Reminder: Kids Get Free Breakfast And Lunch At 44 Escambia County Schools
September 14, 2026
Breakfast and lunch are free for all students, regardless of income, during this school year at 44 schools and centers in Escambia County. Applications must be submitted for free or reduced price lunches, or payment made, at 11 other schools.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program means that parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the Free and Reduced Meal program at that school.
The free meal schools are selected based upon income levels.
Parents at these schools should plan on providing their child with money for their meals until eligibility is established to avoid creating a deficit in their account. Funds can be added to student accounts online at myschoolapps.com.
This federally funded program has been in place since 2015 in Escambia County.
Meal applications, or payment, will be required at:
- Beulah Elementary
- Blue Angels Elementary
- Cook Elementary
- Cordova Park Elementary
- Hellen Caro Elementary
- Kingsfield Elementary
- Suter Elementary
- Brown Barge Middle
- Ransom Middle
- Tate High
- West Florida High.
Free meal schools are:
Elementary Schools
- Bellview Elementary
- Bratt Elementary
- Brentwood Elementary
- Byrneville Elementary
- C.A. Weis Elementary
- Ensley Elementary
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- Holm Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- Lipscomb Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- McArthur Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
- Montclair Elementary
- Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Navy Point Elementary
- Oakcrest Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Scenic Heights Elementary
- O.J. Semmes Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- Warrington Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
Middle Schools
- Bailey Middle
- Bellview Middle
- Beulah Middle
- Ernest Ward Middle
- Ferry Pass Middle
- Workman Middle
High Schools
- Escambia High
- Northview High
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest High
- Washington High
Other Schools and Centers
- Acceleration Academy
- Achieve Academy
- Capstone
- Escambia Westgate Center
- Hope Horizon
- Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
- Success Academy
Pictured: On Friday, students at Kingsfield Elementary School were able to build their own noodle bowls, choosing from noodles, fajita meat, and marinara sauce or alfredo sauce. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Community Center, Library, Museum To Close Sept. 19-26 For Restoration of Vintage Floors
September 14, 2026
The Molino Community Center, including the Molino Library, will be closed from Saturday, September 19 through Saturday, September 26, for restoration of the building’s vintage floors.
The Molino Community Center was originally constructed as the Molino School in 1939. In 2012, the historic school building was renovated and repurposed as the Molino Community Center, which now also houses the Molino Library, an auditorium, meeting spaces, and the Molino Mid-County Historical Society Museum.
The building retains its original antique heart pine wood flooring, a defining historical feature. The last restoration date of the flooring is unknown, and its current condition reflects decades of wear and deterioration, according to Escambia County. Existing deficiencies include extensive surface wear, rusted nail heads protruding through the walking surface, inconsistent and deteriorated finish, and areas where the wood has become excessively worn and thinned, requiring selective replacement.
In July, the Escambia County Commission approved $31,872 in Local Option Sales Tax funds to Troendle Hardwood Floor Company to complete the repair and restoration of the floor.
The Molino Library will be closed during the process, along with the museum and rentals of the auditorium and meeting spaces.
The Escambia County Tax Collector and Escambia County Property Appraiser offices are in different buildings to the south of the main community center and will remain open, as will Escambia Head Start in a building to the north.
Other West Florida Public Library locations across Escambia County will remain open.
Pictured top: The Molino Community Center. Pictured inset: The original heart pine wood flooring the in library. Pictured below: A portion of the antique floor as seen during a public meeting in the auditorium. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Tribal Beat Band, Cheerleaders, Fans, And More
September 14, 2026
Friday night was Week 4 of high school football as the Northview Chiefs hosted the Port. St. Joe Tiger Sharks.
- For a photo gallery with the band, cheerleaders and more, click here.
- For the game recap and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Average Florida Gas Prices Rise Above $4 A Gallon
September 14, 2026
Florida gas prices went back above $4 a gallon on average for the first time since June 1, 2026, as rising oil prices continue to drive up the cost of gasoline, according to AAA.
Sunday’s state average of $4.14 per gallon was 23 cents more than a week ago, 19 cents more than a month ago, and $1.18 more than a year ago.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was still below the $4 mark at $3.97 on Sunday night. In Escambia County, a low price of $3.75 could be found on Nine Mile Road Sunday night, while North Escambia’s low price was $3.96 on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Tensions in the Middle East intensified last week, causing oil prices to surge and increasing the cost of producing gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Florida drivers are now seeing those higher costs reflected at the pump. If oil prices remain elevated, motorists could face additional upward pressure on gas prices this week.”
