Cantonment Woman Charged With DUI After Striking Pedestrian On Beulah Road, FHP Says
March 12, 2026
A Cantonment woman was arrested Tuesday following a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Beulah Road, north of Nine Mile Road.
Crystal Jane McKnight, 43, was allegedly driving a pickup truck when she struck a construction worker with the vehicle’s mirror.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, McKnight attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by the victim, who followed her in his work truck.
Responding troopers noted that McKnight smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and was slurring her words, according to an arrest report. She reportedly struggled to maintain her balance and nearly fell during initial contact.
McKnight consented to field sobriety exercises, during which investigators observed multiple signs of impairment, including failing to maintain balance and struggling to follow instructions.Following her arrest by troopers, McKnight provided breath samples that registered blood alcohol levels of .144 and .142, both well above the legal limit in Florida, the report states.
She was transported to the Escambia County Jail and charged with DUI involving property damage or personal injury. McKnight was released Wednesday on a $1,500 bond.
Larry Alan Strain
March 12, 2026
- B.S. Commerce, McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, 1981
- Master of Business Administration, Lehigh University, 1988
- Certified Business Analyst, Florida Small Business Development Center Network, 1998-present. Renewed in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013.
- Certified Examiner, Strategic Management Assessment Review Tool, Missouri Small Business Development Centers
- Graduate, Leadership Santa Rosa Class 25, December 2011
- Board of Directors, Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, 2005-present, Chair, 2008, 2010, Board Member Emeritus 2017-present
- Board of Directors, United Way of Santa Rosa County, 2010-2017, Chairman 2016-2017
- Board of Directors, CareerSource EscaRosa, 2013-2017, Chairman 2016-2017
- Board of Trustees, Rebuild Northwest Florida, 2012-present
- Board of Directors, Bay Area Food Bank/Feeding the Gulf Coast, 2015-present
- Policy Board, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2008-present
- Chair, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Selection Committee, 2008-present
- Board of Directors, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of West Florida, Inc., 2005-2015, Chair 2015
- Board, Escambia County Enterprise Zone Development Agency, 2007-2015, Chair 2009-2010
- Board of Directors, Community Enterprise Investments, Inc., (CEII) 2005-2009, 2013-2016
- 2012 Pace Award, Greater Pensacola Chamber, Professional Leader of the Year
- 2011 Association of Small Business Development Centers, Florida State Star
- 2011 Florida Small Business Development Center Network, State Star
- 2011 Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Certified Business Analyst Impact Award
- 2011 Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Regional Impact Award
- 2011 Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Regional Certified Business Analyst of the Year
- 2010 Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, Fred Hunter Spirit of Santa Rosa Award
- 2007 Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs Award
- 2006 Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, Florida Community Builder of the Year Award
- 2006 TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Corporation, Industry Appreciation Week Partner Award
- 2006 University of West Florida, Million Dollar Research Club
James R. Booker
March 12, 2026
James R. Booker passed away on Monday February 2, 2026. James was born on September 25, 1950, in Pensacola, Florida to John and Emma Booker.
James was always very kind & loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed gardening, he spent countless hours with his granddaughter looking through his coin collection and putting them in books. He also spent many hours building his model car collection and building shelves to put them on display.
James was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma Booker, brothers Lyol and John (Clemmie) Booker & sister Martha Kelly.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Kathy, son James (Jimmy), granddaughter Emmalynn Booker, and sister Francis Wilkinson (George), sisters in law Lynda Booker, Linda Melton, and Beth McGowan, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.
James spent many years in the grocery retail business beginning at Barnes supermarket as a teenager then moving to Jitney Jungle and ending at Walmart where he remained for 25 years.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to all of our friends, neighbors and co-workers for all of your love, prayers, kind words, visits, cards, phone calls and food. They have all been very much appreciated during this difficult time.
A celebration of life service will be held March 14th at10:00 A.M. at Asbury Place at Cokesbury Church 750 College Blvd. Pensacola, Fl 32504.
Century Council Members Split On Strategy To Nearly Double Water Rates
March 11, 2026
Water bills are going to increase significantly in Century, but just how much, and how fast, is under discussion.
As we reported last week, Town of Century water system customers are facing a potential rate hike that would nearly double the cost of water usage, alongside smaller increases for wastewater.
