Tate Aggies Rule The Vikings; Northview Fall To PHS is Hard-Fought Match
August 26, 2026
Tate Aggies Rule The Vikings
The Tate Aggies lived up to the night’s royal theme Tuesday, delivering a commanding 3-0 sweep over the Fort Walton Beach Vikings in varsity volleyball action.
With the student section and home crowd dressed in gold and royal attire to “Rule the Vikings,” the Aggies quickly turned their home gym into a kingdom of their own. Tate set the tone early with a dominan win in the opening set.
The Aggies maintained firm control through the second set, claiming a 25-13 victory to build a commanding lead.
Fort Walton Beach rallied to mount a strong challenge in the third set, but Tate held off the push to seal the match with a 25-23 win.
Northview Chiefs Fall To Pensacola High In Hard-Fought Volleyball Match
The Northview Chiefs showed plenty of fight on the road Tuesday evening, pushing the Pensacola High Tigers to the limit before falling 3-0 in varsity volleyball action.
Pensacola High took early control with a 25-6 win in the opening set and maintained momentum to take the second set 25-17.
The Chiefs refused to go quietly, battling point-for-point in an intense, extended third set. Northview repeatedly answered the Tigers’ attack and pushed past regulation before Pensacola High finally closed out the match with a 29-27 win.
Individual stats for the match were not available.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Included Bringing Books To Children In North Escambia
August 26, 2026
Country music icon Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday at age 80, leaving behind not only a legendary music catalog that spanned decades, but also a legacy of philanthropy that touched millions, including children in the North Escambia area through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
The program provides free books monthly to children ages 0-5 in 36 counties’ as her genertoisy spread far beyond the spotlight.
During the summer of 2008, the first books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library arrived in the mailboxes of about 300 children in Escambia County, with about half of those in the Century area in cooperation with local partner the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County, which administered the program locally.
In Century, a local celebration was held at the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center; the program’s outreach to Century was funded by the Teaspoon Foundation and Century Pharmacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Pictured above: Four-year-old Jared Bevan enjoys reading one of the books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Campfire USA in Century on June 28, 2008. Pictured below: Some of the books from the program. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Town Of Century Pays Tribute To Late Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr.
August 26, 2026
The Town of Century on Tuesday night honored the life and service of former Century mayor and councilman Luis Gomez, Jr., who passed away recently. He was 64.
Gomez was appointed interim mayor in August 2023 after the resignation of then-mayor Ben Boutwell. He was later elected to the position with no opposition in 2023 in a special election to finish Boutwell’s term and again with no opposition in 2024 for another four-year term that just started on January 1, 2025, just days before his resignation became effective. He was first elected to the town council in 2017.
“Mr. Gomez’s accomplishments and stature are not just measured by his professional accomplishments, but are also reflected in his personal and spiritual life,” Boutwell read from a proclamation in his honor, which continued to extend condolences to the family, friends, and the town “on the passing of this giant.” The entire proclamation is below.
Council President Dynette Lewis said she was “witness to his passion for the Town of Century.”
“I, personally, would like to say thank you for all of the work he put into the Town of Century,” she continued.
Council member John Bass said he would talk to Gomez as he was feeling poorly, but he would always turn the conversation to the town.
“Before we’d get off the phone, all he’d want to know is what is going on with the town,” Bass said. “But as soon as I get an opportunity to tell him about what’s going on in the town, the progress that we are making, his spirits would lift up and he would seem like he is feeling better. That dedication right there is what actually drives me to be here.”
Pictured top: Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. reads his letter of resignation on January 7, 2025. Pictured inset; Council President Dynette Lews remembers Lewis on Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Felon Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun Charges
August 26, 2026
A Cantonment felon has pleaded guilty in federal court to federal weapons charges.
Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, entered the guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
Hudson faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced in November before U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
The charges stem from an incident in January 2026, when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance on Winston Street in Cantonment. A victim reported that a rifle and pistol had been removed from the residence.
According to an arrest report, deputies discovered a loaded AR-style magazine and an empty magazine on the ground near the back door, next to a pile of Hudson’s clothing. A subsequent search of the property turned up a loaded AR-style rifle with a round chambered, hidden inside a white laundry basket in a black trailer parked near the garage. Deputies also recovered a third loaded magazine from a laundry basket in the living room.
