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North Escambia Students Take Top Honors At District 4-H Public Speaking Competition

The Florida 4-H Public Speaking district competition was held recently.

Escambia County Public Schools winners were:

• 4th Grade 1st Place: Bennett Campbell, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary
• 5th Grade 1st Place: Elliot Reeser, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary
• 6th Grade 1st Place: Ryann Gibbs, Ransom Middle

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Honoring the Fallen: ECSO Unveils New Custom-Wrapped Honor Guard Van

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has a new custom-wrapped Honor Guard van.

The van pays tribute to brave ECSO deputies who have sacrificed their lives. It also allows our Honor Guard to stand alongside agencies across the country, honoring law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The custom wrap was funded by the non-profit Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation.

Florida Gas Prices Top $4 For The First Time In Four Years, AAA Says

Florida gas prices are now above $4 per gallon for the first time in four years. The state average surged 28 cents last week, reaching a high of $4.23 per gallon, before declining three cents through the weekend.

In Escambia County, the average price was actually the cheapest in Florida at $3.91 per gallon. A low of $2.84 was available in North Escambia on Sunday at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.

“The average Florida driver now pays about $20 more to fill up than a month ago,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices are climbing quickly because crude oil prices are surging as the conflict with Iran disrupts global fuel supplies. With the Strait of Hormuz still largely closed, ongoing uncertainty continues to push energy markets and prices higher.”

Crude oil prices have risen nearly 60 percent since the start of the conflict. Last week, oil prices moved into triple digits for the first time in four years. That matters because roughly half of what drivers pay at the pump is driven by the cost of crude oil.

On Thursday, U.S. crude oil prices settled at $111.54 per barrel. That marked a 12 percent increase, or nearly $12 per barrel, from the previous week. This increase could trigger another round of rising gas prices in the coming days.

In total, Florida gas prices have jumped as much as $1.35 per gallon over the past month, rising from $2.88 per gallon to more than $4.20. That represents a 47% increase in just one month and adds roughly $20 to the cost of filling a 15 gallon gas tank. Sunday’s state average of $4.21 per gallon was 25 cents more than a week ago, 97 cents more than last month, $1.01 per gallon more than this time last year.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Wahoos, Biscuits Postponed Due To Rain; Makeup Scheduled For Late April

Sunday’s game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Montgomery Biscuits was postponed due to rain.

Because the Blue Wahoos and Biscuits do not play in Pensacola for the remainder of the first half schedule, the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader during an upcoming six-game series in Montgomery April 21-26 at DABOS Park.

Fans planning to attend Sunday’s postponed game can exchange their tickets for a future 2026 regular season home game of equal or lesser value at the Blue Wahoos Stadium ticket office. As stated on tickets, no refunds will be given, according to the Wahoos.

The Blue Wahoos begin a six-game road series against the Biloxi Shuckers on Tuesday, April 7, and return home for a six-game series against the Knoxville Smokies beginning on Tuesday, April 14.

Pictured: Opening night action last Friday night as the Blue Wahoos hosted the Montgomery Biscuits. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Full Results: GCA & NYRO Spring Livestock Show (With Gallery)

Here are complete results from last weekend’s Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization (GCA/NYRO) Annual Spring Livestock Show held at the Escambia County 4-H Property near Molino.

For a photo gallery, click here.

2026 GCA & NRYO Livestock Show Results

A.O.B- Registered Beef Breeding

Class 1:

• 1^st – Jessie Joyner
• 2^nd— Jack Anderson

Class 2:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Camryn Howell
• 3^rd – Aubree Jones

Class 3:

• 1^st – Mallory Mahoney
• 2^nd – Everett Anderson
• 3^rd – Maci Gentry

Class 4:

• 1^st- Ella Gilmore

A.O.B. Grand Champion Registered: Ella Gilmore

A.O.B. Reserve Champion Registered: Mallory Mahoney

Beef Breeding Commercial Class

Class 1:

• 1^st – Gracie Oliver

Class 2:

• 1^st – Marlee McElhaney
• 2^nd – Abby Smith
• 3^rd – Kinley Compton

Class 3:

• 1^st – Jesse McElhaney

Class 4:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore

Class 5:

• 1^st – Abby Smith
• 2^nd – Mallory Mahoney
• 3^rd – Bailey Sullivan

Grand Champion Beef Breeding Commercial: Ella Gilmore

Reserve Champion Beef Breeding Commercial: Jesse McElhaney

SUPREME BEEF BREEDING GRAND CHAMPION:

• Ella Gilmore

RESERVE BEEF BREEDING CHAMPION:

• Mallory Mahoney

Beef Breeding Showmanship

Senior:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Jessie Joyner
• 3^rd – Kinley Compton