Tuesday evening, the Century Town Council held a public meeting to hear input from citizens, but only one resident showed up.
A rate study from the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) showed the town must raise rates in order to remain financially viable and make payments on six outstanding loans.
FRWA presented two rate hike recommendations: one with a large increase now, and the second with three small increases over the next two-and-a-half years that will actually cost consumers more.
The first scenario would double the current base rate for 2,000 gallons from the current $13.59 to $26.64 beginning April 1 and continue for three years before incremental increases to $29.11 in 2029. Usage tiers over 2,000 gallons a month would nearly double for up to 5,000 gallons (from $2.59 to $5.08) with other increases for additional usage. For an average customer using an average 5,000 gallons of water per month, the water cost would rise from $21.36 to $41.87, while the study says the combined water and wastewater cost would rise from $48.95 per month to $70.84 in April, with additional increases to $80.56 by 2029. That study says that is comparable to other towns of similar size.
In the second scenario presented by the FRWA, there would be three smaller increases — April 1, 2026; October 1, 2026; and October 1, 2027. Under the second option, the base rate would increase from $13.59 for 2,000 gallons to $20.39 before going to $25.48 in 2027 and $29.74 by 2029. The average user consuming 5,000 gallons per month would see their water and wastewater bill increase from a current $48.95 to $61.01 in April and eventually $81.95 in 2029 for water and wastewater.
Tuesday, two council members — Henry Cunningham and John Bass — expressed an inclination to choose the multi-step second scenario, while the other three members of the board said they prefer the first scenario.
The one citizen in attendance said she would choose the first scenario with the big rate increase on April 1.
“I would do one and get it over with,” Emma Fletcher said. “But I know a lot of people in Century won’t be able to afford (it).”
Bass and Cunningham both mentioned concerns about the impact on the elderly and households with small fixed incomes.
“I know it’s going to be hard,” Bass said. “There is going to be a lot of people… that get their water cut off, and they won’t be paying anything.”
The council is set to choose one of the rate increases at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15 p.m.
Pictured: Century council member John Bass (top) and Mayor Ben Boutwell (inset) review a water rate study Tuesday evening. Pictured: Council members Sparkie Harrison, Dynette Lewis, and Henry Cunningham at the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Fire Rescue To Train At Ascend Performance Materials Under New Agreement
March 11, 2026
Escambia County and Ascend Performance Materials recently entered an agreement for routine and technical fire rescue training at Ascend on Chemstrand Road.
The agreement was unanimously approved by the Escambia County Commission recently.
Ascend Performance offers enhanced training that relates to hazardous materials and technical rescue, which are services currently provided by Escambia County Fire Rescue, according to the county. The training props at Ascend consist of rail cars**,** confined spaces, rope rescue, and propane fires.
“These skill sets will transition from on-premises to any area of Escambia County. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the facility and its operations will only increase efficiencies in the event of an emergency,” the county said.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enalrge.
Storms Possible Late Wednesday Night Into Thursday Morning; Cooler Air Follows
March 11, 2026
A strong cold front will bring likely showers and thunderstorms late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning Conditions will clear by Thursday afternoon, ushering in a much cooler and sunny stretch through the weekend. Another round of rain is possible by Sunday as temperatures fluctuate between the upper 50s and near 80.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 56. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 66. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
Escambia Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices On Facebook
March 11, 2026
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty to selling machine gun conversion devices on Facebook.
Alaisjah Dayshawn Perkins, 22, pleaded guilty in federal court to the receipt, possession, transfer, and making of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration & Transfer Record and not identified by a serial number. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 19.
According to court documents, on April 26, 2025, law enforcement officers observed posts on a Facebook profile advertising the sale of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). An undercover officer communicated with Perkins between April and May 2025, conducting multiple undercover purchases of the devices.
During the execution of a search warrant at his home, officers located tools and supplies for manufacturing MCDs. Upon his arrest, a bag containing 13 MCDs was found in his pocket. The devices were sent to the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for technical examination. Experts determined they were designed to convert AR-style firearms from semi-automatic to fully automatic.
This case was a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.
