Northview FFA Officer Team Meets With Local Agricultural Stakeholders
August 3, 2026
The Northview High School FFA Chapter 2026–2027 Officer Team recently kicked off their new year by spending a day touring and learning from various agricultural stakeholders throughout the community.
The team began their educational journey at Aliff Acres farm, where officers learned firsthand how the operation raises, processes, and markets its own local products. The tour continued with a visit to Lukers Custom Meats for a closer look at animal processing and facility management systems.
The group also explored local forestry management practices during a meeting with the Florida Forest Service before concluding their day at the local Escambia County Extension office to consult with regional agricultural specialists.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: Escambia County School Orientations, Open Houses Are Set
August 3, 2026
Mark your calendars — orientation sessions and open house dates have been set for schools in Escambia County.
Elementary Schools
- All Elementary Schools (General Schedule): Friday, August 7 | 9-11 a.m.
- Byrneville Elementary: Thursday, August 6 | 1-3 p.m.
- Pensacola Beach: Thursday, August 6 | 9-9:45 a.m. (Grades K-2) and 10-10:45 a.m. (Grades 3-5)
Middle Schools
- All Middle Schools (6th Grade Orientation): August 7, 2026 | 1-3 p.m.
High Schools (9th Grade Orientation)
- Northview: Wednesday, August 5 | 9-10 a.m.
- Pensacola: Wednesday, August 5 | 9-10 a.m.
- Pine Forest: Monday, August 10 | 4-5 p.m.
- Tate: Monday, August 10 | 1-2 p.m.
- Washington: Thursday, August 6 | 9-10 a.m.
- West Florida: Friday, August 7 | 9-10 a.m.
- Escambia: (Held Friday, July 31)
Special Centers & Alternative Education
- Achieve Academy: Scheduled individually | By Invitation
- Beulah Academy: Monday, August 10 | 9-11 a.m.
- Escambia Westgate: Friday, August 7 | 9-11 a.m.
- Hope Horizon: Friday, August 7 | 9-11 a.m.
- Jackie Harris: Friday, August 7 | 10-11 a.m.
- Success Academy: Scheduled individually | By Invitation
- Warrington Preparatory Academy:
- Thursday, August 6 | 3-6 p.m. (8th & 9th Grades)
- Friday, August 7 | 3-6 p.m. (6th & 7th Grades)
Information provided by the Escambia County Public Schools.
This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
August 3, 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. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 6, 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. 2, 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. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Aug. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 6, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely 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. 2, drivers on U.S. 90A will encounter inside lane closures, between Western Way Drive and Tower Ridge Road, for construction activities.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, Aug. 2, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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 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. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between the Perdido River Bridge and west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), Sunday, Aug. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for guardrail installation.
- 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. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 6, 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. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 8, 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 mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures near mile marker 11, Monday, Aug. 3, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for barrier wall placement. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
- West Hope Drive at North Palafox Street remains closed temporarily for drainage construction. Traffic on North Palafox Street is being detoured via Tower Drive and Burgess Road. Signage is in place to direct drivers through the detour.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- 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. 3 through Friday, Aug 7, 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. 2, through Saturday, Aug. 8, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Routine Bridge Maintenance over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: construction of the new North Palafox Street bridge over I-10 reached a major milestone, as crews completed the concrete deck pour on the north end of the structure. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Five-Run Sixth Sinks Wahoos In Smokies Series Finale
August 3, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell in their series finale with the Knoxville Smokies to the tune of a 5-3 final.
The Wahoos got on the board first in the usual way: the longball. Ethan O’Donnell went first, smashing his first homer with Pensacola way over the right field wall. Two batters later, Brandon Compton continued his seemingly endless stretch of dingers with, you guessed it, another dinger. This one was a two-run jack that gave the Wahoos a 3-0 lead.
Joey Volini pitched 5.0 scoreless innings and left in-line for the win when Gabe Bierman (L, 3-2) entered in the 6th. The Smokies pounced on the pitching change. Knoxville loaded the bases and, with two outs, Karson Simas beat out an infield single up the third baseline to get his club on the board. This would prompt manager Nelson Prada to pull Bierman in favor of Michael Perez, who gave up a grand slam to Drew Bowser. It was Bowser’s first Double-A homer and the fifth grand slam the Wahoos have given up this year.
When the 6th inning ended, Knoxville had a 5-3 lead. And, despite having men on second and third with nobody out in the top of the 8th, Pensacola failed to score for the rest of the game and ended up dropping the series finale by a score of 5-3. Frankie Scalzo Jr. (W, 3-1) earned the win with Marinos Santy (S, 7) securing his 7th save of the season.
The Wahoos fell to 55-46 overall and 19-13 in the second half while the Smokies improved to 54-48 and 16-17.