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Mallory Mahoney
• 2^nd – Ella Gilmore
• 3^rd – Abby Smith

Junior:

• 1^st – Camryn Howell
• 2^nd – Everett Anderson

Market Swine Class:

Lightweight:

• 1^st – A. T. Bridgers
• 2^nd – Kason Gaylard
• 3^rd – Ryann Gibbs

Light Heavyweight:

• 1^st – Jessie Joyner
• 2^nd – Marlee McElhaney
• 3^rd – Emma Bowman

Heavyweight:

• 1^st – Jesse McElhaney
• 2^nd – Tucker Padgett
• 3^rd – Anna Simmons

Super Heavyweight:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore
• 2^nd – Payton Coon
• 3^rd – Yaretzy Sandoval-Bocanegra

Grand Champion Market Swine: A.T. Bridgers

Reserve Champion Market Swine: Jesse McElhaney

Market Hog Showmanship:

Senior:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Yaretzy Sandoval-Bocanegra
• 3^rd – A.T. Bridgers

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Marlee McElhaney
• 2^nd – Ella Gilmore
• 3^rd – Mallory Mahoney

Junior:

• 1^st – Eli Jarrell
• 2^nd – Kason Gaylard
• 3^rd – Victoria Minchew

Market Steer Class:

Class 1:

• 1^st – Aiden Jacobi

Class 2:

• 1^st – Jessie Joyner
• 2^nd – Emily Brewton
• 3^rd – Jackson Simmons

Class 3:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Grace Oliver
• 3^rd – Mary Oliver

Class 4:

• 1^st – Malarie Cooper
• 2^nd – Ella Gilmore

Grand Champion Market Steer: Malarie Cooper

Reserve Champion Market Steer: Tucker Padgett

Market Steer Showmanship:

Senior:

Class 1:

• 1^st – Malarie Cooper
• 2^nd – Jessie Joyner
• 3^rd – Mary Oliver

Class 2:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Aiden Jacobi
• 3^rd – Grace Oliver

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore

Overall Senior Showmanship Winners:

• 1^st – Tucker Padgett
• 2^nd – Malarie Cooper
• 3^rd – Jessie Joyner

Preview Steer Class:

Class 1:

• 1^st – Jesse McElhaney

Class 2:

• 1^st – A.T. Bridgers
• 2^nd – Malarie Cooper
• 3^rd – Jesse McElhaney

Class 3:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore
• 2^nd – Weston Simmons
• 3^rd – Marlee McElhaney

Class 4:

• 1^st – Aimee Richardson
• 2^nd – Wyatt Cotton
• 3^rd – Noah Jacobs

Class 5:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore

Class 6:

• 1^st – Malarie Cooper
• 2^nd – Blakely Cooper
• 3^rd – Mason Thomas

Grand Champion Preview Steer: Malarie Cooper

Reserve Champion Preview Steer: Blakely Cooper

Preview Steer Showmanship:

Senior:

• 1^st – Aimee Richarson
• 2^nd – Malarie Cooper
• 3^rd – Jesse McElhaney

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Ella Gilmore
• 2^nd – Blakely Cooper
• 3^rd – Marlee McElhaney

Goat & Lamb Classes:

Market Lamb:

• 1^st – Cheyenne Armstrong

Grand Champion Market Lamb: Cheyenne Armstrong

Lamb Showmanship:

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Cheyenne Armstrong

Preview Market Goat:

• 1^st – Kenley Clayton
• 2^nd – Aimee Richardson
• 3^rd – Hannah Jerkins

Grand Champion Preview Market Goat: Kenley Clayton

Reserve Champion Preview Market Goat: Aimee Richardson

Market Goat Showmanship:

Senior:

• 1^st – Aimee Richardson
• 2^nd – Kenley Clayton
• 3^rd – Hannah Jerkins

Breeding Meat Goat:

Class 1 (3-6 months):

• 1^st – Addie Holland
• 2^nd – Amya Allen
• 3^rd – Sawyer Lovett

Class 2 (yearlings)

• 1^st – Kailey Hawkins
• 2^nd – Paislee Hommerbocker
• 3^rd – Salter Wyatt

Class 3 (2 yr +)

• 1^st – Canon Gunter
• 2^nd – Canon Gunter
• 3^rd – Ian Hayles

Class 4 (doe w/ kid)

• 1^st – Aimee Richardson

Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Addie Holland

Reserve Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Kailey Hawkins

Breeding Goat Showmanship:

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Paislee Hommerbocker
• 2^nd – Amya Allen
• 3^rd – Salter Wyatt

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Aimee Richardson
• 2^nd – Kailey Hawkins
• 3^rd – Addie Holland

Dairy Goat:

Mini:

Class 1 (10-12 months)

