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ECSO Honors Outstanding Service, Bravery At Annual Award Ceremony

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office presented several awards during a ceremony last week.

For more photos, click here.

Ice Flyers Fall In Game Three Of First Round Playoffs

The season came to an end on Sunday for the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

Pensacola lost to the Evansville Thunderbolts 4-3 in overtime to end of the best of three series. On Wednesday, they lost to the Thunderbolts 4-1, and Friday won 3-1 at home in Pensacola.

This year, the Pensacola Ice Flyers have set a new franchise attendance record for the fourth consecutive season.

A total of 168,493 fans attended Ice Flyers games during the 2025–26 regular season, surpassing last year’s total of 152,702 and continuing a steady rise in support from the Pensacola community.

“When you look at attendance numbers like these, it really speaks to the connection between our organization and the Pensacola community. It’s easy to focus on the number itself, but what stands out more is what it represents. Over the last four seasons, this has become something people here really care about and want to be a part of. That kind of support doesn’t happen everywhere. We don’t take it lightly, and we are extremely grateful,” said owner Greg Harris.

The season included five sellout crowds, highlighted by both 5 Dollar Nights, Wiener Dog Race Night, and two Military Appreciation Nights, including the final regular season home game this past weekend.

Night after night, the Hangar provided an environment that has become a consistent advantage for the Ice Flyers and a central part of the game night experience.

“There’s a lot that goes into creating that kind of atmosphere. Our staff puts in a ton of work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, from the fan experience to the details people may not even notice. When you combine that with the way our fans show up and the energy they bring, it creates something that players feel and respond to,” said Senior Director of Operations Brenden Arney.

The Ice Flyers have now increased their total attendance in each of the past four seasons, marking one of the strongest stretches of sustained growth in franchise history.

Escambia EMS CORE Program Marks 600th Opioid Recovery Patient

Escambia County EMS has reach a milestone in in its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort program. The CORE program has successfully assisted its 600th patient in its mission to combat the opioid crisis and provide comprehensive care to individuals battling opioid addiction.

CORE is a state-funded addiction recovery program that expanded to Escambia County in late 2022, with the county accepting its first CORE patient in February 2023.

Since its inception, the CORE program has worked to offer personalized, non-judgmental support to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. This program focuses on providing immediate medical care, counseling, and long-term recovery support to help patients through the recovery process.

“When we started CORE in Escambia County, we could not have envisioned the incredible impact it would have on so many lives,” said Joey Kerman, supervisor of the Escambia County EMS CORE Program. “There was no roadmap, but our mission was clear from day one: To help people find recovery and to empower them to become the heroes of their own stories. We asked people in their darkest moments to take a chance on us, to believe that there was something more waiting for them beyond the pain. Over 600 patients said yes and placed their trust in us. In return, they’ve given us something far greater than we could have ever expected. They’ve given us purpose. They’ve given us hope. And they’ve inspired us every single day to keep going, to keep fighting, and to reach the next person who feels like they’re beyond saving. Today, we don’t just recognize a number. We celebrate lives changed. We celebrate courage. We celebrate resilience.”

The CORE program combines EMS response with community resources, including addiction counseling, mental health support, and recovery services, to give patients the tools and services they need to overcome addiction. By intervening at critical moments and connecting individuals with resources, CORE helps to break the cycle of addiction and offers a pathway to recovery.

“I am incredibly proud of our CORE team for reaching another significant milestone for the program,” Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said. “The data clearly demonstrates the profound impact this program is having, with measurable success in saving lives and improving outcomes for those affected by opioid use disorder. Every patient who makes it through this program represents not just a life changed, but a life potentially saved. Our CORE team truly cares about the patients we serve, and I am confident they will continue making a meaningful, life-saving difference as we work together to address the opioid crisis in our community.”

The CORE program is made possible by community partnerships including Community Health Northwest Florida and Lakeview Center.

For more information about the CORE program, please MyEscambia.com/CORE, or contact CORE at (850) 477-HELP or (850) 377-4965.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Florida Gas Prices Decline 20 Cents, But Escambia County Trends Upward

The state average declined 20 cents per gallon over the past 10 days, according to AAA, but prices are still tending upward in Escambia County.

Sunday’s Florida average price of $4.03 per gallon is 17 cents less than a week ago, 32 cents more than a month ago, and 91 cents more than a year ago.