Hudson was previously convicted in Florida of felony battery in 2012.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker.
Bryon Donalds Picks Bryan Avila As Running Mate
August 26, 2026
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for governor, tapped state Sen. Bryan Avila of Miami as his running mate, who would become lieutenant governor if they win the general election in November.
Avila, 42, was elected to the House in 2014 and served eight years there before moving to the Senate in 2022. He was born in Hialeah and went to the University of Miami and later received masters degrees in criminal justice and public administration from Florida International University.
Donalds highlighted Avila’s background as the son of immigrants from Cuba who fled the communist government, and compared it with his Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, who will share a ticket with U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Angie Nixon a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Jolly picked former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate, and both have rejected the “socialist” label but Donalds and Republicans are connecting them to Nixon and the broader push from socialists around the country that has seen DSA-backed candidates win Democratic primaries in Michigan and New York.
“David Jolly and Gwen Graham answer to the Democratic Socialists of America; we answer to the people of Florida,” Donalds said at an event in the Freedom Tower in Miami, a building honored by Cuban immigrants for its role in processing refugees. “In this critical fight I wanted a proven warrior to fight beside me.”
Avila is also a captain in the Florida National Guard and serves as dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College, a private school that opened in 2012. As of the fall of 2024 it had 559 students.
“My parents fled communist Cuba and left behind their home and their business because they knew what happens when government takes over, when freedom despairs and when socialism turns an opportunity into misery,” Avila said.
Donalds and Avila also emphasized his record in the Legislature, including sponsoring a bill this year (SB 484) to put some restrictions on large data centers.
The new law, pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires technology companies building the behemoths that use more energy than typical centers and are central to the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry to pay for their share of the energy consumption rather than spreading it out among ratepayers.
During the GOP primary, Donalds was hit by his opponents for taking money from tech companies and largely favoring the construction of data centers.
Avila stressed the importance of driving down prices and especially the cost of owning a home for young Floridians, whom he addressed directly in his speech.
“I know you’re concerned about when you’ll be able to purchase your first home,” Avila said. “We hear you and we will fight for you.”
Concerns about the cost of living have heightened, though, among voters, as the Iran war drags on, gas prices remain high, inflation still elevates grocery prices and housing and insurance costs remain exorbitant in Florida.
In reaction, Jolly hinted he’ll highlight Donalds’ connection with President Donald Trump during the next 70 days before the general election Nov. 3.
“I congratulate former State Sen. Bryan Avila on his selection as the Republican Lieutenant Governor nominee. I wish him well,” Jolly posted on X. “But, let’s be honest: this race won’t come down to Byron Donalds’ relationship with Avila, it will come down to Byron’s relationship with Donald Trump.”
by Gray Rohrer, The News Service of Florida
Deputies Search For Fleeing Domestic Disturbance Suspect In Cantonment
August 26, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shots-fired domestic disturbance shortly after 8:15 p.m. Tuesday in Cantonment. ECSO deputies responded to Green Tree Circle, off Jacks Branch Road near Muscogee Road.
Deputies said the suspect fled on foot as deputies were giving commands. A search followed, involving numerous deputies, K-9 units and a drone. As of just before 10 p.m., deputies said the search was still ongoing.
Deputies were not able to confirm that a gun was involved in the incident.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Operation Statewide Shield Recovers Eight Missing Children In Escambia County, 163 Statewide
August 26, 2026
Eight missing children have been safely located and recovered in Escambia County as part of Operation Statewide Shield, a massive multi-agency effort that rescued a total of 163 children across Florida and beyond.
The five-day operation, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass, marks the first state-led statewide child recovery initiative and stands as one of the largest child-recovery operations in American history.
The multi-disciplinary task force focused on identifying, locating, and recovering missing youth under the age of 18 using real-time intelligence and coordinated field operations. The recovered children ranged in age from just 2 months old to 17 years old, with many having experienced various levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to criminal activity.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Attorney General Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
In addition to the eight recoveries in Escambia County, the task force located 46 children in the Tampa Bay region, 41 in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, and three in the Tallahassee area. Coordinated leads also extended far beyond Florida’s borders, resulting in locations and recoveries across six states, one U.S. territory, and 12 countries.
