Patronis Calls On VA For Hospital Update, Improved Care Access In Northwest Florida
March 28, 2026
Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address a critical healthcare gap in Northwest Florida, formally requesting a strategic analysis for a new full-service VA hospital in the region.
In a letter (pictured below) sent late Thursday to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Patronis highlighted the significant “deficiency” in local care, noting that thousands of veterans in Florida’s First Congressional District are forced to travel hours for essential medical services.
“For veterans seeking inpatient and other specialty care in my district, their options are to travel nearly two to three hours one way to receive treatment at a VA hospital,” Patronis wrote.
The Congressman pointed out that for many, the closest option is the VA hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi. According to the letter, approximately 140,000 individuals in the service area covering his district must travel these great distances for acute inpatient care or same-day surgeries—a figure Patronis claims represents “the largest number anywhere in the country in the last assessment.”
Beyond the travel burden, the Congressman expressed concern that current Community Care (CC) guidelines, which allow veterans to see private providers, are not sufficiently filling the void. He cited “provider shortages, a lack of specialists, as well as administrative delays” as primary reasons veterans are struggling to receive timely care in the Florida Panhandle.
The request for a new facility is not without precedent. Patronis noted that the Department of Veterans Affairs has previously recommended building a full-service hospital in the district to meet the growing demand.
“For my constituents, these realities delay necessary care and burden our veterans, especially older individuals and those with complex medical needs,” the letter stated.
The proposed strategic market analysis would evaluate whether the VA is currently positioned to meet the region’s needs and how future resources should be allocated. Patronis concluded by emphasizing the obligation to those who served.
“Our veterans made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” Patronis wrote. “I look forward to working with you throughout this process to ensure these heroes have access to the care and support available to veterans across the country.”
File photo.
Mikayla McAnally Pitches Perfect Game As NHS Beats Milton; Chiefs Beat Miller
March 28, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs won two on Friday in games played at T.R. Miller in Brewton.
Northview 4, Milton 0
Junior Mikayla McAnally pitched her first career perfect game on Friday as the Northview Lady Chiefs shut out the Milton Panthers 4-0.
In seven innings, McAnally allowed no runs and no hits while recording no walks and eight strikeouts.
Kylie Langham led the Chiefs with two RBIs as she went 1-3 for the afternoon, while Aubrey Hadley went 2-3 with one RBI.
Northview 18, T.R. Miller 1
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat T.R. Miller 18-1 on Friday.
Mikayla McAnally opened in the circle for Northview, giving up one hit and no runs in two innings, walking one and striking out one.
Bailey Burkette went 2-3 with four RBIs for the Chiefs.
Pictured: Mikayla McAnally pitches for the Northview Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Flag Football Defeats Northview 33-6
March 28, 2026
The Tate Aggies defeated the Northview Chiefs 33-6 on Friday night in Bratt.
On Monday, Northview defeated Tate 14-6 in Pete Gindl Stadium.
For more photos from Friday, click here.
With the win, Tate is now 4-5 on the season and Northview is now 2-3. Tate will host Pace on Monday, and Northview will host Pine Forest on Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Pace 2-1
March 28, 2026
Tate 2, Pace 1
The Tate Aggies beat Pace 2-1 on Friday.
Lance Brady earned the win for the Aggies, giving up three hits and one run in seven innings, striking out five and walking two.
Nathan Connors, Griffin Cook, and Cal Foxworth each had one hit for the Aggies.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will travel to Milton on Tuesday.
Northview Shuts Out PCA 15-0 On Little League Night; JV Wins 9-2
March 28, 2026
Northview 15, Pensacola Christian 0
Northview shut out Pensacola Christian Academy 15-0 on Little League night Friday in Bratt, making it 11 consecutive wins for the Chiefs.
Northview took an early 9-0 lead in the bottom of the first, adding another six runs on two hits in the bottom of the second. Jackson Bridges earned the win for the Chiefs, allowing no runs and no hits in two innings, striking out none and walking none. Neal and Jase Portwood both threw shutout innings in relief.
Grayson Burns led the Chiefs with three RBIs as he went 1-2, while Rusti Taylor went 2-2. Bryant Mason, Portwood, and Luke Chavers each recorded two RBIs.
For a photo gallery, click here.
On Monday, the Chiefs (14-5) will head across the Escambia River to take on Jay (10-3) at 6:30 p.m.
Before the game, little league players from across the area took to the field with the Chiefs.
Northview 9, Pensacola Christian 2 (JV)
Brentley Guy earned the win in four innings on Friday afternoon as the junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat Pensacola Christian 9-2.
Guy allowed four hits and two runs (one earned) while walking one and striking out four.
Karson Miller went 2-3 to lead the JV Chiefs at bat while driving in one run. Will Gilmore, Tyler McAnally, Camden Jacobson, Greyson Hubbard, and Jackson Salter each added one run.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola ‘Crawdaddies’ Beat Quad City 5-2 Friday Night (Gallery)
March 28, 2026
The Pensacola Ice Flyers took the ice as the Pensacola Crawdaddies for a special one-night-only Rebrand Night, and the alternate identity delivered a big result as Pensacola defeated the Quad City Storm 5–2 on Friday night at the Hangar.
