Walnut Hill Ruritan Presents Lifetime Achievement Award To Gary Welch
December 28, 2025
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Gary Welch, recognizing a lifetime of service to God, country and community. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seven George Stone Graduates Joining Escambia County Corrections
December 28, 2025
Seven new corrections officers recently graduated from George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center Class #129 and will be joining Escambia County Corrections.
The officer trainees graduated from the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center, marking the completion of a rigorous 420-hour training program designed to prepare them for careers in corrections.
New graduates joining Escambia County Corrections are:
Christian Bullington
Jusseff Collado
Amre Davis
Jared Garland
Kelly Peryea
Tashana Simmons
Tamia Taylor
Over the course of three months, the trainees underwent an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program covered various topics from defensive tactics and physical fitness to more specialized certifications such as CPR, first aid, and firearms.
“We are excited to welcome these graduates to our department,” Escambia County Corrections Captain Shawn Hankins said. “Corrections Officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system. We’re grateful for our strong partnership with the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center as we continue to invest in recruits to meet the growing demands of our profession.”
To further encourage qualified individuals to pursue careers in Corrections, Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified corrections officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who want to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
Escambia Woman Wanted On Multiple Warrants
December 28, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a woman wanted to multiple warrants.
Shaknee Nicole Golay, 31, has active warrants from three separate cases. She is wanted for:
Anyone with information on Golay or knowledge of her whereabouts is encouraged to contact ECSO at(850) 436-9630 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Havoc Top Ice Flyers 2-1 on Military Appreciation Night
December 28, 2025
The Huntsville Havoc defeated the Pensacola Ice Flyers 2-1 Saturday night.
The Ice Flyers hosted Military Appreciation Night at the Hangar, squaring off against the Huntsville Havoc in front of a franchise-record non-$5 night sellout crowd of 8,082 fans.
The Ice Flyers struck first in the opening period, with Dawson Sciarrino finding the back of the net on a rebound shot to give the home team an early lead. The Ice Flyers carried the momentum into the first intermission, up 1-0.
The second period saw plenty of action, highlighted by a brawl that had multiple players from both teams going at it. Austin Alger from Huntsville evened the score later in the period, and the game headed into the third tied up.
The third period was evenly matched with both teams having chances on goal, but the Huntsville Havoc came out on top after Austin Alger took advantage of their powerplay following a tripping call on Tyler Burnie.
The Ice Flyers will look to bounce back on Wednesday against the Macon Mayhem.
Century Accepts State Loan For Water Project Design, Votes To See Construction Dollars
December 27, 2025
The Town of Century recently approved a loan agreement to design several projects and a plan to request construction dollars.
The town was approved for the $150,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) loan in February 2025, but recently received the loan agreement from the state. The loan agreement, approved last week by the town council, will complete the planning and design for water related projects in the town’s franchise area, including the rehabilitation and/or replacement of two water wells, a booster pump station on Tedder Road, the purchase of billing software and general improvements.
The town council also voted to request FDEP provide funds from the State Revolving FUND to actually fund the projects. The “Request for Inclusion” is the first step required to seek and subsequently receive SRF funding for construction of the projects.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Worth Over $55,000 Sold On Nine Mile Road
December 27, 2025
Someone is over $55,000 richer after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket on Nile Mile Road.
The ticket sold at the Circle K, 3225 West Nine Road at I-10, was the only winning ticket in the December 26 midday drawing and is worth $55,904.78. There were no winning tickets in Friday’s evening drawing.
The winning numbers were 1-6-8-16-24.
Escambia Extension Ranks First In Statewide Peanut Butter Challenge
December 27, 2025
Escambia Extension ranked in first place throughout the state for total number of jars collected in the annual Peanut Butter Challenge, with 4,214 jars collected from donations throughout Escambia County.
The annual peanut butter drive is coordinated by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension, with donations collected to support local food pantries throughout the state.
Escambia Extension Services Director Nick Simmons said he was grateful for the support from community and faith-based organizations who were eager to participate in the challenge.
