UPDATE: Deputy Returning After Internal Review On Conduct During ‘Auditor’ Incident
April 9, 2026
UPDATE: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has provided an update on this incident:
“One of our deputies had a few days ago with an individual standing on the side of the roadway, videoing the area. One of our deputies had an interaction with this individual, which led to a back and forth that did not reflect our core values of courtesy integrity and professionalism.
“The constitution allows for an individual to stand in a public place and also allows for someone to record or video what he or she could see or hear from this public vantage point. We train for this type of encounter, and our expectation is that our employees abide by our core values, regardless of the actions of others.
“While we may or may not agree with every individual’s motive, the protections guaranteed in the Constitution apply to everyone. After an internal review of our deputies actions, appropriate measures have been taken, and our deputy will be back to serve the citizens of Escambia County with courtesy, integrity and professionalism.”
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The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) has launched an internal investigation after a deputy’s conduct during a recent encounter failed to meet agency expectations.”
The incident involved an individual participating in a nationwide trend where “auditors” record video in public spaces to “test whether first amendment rights are respected.” While the ECSO noted that the individual in this case “appears to have desired a controversial interaction,” the agency emphasized that its staff is held to a stricter code of conduct.
The incident occurred last Friday afternoon on McLean Avenue near the Islamic Center of Northwest Florida.
In the bodycam video, the deputy and the unnamed man got involved in a profanity-laced verbal argument that last at least eight minutes while the man recorded on his phone. At one point, he circles the deputy. The entire bodycam video is available on the NorthEscambia.com Facebook page.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a recent interaction involving one of our deputies that did not meet the standards we expect or the standards our community deserves,” the agency stated in a press release. “We expect a higher level of professionalism from our employees at all times.”
The ECSO confirmed that the deputy’s actions did not align with their core values of courtesy, integrity, and professionalism. As a result, the female deputy, who has not been named, has been “placed on an administrative assignment” while an “internal review is currently underway.”
ECSO officials stressed their commitment to accountability, stating that “appropriate action will be taken based on the findings” of the investigation.
There were no arrests.
Sunny And Warm As Dry Stretch Continues
April 9, 2026
Residents across the region can look forward to a stunning stretch of spring weather as high pressure remains firmly in control. Expect abundant sunshine and a gradual warming trend through the weekend, with daytime highs climbing from the upper 70s on Thursday into the low 80s by Saturday. Evening conditions will remain comfortable and mostly clear, providing perfect timing for outdoor plans. While a few more clouds may drift in by early next week, the dry and pleasant pattern shows no signs of breaking.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Tate Aggies Shut Out Milton In District Lacrosse Quarterfinals
April 9, 2026
The Tate Aggies delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday, shutting out the Milton Panthers 12-0 in a the varsity girls a 2a District 1 lacrosse quarterfinal matchup.
Tate’s offense was firing on all cylinders, led by a standout six-goal performance from Kira Bigalow. Isabella McNeill added a hat trick, while Tori Sappington contributed two goals and Taelyn Hubbard rounded out the scoring with one. The Aggies’ precision was evident throughout the contest, as the team converted 12 of their 16 shots on goal.
Defensively, Tate was impenetrable. Goalkeeper Carly Helmig anchored the unit, recording six saves to preserve the shutout. The Aggies also controlled the tempo of the game on the ground, with Lily Meteiver and Taelyn Hubbard leading a physical effort that secured 16 ground balls.
The Aggies will look to continue their momentum as they face No. 1 Gulf Breeze on on Friday at 6 p.m. in Gulf Breeze.
Wahoos Run Wild, But Run Out Of Time In Loss To Shuckers
April 9, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos swiped a season-high six bases and put themselves in position to collect their first win of the year Wednesday night in Biloxi, but found clutch hits elusive in a 6-3 loss to the Shuckers.
Dillon Lewis connected with his first home run of the season in the top of the fourth inning, but the Blue Wahoos went 1-for-14 with men in scoring position as they fell to 0-4 on the young season.
Alex Williams (L, 0-1) took the loss for Pensacola, cruising through three innings before running into trouble in a seven-hit, five-run fourth. Mike Boeve broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single, Matthew Wood laced a two-run homer, and Dasan Brown and Jesús Made added RBI singles to put the Shuckers ahead 6-1.
That would be more than enough run support for Manuel Rodriguez (W, 1-0), who scattered five hits over 5.2 innings to earn the win for Biloxi.
The Blue Wahoos chipped away with an RBI double from Ryan Ignoffo in the sixth, but left the bases loaded in both the fifth and eighth innings. Jesús Broca (S, 1) let in an inherited runner on a wild pitch in the eighth before retiring Cristian Hernández and Ignoffo with the tying run at first base to escape further trouble. He returned for the ninth and set down the Blue Wahoos in order for a 6-3 final.
Relievers Livan Reynoso and Kade Bragg combined for 3.0 scoreless, hitless innings of relief for Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Kathryn Juanita Chance Simpson
April 8, 2026
Kathryn Juanita Chance Simpson
March 28, 1935 – April 5, 2026
Kathryn Juanita Chance Simpson, age 91, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born on March 28, 1935, in Marianna, Florida, she was the daughter of the late William “Bill” Chance and Laura Lee Boggs Chance.
Juanita was the beloved wife of William “Buddy” Simpson, with whom she shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2000. Their life together was built on love, faith, and devotion to family.
