Family, Faith, and Firsts: Northview Lady Chiefs Had A Remarkable And Historic Journey
May 22, 2025
Everybody just knew this seasons was going to be something special for the Northview Lady Chiefs, full of family, faith and firsts.
That’s despite the Chiefs falling short of the state championship in a really tough 11-1 loss to Trenton on Wednesday afternoon near Orlando.
The Chiefs ended their season at 22-7, but what it season it was.
The Lady Chiefs had plenty of reasons to celebrate, including wins over Jay, their biggest rival. The Chiefs beat Jay 9-5 on April 3 in Bratt. And on a field in Jay that has seen more than its share of tears as seasons ended for the Lady Chiefs over the years. Northview claimed the district championship 9-1 over the Royals.
Then, for the first time ever, Northview earned a regional title with a 4-1 win over Jay.
“This has been a long time coming,” Northview Amy Holland said after the regional win. “We’ve been here so many times, so many times. It feels great.”
Holland said she knew, even back during summer ball, that this year’s team would do great things.
On Monday, Northview beat Branford 14-6 in their first ever trip to the Final Four, leading to the school’s first ever appearance in a state championship softball game.
The team, the coach said, has been more like a family with players from the local area and a major community support. All season, she talked about her “young team”, and that’s expected to be a key factor in the future for the Lady Chiefs.
This year, Northview had only one senior — pitcher Jamison Gilman — on the team. Most of the players were freshmen or sophomores, including sophomore MiKayla McAnally, which will mean most, if not all, will return next season.
After the Chief’s regional win over Jay, McAnally was quick to give credit to God for the team’s historic season.
“On the bus, we all pray together, and one of teammates goes around to every single person, and we pray in groups. Then we pray individually,” McAnally said. “We just know we have to give all the glory to God…and we’ve just to know that we do it all for Him.”
RELATED: After Historic Season, Northview Takes State Runner-Up Spot
NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Police Say Man Baked Live Puppy In His Oven To Quiet Barking
May 22, 2025
An Atmore man has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly baking a live puppy in his oven after a deceased chihuahua puppy, severely burned, was discovered at his residence.
On Monday, an Atmore Police Department officer responded to a call regarding an injured animal at a home in the 100 block of Cruitt Drive. Upon arrival, the officer found the badly burned remains of a chihuahua puppy lying on the driveway.
Investigators learned that James Allen Williamson allegedly intentionally placed the puppy in an oven due to what he considered excessive barking. A witness reported overhearing Williamson threatened to put the puppy in the oven if it did not stop barking. Shortly thereafter, the witness heard a dog yelping in pain but did not realize the gravity of the situation at the time.
“Evidence was discovered in the oven and in the kitchen that corroborated the statements,” APD Sgt. Darrell McMann said.
Kingsfield Road Over Eleven Mile Creek Bridge Work Begins Next Week
May 22, 2025
Motorists using the Kingsfield Road (County Road 186) bridge over Eleven Mile Creek will encounter lane restrictions starting next week, as crews begin guardrail repairs and general maintenance on the eastbound lane.
The work will begin Tuesday, May 27 and is expected to last approximately 45 days, weather permitting. During this period, traffic across the bridge will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers on site to direct vehicles while workers are present. Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution, adhere to road crew instructions, and follow all posted signs when traveling through the work zone.
While the construction is underway, residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will maintain access to properties within the affected area at all times. However, there may be brief instances where a driveway or entrance is temporarily blocked as equipment and materials are moved during the construction process.
Florida Black Bear Hunt Passes At FWC Meeting
May 22, 2025
An annual black bear hunt took another step forward Wednesday at a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Ocala.
The proposed hunt passed 4-1 on Wednesday to set the hunt for 23 this December, but a final vote will be required in August. The hunt will allow 187 bears to be removed from the state’s estimated 4,000 black bears.
“The resurgence of the Florida black bear is not just a victory for conservationists; it’s a win for all Floridians,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the FWC. “Hunting is a biologically sound method to slow population growth, resulting in a healthy and well-managed Florida black bear population for the future.”
The bear hunt would not include Escambia or Santa Rosa counties; the closest area to be included would be Bay County.
Woman Arrested On Drug Charges After Allegedly Backing Down Road
May 22, 2025
A Walnut Hill woman was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Tebyl Presley, 53, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to the Escambia County, AL Detention Center.
According to Atmore Police, an officer conducted a traffic stop after observing Presley backing down Rockaway Creek Road into a parking lot without a visible tag. During the interaction, the officer noted suspicious behavior from Presley and requested a K-9 unit to the scene. The K-9 officer conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle, and the K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted. During the search, officers discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Additionally, items commonly used to ingest narcotics were found, according to APD.
Stellar Outing From Snelling Not Enough In 7-2 Wahoos Loss
May 22, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
Through six innings, it seemed like Wednesday night’s game between the Blue Wahoos and Barons was shaping up to be a classic pitcher’s duel in front of a crowd of 3,223.
The Blue Wahoos led 1-0, and starters Robby Snelling (L, 2-3) and Jake Palisch (W, 3-0) had finished six innings of shutout and one-run ball. As soon as the Pensacola bullpen got involved in the game, it was flipped on its head, leading to a 7-2 loss.
