Ray Palmer Of Pensacola Sports Named To Sports ETA Hall Of Fame
March 18, 2026
Sports ETA has announced that Ray Palmer, president and CEO of Pensacola Sports, will be inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual Symposium on April 22 in Las Vegas.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the sports events and tourism industry through leadership, innovation and service.
Palmer has spent more than two decades leading the growth of sports tourism in Northwest Florida. Since joining Pensacola Sports as executive director in 2002 and later becoming president and CEO, he has guided the organization through a period of unprecedented expansion focused on event management, sports tourism development and community engagement.
Under Palmer’s leadership, Pensacola Sports has expanded its portfolio to include high school all-star series competitions, firefighter games, open water swimming events, fishing tournaments and numerous collegiate championships. Major events secured during his tenure include the Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship, along with community awards programs, scholarships and youth initiatives that strengthen the region’s sports ecosystem.
Palmer has also played a key leadership role within Sports ETA, serving as chairman of the board and contributing to numerous committees that have helped shape the future of the sports events and tourism industry.
“Ray Palmer has dedicated his career to demonstrating how sports events can elevate a community and create lasting economic and civic impact,” said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. “Through his leadership at Pensacola Sports and his service to Sports ETA, Ray has helped grow our industry and inspire destinations across the country to think bigger about the role sports can play in their community.”
“Just to have been considered to join the other 24 members of the Sports ETA Hall of Fame is special — being selected is an amazing honor,” said Palmer.
A lifelong resident of Pensacola, Palmer is also widely recognized for his civic leadership and community service. He is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, a recipient of the Florida Sports Leadership Award, and a member of numerous regional boards and committees. In 2026, he was named for the third time to the Inweekly Power List, recognizing the 100 most influential people in the Pensacola region. Known for his enthusiastic advocacy of his hometown, Palmer frequently describes Pensacola as the “Western Gate to the Sunshine State,” proudly promoting the destination and its quality of life to visitors and event organizers from around the country.
Two NAS Pensacola Sailors Credited With Saving Driver After High-Speed Creek Crash
March 18, 2026
Two Navy sailors are being credited for saving the life of a driver who crashed into an Escambia County creek on Sunday.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 37-year-old man was traveling east in the westbound lanes of Highway 98 at a high rate of speed. After running a red light, the vehicle crashed through a fence and into Bayou Chico Creek, where it became completely submerged.
Two sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola witnessed the crash and immediately rendered aid. One sailor jumped from a boardwalk into the water and heard the driver knocking on the windows. He broke through the sunroof, pulled the driver from the submerged vehicle, and brought him to shore. The second sailor then began rendering first aid until Escambia EMS arrived.
The first sailor swam back and reentered the vehicle to ensure no other passengers were inside. He was later treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the rescue.
FHP said that the driver suffered a medical emergency that led to the crash. He was transported to Baptist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Photos courtesy FHP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Gets 11-Inning Spring Break Shutout of T.R. Miller
March 18, 2026
The Northview Chiefs earned a Spring Break shutout 3-0 over T.R. Miller in 11 innings Tuesday night.
Jase Portwood earned the win for the Chiefs in relief, giving up three hits and no runs in four and two-thirds innings, while striking out four and walking three. Boutwell opened on the mound for NHS, surrendering five hits and no runs in six innings, striking out five and walking two.
Grayden Sheffield led Northview at the plate with two RBIs and was 1-5 on the night. Portwood led Northview in hits, going 2-4.
The Chiefs will enjoy the rest of Spring Break off before returning to acton of March 24 at West Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northwest Florida Congressman Patronis Speaks Out On Shutdown And TSA
March 18, 2026
Tuesday, Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis spoke out amid TSA staffing shortages and nationwide travel disruptions as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters its 32nd day.
“The American people shouldn’t be paying the price for Democrat dysfunction,” said Patronis. “TSA agents are being pushed to the brink, working without pay, struggling to make ends meet, and in some cases leaving their jobs. Travelers across the country are feeling the strain, from longer security lines to widespread flight delays. We need immediate action to fund DHS, support our frontline personnel, and restore stability to our nation’s skies.”
