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Ensley Street Closed At Chemstrand Road For The Next Week

A portion of roadway Ensley Street between Faye Avenue and Chemstrand Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Thursday, April 18, while crews install pipe. Westbound traffic on Ensley Street will detoured to Chemstrand Road to Vine Street to Faye Avenue and back to Ensley Street. Eastbound traffic on Ensley Street will detour to Faye Avenue to Vine Street and back to Chemstrand Road. Chemstrand Road is expected to reopen by Thursday, April 25. Residents, pedestrians, local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction. NorthEscambia.com graphics.  Read More →

Thousands Of High School Students Attend Northwest Florida Construction Career Days

Over 1,300 area high school students were treated to an interactive look into the transportation industry during the 4th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days (CCD) event this week at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds in Milton. Students had the opportunity to operate heavy equipment and learn about bridge inspections, paving, concrete, traffic control, engineering, and more. Students were also introduced to the large number of career paths available in the transportation, structural, engineering, and building industries, and were able to interact with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), as well as various engineering firms, and contractors looking to hire in the Northwest Florida area. For more photos, click here. High school seniors who attended CCD in-person or virtually were eligible to receive a portion of up to $50,000 in scholarship funds that will be awarded this year. The scholarship fund was established to assist high school graduates enrolling in college, trade/vocational education programs, or those entering directly into the workforce. Local high school junior and senior students from Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties were anticipated to attend. With billions of dollars of construction activity lined up for the next decade and entry-level workers in high demand, FDOT District Three is working to create a pipeline of workforce and economic opportunities for the next generation. Not only did this event give students a unique chance to explore career opportunities that have substantial benefits and add tremendous value to their communities, but it also allowed FDOT and its industry partners to connect with young people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Students over the age of 18 were able to fill out applications for hiring companies during the event. Pictured: Students from Northview High School were among over 1,000 that attended the 4th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days in Milton. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Incumbent Robert Bender Prefiles For Escambia County Supervisor of Elections

Incumbent Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender prefilled Wednesday for the seat as a Republican in the 2024 election. Bender, a former county commissioner, was sworn in as Supervisor of Elections on January 31, 2024, after being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Bender replaced David Stafford who stepped down effective January 15 after 19 years in office to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as an election security advisor. File photo.  Read More →

Boil Water Notice Issued For Portion Of, West Roberts, Stallion Road Areas

Due to a broken four-inch water main, ECUA has issued a precautionary boil water notice for a portion of an area off West Roberts Road. Precautionary Boil Water Notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs. Specifically, the boil water notice includes: 885 W.Roberts Rd. 2641~2708 Stallion Rd. 2666~2906 Monica Ln. 895 Colt Ln. 2822- 2849 Pierce Rd. Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours, and the notice will be rescinded at that time. ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.  Read More →

Clouds And Warm Into The Weekend; Chance Of Sunday Rain

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast: Tonight: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest after midnight. Friday: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Friday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Sunday: A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.  Read More →

Tate Showband Indoor Percussion Team Places Second Championship Event

The Tate High School Showband of the South indoor percussion team recently placed second in the Gulf Coast Guard and Percussion Circuit (GCGPC) Championships. This marked the third consecutive year as a top two medalist in their division. The Chaparral Winter Guard placed sixth in their class with a 17-point jump over the beginning of the season. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Big Inning Helps Power Trash Pandas Past Blue Wahoos To Even Series

