High School Juniors In Escambia County Receive Required CPR, AED Training
February 19, 2026
Juniors at Northview High School received required hand-on CRP and AED training on Wednesday, led by Dr. Matthew Steiner, a pediatric cardiologist at Nemours Children’s Health
Florida statute requires students in 9th and 11th grade to participate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Students gathered in the gym to learn how to properly perform chest compressions on CPR manikins. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. With more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside of a hospital setting each year, bystander intervention plays a crucial role in patient outcome.
By the end of the school year, more than 2,000 students across seven high school in Escambia County will have received training on how to effectively administer CPR, as well as instruction on how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Warm 80s The Next Few Days, But A Winter Chill Will Return
February 19, 2026
A warm stretch is set to peak as temperatures climb into the lower 80s through Friday, but a significant shift is on the horizon. Gusty winds and increasing moisture will bring a round of showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday before a strong cold front arrives. By Sunday, conditions will turn sharply cooler and breezy, leading into a clear Monday with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 29.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69.
NorthEscambia Publisher Named One Of Escambia County’s Most Influential People
February 19, 2026
The Pensacola Independent News has released their 2025 Inweekly Power List — their ranking of the most powerful and influential people in Escambia County.
Only one person who works primarily in the North Escambia area was named to the list — NorthEscambia.com publisher William Reynolds — for the 14th consecutive year.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons tops this year’s list, “because he has transformed law enforcement in Northwest Florida while building unprecedented trust with the community. Sheriff Simmons’ leadership style and commitment to innovation, technology and community engagement have improved public safety throughout Escambia County.”
To view this year’s Inweekly Power List edition, click here.
Pictured: Sheriff Chip Simmons was at the top of the 2026 Inweekly Power List. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Killed In Escambia County Crash
February 19, 2026
An Alabama motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Wednesday night in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 30-year-old Mobile man was traveling southbound on W Street near the intersection with Beverly Parkway.
Troopers said he lost control of his motorcycle and fell onto the roadway.
File photo.
Tate High School Students Explore Futures At Career And College Fair
February 19, 2026
Over three dozens vendors took part in the Tate High School Career, College, and Job Fair on Wednesday.
Hosted by the Tate FFA, the event provided students with a hands-on look at life after graduation. Professionals from across the region, alongside representatives from various colleges and universities, occupied interactive booths where sudents were able to see first hand the possibilities that await them beyond graduation.
For additional photos, click here.
The fair is a central part of the school’s mission to ensure students are prepared for their next steps, whether they plan to be “Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed”.
“Your willingness to pour into the next generation truly makes a difference,” school officials shared in a statement thanking the community partners and businesses that invested time in the students.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Cheerleader Alyssa Bello Commits To South Alabama
February 19, 2026
Tate High School’s Alyssa Bello has signed with the University of South Alabama. The Aggies senior is the first commit of 2026 for the Jaguars.
“We can’t wait to see her in JagNation,” South Alabama cheerleading said in making the announcement. “Her determination and work ethic (are) exactly what we are looking for.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
McLellan Strikes Out 11 As Tate Downs West Florida 7-2
February 19, 2026
Tate 7, West Florida 2
The Tate Aggies beat the West Florida Jaguars 7-2 on Wednesday night at Tate.
Bryton McLellan struck out 11 batters, giving up two hits and two runs in a complete seven innings while walking none
Evan Taylor and Nathan Connors each had two RBIs, and Posta added one.
Next up, Tate will travel to Crestview on Thursday and host North Bay Haven Academy from Panama City on Friday.
Injured Alabama Deputy Escorted Through North Escambia Following High-Speed Pursuit
February 18, 2026
An Alabama sheriff’s deputy injured during the high-speed pursuit of a suspect was transported through North Escambia Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in a high-profile escort.
Authorities initiated the chase in Monroeville, Alabama, and it ended in Greenville, Alabama, where the suspect was taken into custody. The chase began after law enforcement attempted to arrest a suspect in connection with a shooting in Monroe County, Alabama.
During the chase, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Corey Morrow was involved in a crash on Highway 21 near the community of Beatrice, Alabama. A medical helicopter was unavailable due to weather, and he was transported south by an Enterprise Rescue ambulance with a police escort. The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office traffic unit responded north on Highway 29 and Highway 97 to meet the ambulance in Atmore. The ECSO deputies then escorted the ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright said Morrow was later released and is recovering from minor injuries.
The pursuit entered Butler County, Alabama, at the Wilcox County line, west of Greenville. The pursuit continued into the Greenville city limits, where the Greenville Police Department assisted the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. During the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 mph while traveling through downtown Greenville, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ford Escape ultimately crashed at the intersection of Commerce Street and South Park Street in downtown Greenville, near the United States Post Office. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot through a nearby parking lot. He was apprehended near the Greenville Police Department headquarters.
The suspect was transported to the Butler County Jail and is currently being held pending formal charges.
Involved in the pursuit or the transport of the injured deputy were the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Monroeville Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Alabama State Troopers, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, and the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: Monroe County (AL) Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Corey Morrow. seated, was released from Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola on Thursday afternoon. He is seen with Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright. Pictured inset and below: The murder suspect’s vehicle crashed after reaching speeds of 100 mph in downtown Greenville, Alabama. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Stray Bullet Strikes Cottage Hill Home; Deputies Find Target Shooters Nearby
February 18, 2026
There were no injuries reported when a stray bullet went through the window of a home in Cottage Hill on Saturday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported drive-by shooting on Handy Road. They arrived to find a bullet hole in a bedroom window.
While on scene, deputies heard the “distinct sounds” of additional gunfire, an ECSO spokesperson said on Tuesday. They determined the gunfire was coming from a wooded area and located two individuals target practicing in a clearing about one-half mile from the home.
Deputies said the individuals were firing into some sort of backstop, and one shot apparently missed. The sheriff’s office said they were firing 9mm rounds, like those discovered at the home. The incident was not considered malicious.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
$5 Million O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement Project Set To Begin
February 18, 2026
Escambia County’s Construction Management Division is preparing to begin construction on a $5.03 million O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement Project, replacing the existing bridge on O.C. Phillips Road near Walnut Hill.
Construction is scheduled to begin this month and includes a full replacement of the bridge. The roadway will remain open during construction via a temporary bridge.
The O.C. Phillips Road Bridge over Brushy Creek provides access to residents traveling between South Pineville Road and County Road 97A. The replacement bridge will be 0.015 miles (about 80 feet) in length and accommodate two travel lanes (one in each direction), including shoulders on each side. Escambia County said replacing the bridge will reduce flooding impacts, improve the creek habitat, improve driver safety, and provide emergency and residential access to the surrounding area.
The project is expected to be completed by summer 2027, weather permitting.
The O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement Project is performed in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation. The project is funded by Local Option Sales Tax, FDOT, and RESTORE funds, with construction costs totaling $5,032,813. Murphree Bridge Corporation is the primary contractor.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