1. 1^st – Carly Jones
2. 2^nd – Leah List
3. 3^rd – Joshua List

Class 2 (over 1 year)

• 1^st – Aubree Jones
• 2^nd – Aubree Jones

Class 3 (doe with kid)

• 1^st – Carly Jones

Standard:

Class 1 (10 months)

• 1^st – Isabella Stevens
• 2^nd – Isabella Stevens

Class 2 (12-24 months)

• 1^st – Basileigh Olford
• 2^nd – Sophie Edwards

Class 3 (2 yrs +)

• 1^st – Arianna LaFountain
• 2^nd – Emma Malecki
• 3^rd – Piper Flory

Grand Champion Dairy Goat: Carly Jones

Reserve Champion Dairy Goat: Aubree Jones

Dairy Goat Showmanship

Intermediate:

• 1^st – Aubree Jones
• 2^nd – Carly Jones
• 3^rd – Arianna LaFountain

Senior:

• 1^st – Isabella Seevers
• 2^nd – Joshua List
• 3^rd – Leah List

Poultry and Rabbit Results

OPEN POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP

Juniors

• Henley Runge, blue ribbon
• Harrison List, red ribbon
• Milly Smith, white ribbon

Intermediates

• Braxton Williams, blue ribbon
• Abby Hayes, red ribbon
• Emma Malecki, white ribbon
• Angie “Lainey” Dunsford, yellow ribbon
• Olivia Bramlett, green ribbon
• Izzy Hayes, pink ribbon

Seniors

• Tucker Padgett, blue ribbon
• Luke Graham, red ribbon
• Taylor Anderson, white ribbon
• Amber Swauger, yellow ribbon
• Blake Butler, green ribbon
• Gabriel Lang, pink ribbon

CHICK CHAIN SHOWMANSHIP

Intermediates

• Abby Hayes, blue ribbon
• Izzy Hayes, red ribbon
• Luke Wilkins, white ribbon
• Piper Flory, yellow ribbon
• Lawson Simons, green ribbon
• Emma Malecki, pink ribbon

Seniors

• Chloe Edwards, blue ribbon
• Wesley Watson, red ribbon
• Curtis Smith, white ribbon
• Halee Burkett, yellow ribbon
• KyLeigh McCall, green ribbon
• Cooper Grimes, pink ribbon

Grand Champion Open Poultry: Braxton Williams, Lavender Orpington Rooster

Reserve Champion Open Poultry: Tucker Padgett, Serama Rooster

Grand Champion Chick Chain – Lavender Orpington: Chloe Edwards

Reserve Champion Chick Chain – Lavender Orpington: Wesley Watson

Grand Champion Chick Chain – Rhode Island Red: Jepp Godwin

Reserve Champion Chick Chain – Rhode Island Red: Abby Hayes

**Quality ribbons were also given for each bird in each breed division (only blue, red, and white ribbons). This was the judge’s determination on rank amongst breed. For example, if you showed a buff Orpington and got a red ribbon, he placed it 2^nd in the breed division. If you had more than one bird in a breed division, and received 2 of the same color ribbons, that means he judged them as a pen (2^nd place pen, 3^rd place pen, etc.)**

Mosquito Control Supervisor Wiggins Named Escambia Employee Of The Month

Escambia County has recognized Gregory Wiggins, mosquito control supervisor in the Mosquito Control Division of the Natural Resources Management Department, as the April 2026 Employee of the Month. Wiggins’ selection was recognized with a proclamation during a Board of County Commissioners meeting.

As the mosquito control supervisor, Wiggins oversees daily operations of the county’s pest control program, including planning routes, assigning personnel, and record keeping. He supervises a staff of dedicated mosquito control technicians. Wiggins began his career with Escambia County in June 2014, gaining over a decade of knowledge and experience that have helped him ensure the Mosquito Control Division runs smoothly and efficiently.

“Greg is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant,” Natural Resources Director Chips Kirschenfeld said. “He cares deeply about the community he serves and the individuals on his team, which shows in the work he performs each day. He consistently displays professionalism, steadiness, and a positive attitude. He is truly deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month, and we are excited to celebrate him and his achievements.”

Among his colleagues, Wiggins is celebrated for his dedicated and dependable nature. When the previous supervisor retired in 2025, Wiggins stepped into the role to ensure that operations continued without interruption. He served as the interim division manager from March until October 2025, overseeing all operations throughout the division. After transitioning out of the interim role back into a supervisor role, Wiggins continued to carry out managerial duties, displaying a sense of duty and commitment to the work and his team.

Throughout his career with Escambia County, Wiggins has prioritized strengthening the division’s relationships with other county departments and external partners. His involvement has led to improved coordination between agencies including Escambia County Code Enforcement, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, and local beekeeper associations.