by Bill Vilona The Blue Wahoos missed a chance early in Wednesday’s game for a big inning. When Rocket City set up its chance, the Trash Pandas pounced. Arol Vera, the No. 9 hitter, hit a two-run double, then scored on a sacrifice fly as part of a four-run, fourth inning that helped power the Trash Pandas to a 9-2 win against the Blue Wahoos and claim a rare win at Blue Wahoos Stadium. A crowd of 2,976 watched the Trash Pandas even the series with only their second win in their past three trips to Pensacola. It became a rough outing for Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios, who yielded nine hits and six earned runs, including two home runs allowed in 4.2 innings. Designated hitter Gustavo Campero, who played his first four minor league seasons in the New York Yankees organization, blasted a two-run homer off Palacios for the game’s first runs in the third inning. He added a solo blast to complete the rally in the fourth inning. Through five innings, eight of Rocket City’s batters in the lineup had reached base. The Blue Wahoos loaded the bases in the second inning with none out, but Rocket City starter Chase Chaney got out of the inning by retiring the next three batters with a strikeout, a fielder’s choice grounder, and an inning-ending flyout. That sequence set a tone for a night where the Blue Wahoos had 13 hits in the game, matching Rocket City, but only managed two runs. They left the bases loaded with two out in the seventh as well. Harrison Spohn had an RBI double in the sixth inning to score Pensacola’s first run. He later scored on Javier Sanoja’s two-out single. Sanoja was one of six Blue Wahoo batters with multiple hits through seven innings. The teams will continue their series on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. with the Blue Wahoos’ Valente Bellozo making his second start against Rocket City’s Victor Mederos. GAME NOTABLES A contingent of the Blue Wahoos – 13 players and two coaches – spent Wednesday morning watching the Blue Angels perform at a practice session on Naval Air Station-Pensacola. It’s become a repeat visit from the team to see the U.S. Navy’s famed flight demonstration squadron, headquartered at the base. WANT TO GO? WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos. WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.  Read More →

Third Time In A Month: Boil Water Notice Issued For Portion of Chemstrand Road And Area

For the third time in less than a month, ECUA has issued a precautionary boil water notice for a portion of Chemstrand Road and the surrounding area due a contractor breaking a six-inch water main. This is the same area as previous boil water notices issued March 21, and April 1. Precautionary Boil Water Notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs. Specifically, the boil water notice includes: Chemstrand Rd. (Address Range: 8702 – 9131) Camden Rd. (Address Range: ​106-310) Topeka Rd. (Address Range: ​207-301) Kaylyn Rd. (Address Range: ​211-293) Lost Oak Dr. Beland Rd. Kokomo Rd. Bellington Rd. Arcadia Rd. Barker St. Fula Dr. Crum Ave. Danestar Dr. Sabrina Dr. Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours, and the notice will be rescinded at that time. ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.  Read More →

Shutout Win For Tate Baseball As They Honor ‘84 National Champ Aggies

Tate 12, Washington 0 The Tate High School Aggies baseball team honored their national championship legacy Tuesday night as they shut out Washington 12-0 in Cantonment. The 1984 Tate baseball team (35-1) won both the state title and the national championship and Tuesday night was their 40th reunion.  The current Aggies wore commemorative jerseys with the number “84″ on the sleeve to honor the team. Kaleb Posta earned the win for Tate Tuesday night, giving up one and no runs over a complete five-inning game. Bray Touchstone had a three-run RBI home run for the Aggies in the bottom of the fourth. Trey Rebber and Madox Lan both had two hits for Tate. Connor Hassell and Quiggins were back-to-back in the lineup and they both had three RBIs. The Tate Aggies will be at West Florida on Wednesday. Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Tates Boys Tennis Are District Runner-ups; Two Tate Girls Finish Second

The Tate Aggies boys tennis team finished as District 3A runners-ups on Tuesday. The Aggies boys will travel to the first round of regionals next week at Leon High School in Tallahassee. KJ Crow and Sloane Inacio were runners up in their No. 1 girls doubles match at districts. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Scruggs Goes 3-4 As Northview Beats Neal 9-1

Northview 9, W.S. Neal 1 The Northview Chiefs defeated W.S. Neal 9-1 Tuesday night in East Brewton. Jackson Bridges earned the win for Northview, giving up one hit and one run in four innings while recording two strikeouts and one walk. Jase Portwood surrendered one hit and no runs while striking out six and walking two. Wyatt Scruggs was 3-1 on the night with singles in the third, fourth and sixth innings. Portwood and Grayde Sheffield had multiple hits for the Chiefs. Brady Smith was 2-4 with three RBIs. Northview will be at Milton on Friday. NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