“We contacted new organizations this year, and they were excited to step up and help us meet our goal,” Simmons said. “They far exceeded our expectations, with one site collecting over 900 jars. Escambia County Farm Bureau also made a very generous contribution, donating an entire pallet of peanut butter, which equals over 1,400 jars. We’re extremely thankful for our 4-H clubs, local school organizations, churches, and local partners who helped us fight hunger in our community.”
The peanut butter was collected at locations throughout Escambia County, including North Escambia locations at the Molino LIbrary, Winn Dixie in Cantonment, at Farm Bureau in Molino.
The 2025 Peanut Butter Challenge collected a total of 44,564 pounds of peanut butter statewide, exceeding last year’s total by about 5,000 pounds. Since 2020, participants have donated 212,860 pounds statewide.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Llama Queen, Anyone? Molino Library Hosting Mug Swap
December 27, 2025
Have an extra coffee mug and want to swap it for another one? Maybe a “Llama Queen” mug?
Through December 31, the Molino Library is hosting a community “Mug Swap.” The event invites residents to bring in a gently used mug and exchange it for a different one, ensuring everyone leaves with a “new” one perfect for a toasty winter beverage.
Whether you are looking to declutter after the holidays or simply want to find a unique piece of stoneware for your morning coffee, all are welcome to participate in the fun and cozy exchange.
The Molino Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A, in the Molino Community Center.
Pictured: The Molino Library mug swap options available recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ten Injured In Five-Vehicle Chain Reaction Crash In Escambia County
December 27, 2025
Ten people were injured in a five-vehicle chain reaction crash Christmas night in Escambia County.
The crash happened around 11:35 p.m. on Lillian Bridge on Highway 98.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a Chevy Equinox driven by a 31-year-old Georgia man crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old male from Elberta, Alabama. A Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and a Toyota Camry were then involved in the chain reaction crash.
A 17-year-old male driver in the pickup truck, an 18-year-old woman in the Chevy Trailblazer, and a 20-year-old Mobile woman in the Toyota Camry were all seriously injured. Seven other people sustained minor injuries.
Here’s Where To Watch College Football Bowl Games Through New Year’s Eve
December 27, 2025
Here is where to watch college football bowl games through New Year’s Eve.
All times are Central.
Saturday, Dec. 27
10 a.m. | East Carolina vs. Pitt | Military Bowl (Annapolis, Md.) | ESPN
11 a.m. | Clemson vs. Penn State | Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, N.Y.) | ABC
1:15 p.m. | UConn vs. Army | Fenway Bowl (Boston, Mass.) | ESPN
2:30 p.m. | No. 12 BYU vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech | Pop-Tarts Bowl (Orlando, Fla.) | ABC
3:30 p.m. | Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State | Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Ariz.) | The CW Network
4:45 p.m. | UNT vs. San Diego State | New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, N.M.) | ESPN
6:30 p.m. | No. 19 Virginia vs. Missouri | Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Fla.) | ABC
8:15 p.m. | No. 21 Houston vs. LSU | Texas Bowl (Houston, Texas) | ESPN
Monday, Dec. 29
1 p.m. | Georgia Southern vs. App State | Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Ala.) | ESPN
Tuesday, Dec. 30
1 p.m. | Louisiana Tech vs. Coastal Carolina | Independence Bowl (Shreveport, La.) | ESPN
4:30 p.m. | Tennessee vs. Illinois | Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.) | ESPN
8 p.m. | No. 16 Southern Cal. vs. TCU | Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas) | ESPN
Wednesday, Dec. 31
11 a.m. | No. 14 Vanderbilt vs. No. 23 Iowa | ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Fla.) | ESPN
1 p.m. | Duke vs. Arizona State | Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas) | CBS
2 p.m. | No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan | Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fla.) | ABC
2:30 p.m. | No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska | Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, Nev.) | ESPN
6:30 p.m. | No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.) | Cotton Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal) (Arlington, Texas) | ESPN