered at the University of West Florida Conference Center. “It really means a lot to me, to have the support of the community.”
After being injured while serving, Girdner joined a contract crew at a top secret location in the Middle East, his way of continuing to serve.
“I had something to give, and I found a way to do it,” he said. “I used my body to ease my mind.”
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
During this deployment, his team was located in a targeted area and was attacked. While relocating, the Cantonment veteran noticed one of his squad members, John Gabrysiak, was left behind. While running back to rescue his teammate, he was hit by shrapnel and critically wounded, undergoing several operations including the removal of a kidney, spleen repair, and more at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Gabrysiak (pictured left) also addressed the crowd, expressing his thankfulness to Girdner.
“He is a son of this community; he is someone who grew up among us, learned the same values that many of us were raised with, and when the moment came to act, he lived those values out in the most profound way possible during Operation Epic Fury,” Rep. Michelle Salzman said about Girdner, a 2016 graduate of Tate High School. “This is not just bravery, it’s character; it’s loyalty. And it’s simply America… It comes from something deeper, values that are forged in family and community and country and in faith.”
“Hunter, it takes a pretty special person to run back into the war zone,” Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins told Girdner during Saturday evening’s event. “Thank you for living up to your heritage of your time in the military, and thanks for standing up for John.”
“Hunter, the power of your moment, you didn’t wait,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said. “Your moment is going to define your life, and very much your legacy. We appreciate you.”
Simmons presented a Sheriff’s Award for performing an outstanding service to the community.
Prior to the event at UWF, a convoy honoring Girdner traveled from the former Denny’s on Nine Mile Road to UWF, with dozens of motorcycles, including the Patriot Guard, law enforcement and dozens of other vehicles. People lined up along Nine Mile Road to honor Girdner, including several people with a large American flag draped over a pickup truck at the John R. Jones Ballpark.
For a photo gallery from the convoy, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Ruritan Holds 51st Annual Farm Auction (With Photo Gallery)
March 15, 2026
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club held its 51st annual auction Saturday in Walnut Hill with crowds bidding on farm equipment and hundreds of other items.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club’s community service projects in the Walnut Hill area. The auction is held each year in the spring.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The auction included not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques, and more.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Severe Storms Possible Overnight, Falling Temps On Monday
March 15, 2026
A line of storms is expected to push through the area late tonight. Storms within and out ahead of the line could become severne. The northern area of Escambia County (including Century, Walnut Hill, McDavid and Bratt) is in an enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk, while the remained of Escambia County is at a slight risk (2 of 5). Damaging winds up to 60-70 mph and tornadoes, a few of which could be strong, are possible
A few isolated severe storms could develop ahead of the line and impact areas about an hour or two earlier than shown in the graphic.
The cold front will bring temperatures falling to around 44 by midmorning. Lows Monday and Tuesday night will be at or just below freezing.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 44. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 44 by 10am. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 57.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
New Escambia County Extension Council Members Appointed
March 15, 2026
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners recently appointed several North Escambia residents to the Escambia County Extension Council. The following individuals will serve a two-year term, ending on February 29, 2029:
- Zone 2 — Vicki Mizrahi, Wilma Road, McDavid (Zone 2 is south of the intersection at Highway 164 and Highway 97 to the north side of Tungoil Road)
- Zone 5 — Kristal Hayes, Mathison Road, Cantonment (Zone 5 is north side of Quintette Road to the south side of Molino Road)
- Zone 6 — Lauren Mate, Goldenrod Road, Cantonment (Zone 6 is south side of Quintette Road to the north side of Kingsfield Road)
- Zone 12 — Kellie Graham, Eclipse Lane, Pensacola (At-large)
An Escambia County Extension Council member serves as a volunteer advocate and liaison between the community and the Extension Service. Responsibilities include attending quarterly meetings, identifying local needs in areas like agriculture and youth development, and collaborating with extension agents to shape regional educational programs. Members must reside in the specific zone they represent.
State Arrests Man In Escambia County For ‘Sophisticated Fuel Theft Operation’
March 15, 2026
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Escambia County in what state authorities described as a sophisticated fuel theft operation spanning multiple counties.
Alain De Jesus Aguila-Martinez, 26, was charged with larceny — tampering with or removing a retail fuel dispenser by the Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE). He also had active warrants for multiple felony charges, including organized fraud, retail fuel theft tampering, and petit theft.
Officers at the Florida Agricultural Inspection Station on I-10 identified a blue semi-truck pulling a refrigerated trailer that matched the description of a vehicle linked to a sophisticated fuel theft operation spanning Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties.
During the inspection, an OALE K-9 unit conducted a free-air sniff around Aguila-Martinez’s 2002 Freightliner semi-truck and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large magnet concealed under the driver’s steering wheel, authorities said. The magnet was identified as “a device commonly used to manipulate fuel pump solenoids, enabling the unauthorized theft of diesel fuel”.