New Playground Equipment Added At Harvester Homes Park I In Cantonment

Escambia County Parks and Recreation has installed a new playground at the Harvester Homes I Park in Cantonment, one of four new county playgrounds this year. The new playgrounds offer a variety of play features for children of all ages to enjoy, including slides, climbing structures, interactive games, musical instruments, and more. The other new playgrounds were installed at the Garcon Bayou Nature Park, Lakewood Park and Westernmark Park, The Harvester Home Park is located off Well Line Road at 430 Belmont Avenue, about a block away from Harvester Homes II Park. Pictured: The playground at the Harvester Homes Park in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Godwin and Hernandez Named EREC Scholarship Winners

Maggie Rose Godwin and Anna Marie Hernandez have been named as the winners of Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 2024 Herman D. Johnson Scholarship Awards. Godwin (pictured left) is a senior at Northview High School. Hernandez is a senior at Central School. Godwin and Hernandez will receive $1,000 each for four years providing they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. The scholarships will be formally presented at the EREC annual meeting on April 27 at Ernest Ward Middle School. In the past, capital credits issued by EREC that were unclaimed had to be turned over to the state. But state legislation now allows such funds to be deposited into a qualified, educational charity fund. The EREC membership voted to use these funds in the form of scholarships. Courtesy photos.  Read More →

Reminder: Driver’s License, Tax Collector Services Available Thursday In Century

Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century on Thursday, April 18  from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse. Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit. Pictured: A citizens receives services at MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on on March 21. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Softball: WFHS Tops Tate Varsity; Tate JV Shuts Out Jags

West Florida 2, Tate 1 (8 innings) The West Florida Lady Jags got past the Tate Aggies 2-1 in nine innings Tuesday night. Sydney Scapin went the full nine innings, giving up two hits and no runs while striking out 19 and walking one. Kate Balagbagan went eight innings in the circle for Tate, surrendering no runs on five hits, walking one and striking out four. Amburleigh Larid and Kara Wine both had one hit for Tate. Ava Scapin was 3-4 at the plate for WFHS. Macey Vegas went 2-3. Tate will host Pace on Thursday. Tate 6, Pace 0 (JV) NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

Bermúdez Brilliant As Blue Wahoos Start Extended Homestand In Memorable Style

The Blue Wahoos began their longest homestand of the season in a special way. Jonathan Bermúdez helped make sure of it. With one of the best starts of his professional career, Bermúdez dazzled with five no-hit innings, pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, then watched three scoreless innings by three relievers as the Blue Wahoos beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas 1-0 before a crowd of 3,008 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. “It was fun to be on the mound (Tuesday), I’ll tell you that,” said Bermúdez, a left-hander who joined the Blue Wahoos in May last season after being released from the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento. After losing five of six road games last week at Montgomery, the Blue Wahoos continued their amazing success against Rocket City, the Los Angeles Angels affiliate. The Blue Wahoos are now 17-2 against the Trash Pandas in Pensacola, 27-6 overall against them. This game was played in just two hours, 15 minutes. It began a stretch of 12 games in 13 days at Blue Wahoos Stadium. “It’s good to be home,” said Bermúdez, a Puerto Rico native who can speak English and Spanish fluently. “After a tough week, it’s good to start like this. “I think this team is really good. We showed it (Tuesday). The bats are going to get going. I trust our bats. “Our bullpen is our forte. This week is going to be fun. We started it the right way.” The game’s only run was produced with one blast. Designated hitter Zach Zubia led off the fourth inning with a no-doubter home run over the left field wall off a fastball that exited his bat at 112 mph. But from that point, Rocket City starter Caden Dana, a 20-year-old from Warwick, New York, who is the No. 2 rated prospect in the LA Angels minor league system. Rocket City (5-5) has all four of the Angels’ top-rated prospects on this team. Bermúdez wowed through five innings, facing only the minimum 15 batters with seven strikeouts and only one ball hit to the outfield on a flyout to centerfield. Amazingly, the only baserunner he allowed in that span was the game’s first batter. He plunked centerfielder Nelson Rada on his second pitch. Rada, an 18-year-old Venezuela native, is the Los Angeles Angels’ No. 1 prospect. Bermúdez then erased him on a pickoff. And from that point, it was perfection through the fifth inning. With one out in the sixth inning, the Trash Pandas’ first hit was produced by a former Blue Wahoos player. Catcher Caleb Hamilton, 29, who played in Pensacola during the 2019 season as a Minnesota Twins prospect, laced a no-doubt single through into center field to break up the no-hitter. And then it got dicey. The next batter, Arol Vera, doubled down the third base line to put runners on second and third. Bermúdez then walked Rada on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases. Bermúdez dug in and stuck out shortstop Kyren Paris, the LA Angels’ No. 3 rated prospect, on a swing-and-miss fastball. He threw a slider to get Sam Brown to fly out to center and end the inning. From that point, the Blue Wahoos bullpen shined. Josan Méndez, newcomer Raffi Vizcaíno, who joined the team Tuesday and was hitting near 100-mph with his fastball, along with closer Austin Roberts combined for three shutout innings. They combined for six strikeouts, no hits, no walks. Vizcaíno and Roberts struck out all six batters they faced in a dominating end to the game. GAME NOTABLES The National Anthem was brilliantly performed Tuesday by Jessica Voigt, a Blue Wahoos group sales intern and UWF senior, who filled in when the scheduled singer could not make it. WANT TO GO? WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos. WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.  Read More →

