Dump Truck Left Hanging Over Escambia Bay Bridge After Tire Blowout
March 13, 2026
A blown tire sent a dump truck partially off the I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge on Friday morning, leaving part of the truck hanging over the bay.
The crash happened around 7:10 a.m. on I-10 eastbound. The Florida Highway Patrol said the “dump truck experienced a tire rupture and lost control.” It overturned and struck the wall of the bridge.
The driver, a 44-year-old man from Pensacola, was able to safely exit the vehicle. He suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to an area hospital.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Work Set To Begin Soon On Cantonment Winn-Dixie Conversion To New Aldi Store
March 13, 2026
Work will soon begin to convert the Winn Dixie in Cantonment into an Aldi store as the German company continues to open stores in Escambia County.
The county’s newest, and fourth, Aldi opened last week on Ninth Avenue, also from a converted Winn Dixie. A fifth store will open in the coming month at South Blue Angel Parkway, followed by Winn Dixie conversions in Cantonment and on Bayou Boulevard later this year.
A banner proclaims “This store is closing soon” outside the Cantonment Winn Dixie, while black and yellow “Store Closing Sale” signs dot the windows of the building. Inside, remaining items were clearanced, up to 98% off. (If you are curious, the greeting cards were marked down to 98% off, while most items were around 40% when we visited on Wednesday.) Most of the store was already cordoned off and empty.
An exact timetable for the Cantonment Aldi’s opening is not yet known.
Another Aldi is under five miles away in 20,000 square feet of a converted Winn Dixie on Nine Mile Road at Chemstrand Road. It opened a year ago on March 3, 2025. The new Nine Mile Aldi employed 15 people at opening, four of whom were employees at the former Winn Dixie.
Don’t Forget A Quarter. And A Bag.
Then there’s the quarter thing.
Shoppers must insert a quarter, much like a rental, for a shopping cart. When the cart is returned, the quarter is returned, eliminating the need for employees to round up buggies in the parking lot.
If you want to bag your purchases, you’ll need to bring your own reusable bags or purchase one of Aldi’s. A large reusable shopping bag is under a buck.
Why shop Aldi?
“So, I think what we say a lot of times is the price brings them in the door, and the quality brings them back,” Heather Moore, vice president of Aldi’s Loxley Division told NorthEscambia.com during the Nine Mile Road store grand opening. ”So, the first thing that customers are going to notice we’ve never been in Aldi is how inexpensive the products are. So, we are going to save them a ton of money on the stuff they buy every day. Whether it’s fresh produce or fresh meat. We get that stuff in every day.”
She said all of the products will meet or beat the national brand, backed by a double quality guarantee. About 90% of the products are private-label, Aldi exclusive brands with about one-in-three products are award winning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Farm Auction Is Saturday
March 13, 2026
The 50th Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction will be held Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The auction includes not only farm equipment, but also household items like tools and small equipment, lawn and garden items, antiques and more.
The sale will take place at the Walnut Hill Community Center, 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School. Items will be received for auction from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday.
Ten percent of the final price will be assessed to the buyer for all lots sold, with a $500 maximum. There is a $5 minimum fee per lot. Settlement must be made the day of the sale with cash, check, cashier’s check, or credit card. All sellers will be paid by check in the mail.
Concessions will be available.
For more information or consignments, call (850) 324-3358.
Pictured: In 2025, Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club farm equipment auction in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle School To Host Open Farm Day On Saturday
March 13, 2026
Beulah Middle School FFA is inviting the community to experience agriculture in action at its annual Open Farm Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.
Families are encouraged to join FFA members for a hands-on morning on the school farm. Guests will have the opportunity to walk the farm, meet a variety of animals, and shop plants in the greenhouse. The event is designed to showcase the many ways agriculture impacts our daily lives while highlighting the hard work and leadership of Beulah Middle’s FFA members.
The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Visitors should drive around the left side of the school to the back and walk across the grass to access the farm.
The family event is free. Beulah Middle School is located at 6001 West Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Court Records: Woman Fatally Shot In Escambia, Alabama, Was Pregnant
March 13, 2026
A woman fatally shot March 6 near Brewton was pregnant, according to court records.
Renotta Renee Seltzer, 46, was charged with the shooting death of 27-year-old Anasty “Anna” Brown on McGougin Road near Brewton. According to court documents, Brown was pregnant at the time of her death.
Sheriff Heath Jackson, said Seltzer confessed to murder. She remains in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office investigation continues.
Jim Allen Elementary Custodian Hilburn Named District Stellar Employee
March 13, 2026
Jim Allen Elementary School custodian Matt Hilburn was named the Escambia County Public Schools Stellar Employee for February.
He received a pin, a plaque, a check for $100, and a visit from Superintendent Keight Leonard.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup Set For March 18
March 13, 2026
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Quintette will take place Wednesday, March 18. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Please have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- ehold appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
- Yard debris
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Northview Wins: Womack Homers In Softball; Portwood Hits Two Homers In Baseball
March 13, 2026
SOFTBALL
Northview 3, Niceville 1
The Rural Division state runner-up Northview Chiefs beat the 5A state runner-up Niceville Eagles 3-1 Thursday night in Niceville.
Northview’s Peyton Womack put the Chiefs on the board first with a solo home run to center field. Womack and Avery Stuckey each added two hits. Stuckey had two RBIs, while Womack had one.
Mikayla McAnally went the distance in the circle, surrendering four hits and one run in a seven-inning complete game, walking one and striking out five.
The Northview Lady Chiefs will return to action after spring break, hosting Baker on March 24.
BASEBALL
Northview 4, T.R. Miller 1
Jase Portwood hit two home runs to drive in three as the Northview Chiefs beat the T.R. Miller Tigers 4-1 Thursday night. Northview’s other run came on a wild pitch in the fourth.
On the mound, Jackson Bridges earned the win for the Chiefs, giving up one hit and one unearned run in five innings, walking four and striking out seven. Bryant Mason pitched two innings, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out two.
The Chiefs will look for another win Friday at 6 p.m. as they host L.E.A.D. Academy.
Two Injured In School Zone Wreck At Molino Park Elementary
March 12, 2026
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash Thursday morning in the school zone at Molino Park Elementary School on Highway 97.
The crash occurred just after 7 a.m. near the car rider line entrance.
The Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com. Photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Over 500 Student Athletes Compete In 18th Annual Special Olympics At Tate High
March 12, 2026
The 18th annual Escambia County Special Olympics Spring Games were held at Tate High School on Wednesday with schools from across the county taking part.
The day included the Special Olympics Torch Relay around Carl Madison Field in Pete Gindl Stadium, along with numerous Olympic events.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There were 578 Tate High students who volunteered as “buddies”, paired with 534 student athletes.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
