Atkinson And George Inducted Into Tate High School Wrestling Hall Of Fame
February 16, 2026
Two men were inducted into The Stan Telatovich Tate High School Wrestling Hall of Fame this year.
Ben Atkinson, Class of 1997: Atkinson holds the school takedown record with 153 and a 30-0 regular season record. Both records still stand from 1987.
Ian George, Class of 1996: George had multiple tournament wins and defeated 10 state qualifiers, including the state runner-up and third-place state wrestlers. He originally held the takedown record prior to Atkinson.
Stan Telatovich was a legendary wrestling coach in Escambia County. He began his career in 1971 and ended up serving as the wrestling coach at Tate for decades, establishing and maintaining a top-tier program. He is credited with starting the wrestling programs at both Booker T. Washington and Tate High Schools.
Pictured: Ben Atkinson (top) and Ian George (below) were inducted into the Tate High School Hall of Fame during a ceremony (below) earlier this year at Tate School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Investigation Underway After Jeep Found Burning On Neal Road
February 16, 2026
A vehicle was discovered burning Sunday morning in Cantonment with the driver nowhere to be found.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo burned alongside Neal Road near Pine Top Lane shortly before 9:30 a.m.
While no one was found near the vehicle, the driver still could not be located at last report.
The State Fire Marshal was called to investigate. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
February 16, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.:
- I-10 inside lane closures between mile markers 7 and 9, for paving operations.
- Outside lane closures on Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) southbound, between West Detroit Boulevard and Wilde Lake Boulevard, for roadway widening operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Feb. 15, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Feb. 15, 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. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Feb. 15, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for ECUA water main upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Friday, Feb. 20, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge construction activities. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Feb. 15:
- I-10 outside lane closures, between mile markers 10 and 12, Monday, Feb. 16 through Thursday, Feb. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for roadway lighting work.
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- 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.
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, Feb. 15, through Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from the Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, Feb. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 19, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Florida Gas Price Jump Midweek, Then Head Back Down
February 16, 2026
Florida gas prices surged 9 cents midweek to reach a state average of $2.94 per gallon on Wednesday, before retreating 6 cents to $2.88 by Sunday. Despite the sharp swing, drivers are paying just 2 cents more than a week ago and still less than they were at this time last year.
“Price cycling is still driving these ups and downs at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices drop, spike, then drift lower again, but overall, they remain below year‑ago levels.”
AAA said Sunday’s average of $2.88 per gallon is 2 cents more than a week ago, 4 cents more than a month ago, and 17 cents less than this time last year.
The per gallon average in Escambia County ws $2.75. In Pensacola, a low of $2.49 could be found at station on Olive Road and Ninth Avenue. In North Escambia, a low of $2.59 was available Sunday night at a station on South Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Back Into The Win Column
February 16, 2026
The Ice Flyers got back into the win column with a 3-0 victory over the Macon Mayhem on Sunday night at the Hangar in front of 5,829 fans celebrating Lilo and Stitch Night.
Mike Moran opened the scoring for the home team with a deflection on a shot from Ethan Price, giving the Ice Flyers a 1-0 lead. The second period remained scoreless as both teams battled for control. Tyler Bronte extended the lead to 2-0 just 12 seconds into the third period, and Tyler German sealed the deal with a goal 8 minutes in to make it 3-0.
Logan Flodell earned his first Ice Flyers shutout in net, stopping all 23 of Macon’s shots.
The Ice Flyers now hit the road for Fayetteville next weekend.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Saturday Night Cantonment Three-Vehicle Wreck
February 15, 2026
The crash happened late Saturday night at County Road 97 and Witt Drive, just north of Devine Farm Road.
Two people were transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS, while two other people refused treatment.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Skilled Trades Academy Highlights Career Readiness At School Board Workshop
February 15, 2026
Students from Northview High School’s Skilled Trades Academy visited an Escambia County School Board workshop last week.
They shared the many technical and interpersonal skills they’ve honed over the years in this program, where earning industry certifications which show mastery of various skills prepares these students for meaningful employment. Hands-on projects like building bat boxes for the Town of Century and picnic tables for various schools and organizations are just a few of the many projects they’ve undertaken.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jeep Catches Fire Following Cantonment Rollover Crash
February 15, 2026
There were no serious injuries when a Jeep overturned and burst into flames in Cantonment on Saturday night.
The crash occurred about 8 p.m. on Highway 95A near Archer Road. The driver of a Jeep lost control and overturned off the roadway. The engine compartment caught fire, but the occupants were able to safely escape the vehicle.
One person was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. A second person was uninjured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Love And Community: Barrineau Park Historical Society Hosts Valentine’s Gathering
February 15, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society sponsored a Valentine’s Day gathering on Saturday at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
The program, under the leadership of youth leader Brandie Crabtree, included food complete with a chocolate fountain, music, games, and other activities.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Five-Year Sponsorship Secured For Annual Aggie Classic
February 15, 2026
The 31st annual Aggie Classic baseball tournament is coming up next month, and Harvesters Credit Union has agreed to be a sponsor for the next five years. Friday night, Cantonment credit union presente a check to Tate Baseball for the deal.
This year’s Aggie Classic will be held March 16-19 with baseball teams from across the country taking part in the tournament at locations across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Last year, Tate fell to the First Academy Royals of Orlando in the Aggie Classic championship game.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.