Northview’s Season Ends In Regional Semifinals
May 4, 2026
Northview was at bat, down 9-7 in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded with one out. Everybody in the dugout was up and loud. A standing-room only Chiefs family cheered. There wasn’t a cloud in the blue skies over Bratt on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for baseball. A regional championship for the Chiefs seemed like a very real possibility.
Everything was perfect.
Until it wasn’t.
A groundball up the middle and one, two…a double play by the Chipley Tigers earned them a 2-1 series win and a Rural Region 1 semifinal win.
“It hurts.”
That’s how first-year Northview Chiefs head coach Justin Raley reacted to Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the Chipley Tigers.
“It hurts because you know how much it means to the seniors, to everybody that’s a part of this program. It hurts. I know what it’s like to win it, and I know how it feels to lose it, and it hurts so bad,” he said. “Especially when you know you had a chance. Oh yeah, so many chances, and we just kind of left it out there.”
Friday rain had forced two games on Saturday in the regional semifinals, with Chipley taking the first game 10-3 in a best-of-three series, and Northview powering back with a big 16-8 win in the nightcap.
Chipley held a 5-2 lead in the top of the third on Sunday, but the Chiefs battled back before Chipley took the lead 9-6 in the top of the seventh.
Bryant Mason went 2-5 to lead the Chiefs in hits on Sunday, while Grayden Sheffield, Dane King, Grayson Burns and Cole Davis each added one hit.
Portwood went four innings on the hill for NHS, allowing five hits, five runs (four earned), striking out three and walking six. Jackson Bridges went for three innings, surrendering four hits and four runs (one earned), striking out five and walking three.
For a photo gallery, click to enlarge.
“Guys, I’m proud of you,” Raley, who last year was an assistant coach at Jay, told the team after the game. He pointed out the team was 19-10, and had beat Jay three times, including once to claim the district championship.
“It was a great year and we did so many great things with this group of guys. They changed some stuff around here, and I’m proud of them,” he said, already looking forward to next season.
“We’ve got a lot of good guys coming back, a lot of guys that are going to return and do good things,” Raley said. “There’s a good chance we can be back in the same spot next year, if we do what we are supposed to do.”
Chipley will now travel to Holmes County for the Rural Region 1 final on May 8-9.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
First Responders Sunday Honors Local Heroes and Their Families
May 4, 2026
The annual First Responders Sunday was held on Sunday at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church to honor the brave men and women who serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The event was a day of gratitude and celebration for all firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and their families.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Pensacola Police Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office were among the participants.
Escambia County officials, including District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger, District 3 Commissioner Lumon May, District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, and Administrator Wes Moreno, attended.
The day’s event included activities and programs for children, family portraits, a free meal, and an exclusive Marcus Pointe pocket knife to commemorate the day.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Weeks Road Construction Slow Down Spots
May 4, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- State Road (S.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Mobile Highway to Isaacs Road, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete flatwork and striping operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, May 3, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, May 3, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street and D Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, May 3 through Friday, May 8, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, May 3, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- North and southbound drivers will encounter a temporary traffic shift to one lane at S.R. 97 and S.R. 95.
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, May 3 through Friday, May 8, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, May 3 through Thursday, May 7, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Culvert work in the intersection of Highway 29 at Highway 97 in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Rise 40 Cents, Set New Four-Year High
May 4, 2026
Florida gas prices surged 40 cents per gallon last week, going from $3.94 gallon on Monday to $4.34 gallon on Sunday, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average is the highest daily average price since July 2022.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was the lowest in the state at $3.96, up from $3.67 one week ago, $3.89 a month ago and $2.80 a year ago.
In North Escambia on Sunday, drivers could find a low price of $3.85 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment, or a high of $4.15 in Century
“Big gains in oil and gasoline futures contributed to the jump at the pump last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The ongoing Iranian conflict and uncertainty tied to the closure of the Straight of Hormuz is keeping upward pressure on fuel prices with no clear indication of letting up.”
