Fireworks Are Terrifying For Pets. Here Are Some Tips To Help.
July 4, 2025
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting.
Here are some quick tips from the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
“Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration,” said Animal Welfare Director John Robinson. “As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for some pets. We encourage you to also contact your veterinarian for additional solutions to pet anxiety. Following these tips will help keep your pets safe during the holiday.”
If your pet runs away, please check 24PetConnect.com under the “I Lost A Pet” section. The Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Who Has The Best Local Fireworks Show? How Will Locals Celebrate The Fourth? Our Survey Says…
July 4, 2025
How will North Escambia residents celebrate the Fourth of July, and which town has the best local fireworks show?
NorthEscambia.com conducted our annnual survey with four questions for the Fourth. We found the majority of respondents will enjoy family time and cookouts, while more are opting for fireworks at home with family or friends instead of public fireworks shows. And most won’t be traveling very far from home.
Celebration Plans
Family time (73%)
Cookout (52%)
Fireworks at home with family/friends (34%)
Public fireworks shows (29%)
Nothing special (31%)
Spending Amount
A majority, 66%, said they’ll be spending under $50 on their celebrations, while 20% said $50-$99 and 12% responded $100-$249. Only 2% plan to spend over $250.
How Far To Travel
Most, 68%, don’t plan on any extra travel, 25% will travel under 100 miles, and 3% will travel 100 to 499 miles. About 4% said they will travel over 500 miles during the holiday period.
Best Local Fireworks Show
Survey participants said the best local fireworks show is:
- Pensacola 52%
- Pensacola Beach 15%
- Atmore (Wind Creek) 15%
- Century/Flomaton 10%
- Jay 7%
- Milton 1%
(For a fireworks show schedule, click here.)
This was an informal, non-scientific survey with 17,256 respondents. Percentages in this story may not exactly total 100 due to rounding, exclusion of minor answers, and more than one selection in the “celebration plans” category.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
AAA: Florida Fourth Of July Weekend Road Trips Expected To Set New Records
July 4, 2025
AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) over last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
Florida travel is expected to reach historic levels, with nearly 4.6 million Floridians hitting the road, skies, and rails – that’s up 146,000 (3%) from last year.
- Driving: More than 4 million Floridians will take a road trip (+127,000 from last year, up 3%).
- Flying: Nearly 330,000 Floridians will fly domestically (+4,000, up 1%).
- Other Modes: Nearly 204,000 Floridians will take buses, trains, or cruises (+15,000, up 8%).
“Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, we’re seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones.”
Snelling Shines, Snyder Delivers In Festive Wahoos Win
July 4, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Robby Snelling had just allowed a solo homer, then a pair of singles in the second inning when Blue Wahoos pitching coach Jerad Eickhoff met on the mound.
The crossroads moment settled Snelling, who then produced another stellar outing that helped lead the Blue Wahoos to a 2-1 victory Thursday against the Biloxi Shuckers before a packed sellout crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The win on Fourth of July eve was the Blue Wahoos’ sixth in eight games to start the second half.
This one came on a night when the Blue Wahoos wore specialty patriotic blue uniforms and hats with call signs – the U.S. Navy version of nicknames chosen among teammates.
The guy with call letters “Bush” was the Blue Wahoos’ beast Thursday.
Infielder Michael Snyder, who joined the team only last week in Chattanooga from the High-A Beloit Sky Carp, slashed a two-strike, two-run single in the sixth inning that became decisive.
“Down 0-2, just looking for something in the (strike) zone, just keep it simple, concise and put the bat on the ball,” he said during the on-field, post-game interview.
The game was followed by a fireworks show which ended with a grand finale that ignited more cheers from the capacity crowd.
“One-run games are great, it’s a good atmosphere, high intensity and lot of fun with the guys,” Snyder said. “It is a really good day for the boys, but for America and taking pride in what we do, supporting the troops, supporting America, so it’s a lovely evening.”
Snelling exited after five innings, allowing five hits, one run, one walk and eight strikeouts – his second-most punchouts this season.
Behind him was the Blue Wahoos’ stout bullpen. Nigel Belgrave and Josh Ekness combined to twirl four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.
In the pivotal eighth inning, Ekness made a throwing error on his underhand toss to first base that would have ended the inning. But then he made a big pitch to get Shuckers catcher Darrien Miller on a swinging strikeout.
In the ninth, Ekness struck out the first two batters and ended the game on a groundout for his eighth save.
The Shuckers’ Zavier Warren opened the scoring with a one-out homer off Snelling in the second inning for the game’s first run.
Biloxi starter Brett Wichrowski, rated among the Milwaukee Brewers’ top 30 prospects, held the Blue Wahoos in check until the eventful sixth inning.
Cody Morissette led off the inning with a walk, then Kemp Alderman’s single and a fielding error from center fielder Luis Lara put runners at second and third before Snyder delivered the eventual game-winning hit.
The teams will now make the short trip to Biloxi where the series shifts for the holiday weekend with three games at Keesler Federal Park. The Blue Wahoos won’t return to play a homestand until July 18, following a road trip next week and the Major League Baseball All-Star break.
GAME NOTABLES
— Prior to the first pitch Thursday, the Blue Wahoos honored the memory of former Pensacola baseball star Hosken Powell with a moment of silence.
Powell, 70, was a Woodham High graduate, who became the No. 3 overall pick as an outfielder by the Minnesota Twins in the first round (secondary phase) of the 1975 MLB draft. He was drafted after a strong year at Chipola College where his teammate and roommate was Buck Showalter, who became a long-time decorated manager in Major League Baseball. Powell played six seasons in the major leagues – four with the Twins where he batted .293 in 1979 with 99 hits and 36 RBI – and his final two years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
— Pensacola Habitat For Humanity, part of the national organization, had its special outing Thursday at the ballpark. The organization set up an inflatable house outside the stadium to bring awareness to their cause. Rachel Gibson from Pensacola Habitat For Humanity performed the National Anthem.
