Century Man Arrested For Kidnapping After Altercation At Graffiti Bridge
June 10, 2026
A 23-year-old Century man was arrested early Sunday morning following an alleged physical altercation at Wayside Park (Graffiti Bridge) in Pensacola.
According to an arrest report from the Pensacola Police Department, De’Von Mekhi Malik White was taken into custody after independent witness accounts and video footage showed him attempting to forcibly pull and push a woman into the backseat of a Jeep. The victim could be heard screaming for him to stop during the incident.
The victim described White has her “baby daddy”, according to the report.
White was charged with felony kidnapping-false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic violence battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $1,500.
Officers noted that two children were present inside the vehicle while the altercation took place
During the investigation, police reported recovered a firearm from White’s vehicle.
Aggie Nation Rallies For ‘MyMy’ Padgett As Heart Surgery Declared A Success
June 10, 2026
As Tate High School softball and the Aggie Nation community stepped up to the plate to support one of their own, some of the best possible news arrived from Orlando: Mykamia “MyMy” Padgett’s heart surgery was a success.
Padgett is now in the recovery phase and is expected to spend the next week in Orlando under specialized care before she is cleared to make the journey back home.
The positive update set a meaningful backdrop for an emotional and impactful Tuesday evening at the ballpark. While the Tate Lady Aggies opened their Summer Ball season on the field, the focus of everyone in attendance extended far beyond the scoreboard.
All concession proceeds from the evening’s three-game slate—featuring matchups between Tate, West Florida, and Northview—were dedicated to helping Padgett and her family with the immense travel and medical expenses associated with her treatment. Pizza for Tuesday night’s event were donated by Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza on West Nine Mile Road.
RELATED: ‘I’d Need To Have Heart Surgery’ – Aggie Nation, Community Rally For Tate Softball Player
The community showed out, transforming a standard summer opener into a powerful rally of love, prayer, and financial support for the incoming Tate senior and Alabama State University commit.
The open-heart surgery in Orlando was scheduled to correct a heart condition that was discovered after Padgett unexpectedly passed out following an intense game mid-season.
Before heading into the operating room on Tuesday, Padgett expressed how overwhelming the sudden diagnosis had been for her as an athlete, but noted that her strength came from a higher place.
“More than anything, I’m putting my faith in God, trusting that He will give me strength to get through this like He has every other challenge in my life,” Padgett said.
With the surgery successfully behind her, the long road to recovery begins. But as Tuesday evening proved, Aggie Nation and the entire North Escambia community will be standing right by her side every step of the way.
Vendor Applications Now Open For Annual Century-Flomaton Joint Fireworks Show
June 10, 2026
The annual Flomaton/Century joint fireworks show is coming up on July 3, and vendor applications are being accepted now for the event in Century.
The festivities will begin with the national anthem and a planned World War II vintage plane flyover at 5 p.m.
There will be food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more. The fireworks show will begin [omit after] dark.
For a vendor registration packet, click here (pdf).
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Trooper Injured After Rear-Ending Tractor-Trailer On I-10
June 10, 2026
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was injured after rear-ending a tractor-trailer on I-10 in Santa Rosa County.
The trooper, a 28-year-old male from Pensacola, was traveling eastbound on I-10 in the inside lane at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday. FHP said his marked FHP sedan crashed into the rear of the tractor-trailer that had slowed for traffic east of the Highway 87 exit.
The trooper sustained minor injuries. The driver of the truck, a 49-year-old man from Fort Myers, was not injured.
International Paper Pensacola Mill Announces 2026 Community Grants Program
June 10, 2026
The International Paper Pensacola Mill is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant program, which will award 10 grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
The IP Foundation grant program supports organizations working to address critical community needs and improve quality of life across the region.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager. “We’re proud to support organizations that are creating positive change and delivering real impact where it’s needed most.”
Applications are open through Monday, July 13 and can be submitted online at www.ipgiving.com.
The International Paper Foundation focuses its giving on four key areas:
- Education – with a priority on early childhood literacy (birth through 3rd grade)
- Hunger – improving food security
- Health & Wellness – promoting healthy lifestyles
- Disaster Relief – helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters
Additional funding opportunities may support environmental initiatives and other critical community needs.
Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualifying federal entities and demonstrate measurable impact through their programs.
For more information, visit www.internationalpaper.com/giving-eligibility or contact Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Blue Wahoos, Clingstones Postponed In Columbus
June 10, 2026
Tuesday’s series opener at Synovus Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Columbus Clingstones was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, with a pair of seven-inning games.
‘I’d Need To Have Heart Surgery’ — Aggie Nation, Community Rally For Tate Softball Player
June 9, 2026
Aggie Nation and the local community are rallying behind a Tate Lady Aggies who is undergoing open heart surgery.