The Blue Wahoos have an off-day Monday before beginning a series with the Montgomery Biscuits.
David Knight
August 3, 2026
David Knight of Molino, Florida, passed away on July 31, 2026 at the age of 57.
He was born to Edward and Marilyon Knight on November 22, 1968 in Pensacola, Florida. David had a career as an equipment operator with the Escambia County Road Department, faithfully serving his community for years. He was a member of many churches in the Molino area and enjoyed being actively involved in the church community. As a gifted musician, David had a passion for playing the guitar and singing. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, but of all his joys, his three grandchildren brought him the most fulfillment.
David was preceded in death by his father, Edward Knight on May 28, 2008; his mother Marilyon Knight on August 2, 2010; and his sister, Marie Bailey on September 2, 2025.
He is survived by his daughter Kristin (Lantz) Jones; his grandchildren, Emmitt Jones, Maverick Jones, and Raven Jones; his sisters, Sherri Butler, Candy (Buddy) Knight; lifelong brothers by choice, Ray Flowers, Doug Paxton, Yancy Culver, Tab Ferguson, Bill Smith, and Lonnie Wilson; special cousins, Richie Parker, Shane Gibson, and Chuck Ward; nieces and nephews, Amber Knight, Ryan Ashcraft, Hank Adams, Edward Adams, Joshua Bailey; adopted daughters by choice, Jessica Hedgepeth and Shelby Lewis.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 340, 8890 Ashland Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32534 on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
David will be remembered for his warmth and steady presence by all of the family and friends he loved so dearly.
$5.3 Million Resurfacing Project Planned for West Highway 4 From Davisville to Century
August 2, 2026
Escambia County is set to award a $5.3 million contract this week to resurface the full 13 miles pf West Highway 4 from Highway 97 in Davisville to North Century Boulevard in Century.
The project will provide resurfacing and safety improvements along West Highway 4. The work on the county road will also include reconstructing sections of the road base, milling the existing asphalt, and placing a new asphalt surface. Safety upgrades will include new pavement markings and the removal and replacement of existing guardrail, as well as installing additional guardrail where needed. After the asphalt work is completed, the right of way will be graded and restored.
Roads, Inc. of NWF was determined to be the lowest-cost, most responsive and responsible bidder at $5,327,739. Other bidders were Panhandle Grading & Paving ($5.5 million), C.W. Roberts Contracting ($5.7 million), and Site and Utility ($6.6 million). The Escambia County Commission will vote on the contract at its regular meeting on Thursday.
The project will be funded with Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds.
Pictured: A deteriorated section of Highway 4 near Northview High School in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos and map, click to enlarge.
New Escambia County Teachers Prep For The New School Year
August 2, 2026
The first day of school is just around the corner, and last week new Escambia County Public Schools teachers gathered for a two-day introduction to the system.
The new teachers familiarized themselves with ECPS, learned from experienced teachers, and prepared for the coming school year at the “Great Beginnings Conference” at Beulah Middle School.
The first day of school for students in Escambia County is Wednesday, August 12.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of An Evening Shower, Low Around 71
August 2, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
New Principal, Assistant Principal Named At Escambia Westgate
August 2, 2026
A new principal and assistant principal have been named at Escambia Westgate Center.
Pamela Cebula was appointed principal this week by the Escambia County School Board, and Tasheba Sheppard was named assistant principal.
“Our mission at Escambia Westgate School is to work as a community to foster the academic, social, and emotional potential of every child,” Cebula said. “I am happy to be a Westgate Wildcat.” Cebula was the district’s subject area specialist for Exceptional Student Education.
“I am truly honored to be chosen to ensure that the most fragile and indeed special children and young adults at Westgate receive the absolute best education and access to the services they deserve,” Sheppard said. She was an assistant principal at Oakcrest Elementary School.
Pictured top: Pamela Cebula, the new principal at Escambia Westgate. Pictured below: Tasheba Sheppard, the new assistant principal at Westgate. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2025 Northview Graduate, NJROTC Commander Flew In Pensacola Beach Air Show
August 2, 2026
If you attended the recent Pensacola Beach Air Show, one of the planes you saw overhead may have been piloted by a 2025 Northview High School graduate.
Kate Stinson flew a TB 30 Epsilon.
“We did aileron rolls, steep turns, barrel rolls, turned upside down, and ‘cloud surfing’,” she said. “We pulled 4-5 G’s.”
Stinson was the Northview High School NJROTC commanding officer for 2024-2025. Stinson, known as ‘Kate the Great,’ completed flying lessons through the NJROTC program.
She attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with plans to become a naval aviator.
Above and below: Kate Stinson flew a TB 30 Epsilon in the Pensacola Beach Air Show. Photo for NorthEscambia.com. Pictures: Stison flying in the air show. NorthEscambia.com, photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