After Snelling’s six shutout innings, which included eight strikeouts and no walks for the 21-year-old southpaw, the Barons’ offense came alive as the Pensacola defense faltered in historic fashion.
The Barons plated five runs in the frame, as the Blue Wahoos made five miscues, totaling seven in the game to set a franchise record. This also set the record for most errors in one inning in Southern League history.
Left-handers Justin King and Dale Stanavich surrendered the five runs in the seventh, with all five being charged to King’s line, all five of which were unearned. The two relievers didn’t allow a hit in the inning, but King allowed two walks while Stanavich hit a batter to allow a run.
The Barons’ offense continued to pile on in the seventh, as Gonzalez drove in two with a home run to deep right off Stanavich.
Tony Bullard picked up the Blue Wahoos’ first run of the night in the third, with a solo home run to center for his first at the Double-A level.
Bullard’s home run broke a 20-inning scoreless streak for Palisch, which spanned across three starts.
Sam Praytor picked up an RBI in the eighth on a double off the wall in right-center, narrowly missing his third home run of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will turn their attention to Mullet Thursday for tomorrow’s game, as right-hander Evan Fitterer (2-2) is slated to take the mound. Fitterer was the Southern League Pitcher of the Month for April, throwing four innings of three-run ball in his last outing against Rocket City.
GAME NOTABLES
— The National Anthem was performed on Wednesday by Joshua Tenniswood from the Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, which had a group outing of 75 people. Jonathan Rook sang God Bless America in the 7th inning. And several Trinitas students threw out ceremonial first pitches.
— The West Florida High softball team had its end-of-season outing with a combined 98 guests that included players, coaches, parents and friends.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: The games on Thursday through Saturday night will all start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of season.
After Historic Season, Northview Takes State Runner-Up Spot
May 21, 2025
The Northview Chiefs are state runner-ups after falling 11-1 to Trenton in the FHSAA Rural Class softball state championship game this afternoon near Orlando.
Northview finished their historic season at 22-7, claiming both the district and regional championships with wins over the Jay Royals. This was the first time in the history of the school that Northview made the state final four.
Trenton started the game with a 3-0 lead in the first inning before scoring four in the third and four in the fifth.
Sophomore Mikayla McAnally opened in the circle, allowing eight hits and seven runs (three earned) in four innings, striking out two and walking one.
Jamison Gilman led the team with a sacrifice bunt in the third inning to score Riley Brooks, and Avery Stuckey went 1-2.
Gilman was the only senior on this year’s roster, with the opportunity for almost the entire team to return next year looking for another trip to state.
This was the fourth state softball championship for Trenton since 2019.
Century Sets Special Election Date To Fill Seat Left Vacant By Resignation
May 21, 2025
The Century Town Council on Tuesday night set a special election to fill a vacant seat on the council.
On May 6, Councilmember Sandra McMurray-Jackson resigned from Seat 5 for personal reasons. With more than six months remaining until the end of her term in January 2027, the town charter requires that the council set a special election and appoint a replacement to the five-member body.
The special election has been set for Tuesday, July 29. If no candidate for the non-partisan seat receives one vote more than 50%, a runoff will be held on September 29. The winner will take office 10 days after certification of the election.
The qualifying period for candidates is set for June 23-25.
The town recently held a special election for mayor and another council seat to due to resignations.
Pictured: Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, attending his first council meeting after being reelected in a special election, takes notes during a town council meeting on Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Man Arrested On Meth Charges After Bratt Traffic Stop
May 21, 2025
A Century man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Bratt.
Leland David Kite, Jr., 57, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia,
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a maroon Mitsubishi Eclipse with an expired tag and no working tag light driving northbound on Highway 99. The officer initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Herbs Lane and Highway 99.
During the stop, officers identified Kite as a passenger in the vehicle. After the driver consented to a search of the vehicle, officers discovered three ripped baggies containing 10.5 grams of a clear, crystal-like substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine, tucked between the passenger seat and the center console, directly where Kite Jr. was seated, the report states. The baggies, the report states, were separated into small amounts indicating packaging for individual sale.
Deputies said a glass smoking pipe with residue was located in the same area. A black digital scale was found on the passenger seat, and a clear crystal shard was discovered directly under the passenger seat. Several unused clear plastic baggies were also found on the driver’s floorboard.
Kite told deputies he was unaware of any illegal narcotics in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle reportedly told officers she knew Kite Jr. had “something” illegal in the vehicle but was unsure what it was.
Kite remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning without bond due to a hold from Santa Rosa County where he was out on bond in an unrelated case.
The driver was given a verbal warning for the expired tag and driving with no driver’s license before being released.
Two Injured In Cantonment Highway 29 Crash
May 21, 2025
At least two people were injured in a crash on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened about 5:15 p.m. near the entrance to Northgate Plaza and the Grocery Advantage. After the collision, one car then crossed the median and crashed into a utility pole.
The injured were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with injuries not believed to be serious.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details.
Photos by Dylan Shipman for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
