Tate High Girls Win District Track And Field Championship
April 20, 2026
Tate High School girls track and field won the District 1-3A championship on Saturday at Pine Forest High.
The Aggies scored 133.5 points to capture the district title, while Pine Forest finished second with 111.5 points and Washington was third with 99.5.
Tate claimed the district title year with Paul Bryan as head coach for the Aggies. His coaching career started at Woodham High School in 1996, and he later moved on to Pine Forest High School. In almost three decades as a track head coach, he won state championships at Pine Forest and 2010 and 2011 and finishes as state runners-up at Pine Forest in 2009 and Woodham. He also earned half dozen state top 10 finishes. He has won eight regional championships and 21 district titles, and he was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Girls 3A Coach of the Year three times.
Tate first or second place finishers who qualified for regionals were:
Girls 100 Meter Dash Varsity
- Layanna Banks, 1st, 11.76
Girls 200 Meter Dash Varsity
- Layanna Banks, 1st, 24.71
Girls 400 Meter Dash Varsity
- Anna Morgan, 2nd, 1:02.79
Women’s 4 x 100 Relay
- Tate (Nancy Clay, Niyana Wiggins, Camdyn Green, Layanna Banks), 1st, 48.84
Women’s Pole Vault
- Daveigh Meredith, 1st, 3.00m
Women’s Long Jump
- Layanna Banks, 2nd, 5.00m
Girls Shot Put Varsity
- Makylie Lewis, 2nd, 9.96m
The Region 1-3A championship will take place at Pine Forest on May 2.
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Sunshine and 80s Rule the Work Week Forecast
April 20, 2026
Spring warmth is settling into the North Escambia area this week, with temperatures steadily climbing into the low 80s under mostly sunny skies. While the first half of the week remains dry and pleasant, a shift in the weather pattern by Friday afternoon introduces a chance of showers and thunderstorms that will likely linger throughout the upcoming weekend.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84.
Pace Softball Player Recovering After Serious Injury During Game At Tate
April 20, 2026
The Pace High School Patriots player seriously injured in a softball game on Friday evening at Tate High School should be back to playing softball again soon.
Junior Kylie Reed was running to second base when she collided with the Tate second baseman. She was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS, and the game was called.
“She has some micro fractures in her neck and inflammation from the whiplash. She is about to be released,” Tate Aggies Softball posted Sunday night. “They actually said she could be back to playing when she’s no longer in pain.”
“Thank you all for prayers and well wishes. We may be opponents on the clay, but softball is bigger than just a game,” Aggies softball added.
The Tate second baseman was not injured.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Branch Manager At Century Library Looks Forward To Serving Community
April 20, 2026
The new branch manager of the Century Library, Lee Ann Helton, is looking forward to improving local library services and upcoming summer programs.
Helton has a strong background in education and library services. She spent 18 years in the Escambia County (AL) School District, including eight years as an elementary school librarian at Rachel Patterson and A.C. Moore in Atmore, and was principal at Huxford Elementary School. She holds a master’s in library media.
“I enjoy talking to people when they come in about what the library means to them, and how we can better serve them,” she said.
Helton said she is looking forward to the beginning of the annual summer reading program, and the free summer lunch program for youth.
The Century Library is one of eight West Florida Public Libraries locations.
Pictured top: Leigh Ann Helton, Century Library branch manager. Pictured below: Helton works to organize part of the library’s popular DVD collection. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High 2026 Prom King And Queen Named
April 20, 2026
Riley Brooks was named prom queen, and Reece Starns was named prom king at the Northview High School 2026 prom Saturday night.
The prom court was Mary Oliver, Amanda Fernandez, Riley Brooks, Makenzie Levins, Camo Bodiford, Jackson Simmons, Grayden Sheffield, and Reece Starns.
The prom, “A Night Under The Stars”, was held at the Sanders Beach Resource Center in Pensacola.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click here to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
April 20, 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:
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from S.R. 274 (Creighton Road) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. 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, from B Street to E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at B Street and C Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and guardrail installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 between mile markers 11 and 14.
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-10 ramps to access Interstate 110 (I-110) southbound (Exit 12) and Davis Highway (Exit 13).
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway lighting installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-110 ramps to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).
- Intermittent I-110 lane closures near the Creighton Road overpass.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 8 p.m. to 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 ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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, April 20 through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
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, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from the Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Ease After Early Spike, But Volatility Looms
April 20, 2026
Florida gas prices spiked by 14 cents per gallon early last week, most of the increase disappeared by Sunday, according to AAA.
Sunday’s state average of $4.02 per gallon of regular unleaded is 2 cents less than a week ago, 7 cents more than a month ago, and $1 more than this time last year.
The average price in Escambia County was among the lowest in the state at $3.76. That’s 10 cents less than a week ago, a dime more than a month ago, and 97 cents more than a year ago.