She was a devoted mother to five children: Morris (Joyce) Simpson, Dale (Gail) Simpson, Farron (Becky) Simpson, Sheila Hassell, and Carl (Fran) Simpson. She was a proud and loving grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.
Affectionately known as “Granny,” Juanita was a homemaker by choice and the heart of her family. She also played an important role in managing the family’s logging and trucking business alongside her husband and their trusted employee, Morris “Moose” Simpson. In addition, she worked for many years as a clerk with Sheraton & Roadway Hotels, where she was known for her kindness and dedication.
Juanita will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strong work ethic, and the warmth she brought into the lives of everyone who knew her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, Florida. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Darrel Black officiating. Interment will follow the service at Eastern Gate Cemetery on 9 mile road.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to VITAS Hospice, especially Tonya and Micalia, for their compassionate care. A special thank you is also extended to her daughter, Sheila, and granddaughter, Haley Hassell, for their devoted care and support during the last year of her life.
Juanita’s legacy of love and family will live on in all who knew and loved her.
Sunny And Warming: Highs To Reach The 80s By Friday
April 8, 2026
The North Escambia area is looking at a beautiful, dry stretch of weather through early next week. Temperatures will steadily climb from the mid-70s on Wednesday to the low 80s by the weekend. Aside from a few passing clouds at night and some breezy conditions mid-week, expect abundant sunshine and pleasant evenings with lows staying comfortably in the 50s and low 60s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Century Secures Finances To Rebuild Long-Closed Freedom Road Bridge
April 8, 2026
As of January 29, 2026, the Freedom Road bridge in Century had been closed for six years, and the town has finally solved a funding crisis and awarded a construction contract. But its funding may fall short just shy of opening the bridge.
The town council voted Tuesday night to award the $1,612,966.06 contract to low bidder F&W Construction Company, but the town only has about $1 million remaining.
The 2023-24 Florida budget included a $1,257,000 Legislative appropriation to replace a town-owned bridge, and the acceptance contract was inked in early October 2024. After design and permitting, about $1,067,788 remained for construction when bids were opened October 2025.
Now, consultant engineer Dale Long has worked with F&W to lower the costs. Once the contract has been awarded, a change order will be issued to cut the total bid by $325,716.47 to lower the construction cost to $1,287,249.59. Long and Mayor Ben Boutwell worked with Escambia County to secure a $300,000 pledge.
The remaining grant funds, reduced contractor cost, and $300,000 from the county will be enough money to demolish the existing bridge, build the new bridge, and maintain or relocate existing utilities owned by the town. But it will not be enough to open the bridge to the public.
As required by the state grant, the town will be responsible for contracting with an engineering firm for the Construction Inspection (CEI) at an estimated cost of $100,000 to $200,000.
Additional funds will be required to construct the roadway and site improvements before the bridge could be opened to the public. However, the partial funding approach will allow the town to utilize the grant funds that are available before they expire and would pay for the costliest portion of the construction.
“The hope would be that additional funding could be secured to complete this work in the near future,” Long said.
“We are going to help, but we’re going to try to keep working the number down as much as possible,” District 5 Escambia County Commissioner told NorthEscambia.com just minutes before Tuesday’s Century Town Council meeting.
Pictured: The Freedom Road bridge in Century, which has been closed for over six years, as seen in April 2026. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured lower photos, conditions that prompted the bridge to be closed six years ago.
Tate High School FFA Chapter Named One Of ‘Florida’s Finest’
April 8, 2026
The Tate High School FFA chapter has been named one of “Florida’s Finest” chapters.
The selection of these chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application.
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. The chapters improve chapter operations using a program of activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.
Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. The chapters will be recognized during the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando this summer.
DUI Arrest: Molino Man Accused Of Battery On Pensacola Officer Following Crash
April 8, 2026
A Molino was charged following a single-vehicle crash and an alleged violent altercation with Pensacola Police.
Michael Tabium Watts, 35, ws charged with DUI influence of alcohol or drugs, refusal to submit to dui testing, battery on an officer, depriving an officer of means of protection or communication, resisting an officer with violence, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, and possession of marijuana. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $22,000 bond.
Watts was arrested near the intersection of B and Cervantes Streets after officers followed a fluid trail from a damaged median wall at E Street. According to the arrest report, Watts’ black BMW SUV was found disabled in the roadway with severe front-end damage.
Responding officers noted that Watts smelled strongly of alcohol, had slurred speech, and struggled with basic motor skills. A passenger in the vehicle reportedly told police that Watts had been drinking vodka and smoking marijuana earlier in the night, ignoring her pleas to stop driving.
The situation escalated during field sobriety exercises when Watts became aggressive. Police say Watts resisted arrest, pulling away from officers and eventually grabbing an officer’s radio, turning it off and preventing a call for emergency backup. Officers were forced to use physical strikes to gain control and placed Watts into a patrol vehicle.
Tate’s Morris Homers As Aggies Fall To Navarre
April 8, 2026
Navarre 5, Tate 1
The Tate Lady Aggies fell 5-1 to Navarre on Tuesday night.
Tate’s Sarah Mitchell struck out 10 Raiders in six innings, giving up two hits and one run while walking four.
Brelynn Morris hit a one-run homer to left field, which tied the game at one in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Aubree Gorum and Peyton Wilson also recorded one hit each.
Tate will host South Warren from Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Wednesday and Niceville on Thursday.