“The past 12 years have given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful citizens of Escambia County as well as working with some very fine Escambia County employees,” Wiggins said. “I’ve had some great leadership during this time, and I work with some amazing people. I humbly accept Employee of the Month on behalf of our entire team.”

UWF Unearths Ancient Artifacts Ahead Of Work On Stadium Construction

Faculty researchers and archaeology students at the University of West Florida have uncovered artifacts linked to multiple pre-Columbian Native American cultures during a recent archaeological survey on UWF’s Pensacola campus a head of new stadium construction.

The survey, conducted by the UWF Archaeology Institute, relocated a previously documented archaeological site first discovered on campus in 1989. Through systematic shovel test excavations, faculty and students also recovered ceramics associated with at least two pre-Columbian Native American cultures. The oldest artifacts appear to be linked to the Weeden Island culture of the Woodland period, likely dating between A.D. 600 and 900. Additional ceramics date to the middle-to-late Mississippian period, approximately A.D. 1250 to 1600.

“The condition of the site is significant due in part to the long history of development of our campus,” said Ramie Gougeon, director of the Archaeology Institute. “It is not common to find a site this intact. I am particularly excited to learn more about the different activities past peoples engaged in at this location.”

The survey is part of the University’s preparation for infrastructure improvements associated with the construction of the new Darrell Gooden Stadium. The work ensures compliance with state regulations governing ground-disturbing activities on state-owned land and helps protect cultural and historical resources.

Under Florida law, projects involving ground disturbance must be reviewed by the Division of Historical Resources within the Florida Department of State to determine whether archaeological or historic resources could be affected. After reviewing the stadium infrastructure plans, the division determined that an archaeological survey was required before construction could proceed.

“The survey demonstrates UWF’s commitment to responsible development and cultural resource preservation,” Gougeon said. “While our findings and follow-up work affect the timing of some activities, the investigation of this archaeological site will not negatively impact the current stadium infrastructure plans.”

In addition to supporting responsible development, the project provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for students in UWF’s anthropology and archaeology programs. Students participate directly in fieldwork by conducting shovel tests, screening soil for artifacts and documenting findings, gaining hands-on experience in the cultural resource management practices used by professional archaeologists.

“Archaeology is a hands-on profession, so any chance that we can give our students to have additional time working in the field is valuable,” Jennifer Melcher, senior faculty research associate with the UWF Archaeology Institute. “Having projects right here on campus means they can easily join us after classes and add that experience to their resumes.”

UWF archaeologists have been identifying and studying archaeological sites on campus since the late 1980s, uncovering evidence of thousands of years of human activity in the region. The current survey continues that long-standing research tradition while ensuring that cultural resources are properly documented and protected as the University grows.

Additional archaeological survey projects on campus are anticipated to continue throughout the spring.

Biscuits Blank Blue Wahoos Saturday Night

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos couldn’t solve Montgomery Biscuits starter Santiago Suarez on Saturday night, managing only three hits in a 9-0 loss.

Suarez (W, 1-0), making his Double-A debut, worked 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing only a Fenwick Trimble single. Tampa Bay’s #8 prospect struck out seven batters and walked only one, sending the Blue Wahoos to an 0-2 start to their 2026 season.

Pensacola starting pitcher Will Schomberg (L, 0-1) worked hitless ball until the third, when a walk and a hit batsman set the stage for a two-out Will Simpson RBI single and a 1-0 Biscuits lead. Brayden Taylor followed by hooking a two-run triple down the right field line, extending the Montgomery lead to 3-0.

In the fourth, Daniel Vellojín doubled off Schomberg and scored on a Ryan Spikes RBI single for a 4-0 Montgomery advantage. Schomberg allowed four runs in 3.2 innings, striking out six and walking two.
Gabe Bierman escaped further trouble in relief of Schomberg in the fourth, but Kade Bragg surrendered two more Montgomery runs in the seventh. A John Diaz homer off Jake Smith in the eighth extended the lead to 7-0, and Livan Reynoso let in two more in the ninth for a 9-0 final.

Trimble was a bright spot for the Blue Wahoos, collecting two of the team’s three hits. Dylan Jasso collected his first Blue Wahoos hit with a single in the ninth inning.

The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

Local Drought Conditions Worsen

Local drought conditions have worsened, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released this week.

All of Escambia County is now in a severe drought, with an area of extreme drought in the eastern two-thirds of Escambia County, Alabama and a very small area northeast of Century and part of Santa Rosa County near the state line.

A high chance of rain on Sunday may bring some relief.

The Century Splash Pad Is Now Open

The Century splash pad has opened for the season.

The Century splash pad, located at Showalter Park on Kelly Field Road, is open from sunrise to sunset. The park also features a playground.

This year, the town added four new benches around the splash pad.

NorthEscabambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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