“Operation Statewide Shield demonstrates the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment shared by all participating agencies and organizations to achieve a singular mission: find our kids and bring them home,” FDLE Commissioner Glass said.
Following recovery, local law enforcement safely transported children requiring assistance to designated hubs. There, child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates, and social services delivered immediate care before the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) managed custody transfers.
All case details were logged into the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) to ensure formal case closures. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office provided legal counsel throughout the initiative and are taking on three felony cases generated during the sweep.
Wahoos Win 5th Straight Behind Matheus’ 4-RBI Night
August 26, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won a back and forth game against the Montgomery Biscuits to open up their final road trip of the season.
With two men on and one down in the top of the first, Brandon Compton stepped into the batter’s box with a 14 game hit streak. When he left the batter’s box, he had a 15 game hit streak and the Wahoos had a 3-0 lead. Compton saw one pitch from Biscuits starter Jackson Baumeister (L, 4-5) and crushed it over the right field wall for his 20th blast with the Wahoos and 31st blast of his minor league season.
This early lead gave Jacob Miller, making his first start since July 24th, some wiggle room and a little time to find his footing. Unfortunately, his defense would not offer him the same wiggle room. After allowing a leadoff double to Mac Horvath, Cooper Kinney hit a groundball to second that Cristian Hernández bobbled and then threw past Dylan Jasso to the dugout, allowing Horvath to score. A couple productive groundouts later, Kinney touched home and it was suddenly 3-2.
The lead would not make it past the second inning, as Mac Horvath knocked an RBI single into right field, scoring JT Arruda and knotting the game up. The Biscuits kept adding in the third when Theo Gillen stole second base. Ryan Ignoffo’s throw trickled into center field, and allowed Gillen to score all the way from first. The Wahoos’ 3-0 lead seemed to have vanished into thin air as Montgomery stormed ahead 4-3.
In the top of the fifth, Pensacola loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit. The first three batters reached on an error, walk, and hit by pitch. Juan Matheus followed those at bats with a single down the right field line, plating two and returning the lead to the Blue Wahoos at 5-4. But Mathesu wasn’t done. After Aiva Arquette led off the seventh with a single, Matheus drove a ball out of the yard to left field, his 9th bomb of the year, and extended the Wahoo lead to 7-4.
Miller got through 2.0 innings in his first start of the IL, and after him, Gabe Bierman (W, 6-2) and Holt Jones ate up the following 5.1 innings without allowing a run to cross. Jack Sellinger took over with one out in the 8th and, after surrendering a double, was struck by a line drive that resulted in an out. After a visit from the athletic trainer, Sellinger was pulled from the game and replaced by Nigel Belgrave (S, 9) with two outs and a man on third. An 0-2 wild pitch allowed the runner to score from third, but Belgrave secured the K to send his team to the 9th up 7-5.
After completing his last four save opportunities, Tuesday night was no different for Nigel. It wasn’t easy though, with the Biscuits scoring on a wild pitch and getting the tying run all the way to third. But Belgrave got it done, getting Cooper Kinney to line out to center, finalizing the game at 7-6.
The Wahoos improved to 70-50 overall and 34-17 in the second half while the Biscuits fell to 62-59 and 27-25. Pensacola is the first Southern League team to reach 70 wins, and their magic number is down to just 12 games.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series with Montgomery on Wednesday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Century Teen Accused In Fatal Showalter Park Shooting Will Be Tried As Adult, Arrest Report Reveals New Details
August 25, 2026
A 16-year-old Century teen charged with first-degree murder for a deadly shooting at Showalter Park will be tried as an adult, authorities confirmed Monday.
Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said Keyunta Iveon Ewing of Mayo Street will be transferred to adult court, with formal charges to be determined at that time. A timetable for the court transfer is not yet known.
Ewing, known locally as “Baby K,” surrendered to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night, August 21, at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Pensacola. He was booked on an active warrant for first-degree felony murder without premeditation in connection with the August 13 shooting that left 20-something Adarius Da’Shun Odom dead and another young man injured.
Newly released arrest warrant affidavits obtained by NorthEscambia.com reveal extensive details about what investigators say happened leading up to and during the fatal encounter.
The Incident and Scene
At approximately 6:53 p.m. on August 13, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol units were dispatched to Showalter Park at 7890 Kelly Field Road in Century following reports of a shots-fired disturbance.
