Northview High NJROTC Holds Unit Change Of Command Ceremony
May 13, 2025
The Northview High School NJROTC held a Unit Change of Command ceremony on Monday.
The unit recognized Cadet Damon McDuffie (Command Master Chief), Cadet Talaysha Curry (Unit Executive Officer) and Cadet Will Nowlin (Unit Commanding Officer).
Cadet Kate Stinson was recognized as outgoing Unit Commanding Officer.
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Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Until Thursday
May 13, 2025
Escambia County Animal Welfare has partnered with Bissell Pet Foundation for the “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, offering free adoptions on cats and dogs one year or older starting until Thursday, May 15. Puppies will be
available for $50, and kittens will be available for $25. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
Adoptable pets can been seen at 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
File photo.
Parent Awareness Night At Bratt Elementary To Address Online Predators, Social Media, Vaping, And More
May 13, 2025
Bratt Elementary School will host a Parent Awareness Night on Thursday, May 15.
The informational session is designed to educate parents and guardians about critical dangers currently facing children.
The event will cover a range of vital topics, including the risks posed by online predators, the potential harms associated with social media use, the realities of human trafficking, and the growing vaping epidemic among young people.
A question-and-answer session will feature guest speakers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, providing attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and gain expert insights on these challenging issues.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the school, 5721 North Highway 99 in Bratt.
UWF President Martha Saunders Has Resigned
May 12, 2025
University of West Florida President Martha Saunders has resigned.
Saunders, who has held the position since 2017, announced her resignation to students, faculty and staff.
Her resignation was preceded by attacks on the university by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor made four controversial picks to the University of Board of Trustees. Two of the appointees resigned, and one was never confirmed by the Florida Senate.
“Dr Saunders is an exceptional academic leader and a superb president of the University of West Florida. Under her leadership, UWF has met or exceeded every performance standard set by the state. UWF graduates have the best chance to obtain employment over any other higher education institution in the state. All of that is because of Martha Saunders’ commitment and capability. She leaves the University of West Florida in Triumph,” Florida Sen. Don Gaetz said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Here is the complete text of Saunder’s resignation message:
When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.
Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.
With gratitude,
Martha
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Cantonment Man Accused Of Burglary Through A Dog Door, Battering His Ex
May 12, 2025
A Cantonment man is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house through a large dog door, battering her, and leaving back through the dog door.
Calelan William Ross, 26, was charged with first degree felony burglary with assault or battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $75,000.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies that she woke up in her room to find Ross lying in the bed next to her. She said she stood up, turned on the light, and told him to leave after a short conversation. Ross refused, grabbed her by the wrist, and threw her on the bed before getting on top of her, an arrest report states.
“Ross then left the residence the same way he had entered, which was through the large dog door at the front of the residence,” the Sheriff’s Office report states. The victim found her mother and called 911.
Deputies searched the area but were initially unable to locate Ross. A white Toyota Tacoma, registered to Ross, was found at the scene. Later, another call was received stating Ross had returned to the area. Deputies responded, but again were unable to locate him. A warrant affidavit was submitted.
Deputies said Ross had never lived at the home. The report also noted that the victim was not injured.
Part Of Old Flomaton Road Near Century To Be Closed Tuesday And Wednesday
May 12, 2025
A portion of road from 8700 and 8701 Old Flomaton Road near Century will be closed to northbound traffic beginning Tuesday while Escambia County Public Works crews replace the crossover pipe under the county road.
The closure area is between Campbell Road and Cedar Street.