A 13% increase in crude oil prices and a 46-cent gain in gasoline futures triggered the latest round of rising gas prices. Based on additional moves in the futures market, another price hike could be on the way, but not quite as dramatic as a week ago. Last week, U.S. crude oil prices rose another 8%, while gasoline futures gained 13 cents.
Since the Iranian conflict, Florida’s average price rose $1.46 per gallon, going from $2.88 per gallon to $4.34/g. That adds $22 to the cost for an average-sized tank of gas.
Pictred: A gallon of regular unleaded gas $3.89 on Saturday in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Fifth In A Row As Manager Prada Reaches Milestone In Style
May 4, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their fifth game in a row on Sunday afternoon, beating the Biloxi Shuckers 9-4 and securing manager Nelson Prada’s 800th career victory.
Cristian Hernández launched his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom of the fifth inning, with Prada’s help. After umpires initially ruled the drive foul down the left field line, Prada successfully lobbied the crew to overturn the call in what proved to be the biggest momentum swing of the afternoon.
For the fifth game in a row, the Shuckers jumped ahead early in the top of the first inning as Damon Keith hit a two-run homer against Pensacola lefty Luis Palacios. It was the third home run of the series for Keith, and second in as many days.
The Blue Wahoos got a run back in the bottom of the first when Ryan Ignoffo grounded out with the bases loaded, but the Shuckers answered in turn in the top of the third when Jesús Made lined a solo home run off the left field foul pole.
Trailing 3-1, the Blue Wahoos chipped away with a Fenwick Trimble RBI single in the third and Gage Miller RBI double in the fourth to tie the game. After Stephen Jones and Mason Vinyard (W, 1-0) each contributed a scoreless inning of relief, Jay Beshears put Pensacola in front 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI double against Shuckers reliever Anthony Flores (L, 2-1). Hernández followed with a liner headed down the left field line into Pensacola Bay, initially ruled foul but overturned for a two-run homer and a 6-3 lead.
Another Biloxi homer, a solo shot from Darrien Miller in the top of the seventh, drew the score to 6-4. The Blue Wahoos added on insurance in their half of the inning, as Brendan Jones tripled, Ignoffo hit a sacrifice fly, Beshears hit a solo home run and Miller hit his second RBI double of the game. Gabe Bierman closed out the 9-4 win with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Blue Wahoos pulled into a tie for second place in the South Division standings, only 1.0 game behind first-place Montgomery.
written by Erik Bremer
Why Is Highway 29 One Lane In Each Direction For A Highway 97 Project?
May 3, 2026
Why is Highway 29 down to one lane in each direction for a Highway 97 project?
A week ago, northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 29 was shifted to a single lane in each direction at Highway 97 in Molino.
The work is a key component of a larger $14 million resurfacing and improvement project. The initiative covers approximately 22 miles of Highway 97, stretching from the Highway 29 intersection all the way to the Alabama state line at Atmore, Alabama.
One side of Highway 29, specifically the northbound lanes, is closed for stormwater drainage improvements to alleviate historic flooding at the intersection. An additional box culvert will be installed across the southern leg of the intersection, and two additional cross drains will be installed on the northern leg of the intersection.
For a photo trip through the intersection, click here.
The 22-mile project on Highway 97 will include milling and resurfacing the roadway, updated signs and pavement markings, and drainage improvements.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphics, click to enlarge.
Central Water Works Awarded $45K Federal Planning Grant
May 3, 2026
USDA Rural Development has awarded a $45,000 grant to Central Water Works.
Central was awarded the $45,000 predevelopment planning grant to assist with the initial phases of an infrastructure improvement project.
Central will use the grant to prepare a preliminary engineering report and an environmental report on several proposed system upgrades, including:
- New storage tank at the Central office on Byrneville Road to facilitate the use of Well 5 and minimize water disruptions during main breaks.