Escambia Attorney Charged With Possession Of Hundreds Of Child Porn Files

An Escambia County attorney is facing child pornography possession charges. Alex Wesley Rigsby was arrested Friday on 30 first degree felony charges of possession of 30 or more child pornography images. He was released on a $1.2 million bond. Monday, a judge granted the state’s request to revoke bond. After the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip, and investigation that involved the FBI. After a search warrant was executed for Rigsby’s phone, authorities reported finding 222 child porn image and videos on Rigsby’s cloud storage. A second file held over 160 child porn image and videos, according to an arrest report. The files depicted the sexual abuse of children and infants, according to the report. The report stated that Rigsby has was an active practicing attorney with Legal Services of North Florida and a member of the Florida bar since 2015.  Read More →

Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month

Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for March. They are (L-R) Wyatt Jones, Natalie Rogers and Emma Reynolds. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Beulah Middle FFA Team Named 2024 Florida FFA Aquaculture State Champions

The Beulah Middle School FFA team was named the 2024 Florida FFA Aquaculture state champions last weekend at the University of Florida/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, Florida. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Gilman Throws Northview Softball Shut Out Of Baker; Northview Baseball Beats Neal

SOFTBALL Northview 12, Baker 0 The Northview Lady Chiefs shut out Baker 12-0 Monday night in Baker. In a game that ended at five innings under the mercy rule, Jamison Gilman earned the win for Northview, giving up no hits and no runs  while striking out six and walking two. K Langham went 2-2 with one RBI for the Lady Chiefs while Avery Stuckey was 1-4 with three RBIs. Gilman was 2-3 with an RBI, and Chloe Ragsdale went 2-4. Next, Northview will host Jay at 6 p.m. Thursday and Crestview on Friday. BASEBALL Northview 8, W.S. Neal 1 The Northview Chiefs beat W.S. Neal 9-1 Monday night in East Brewton. Jackson Bridges earned the win for the Northview Chiefs, giving up one hit and one run in four innings, walking one and striking out two. Jase Portwood threw three innings with no runs in relief. Portwood surrendered one hit, striking out six and walking two. Brady Smith went 2-4 at the plate for the Chiefs with three RBIs. Grayden Sheffield was 2-4 with one RBI, and Wyatt Scruggs was 3-4 with an RBI. Jayden White, Portwood and Bridges also added hits. Northview will travel to L.E.A.D. Academy in Pace at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Molino 8U Softball Sweeps Both Brackets At GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament

Two Molino 8U softball teams swept both brackets at the GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament championship in Pace. Coach Weaver and his 8U Molino Marlins went undefeated to win their bracket, while Coach Cutler and his 8U Sassy Sluggers went undefeated to win their bracket this past weekend. Pictured top: Tournament champions  Molino 8U Sassy Sluggers (above) and the  8U Molino Marlins (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Update: Teen Arrested For Fatal Cottage Hill Shooting Of 16-Year-Old