The U.S. price for crude oil has increased nearly 20% over the past two weeks, climbing from $83 per barrel to more than $100 per barrel. Crude oil accounts for more than half the price consumers pay for gasoline.
The recent increase comes on top of Florida’s ongoing price-cycling pattern, where pump prices typically spike early in the week before gradually declining through the remainder of the week and weekend. Before the latest run-up in oil prices, these cycle-driven increases generally peaked around $3.99 per gallon. With crude oil now trading above $100 per barrel, the ceiling has moved higher, pushing the state average above $4 per gallon. The state average could climb as high as $4.19 per gallon if oil prices remain elevated, AAA said.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Wrap Regular Season with 2-1 Loss to Shuckers
September 14, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos ended their regular season on Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Biloxi Shuckers.
After splitting a six-game series to wrap the regular season slate, the first half South Division champion Shuckers will meet the second half champion Blue Wahoos in a best-of-three Southern League Division Series starting at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Tuesday. The series will shift to Biloxi for Game Two on Thursday and, if necessary, Game Three on Friday.
The Shuckers manufactured a run in the third inning, as Mike Boeve led off with a single and advanced to third on a hit and a walk against Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller (L, 1-6). Alex Williams entered with the bases loaded and retired both batters he faced, but a Jesús Made sacrifice fly scored Boeve and gave Biloxi a 1-0 lead.
Josh Hejka pitched effective relief, turning in 4.0 innings of one-run ball, though a Braylon Payne sacrifice fly in the fifth inning put the Shuckers ahead 2-0 with what proved to be the game-winning run.
After failing to get anything going offensively against Shuckers starter Manuel Rodriguez (W, 13-4), the Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth. Dillon Lewis, who had been leading the Southern League in home runs with 17 before suffering a hand injury in late June, laced a solo homer to get the Blue Wahoos on the board. It marked his first home run since June 24, and also gave the Blue Wahoos a share of the Southern League home run lead. Their franchise-record 184 home runs tied the Birmingham Barons for this year’s Southern League lead, and both teams now share the spot for third-most homers in a season in league history.
The Blue Wahoos threatened again in the bottom of the ninth against Garrett Hodges (S, 2), but left two men on base as their rally fell short in a 2-1 final.
The Blue Wahoos end the regular season with a league-leading 79-58 record, their third-best winning percentage in team history.
The Blue Wahoos host the Shuckers in Game One of the best-of-three Division Series on Tuesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
September 14, 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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (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, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Sept. 13, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Median devices are in place near Patton Drive and Mills Avenue. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent outside lane closures, between mile marker 4 and just west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), for paving operations.
- Intermittent inside lane closures, near the Pine Forest Road interchange (Exit 7), for barrier wall and crash cushion installation.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 19, between 8 p.m. and 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 on-ramp, which will remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 29, between Broad Street and Diamond Dairy Road, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for striping operations and concrete barrier placement. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
- I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to the north near the U.S. 29 interchange. This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- 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:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, Sept. 14, through Friday, Sept. 18, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for resurfacing operations.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, Sept. 14, through Friday, Sept. 18, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for resurfacing operations.
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, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Sept. 19, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) Resurfacing, from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from the Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving and striping operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Big Juniper Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
School Closures, Rezoning On The Table As Escambia School District Begins “Right-Sizing” Process
September 13, 2026
Escambia County Public Schools will begin committee meetings this month to “right size the district,” which could lead to realigning or rezoning some schools while closing others.
The School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee (SAZAC) will hold its first meeting on September 24 at the Vernon McDaniel Building on Pace Boulevard. The committee is tasked with making formal recommendations to the school board, likely by December, regarding school boundary realignments, rezoning, and potential facility closures or consolidations.
The December deadline is not set in stone. “That is our goal. We won’t rush it,” Superintendent Keith Leonard said.
“It’s going to be a difficult process, but it is one that is much needed,” District 5 Board Member Tom Harrell said. “We’ve got to right size our system. We have a lot of things that need to be looked at. We have facilities where we have fewer students, and others where we have more that need to be right sized.”
District 1 Board Member Kevin Adams recalled serving on a past SAZAC committee that oversaw the closing of Woodham High School and recommended the closure of about a dozen more. He noted that while facility closures are emotionally challenging and draw intense public crowd turnouts, the district must “right-size” its layout because the Chief Financial Officer can only balance declining funds for so long.
Adams stressed that options include attendance zone shifts and facility repurposing rather than outright closures, aiming to keep students with the public school system.