Arriving deputies located Odom, known as “Daily,” lying on his back behind a white four-door Kia sedan in the parking area between the ball field and playground. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and neck. Escambia County EMS responded to perform life-saving measures, but Odom was pronounced deceased at the scene. Spent shell casings were discovered near his body.
Shortly afterward, a second victim, Da’Quan “Money” Johnson, arrived at Jay Hospital suffering from a through-and-through gunshot wound to his leg. Both Odom and Johnson were members of the 2018 Flomaton High School state championship Hurricanes football team.
While there were no organized activities taking place at Showalter Park at the time, youth football and cheerleading practices were underway nearby at Anthony Pleasant Park, which is connected to Showalter by a wooded trail and footbridge. The sound of multiple gunshots prompted coaches and Century Blackcats Youth Football and Cheerleading organizers to halt practice and clear the park.
Conflicting Statements and Video Evidence
About an hour and a half after the shooting, ECSO investigators interviewed Ewing at the Century Precinct. According to the report, Ewing claimed he had gone to the park to watch a prearranged fistfight between two individuals.
Last week, Sheriff Chip Simmons said a group of seven to eight people, some from Alabama and some from Florida, had gathered at Showalter Park to reportedly fight over a girl.
Ewing told investigators that after the fight, Odom reached into his waistband and stated, “You ain’t going to do that to my boy,” prompting Ewing to run toward the woods. Ewing claimed he heard three gunshots as he ran, followed by approximately four more once he entered the tree line.
During that initial interview, Ewing was wearing a red and gray hoodie and black shorts.
However, investigators executed a search warrant on the cellphone of another witness who had been at the park. Video recovered from the phone showed two males engaging in a fistfight, with Ewing walking around near the end of the recording wearing a pink hoodie and dark-colored shorts.
Witness Accounts Describe Ambush and Robbery
Witness statements provided to investigators contradicted Ewing’s initial claims.
A witness at Jay Hospital told deputies that he had gone to Showalter Park with four of his cousins to settle an argument through a fistfight, stating nobody intended to use a firearm. He reported that after the fight, a shorter male in a hoodie approached one of his cousins with a handgun and attempted to rob him before opening fire the evening of August 13.
On August 15, another witness provided a sworn statement at the ECSO 6th Precinct in Century. The witness stated that after the fistfight ended, the group was standing around talking about playing video games. At that point, the witness said Ewing pulled a handgun from his shorts, pointed it at Odom, and demanded, “Give it up, give it up,” before shouting, “Get the drake, get the drake” — street slang referring to a Draco AK-47 style pistol, according to the report.
The witness told deputies that Odom raised both hands and said, “Hold on bro, you got it,” before Ewing shot Odom four to five times in the chest. The witness stated Johnson was also hit in the leg during the gunfire before they rushed him to Jay Hospital. The witness subsequently identified Ewing from a photo lineup.
On August 19, investigators conducted an interview with another witness at the West Fraser Timber Company sawmill in McDavid. That witness corroborated the account, stating he heard Odom say, “You got it, you got it,” looked over to see Odom with his hands up and Ewing pointing a gun, and watched Ewing open fire before everyone fled. That witness also positively identified Ewing in a photo lineup.
Retaliatory Gunfire and Ongoing Case
The same evening as the homicide, deputies responded around 8:00 p.m. to a separate shots-fired call on Mayo Street, just blocks from the park, where multiple bullet holes were found in a home. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons previously stated investigators believe that home is connected to Ewing and that the gunfire was retaliatory.
Ewing remains held pending his formal transfer and proceedings in adult circuit court.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Students Take Top Three In Farm Bureau Speech Contest
August 25, 2026
Northview High School FFA took the top spots at the recent Escambia County Farm Bureau Speech Contest.
Grace Oliver (pictured top) earned first place honors, followed by Nathan Gilmore in second place and Payton Coon in third place, all representing the Northview FFA chapter.
Participants delivered a five-minute speech before a panel of agricultural community judges on the topic: “What are some of the proactive, collaborative steps that farmers, ranchers, local communities, and organizations like Farm Bureau can take to help guard against invasive species threatening Florida agriculture?”
As the first-place winner, Oliver will advance to represent Escambia County at the district-level contest on September 18.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