Patronis continued, ‘With uncertainty abroad, including threats from Iranian sleeper cells, Democrats are putting Americans’ safety at risk by using Homeland Security funding as a political bargaining tool. For over a month, essential personnel have continued to serve without pay. TSA agents are keeping our skies safe, the Coast Guard is defending our shores, and FEMA’s disaster preparedness remains uncertain, all while critical funding is stalled. This is neither sustainable nor responsible. Americans deserve better than a standstill when it comes to protecting our nation.”
THe Congressman said the shutdown has already made a significant impact, adding that:
- Over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and call-out rates have doubled during peak travel.
- As of Tuesday morning, 900+ flights were canceled and 2,600+ delayed.
- Strong winds across the Northeast, affecting roughly 34 million Americans, are worsening delays.
The Senate has not yet announced a date for the next vote on the DHS funding package.
Aggie Classic Scores, Schedule
March 18, 2026
The 31st annual Harvesters Credit Union Aggie Classic is underway with teams from four states facing off across Pensacola
Here are scores through Tuesday night, along with the schedule for Wednesday.
Monday, March 16
- Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
- Gulf Breeze 16, Blanchard (OK) 6
- Pace 15, Broken Arrow (OK) 6
- Pensacola Catholic 11, Claremore (OK) 0
- Bixby 13 (OK), W.S. Neal (AL) 1
- Yukon 10 (OK), Christ Presbyterian (TN) 0
Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
In their opening game of the Aggie Classic, the host Tate Aggies easily defeated Union (OK) 10-3 on Monday.
Nathan Connors earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, allowing one hit and two runs in two and two-thirds innings, recoding four strikeouts and walking six.
Connors led the Aggies at the plate with three RBIs as he went 2-3 on the night. Connor Dethlefs went 1-1 with two RBIs while Cade McNair added one.
Tuesday, March 17
- Tate 5, Broken Arrow (OK) 2
- Pace 11, Claremore (OK) 1
- Yukon (12) W.S. Neal (AL) 2
- Gulf Breeze 9, vs Bixby ( OK) 8
- Blanchard (OK) 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
- Christ Presbyterian (TN) 11, Union (OK) 1
Tate 5, Broken Arrow 2
On the second night of the Aggie Classic, the Tate Aggies defeated the Broken Arrow Tigers (OK) 5-2 on Tuesday.
Bryton McLellan earned the win for Tate Varsity Aggies, surrendering four hits and two runs in a complete game seven innings, striking out five and walking four.
Taylor went 2-3 at the plate for the Aggies, driving in two runs. Nathan Connors,s, Kannon Ham, and Cooper Halfacre each had one hit.
Wednesday, March 18
Tate High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Union, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Claremore, OK
Pace High School
7:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Yukon, OK
Catholic High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Broken Arrow, OK
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Bixby, OK
Healthcare Comes to Molino: New Clinic Aims to Bridge Service Gaps and Promote Wellness
March 17, 2026
A new medical clinic is now open in Molino.
Nurse practitioner Rachel Bradley says Molino is the perfect place to open her office. With no other medical facilities and no grocery store with limited access to fresh food, she said, “Molino has challenges when it comes to making good food choices which impacts the health of individuals.”
“With limited resources, Molino residents have to travel, and that’s a hardship, to Atmore or Pensacola,” she said. “I hope to help make a healthy impact on the community.”
She is working to be approved as a Medicare provider, and can provide a “super bill” to file private insurance. IV hydration is available on a cash basis, and patients of record have access to exercise equipment for a monthly fee.
Bradley Medical Clinic, located in the Farm Bureau Building, at 153 Highway 97, is open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments are preferred at (850) 977-0028.
A Pensacola native and longtime Molino resident, Bradley has dedicated nearly four decades to the healthcare field. Her career began in dentistry, where she advanced from a certified dental assistant to a registered dental hygienist after graduating from Pensacola Junior College. Transitioning into nursing, she earned her BSN from Pensacola State College and gained extensive experience as an RN in cardiac care, ICU, and labor and delivery units, as well as serving as a school health nurse.