“I’ve already got parents telling me you can do whatever you want to do, but don’t move my child,” Harrell said. “Those type things happen, and the community and this board and the committee will work through that and come up with the right resolution for this district.
“We’ve got to do this,” Harrell added. He suggested that the committee design a multi-year right sizing strategy, enacting the largest facility and administrative cuts in the first year, followed by smaller adjustments in years two and three. He noted that the committee’s work will not impact the current budget cycle but will govern the following fiscal year.
“It is going to impact the services we give to kids,” District 3 Board Member David Williams, former principal of Pensacola High School, said. “Kids will be hurt by decisions we make.”
Williams said services for the district’s best and brightest students in high-level academic courses could be affected; if enrollment drops significantly in specialized high school tracks, low class sizes could force the elimination of advanced classes under class-size reduction mandates.
Leonard pledged to deliver a formal, written action plan, a “charge for action” in September, that outlines a clear path for the SAZAC committee and the school board. The plan’s top priority will be maintaining academic momentum while balancing fiscal realities. He promised that once the plan is presented to the board, he and his staff will personally visit all five school board districts to present the strategy to citizens and directly address community feedback.
“I will make sure that we have done some town hall meetings,” he said. “The way I believe we should do that is in each district and provide the citizens the opportunity to hear that presentation and then provide feedback and give their thoughts and ideas as well.”
“I will go to each zone. That is a promise,” Leonard told the school board.
The SAZAC (pronounced “say-Zack”) will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at the Vernon McDaniel Building at 75 North Pace Boulevard.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Connection With Atmore Crowd Shooting
September 13, 2026
A 21-year-old Bay Minette man is facing two counts of attempted murder following an early Sunday morning shooting that left one person injured amid a crowd of more than 500 people, according to the Atmore Police Department.
Michkel Jones was arrested and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
Officers were initially dispatched to Carver Avenue near King and Sims streets after receiving reports of numerous gunshots fired and a person struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large gathering with people lining the roadside.
Police said an adult male sustained a gunshot wound and was transported for medical treatment. He was listed in stable condition, and his identity has not been released.
Atmore police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are possible.
Molino Woman Accused Of Amusement Park Burglary Enters Pretrial Diversion
September 13, 2026
A Molino woman charged with burglarizing a local waterpark and amusement park where she was formerly employed has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.
In February, Madison Lee Galle, 19, was charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure and criminal mischief, both felonies. The burglary charge was later reduced to misdemeanor trespassing, and the criminal mischief charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
She will reappear in court in May 2027, at which time the charges against her will be dismissed if she upholds the deferred prosecution agreement.
She was ordered to maintain full-time employment or full-time student status, refrain from breaking any law, perform 25 hours of community service with a minimum of five hours per month, and pay costs.
According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office records, deputies responded to Splash City Adventures on Pensacola Boulevard on December 23, 2025, after a manager reported seeing intruders on surveillance video.
Investigators found a warehouse door had been pried open, causing approximately $800 in damage. Galle, who was identified as a former employee of the business who had been terminated, was allegedly seen on camera inside the warehouse during the incident.
The amusement park closed on September 14, 2025, and is now being demolished.
Cantonment Man Sentenced In Child Abuse Case
September 13, 2026
A Cantonment man was recenthly sentenced in an April 2026 case in which he allegedly threatened a woman and forced her vehicle off the road with a child inside.
Colton David Gideons, 27, pleaded no contest to charges of child abuse without great bodily harm, simple assault domestic-violence-related, and reckless driving. An additional charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was dropped.
He was sentenced to six months of community control followed by 30 months of probation on the child abuse charge, along with six months’ probation on the assault and reckless driving charges to run concurrently with the child abuse sentence.
Gideons was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, complete a domestic violence intervention program, and pay court costs and fines. The judge ordered that any contact with minors be controlled by a domestic violence injunction order, and all future child care and custody arrangements be arranged by a disinterested third party, not family or friends.
On April 11, Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance on Canal A Way in Perdido Key. An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report states Gideons lunged at a woman with a closed fist at a residence in Cantonment, stopping just inches from her face while making verbal threats, before following her to Perdido Key.
As the woman attempted to leave the residence in a truck, Gideons followed her aggressively in his own brown Dodge Ram truck, the report states. Gideons accelerated past her, swerved into her path, and slammed on his brakes. This maneuver caused the woman to lose control and spin her vehicle around in the roadway with a child in the vehicle.
The victim recorded the pursuit on her phone, which deputies noted in the report showed Gideons’ truck passing her very closely and causing her to spin out.