Escambia County’s average of $3.86 per gallon is four cents more than a week ago, 43 cents more than a month ago, and $1 more than one year ago. In North Escambia, a low of $3.79 was available over the weekend at station on Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment.

The recent average drop in pump prices follows sharp declines in oil and gasoline markets late last week.

On Friday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $96.57 per barrel, down about 13 percent, or $14 per barrel, from the previous week. Prices fell sharply midweek amid early optimism surrounding a U.S.–Iran ceasefire, which briefly eased fears of major supply disruptions.

However, AAA said the relief proved short-lived. Crude oil prices rebounded Sunday night as markets reassessed risks in the Middle East. As of press time, WTI was trading above $104 per barrel, supported by continued uncertainty around oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely restricted.

Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping traffic has yet to meaningfully return. That ongoing disruption continues to fuel volatility in oil and gasoline markets.

“This discount at the pump comes after price drops in both crude oil and gasoline futures last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But it’s unclear how long this downward trend can last. Continued uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is already pushing oil prices higher, which could put upward pressure on gas prices again.”

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Here Are This Week’s Traffic Trouble Spots

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 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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 12, 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 placement of thermoplastic striping.
• S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, April 12, 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 12, 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.
  • 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 may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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 12 through Friday, April 17, 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 12, 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 13 through Friday, April 17, 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 13, through Friday, April 17, from 7 A.M. – 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 12 through Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.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 Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16, 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.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weathe

Mickey Sue ‘Susie’ Messick

Mickey Sue “Susie” Messick, born October 18, 1951, in Pensacola, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Charles “Chuck” Messick; her daughter, Christy Gardner (Jesse); her beloved granddaughter, Lileah Messick; and her triplet grandsons, Jase, Grant, and Reed Gardner. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Regan, Katie O’Quinn (Buddy), Cathy Anderson (Terry), and Shirley Caro (Buddy), along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Susie was preceded in death by her son, Jason Messick, and her parents, W.C. and Thora Regan.

A graduate of Pensacola High School, Class of 1969, Susie had a special talent and passion for cooking and cake decorating. She created wedding cakes for her daughter, as well as for nieces, nephews, and many friends over the years—each one made with care and pride.

Above all, Susie’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren: Lileah, Jase, Grant and Reed, who brought her endless joy.

She found peace in traveling to the Smoky Mountains—especially Cades Cove—and loved her time at the beach at Fort Pickens. She was also a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed cheering them on.

Susie lived her life with kindness, love, and a quiet faith, finding strength and comfort in the Lord. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

“And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

— 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Faith Chapel North with Mary Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Warm And Dry Conditions Persist All Week

Conditions remain warm and throughout the week as North Escambia sees a stretch of mostly sunny skies with highs climbing into the mid-80s. While early morning patchy fog may slow things down through Monday, clear nights and light winds will dominate the region, providing dry conditions until at least next weekend.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening.

Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

Temporary Median Crossovers Under Construction At Highway 29 And Highway 97

Contractors are constructing temporary median crossovers on Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino.

It’s part of a $14 million project to resurface Highway 97 from Highway 29 in Molino to the Alabama state line at Atmore. The project also includes stormwater improvements at the Highway 29 intersection to alleviate historic flooding by installing an additional box culvert across the southern leg of the intersection and two additional cross drains on the northern leg of the intersection.

Drivers can expect intermittent lane and shoulder closures on Highway 29 at Highway 97 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

NorthEscambia.com photo and graphic, click to enlarge.

Eight Children, One Adult Displaced By Quintette Road Fire

One adult and eight children were reportedly displaced temporarily by a house fire in the Quintette community on Saturday.

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to the fire in the 100 block of West Quintette Road around 4:50 p.m. The fire was reportedly contained mostly to one bedroom. There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.

There were no injuries reported. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to those displaced by the fire.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Tate High Beta Club Supports Domestic Violence Survivors

Tate High School’s Beta Club is making a powerful impact in the community through a donation drive supporting FavorHouse of Northwest Florida.

FavorHouse serves individuals and families affected by domestic violence, and Tate students are stepping up in a big way to help.

Through the initiative, Beta Club members are showing what it truly means to lead with compassion and serve with purpose. They are collecting essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food to support survivors who often have to leave their homes with very little. These donations provide comfort, stability, and dignity during some of life’s most difficult moments.

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