The night opened with immediate intensity as Pensacola’s Laudon Poellinger and Quad City’s Nick Pennucci dropped the gloves in a spirited center-ice scrum that brought the crowd to its feet. Both players exchanged a flurry of blows in an emotional opening sequence, setting the tone for a physical matchup. Despite the early fireworks and several quality chances on both ends, the first period remained scoreless.
Pensacola broke through in the second period when Cooper Jones found the back of the net to give the Crawdaddies the first lead of the night. The momentum stayed with the home side late in the frame as Andrew Kurapov extended the advantage, sending Pensacola into the second intermission with a 2–0 lead.
The Crawdaddies continued to build on that momentum in the third period. Tyler Burnie struck first in the frame before captain Ethan Price pushed the lead to 4–0, sending the Hangar crowd into a frenzy. Quad City answered when Taylor Price cut the deficit to 4–1, but Pensacola put the game out of reach late as Tyler German buried an empty-net goal to make it 5–1. The Storm added one more in the final seconds off the stick of Jack Lee, but Pensacola skated away with the 5–2 victory.
With the win, Pensacola picks up two more points heading into the final home game of the regular season tomorrow night, as Military Appreciation Night presented by Navy Federal Credit Union is expected to bring a near sellout crowd to the Hangar.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Royals Top Tate; Tate Aggies JV Shuts Out Jay
March 28, 2026
Jay 8, Tate 6
The Jay Royals defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 8-6 on Friday night in Cantonment.
Cadee Carroll earned the win for the Lady Royals, giving up five hits and six runs (five earned) in six innings, striking out seven and walking two.
Sarah Mitchell took the loss for the Aggies, going four innings, allowing seven runs (four earned) on two hits, striking out five and walking five. Faith Middleton tossed three innings, surrendering two hits and an unearned run, striking out none and walking none.
Ella Samford led at the plate for Jay with two RBIs, while Melanie Kelley went 2-4.
Brelynn Morris led the Aggies at the plate with two hits and two runs, and Kaylie Mitchell drove in two runs.
Tate 15, Jay 0
In junior varsity action, the Tate Aggies shut out the Jay Royals 15-0 on Friday.
Bailey Parden earned the win for Tate, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out two in two innings. Kaitlyn Stefanko went for one inning, walking two and recording no hits and no runs.
Henlie Machat took the loss for Jay. In one inning, she surrendered seven hits and 15 runs while walking seven and striking out one.
Kaitlyn Stefanko drove in four runs on two hits to lead Tate, including a two-run single in the first and a two-run double in the second.
Pictured: Junior varsity action as the Tate Aggies defeated the Jay Royals on Friday afternoon in Cantonment. Photos by Mary Land for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Easter Egg Drop Are Saturday In Molino
March 27, 2026
The Blue Jacket Jamboree returns to Molino on Saturday at the Escambia County 4-H Property.
Running from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., this family-friendly event, hosted by the Northview FFA Alumni & Friends, promises a day filled with entertainment, agriculture, and lots of family fun.
The Jamboree will feature vendors offering a variety of crafts, and local goods. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, organized by Cruisers’ Unlimited. Kids will love the free egg drop (bring your own basket), and an egg scramble for kids age 5 and under.
A kids’ play zone will open until 2 p.m. with bounce houses and other activities with a $5 wristband.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree celebrates Northview FFA’s dedication to agricultural education and youth development, bringing together the community for a fun and educational experience.
Admission and parking are free. The Escambia County 4-H Property is located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino, just south of Molino Road.
In conjunction with the Jamboree, the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show will be taking place Friday and Saturday. Click here for more information.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sarah Mitchell Throws No-Hitter, Morris Homers As Tate Beats Escambia 20-0
March 27, 2026
Tate 20, Escambia 0
Sarah Mitchell pitched a no-hitter as the Tate Lady Aggies destroyed the Escambia Gators 20-0 on Thursday night at Escambia.
Brelynn Morris hit a two-run home run to left field as the Aggies took an early 4-0 lead in the top of the first. Tate scored 10 runs in the top of the fourth on the way to the mercy rule win.
Mitchell, a sophomore, struck out nine and walked just one in four innings in the circle. Mitchell and Ke’Anna Smith each had three hits for the Lady Aggies. Carmen Morris and Brelynn Morris each added two. The Aggies recorded nine walks.
Friday night, the Tate Lady Aggies will host the Jay Royals in Cantonment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grand Jury Indicts Mother In Death Of Malnourished 5-Year-Old Found Dead In Bay
March 27, 2026
The woman accused of murdering her 5-year-old son before throwing his body into Perdido Bay has been indicted.
On Thursday, an Escambia County grand jury indicted Jalynda Karie Smith on the charges of first degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The boy, found dead in a trash bag, was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report. Smith was arrested just a few hours later.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellphone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Top photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.