- Piping upgrades to eliminate dead ends and establish additional loops throughout the system.
- Pressure reducing valves to enable water supply from the north end to the south end during tank maintenance, addressing current elevation differences.
The Central Water Works grant was one of several totaling about $4.23 million announced recenthly. USDA Rural Development assists rural communities with the construction of water and waste facilities through the Water and Environmental Programs. These programs help rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Split With Chipley Tigers To Force Sunday Regional Decider
May 3, 2026
The Northview Chiefs dropped their first regional semifinal game to the Chipley Tigers 10-3 Saturday afternoon, but the Chiefs doubled down in a long nightcap, powering ahead to a 16-8 win. That tied the best-of-three series at 1-1, setting up a deciding game on Sunday afternoon.
GAME 1: Chipley 10, Northview 3
Saturday’s afternoon in the regional semis was the first game the Northview Chiefs had played in 15 days, since winning the district championship 2-1 over Jay back on April 17. And it showed, according to head coach Justin Raley.
Chipley set the tone in the first inning with a two-run homer to left field, and added a solo home run to left field in the third.
Grayson Burns opened on the mound for the Chiefs, surrendering two hits and three runs in two innings, striking out three and walking four. Gage Harrison threw four and one-third innings in relief for the Chiefs, giving up eight hits and seven runs (six earned), while striking out four and walking five.
At the plate, Grayden Sheffield went 2-4 for NHS. Burns, Luke Chavers, and Bryant Mason each had one run.
GAME 2: Northview 16, Chipley 8
The Chiefs found their rhythm in a nearly four-hour game two, doubling up on Chipley 16-8 on a chilly Saturday night with temperatures dropping into the middle 50s.
Northview took an early 7-0 lead by the top of the third but saw it eroded to an 8-8 tie in the fourth inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Bryant Mason went 4-6 with three RBIs at the plate for the Chiefs. Jase Portwood was 3-4 with two RBIs and Grayden Sheffield was 2-4 with one RBI.
Senior Jackson Bridges had his first career home run, a fly ball to center field, while Taylor Curtis and Grayson Burns also had a hit each.
Mason earned the win for the Chiefs, surrendering one hit and one unearned run in three and two-thirds innings, walking seven and striking out seven. Jack Boutwell opened on the hill for NHS, allowing four hits and seven runs (six earned) in two and one-third innings, striking out none and walking three. Portwood threw one inning of no-hit ball in relief, striking out two and walking none.
GAME 3
The final game in the best-of-three series will be 3 p.m. on Sunday. The winner will advance to take on the Holmes County Blue Devils on Friday. Holmes County took two from the Jay Royals on Saturday [Read more...]
Northview Softball Regional Rescheduled For Tuesday
May 3, 2026
Northview’s regional opener has been rescheduled from Thursday to Tuesday, due to a high chance of rain currently in the forecast for Thursday.
Ranked No. 1, Northview (18-5) will host No. 4 Holmes County (8-16) at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. The regional finals are still scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.
The state Rural semifinal is May 19, followed by the state championship on May 20, at Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Musicians Take Part In Northwest Florida Honor Band Performance
May 3, 2026
Several Northview High School band members took part in the Northwest Florida Small School Honor Band on Saturday afternoon at Milton High School.
The Northwest Florida Small School Honor Band was founded by the Baker, Central and Jay band directors who conceptualized a new honor band experience for small schools, with an inaugural performance in April 2024. This year, Baker, Central, and Jay were joined by Northview in the honor band performance.
Northview band members performing on Saturday were:
- Landon Brown
- Brynlie Shaw
- Elizabeth Coleman
- Olivia Doyle
- Amy Floyd
- Aubrey Flowers
- Ryan Martin
- Brandon Stinson
- Donovan Szuch
- Daivyd Wallace
The Northview band director is Garsche Roble.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