Mykamia “MyMy” Padgett, an incoming Tate High School senior and Alabama State University commit, said softball meant everything to her, even as her world came crashing down a few months ago.
“During a fairly intense game mid-season, everything changed. After the first inning, I felt fatigue and suddenly passed out soon after exiting the field,” Padgett said. “Waking up with everyone around me was overwhelming and scary. My mom rushed me to the hospital, not having any idea the news we’d later on received. After seeing a cardiologist, I got news no athlete would want to hear, that I was out for the season indefinitely”
“And I’d need to have heart surgery.”
“I’ve dealt with my fair share of sports-related injuries or soreness before, but this is by far the scariest thing I’ve been told. To get the special care I need, I’m being referred to a heart surgeon in Orlando where I’ll have my surgery, and stay for a week to recover before traveling home.”
“Even though it doesn’t get easier as the day gets closer, I’m staying focused on my recovery and love for the game. More than anything, I’m putting my faith in God, trusting that He will give me strength to get through this like He has every other challenge in my life.”
This evening, June 9, The Tate Softball Aggies will open their Summer Ball season with all concessions proceeds benefiting Padgett. Tate will host West Florida at 5 p.m., and Northview 1 will face West Florida to follow at 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m. Tate will host Northview 1 in game three.
RELATED: Tate Summer Softball Open This Evening, Proceeds To Benefit Lady Aggie
Ransom Middle School Academic Team Conquers National Championships, Earns Global Bids
June 9, 2026
The Ransom Middle School Academic Team put on a historic performance at the International Academic Competitions Middle & Elementary School Nationals in Orlando.
Facing off against a massive field of over 2,200 public, magnet, private, and homeschooled students from across the United States, Ransom players solidified their place among the nation’s elite, securing multiple spots in upcoming international olympiads during IAC’s largest tournament ever.
In the National Science Bee, Levi Cox, Sydney Cox, James Corvin, and Cutter Rhodes qualified for the 2028 International Science Championships in Washington, DC. Cutter Rhodes’s final ranking is #79 nationwide.
In the National History Bee, James Corvin and Sydney Cox furthered the team’s success by qualifying for the 2027 International History Olympiad in London.
In the team event, the National History Bowl, James Corvin, Levi Cox, Sydney Cox, and Cutter Rhodes were joined by Zackary Cox, a rising sixth-grader playing for Ransom. The rounds were exciting, and these players played so well against much more experienced teams, keeping the scores close through the afternoon.
Cutter Rhodes also participated in the Spelling Bee and took the Map and Flag Exam. He placed third in the Spelling Championships_ and secured first place in the Jeopardy Charity Games.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
PPD: No Criminal Charges Expected In Drowning Of Girls, 5 And 8, In Neighbor’s Pool
June 9, 2026
No criminal charges are expected after two girls, age 5 and 8, drowned in a neighbor’s pool Monday evening.
Pensacola Police were called to the 500 block of Gerhardt Drive just after 6:30 p.m. in reference to two missing girls and began a search around their home and in the immediate area. Despite life-saving measures, both girls were pronounced deceased at the hospital.
PPD Chief Eric Winstrom said Tuesday morning that there was no negligence in the incident. He said the pool was protected by both a privacy fence and a second fence around the pool, both of which were up to code. He said officers believe the 8-year-old scaled the fence and then opened a gate for her younger sister.
Officers also believe there was no wrongdoing by the parents, and the girls snuck out prior to the incident.
The investigation is continuing.
File photo.
Day One: Here’s Who Qualified To Run For Office
June 9, 2026
Monday was the first day of qualifying for candidate to be on the 2026 ballot in Escambia County.
Candidates must qualify noon on Friday.
The following candidates have qualified as of 5 p.m., June 8:
Escambia County Commissioner (Partisan)
- District 2 – Glenn Dorsey (REP)
- District 2 – Mike Kohler (REP)
- District 2 – EErica King (Write-In)
- District 4 – Ashlee Hofberger (REP)
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (Partisan)
- District 2 – Lois Benson (REP)
Escambia County School Board (Nonpartisan)
- District 1 – Kevin Adams
- District 1 – Erin Toler
- District 2 – Paul H. Fetsko
- District 3 – David Williams
- District 3 – Isaac L. Williams
City of Pensacola, Mayor (Nonpartisan)
- Ann Hill
- D.C. Reeves
- Jermaine J. Williams
Pensacola City Council (Nonpartisan)
- District 2 – Charles Bare
- District 2 – Sherri Myers
- District 4 – Brian Cole
- District 4 – Boyce White
- District 6 – Allison Patton
Santa Rosa Island Authority (Nonpartisan)
- Steven Luppert
The following candidate pre-filed on Monday, June 8:
Century Town Council (Nonpartisan)
- Seat 4 – John Bass