Sunday night, a low price of $3.73 per gallon was available in North Escambia at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
AAA said gas prices could drift lower this week following a sharp selloff in the oil market. Crude oil prices fell about 13 percent last week on reports that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to commercial shipping, easing concerns about supply disruptions. Oil finished the week nearly $13 per barrel lower than the week before, a move that can translate into roughly a 30 cent swing at the gas pump.
“Oil prices are reacting to fast‑moving headlines, and that volatility makes it difficult to predict what drivers will see at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Last week’s drop could provide some short‑term relief, but with conditions in the Middle East still unclear, prices could move higher again just as quickly depending on how events unfold.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Lewis Jr., Boyd Lead Doubles Derby as Wahoos Win Series Finale
April 20, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos salvaged a series split with the Knoxville Smokies on Sunday afternoon, riding a six-run second inning to a nail-biting 7-6 victory.
Ian Lewis Jr. was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and three stolen bases for the Blue Wahoos, while Emaarion Boyd added a pair of doubles and two RBI of his own in the homestand finale.
One night after a seven-run sixth inning broke the game open for Pensacola, a similar offensive outburst got the Blue Wahoos ahead early. Ryan Ignoffo led off the second inning with a single, and scored on a throwing error from Knoxville starting pitcher Tyler Schlaffer (L, 0-2) on a comebacker to the mound. Gage Miller followed with an RBI single before Boyd laced a two-run double to the wall in left-center. Lewis Jr. rapped a double to bring home Boyd, and scored on an RBI groundout from Dillon Lewis for a 6-0 edge.
Blue Wahoos starter Will Schomberg, who departed his previous start in the third inning with an apparent injury, worked 2.0 scoreless innings before another early exit. Jake Smith took over in relief, allowing two unearned runs in the third inning as Cristian Hernández made a fielding error at shortstop and Edgar Alvarez brought home a run with a sacrifice fly.
Luis Palacios (W, 2-0) protected the Pensacola lead through the fifth and sixth innings, ultimately extending his franchise record with his 26th career victory in a Blue Wahoos uniform.
The Blue Wahoos added another run in the sixth inning on back-to-back doubles from Boyd and Lewis Jr. to extend their lead to 7-2, and the run would prove vital. The Smokies answered back in the top of the seventh, plating four runs with an RBI single from Jordan Nwogu, a catcher’s interference call against Ignoffo, a bases-loaded walk to Ariel Armas, and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Karson Simas. Stephen Jones struck out Ed Howard with runners at the corners to preserve the 7-6 lead.
Nigel Belgrave (S, 1) kept things interesting on his way to earning a six-out save, but Ignoffo threw out Alex Ramirez trying to steal second base in the eighth and Simas grounded out with two men aboard in the ninth to secure the Blue Wahoos win.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a seven-game, six-day road trip to Montgomery on Tuesday to take on the Biscuits.
written by Erik Bremer
Mary Graham Haas
April 20, 2026
Mary Graham Haas passed away on April 16, 2026 at 100 years and 5 months of age.
Born November 15, 1925 to Walker A. Graham and Nancy Lula Graham in Mt. Olive, Alabama, she later became a longtime resident of Cantonment, Florida where she had a career in nursing.
Mary was a faithful member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church of Cantonment, as well as an active member of the Pensacola Quilter Guild. Among her enjoyments were sewing, crocheting, knitting, and the delight of sharing fresh blueberries with her families and friends.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, William Haas.
Mary is survived by her nieces and nephews, Faye Abbs, Margie Wolfe, Jerry Graham, Linda Morris, Tommy (Liz) Graham, Cheryl Booker, Peggy (Chuck) Folmar, Wayne Baldwin, James (Brenda) Graham, Nancy Davis, and Alfred Graham; her granddaughter, Janet Cavallaro; her great-nieces; her great-nephews; and her friends and neighbors.
A funeral service will be held at 11: 00 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bishop Holley officiating. Burial will follow in Spruell Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to service.
Charles Emmitt ‘Doodle’ McDonald
April 20, 2026
Charles Emmitt “Doodle” McDonald, 82, of Pace, Florida, passed away on April 16, 2026.
He was born on December 9, 1943, in Atmore, AL, to Emmitt R. McDonald and Mary Lou Kirby McDonald.
Charles worked in construction maintenance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, eating breakfast at the Anchor Café, watching Nascar, and was an avid Alabama fan. He also enjoyed his daily trips to Hardee’s.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Charlotte McDonald.
Charles is survived by his sons, Mark McDonald and Jason (Tracey) McDonald; his grandchildren, Alex (Harrison), Aaron (Lacey), Bryant, Jackson, and Mathew; and his special furry companion, “Gracie”.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Huxford, AL.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Aaron McDonald, Jackson McDonald, Harrison Kase, Bubba Moxness, Mathew McDonald, and Rusty Hall.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with funeral expenses.