In December 2020, Rachel earned her Master’s from the University of South Alabama as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is board-certified by the AANP and holds Autonomous Nurse Practitioner status in Florida, along with licensure in Iowa. Her recent professional work includes serving as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Deeply rooted in her community, Rachel and her husband of nearly 35 years, Scott, are active leaders at St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic churches.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Two Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Chase In Escambia County
March 17, 2026
Two people were arrested in Escambia County after deputies chased a vehicle stolen out of Port St. Lucie.
Last Thursday, a deputy was alerted by a license plate reader that a stolen vehicle was in the area. The deputy then spotted the vehicle, a white Nissan Versa, traveling westbound on Olive Road.
When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit began along Burgess Road. Deputies attempted a PIT maneuver, but it was unsuccessful. The driver then turned onto Born Drive, a dead-end street.
The ECSO said the driver traveled through the backyard of a residence, striking a child’s playhouse, before continuing into the wood line behind the property, where the vehicle eventually came to a stop.
Both the driver and passenger were given commands to exit the vehicle and were taken into custody without further incident.
The Sheriff’s Office said a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun, which had also been reported stolen out of Port St. Lucie, as well as a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The driver was identified as 29-year-old Michael Andre Peavy Jr., a convicted felon. He was charged with:
- fleeing and eluding
- grand theft of a motor vehicle
- grand theft of a firearm
- two counts of possession of a weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon
- felony criminal mischief
The passenger, 22-year-old Lilian McDaniel, was also arrested and charged with:
- possession of drug paraphernalia
- two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody Is Retiring
March 17, 2026
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody is retiring after six years in the position.
His last official day will be on or about July 6, but he plans to use accrued leave with a last day in the office no earlier than May 26, which coincides with an ECUA board meeting. He expressed a willingness to help in the process to select his replacement.
“There is a time in every employee’s career to retire, and now is my time,” he told the board earlier this year after thanking ECUA employees and the board for a smooth time at the utility.
The search is underway for a new ECUA executive director, with a salary range of $195,000 to $256,880 annually. According to an online listing, the closing application date is April 15.
Pictured: ECUA Executive Director Bruck Woody address the Escambia County Legislative Delegation in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sixth Suspect In Atmore MLK Day Shooting Surrenders To Police
March 17, 2026
A sixth suspect has now been arrested in connection with a MLK Day shooting incident in Atmore.
Jovaughntai Henderson, 19, surrendered at the Atmore Police Department on charges of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle.
“Photos shown below depict Henderson wearing blue clothing and displaying a pistol-style rifle-caliber firearm on the night of the incident, shortly before the shooting occurred,” APD said Monday afternoon.
Atmore Police said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
A fifth suspect in the incident was recently arrested in Florida.
A U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emonee Demontaen Long (picturted left) recently on felony warrants from Atmore for felon in possession of a firearm and felony violation of probation on an original charge of discharging a gun into an occupied building. Once at the Walton County Jail, a large quantity of tobacco and spice were found hidden on his person, according to WCSO, and additional charges were filed for introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, felony possession of synthetic cannabis, possession of marijuana, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Four others were previously arrested and charged.
Jijavious Jadarrius Williams (first photo below, left) and Jitayvious Jamar Williams (first photo below, right), both from Baldwin County, were each charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, and one count of shooting into an occupied building.
Nathaniel Crenshaw (second photo below, left) was charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and one count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle. His brother, Tobijah Keimond Crenshaw (second photo below, right and bottom photo) was arrested during a traffic stop for two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and on count of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students of The Month
March 17, 2026
Byrneville Elementary School recently named its February Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Tayla Nichols and Ellie Vollmer
- 1st Grade: Colten McPhaul and Bo Koski
- 2nd Grade: Jani’la Durant and Manny Gifford
- 3rd Grade: Elli Macyn Plant and Jacob Vollmer
- 4th Grade: Baylee Gafford and Ellie Edwards
- 5th Grade: Chaplin Grassia and Myra Gill
- Art: Suzi Pope
- Music: Daviyelle Young
- PE: Harper Ellis
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.