Escambia Farm Bureau Awards Two Scholarships
May 31, 2026
For the second year, Escambia County Farm Bureau recently presented a scholarship to two graduating North Escambia seniors.
The $2,500 scholarships were presented to Allen Bridgers from Tate High School and Mary Oliver from Northview High School.
Pictured top: Escambia County Farm Bureau President Jerry Sheppard presents a scholarship to Allen Bridgers from Tate High. Pictured below: Escambia County Farm Bureau Office Manager Katrina Sanford presents a scholarship check to Mary Oliver from Northview High. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rainfall Brings Slight Improvement To Drought Conditions
May 31, 2026
Recent rainfall has slightly improved drought conditions in the area, but most of Escambia County remains in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor data released on Thursday.
A small portion of extreme northwest Escambia County is now under a moderate drought.
The nearest weather station to the area, in Walnut Hill, has recorded 15.9 inches of rain since May 1.
Former Cantonment Volunteer Firefighter Rises To Assistant Chief At NAS Pensacola
May 31, 2026
A Cantonment resident is the new assistant fire chief at NAS Pensacola.
Fire and Emergency Services Gulf Coast (F&ESGC) promoted Hercules Kinnard from battalion chief to assistant fire chief in a recent ceremony.
Kinnard is a former member of the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former PPD Officer Facing To Additional Charges Of Failing To Disclose HIV Status To Partner
May 31, 2026
A now-former Pensacola Police Department officer is facing two new charges of allegedly having sexual intercourse with someone without informing them of his HIV status. He was initially arrested on one count in March 2026.
On Friday, Pierce Avery Cotton, 32, was arrested on the two new counts of third degree felony “crime against person — HIV infected person having sex without informing partner.”
He is now facing three total counts.
In a brief statement released in March 2026, a PPD spokesperson said, “On March 13, 2026, the Pensacola Police Department arrested PPD Officer Pierce Cotton, charged with Florida State Statute 384.24(2).”
F.S. 384.24(2) states:
“It is unlawful for any person who has human immunodeficiency virus infection, when such person knows he or she is infected with this disease and when such person has been informed that he or she may communicate this disease to another person through sexual intercourse, to have sexual intercourse with any other person, unless such other person has been informed of the presence of the sexually transmissible disease and has consented to the sexual intercourse.”
Cotton is pictured in a February 2023 PPD photo. His mugshot is exempt from disclosure under Florida law.