Monday afternoon, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 19-year-old wanted in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old late Friday night in Cottage Hill The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road about. Deputies arrived to find a 16-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene. “The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, Ethan O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting the 16-year-old. O’Brien fled the scene before deputies arrived,” The ECSO said Saturday morning. O’Brien, age 19 of Cantonment, will be charged with manslaughter through negligence. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620. Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene still surrounded the home Saturday morning.  NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Century Correctional Officer Recognized For Stopping Contraband Exchange

The Florida Department of Corrections recently recognized a corrections officer at the Century Correctional Institution. According to FDC: “During her duty in the visitation area, Officer Norman prevented contraband exchange at Century CI. She noticed a visitor behaving suspiciously and subsequently arrested them on cocaine trafficking, contraband introduction, and resisting officer charges. This incident exemplifies Officer Norman’s diligent efforts in upholding Florida’s public safety mission.” Graphic/FDC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week

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) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) - Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on I-10 near Exit 10 beginning Friday, April 12 as crews perform clearing and grubbing work. In addition, the speed limit on I-10 has been reduced to 50 mph and will remain lowered through 2030. I-10 at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform construction activities: Alternating lane closures on I-10, Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Nine Mile Road, Thursday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until spring 2025. Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until summer 2024. U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone. County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6 mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4. North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts: The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard. The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard. Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone. Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform earthwork, signalization, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone. Santa Rosa County: I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound outside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound outside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 17. The I-10 westbound inside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge Wednesday, April 17 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement. U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive. S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations. S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 15 through Thursday, April 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities. U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

Century 10U Lady Legends Win Mid-Season Tourney; 12U Takes Second

The Century 10U Lady Legends went 5-1 and won the GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament championship in Pace. The team lost their first 10U “A” bracket game Thursday night before a five-game winning streak, including topping Molino Dirt Road Divas twice for the title. The Century 12U Lady Legends took second in the tournament as they prepare for the second half of the season. Pictured top: Century 10U Lady Legends. Pictured below: Century 12U Lady Legends Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Wahoos End Montgomery Road Trip With Victory, Snap Losing Streak

written by Erik Bremer The Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their six-game series versus the Montgomery Biscuits with a 4-2 win on Sunday. After failing to score in its Saturday doubleheader, Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning on Sunday. After a double from right fielder Diego Infante and a single from first baseman Zach Zubia, shortstop Jonathan Guzmán belted a three-run home run to give the Wahoos a 3-0 lead against Montgomery starter Ben Peoples (L, 1-1). The Wahoos ultimately held the lead the rest of the game thanks to strong pitching from starter Paul Campbell (W, 2-0) – who pitched 5.0 innings of one-run ball – and bullpen work from Chandler Jozwiak, Matt Pushard, and Austin Roberts (S, 2). The Biscuits collected eight hits in the game but stranded 13 runners on base in the contest. Pensacola third baseman Sean Roby’s solo home run in the top of the ninth inning gave Pensacola a 4-1 lead before the Wahoos eventually held on to close out the game. The win snaps a five-game losing streak for the Wahoos heading into their longest homestand of the year. Pensacola is back in action this coming week against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Game One of the series is scheduled for 6:35 at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Tuesday, April 16.  Read More →

Flomaton Military Dad Surprises Kids, His Sister At Long Deployment

The Dove family received a really sweet surprise last week in Flomaton as a military dad returned from his deployments. Flomaton High School graduate Tyler Dove is a father of four that has been stationed in Hawaii for quite some time. Friday, he came home and visited Flomaton Elementary School, surprising his daughters McKinley and Paislee, and his sister Shelbi Hines, who is a Flomaton Elementary teacher. And as if that’s not sweet enough of a story, it gets better with a birthday surprise. Friday was his young sister Raegan’s sweet 16. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

EREC Holds Lineman Camp For Local Students (With Gallery)