In addition, Cecily Kopytchak from the local organization performed God Bless America in the seventh inning. A representative from the group did a pregame interview, bringing awareness to the Women Build program as part of the local chapter where all-female crews build a home. A 50-member group from the non-profit organization watched the game from the breezeway area.
— Capt. Chandra Newman, the new commanding officer of Naval Air Station-Pensacola, addressed the crowd before the game to recognize the partnership between the Blue Wahoos, the U.S. Navy and NAS-Pensacola.
— Thursday’s game completed a brief stopover by the Blue Wahoos. The team will travel early Friday afternoon on the Fourth of July to begin a three-game series in Biloxi.
Century Head Start Center to Close Amid Enrollment And Funding Issues
July 3, 2025
The Community Action Program Committee’s Century Head Start Center will shut down later this month.
The closure will be effective July 18.
“This decision follows careful consideration of persistent enrollment challenges and ongoing funding constraints. These combined factors have significantly impacted our ability to sustain the program and continue delivering services at the expected standard,” CEO and Head Start Director Douglas Brown told NorthEscambia.com on Wednesday. “Our immediate focus has been on ensuring continuity of care for all families affected. We’re pleased to share that all children have been successfully placed within one of our organization’s other locations, with the exception of one child who will require a referral to a trusted network partner. We remain committed to providing timely, transparent communication and supporting families throughout this transition.”
Brown did not detail the number of children or employees impacted.
According to the CAPC website, the Century Center provided early childhood education to children 12 months to 5 years at 440 East Hecker Road. CAPC also operates additional Head Start centers in Molino for the same age group, Cantonment for ages 3-5 and other locations across Escambia County.
“While the closure may raise broader concerns about access to early childhood education, we are fortunate to have a strong internal network that has allowed us to place children within our own system of care,” he said. “This transition underscores the critical importance of maintaining a robust, coordinated network of providers to ensure families experience minimal disruption when unexpected changes arise.”
“While we are saddened by this closure, our commitment to early childhood education in this region remains strong. We will continue to champion high-quality programming and advocate for the needs of young children and their families,” Brown added.
After 20 Years Atmore News Ceases Operation, Publishes Final Newspaper
July 3, 2025
With much sadness and much gratitude for your support through the years, we publish our last edition of Atmore News.
We love you all.
God bless you, and God bless Atmore.
With that, Publisher Sherry Digmon ended the lead story in the final edition of the Atmore News that hit the streets on Wednesday.
The Atmore News published their first edition in 2005. Now, 20 years later, they have ceased the locally-owned newspaper’s operation.
Digmon wrote that ”atmore magazine” will continue to be published. The monthly magazine will only be available at advertiser locations.
Pictured: The final edition of Atmore News in a vending machine Wednesday afternoon at the post office on Main Street in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECHS Staff Member Charged With Contributing To Minor’s Delinquency In Murder Case
July 3, 2025
An ongoing murder investigation has led to the arrest of a current Escambia County High School staff member.
Jalen Pugh, age 24 of Atmore, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor by the Atmore Police Department.
APD investigators said that Pugh was present during a fatal double shooting on June 24 that claimed the life of 17-year-old Gabriel Elijah Hooks of Atmore (pictured left) and injured one other person.
Police said that while Pugh admitted to being at the scene, he declined to answer further questions.
“The investigation remains open to determine his full involvement in the street race preceding the shooting and his actions after the incident,” APD Sgt. Darrell McMann said. “Additional charges are possibly forthcoming.”
Atmore Police have arrested six others for murder and attempted in connection with the shooting.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Donut Strike For Manna Donations Surpass A Quarter Million Meals
July 3, 2025
Local law enforcement and fire departments teamed up last week to fight hunger. During the 2025 Donut Strike for Manna, nine agencies across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties collected food and funds, raising the equivalent of 47,626 meals for hungry neighbors in need served by Manna Food Bank. This year’s event brings first responders’ total contributions since 2017 to more than a quarter million healthy meals for children and families in need.
Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, Pensacola Police Department, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
“Local law enforcement and firefighters are not only our every-day heroes; they’re our hunger heroes too,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “Families are struggling to make ends meet this summer. Our first responders have generously answered the call to impact change for their neighbors in need.”
Pictured: Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighters collect donations during the Donut Strike for Manna at the Winn Dixie on Highway 29 in Cantonment on June 26. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Injured In Nine Mile Road Crash
July 3, 2025
A two-vehicle crash on Nine Mile Road on Tuesday night injured four people.
The crash happened at about 9 p.m. at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 17-year-old female from Crestview was driving a black 2009 Volkswagen Beetle eastbound on Nine Mile Road when a white Toyota Corolla entered the intersection from Airway Drive, into the path of the Volkswagen. Troopers said the Beetle driver unsuccessfully attempted to swerve to avoid a collision.
The driver of the Corolla, a 26-year-old man from Pace, sustained serious injuries. Both drivers and two passengers were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County, Century, ECUA Closures For Independence Day (Including Some On Thursday)
July 3, 2025
This is a list of government closures for the Independence Day holiday.
Escambia County
All offices will be closed on Friday, July 4.
Department of Health – Escambia County
All Florida Department of Health Escambia County (DOH-Escambia) offices will be closed on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4
State Offices
All state offices will be closed on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4.
ECUA
ECUA business offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Residential and Commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be collected one day later on Saturday, July 5.
Town of Century
All Town of Century offices will be closed on on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4