McAnally, Womack Pitch Northview Shutout Of Miller; NHS JV Wins; Tate Drops Two To Navarre
March 11, 2026
Northview 9, T.R. Miller 0
Mikayla McAnally and Peyton Womack combined to throw a shutout as the Northview Chiefs defeated the T.R. Miller Tigers on Tuesday night in Bratt. The game opened with McAnally in the circle, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out seven and walking one. Womack threw two no-run innings in relief, surrendering one hit while striking out three and walking one. Bolen led the Lady Chiefs with three RBIs as she went 2-3. Brooklynn Allen and Avery Stuckey also both went 2-3 at the plate.
Northview 10, T.R. Miller 2 (JV)
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat T.R. Miller 10-2 on Tuesday. Allen went a complete game five innings, allowing one hit and two runs (none earned) while striking out eight and walking one. Katie Jones led the JV Lady Chiefs, going 2-2 at the plate. Jones and Kiley Webb each had two RBIs.
Navarre 6, Tate 3
The varsity Tate Aggies fell 6-3 to the Navarre Raiders on Tuesday night. Sarah Mitchell pitched a complete game for the Lady Aggies, allowing two hits, six earned runs, walked 12 and struck out six. Madison Smillie led Tate at bat, going 3-4, while Jordyn Banks went 2-3 with two RBIs. Ke’Anna Smith had one RBI.
Navarre 5, Tate 3 (JV)
In junior varsity action on Tuesday, the Navarre Raiders topped the Tate Aggies 5-3. Bailey Parden was in the circle for three and a third innings for Tate, allowing four hits, three unearned runs, and striking out one. Khloe Gibson went for one and a third innings, surrendering two hits, two earned runs, and walking two. Melanie Ramirez, Mckynleigh Montano, Kaylyn Relstab, and Bailey Parden each had one hit for Tate, while Ramirez, Montano, and Parden each had one RBI.
FDLE Charges Escambia Felon With Attempted Firearm Purchase
March 11, 2026
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has charged an Escambia County felon with the attempted purchase of a firearm.
James Frank II, 37, was charged with one felony count of possession of a firearm, weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The arrest was made on March 4, 2026, when FDLE agents served a search warrant on Frank’s residence for a related investigation. During the search, agents discovered two handguns and ammunition inside. Frank had previously served time for a narcotics related conviction and was released in May 2025.
Tate High School Students Earn Top Honors At Florida French Competition
March 11, 2026
For the first time, Tate High School students recently participated in Le Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride, held in Orlando.
The statewide event brings together students from across Florida to celebrate French language, culture, and the arts through academic and performance-based competitions.
Despite having only about two months to prepare for the event, Tate students demonstrated remarkable dedication as they prepared entries across numerous categories, including theatrical performances, poetry recitation, musical performance, impromptu speaking, cultural projects, reading comprehension, and creative design competitions aligned with this year’s theme, “The World of French Cinema.”
Led by veteran French teacher, Evangeline Leventhal, the students represented Tate High School with distinction, earning recognition in several categories:
Superior Merit
- Original French Skit (Writing and Performance): Shiloh Cash, Kaala Cowell, Duyen Luc, Khloe McMillian
- 3-D Cultural Project: Jagger Etheridge, Kira Kimmons
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Mariah Foster
Excellent Merit
- French Play Adaptation: Shiloh Cash, Kaala Cowell, Mariah Foster, Estelle Lentini, Duyen Luc, Khloe McMillian, Kiley Menser
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Kira Kimmons, Kiley Menser
Honorable Mention
- Individual Poetry Recitation: Kaala Cowell
- Impromptu Speech: Shiloh Cash
- Reading Comprehension Test: Jagger Etheridge, Nikolaus Huber, Khloe McMillian
- French Song Performance: Estelle Lentini, Anh Luc
In addition to their competitive events, students also created a cultural scrapbook highlighting how French language and culture are represented at Tate High School and designed a themed T-shirt connected to the competition’s focus on francophone cinema.
While the awards were a significant achievement, the students said the experience itself was equally meaningful. Students dedicated many hours outside of class memorizing lines, rehearsing performances, and refining their French language skills.
Their commitment allowed them to confidently present and perform in French while competing alongside schools with long-established programs, Principal Laura Touchstone said. “Participation in the competition fostered strong collaboration among students and teachers and provided an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate language learning, creativity, and cultural appreciation.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
