State Workers Get Extra Days Off For The Holiday Season
December 24, 2025
State workers are getting extra days off for Christmas and New Year’s.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state offices will also be closed on Friday, December 26; and Friday, January 2 in celebration of the holidays.
“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.”
State workers also received an extra day off on November 26.
These dates are in addition to regular office closures on Thursday, November 27; Friday, November 28; Thursday, December 25; and Thursday, January 1.
Reopening Held For North Escambia Stork Stock, Providing Free Baby Essentials
December 24, 2025
A grand reopening was held Tuesday afternoon for the new location of the North Escambia Stork Stock.
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition — a local non-profit for pregnant women, new mothers, fathers, and children ages 0-3 — first opened the North Escambia Stork Stock at the Community Health Northwest Florida-Century Pediatrics office on Church Street in June 2024. However, the resource center temporarily closed when Century Pediatrics moved across town in July 2025.
Now, it has moved alongside Community Health Northwest Florida at the new Century Pediatrics office at 6021 Industrial Boulevard.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
The North Escambia Stork Stock provides free essential baby gear including wipes, clothing, diapers, Pack ‘n Plays for safe sleep, and more. Hours are by appointment only and can be made by calling Century Pediatrics at (850) 724-4054.
“Our commitment to North Escambia is for the long-haul, and we look forward to bringing vital resources to the community for years to come,” said Healthy Start Executive Director Allyson Anderson.
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition’s outreach in North Escambia also continues through bi-annual baby showers. Community baby showers allow families a chance to meet with local health organizations and receive important resources regarding pregnancy and infant care, maternal mental health, fatherhood, and more. The next baby shower will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community center on West Highway 4.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas Eve Powerball Jackpot At $1.7 Billion, Fourth Largest Ever
December 24, 2025
UPDATE: ONE WINNING TICKET WAS SOLD IN ARKANSAS. FLORIDA HAD ZERO SECONDARY PRIZE WINNERS.
The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimate $1.7 billion, with an estimated cash value of $781.3 million, for tonight’s drawing, the fourth largest jackpot in the game’s history.
Tonight’s Christmas Eve drawing marks the 47th drawing in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.
If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.
Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.
The drawing will take place at 9:59 p.m. Central time.
The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
Historically, the Powerball jackpot has been won once on Christmas Eve (2011) and four times on Christmas Day (1996, 2002, 2010 and 2013).
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary Jingle Bell Jog And Christmas Program
December 24, 2025
Bratt Elementary School held their Jingle Bell Jog last week, and Pre-K students entertained guests with a festive Christmas program.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Drivers Get Break From Road Construction For The Holidays
December 24, 2025
Florida drivers will get a break from road construction for Christmas and New Year’s.
There will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads throughout the Florida panhandle beginning at beginning on Christmas Eve and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 2, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
NorthEscambia.com illustration, click to enlarge.
Beulah Academy of Science Celebrates Christmas Season
December 24, 2025
Beulah Academy of Science Middle school celebrated the Christmas season with pajama days and more before Christmas break.
The PTSA celebrated with 12 days of gift giving to winning staff members.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Christmas: Bulls Charge Back For 4-3 OT Win
December 24, 2025
The Ice Flyers hosted Ice Flyers Christmas at the Hangar, squaring off against the Birmingham Bulls in what would prove to be a heartbreaking overtime loss.
The Ice Flyers came out strong in the opening period, jumping to an early 2-0 lead. Andrew Poulias opened the scoring, followed by Shane Bull extending the lead. The Ice Flyers controlled play and headed into the first intermission with momentum on their side.
The second period saw a dramatic shift as the Bulls stormed back with two straight goals. Tim Kent got Birmingham on the board, cutting the deficit in half. Just 32 seconds later, Drake Glover tied the game at 2-2, igniting the Bulls bench. Shane Bull responded for the Ice Flyers to restore their lead at 3-2 heading into the second intermission.
The third period belonged to the Bulls. Shawn Kennedy tied the game at 3-3, sending the game to overtime in front of a tense crowd at the Hangar
In overtime, Kevin Sadovski completed the comeback for Birmingham, scoring the game-winner just nine seconds into the extra frame to give the Bulls a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Semi Pulls Power Lines Down At Century Shopping Center
December 23, 2025
A semi truck pulled down power lines in a Century shopping center Tuesday morning.
The truck snagged the low lines in the parking lot and along State Line Road by the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard about 8:35 a.m.
The driver remained in the truck as a precaution until FPL could arrive on scene and ensure that the lines were dead. The driver was not injured.
The Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
West Highway 4 Has Reopened Near Highway 97
December 23, 2025
Escambia County crews have finished a project a day earlier than anticipated, and a portion of West Highway 4 between Highway 97 and Pine Barren Church Road has reopened.
The roadway was originally closed Monday for crews to replace a pipe under the roadway.
Pictured: Preparation before a Highway 4 project stated on Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Woman, Atmore Man Facing Drug Charges After Traffic Stop
December 23, 2025
The Atmore Police Department charged a Century woman and an Atmore man after a traffic stop led to the alleged discovery of illegal narcotics.
According to Sgt. Darrell McMann, an officer stopped the vehicle on Highway 21 after the driver failed to dim their high beams for oncoming traffic.
The driver was identified as 47-year-old Heather Fails of Century, and the passenger as 27-year-old Cody McNeil of Atmore. During the interaction, the officer noted suspicious behavior and received consent to search the vehicle.
APD said the search revealed methamphetamine and marijuana.
Both Fails and McNeil were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana second degree. Both were booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.