Motorists traveling north on Old Flomaton Road near the construction zone should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions and posted signs when traveling through the work zone. The road is expected to reopen on Wednesday, May 14.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction
Lane Closures Through Thursday On Highway 97 Northbound Near Pilgrim Trail
May 12, 2025
Motorists traveling on Highway 97 near Pilgrim Trail can expect intermittent delays this week due to scheduled tree trimming operations, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT has announced that northbound lanes of Highway 97 will experience temporary closures between Monday, May 12, and Thursday, May 15 in the area of Pilgrim Trail, about five miles north of the Highway 97 and Highway 29 intersection. The lane closures will take place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution while traveling through the work zone and to anticipate potential delays. It is recommended to allow extra travel time or seek alternative routes if possible during the specified hours.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Two Ransom Middle Band Students Chosen For State Honor Band
May 12, 2025
Two Ransom Middle School band students have been selected to perform with the Florida Bandmasters Association 2025 7-Star Honor Band this summer.
Chase Redman and Braylen Barton were selected for the prestigious FBA band this July at SeaWorld in Orlando.
The selection is a recognition of their musical excellence, commitment, and hard work.
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Atmore Police Arrest Second Suspect For Attempted Murder
May 12, 2025
The Atmore Police Department on Sunday arrested another suspect in connection with a May 7 shooting at an intersection during which a vehicle and a nearby restaurant were hit by gunfire.
Dexter Adams, 18, was taken into custody after a foot chase. Police said that during the chase, he reached for a weapon before hiding it under a nearby shed.
He was charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, shooting into an unoccupied building, attempting to elude, and receiving stolen property second degree.
APD said additional arrests are forthcoming in the case.
About 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, Atmore officers responded to the area of North Main and Howard Street following reports of shots fired into a passing vehicle. The Wing & Burger Box restaurant on the northeast corner of the intersection was also hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.
Responding officers recovered a significant amount of evidence at the scene, collecting 47 spent shell casings believed to be from two different caliber firearms.
During the course of their investigation into the May 7 shooting, investigators were able to identify four suspects.
A 17-year-old juvenile was subsequently arrested and has been charged as an adult with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building. Due to his age and in accordance with Alabama state statutes, his name is not being released at this time. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
Further investigation by Atmore Police linked the same 17-year-old juvenile to a separate shooting incident that occurred on April 26. In that event, multiple shots were fired into a residence located in the 300 block of East School Street. In relation to this shooting, the juvenile has been charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling.
Investigators have also signed arrest warrants for two additional juvenile suspects allegedly involved in the East School Street shooting.
The Atmore Police Department continues to investigate both incidents and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the outstanding suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Atmore Police at (251) 368-9141.
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Wahoos Drop Finale in Biloxi To End Road Trip
May 12, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-14) were defeated in Sunday’s series finale at Keesler Federal Park against the Biloxi Shuckers (20-13) by a final score of 5-1. The loss marks Pensacola’s fifth consecutive setback and ends a two-week road trip.
Neither team scored in Sunday’s contest until the bottom of the third inning when the Shuckers struck first. Biloxi’s league-leading scoring offense tagged Pensacola starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 2-2) for two runs – one via wild pitch, the other via an RBI single from third baseman Brock Wilken.
Pensacola answered back in the top of the fourth inning. After back-to-back one-out singles against Biloxi lefthander Tate Kuehner (W, 2-4), right fielder Kemp Alderman hit a ground ball to Shuckers shortstop Cooper Pratt. After recording one out at second base, second baseman Zavier Warren’s throw to first glanced off first baseman Luke Adams’ glove and rolled into foul territory, allowing Wahoo second baseman Jared Serna to score from third base on an E3.
The unearned run was all the offense the Wahoos would manufacture on the day against Kuehner and quartet of Biloxi relievers. The Shuckers added insurance in the bottom of the seventh against Pensacola lefthander Luis Palacios, who allowed an RBI double to Cooper Pratt and a two-run home run to Brock Wilken that extended the Biloxi lead to 5-1. The Wahoos put baserunners aboard in both the eighth and ninth innings, but could not mount a rally en route to a 5-1 defeat.
With the loss, the Wahoos drop to second place in the Southern League South Division, marking the first time all season Pensacola has not had at least a share of first place.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, May 13 when they begin a six-game series with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
File photo.