Fifteen  students from area schools recently embarked on an electrifying journey at the first-ever Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman’s Camp. Hosted by EREC, the camp not only equipped participants with essential skills in pole climbing and line repair but also delved into the intricacies of underground lines, bucket truck operations, right of way importance, and transformer functionality. For more photos, click here. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, these budding linemen immersed themselves in hands-on activities, gaining practical knowledge that could potentially shape their future careers in the electrical industry. From mastering the art of ascending a pole to understanding the critical role of transformers in power distribution, each session was designed to empower the next generation of utility workers. Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC, emphasized the importance of camaraderie and safety within the industry, echoing the sentiment of a tight-knit family at EREC. “We are family here at EREC, and if there is any takeaway from this camp, it is to be safe at all times and take care of your brothers,” remarked Campbell. Beyond technical skills, the camp fostered a sense of community and responsibility among the participants. Through teamwork and collaboration, students not only tackled challenging tasks but also forged bonds that transcended the boundaries of the camp. With their newfound skills and the spirit of camaraderie instilled by EREC, these students are poised to become the linemen of tomorrow, ensuring that communities remain powered and connected for generations to come, EREC said. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Driver’s License, Tax Collector Services Available Thursday In Century

Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century on Thursday, April 18  from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse. Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Ice Flyers Season Ends With 6-1 Game Two Playoff Loss

The Pensacola Ice Flyers lost 6-1  the Peoria Rivermen in game two playoff action Saturday night in Peoria, Illinois. Peoria moves on the second round as the season came to an end Saturday night for the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The Ice Flyers have four previous Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) championships.  Read More →

AG: Escambia Man Stole $17K From Escambia Senior, Used On Netflix, Amazon And Doordash

Florida Attorney General has announced the arrest of an Escambia County man for financially exploiting an elderly Escambia resident. Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit said Ira M. Roberts systematically took more than $17,000 from the senior’s bank account over an 18-month period, spending the funds on personal bills and purchases from DoorDash, Netflix, Amazon, and other stores. “This man, while serving in a position of trust as a power of attorney, stole more than $17,000 from a senior victim’s bank account to use on himself. It is shameful that instead of faithfully fulfilling the role of power of attorney, he stole thousands of dollars to pay his own utilities and bills from DoorDash, Netflix, Amazon and other stores. I am thankful for our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for stopping this exploitation,” Moody said Thursday. According to the investigation, Roberts, while in a position of trust with the 82-year-old victim, transferred more than $44,000 from the victim’s account into his own account between June 2021 and December 2022. Based on witness accounts, facility records and bank records, Roberts spent more than $17,000 of those transferred funds on personal expenses—not for the use or benefit of the victim. Roberts faces one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, less than $50,000—a second-degree felony. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.  Read More →

Wahoos Blanked By Biscuits In Twin Bill Sweep

written by Erik Bremer The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were swept in a doubleheader by the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday, falling 2-0 in game one and 6-0 in game two. The Blue Wahoos offense managed just seven hits, all singles, in the two games. With the sweep, Pensacola has lost five games in a row. In game one, Evan Fitterer (L, 0-1) allowed an RBI double to Heriberto Hernandez in the second inning and an RBI single to Carson Williams in the third. The Pensacola starter lasted 4.2 innings with no more damage done, but was outdueled by Ian Seymour (W, 1-0) and his 5.0 scoreless, two-hit innings for Montgomery. The Blue Wahoos threatened in the seventh and final inning with singles from Shane Sasaki and Bennett Hostetler, but Antonio Jimenez (S, 1) coaxed a deep flyout from Jonathan Guzmán to end the game. In game two, the Biscuits jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against M.D. Johnson (L, 0-1) with an RBI double from Kenny Piper and sacrifice fly from Hernandez in the first inning. In the third, Montgomery scored four runs on only an infield single thanks to three walks and a pair of infield errors. Brendan McKay was sharp through 3.0 innings in his start for the Biscuits, and relievers Jeff Belge (W, 1-0) and Keyshawn Askew completed the three-hit shutout. The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series in Montgomery against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 3:33.  Read More →

Suspect Wanted After Teen Shot And Killed Late Friday Night In Cottage Hill

For an update to this story, click here. A 16-year-old was shot and killed late Friday night in Cottage Hill. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the 1600 block of Wishbone Road about 11:30 p.m. Deputies arrived to find a 16-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene, according to ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis. “The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, Ethan O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting the 16-year-old. O’Brien fled the scene before deputies arrived,” The ECSO said Saturday morning. O’Brien, 19, is wanted for manslaughter through negligence. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620. Pictured: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night after a teen was shot and killed.  NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →