NW Florida District Issues ‘Water Shortage Warning’; Local Utilities Say Water Supply Is Stable
February 13, 2026
The Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) issued a “Water Shortage Warning Order” on Thursday, February 12, 2026, asking for all water users across the district to conserve water as the area remains under drought conditions.
The NWFWMD covers the area from the Perdido River in Escambia County to the St. Marks River Basin east of Tallahassee in Jefferson County, protecting and managing water resources in the 16-county region. While the North Escambia area is in a moderate drought, conditions are much worse across the water district, with a severe drought, and even an extreme drought in much of the Tallahassee area.
While water supplies are currently meeting demand, the Water Shortage Warning is intended to encourage conservation, reduce drought impacts, and protect water resources. Users are encouraged to conserve water where practicable and to limit landscape irrigation to early morning or evening hours when possible. Activities necessary for fire protection are not affected, and any existing local mandatory water restrictions remain in effect.
Locally, utilities say there are no water shortages, but conservation is still a good idea.
“We are not seeing any effects from dry weather within our system. Additionally, this time of year typically brings the lowest water demand,” Maria Del Aguila of ECUA said. “That said, potable water is always a valuable resource that should be managed wisely and not wasted.” ECUA offers a list of 25 water conservation tips on their website.
Vernon Prather with Molino Utilities stated they were not experiencing any water shortages, but “we are a willing partner with their (NWFWMD) guidance.”
“We are not experiencing any shortages, but encourage everyone to follow the order,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO of Escambia River Electric Cooperative, which operates the Walnut Hill and Bratt Davisville water systems in Escambia County.
“We are not experiencing any issues here,” Century Town Administrator Dave Murzin said. “But there are ways to conserve.”
Murzin said Century is also working daily to repair leaks in its decades-old system in an additional conservation effort.
The NWFWMD water shortage warning order will remain in place until rescinded by the governing board.
The water shortage warning encourages all users to reduce water use and to conserve water to the maximum extent possible. The district recommends that all landscape irrigation users limit irrigation to the low evaporation periods of the evening and early morning hours.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Michigan Man Confirmed As New Pensacola Police Chief
February 13, 2026
Thursday, the Pensacola City Council officially confirmed Eric Winstrom as the new chief of the Pensacola Police Department. The vote was unanimous.
Winstrom, who has been the chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will start with PPD on March 2. He was selected by Mayor D.C. Reeves after a nationwide search.
“Choosing the right person to lead our police department is perhaps the most important decision I will make as your mayor,” Reeves said recently. “My focus was on finding the person who is the right fit for our community with the ability to lead PPD into the future. After much consideration and feedback from the community throughout this selection process, I look forward to working with Chief Winstrom to help write PPD’s next chapter.”
Kristin Brown, who has been serving as PPD’s Acting Chief, will serve as the Deputy Chief during the transition.
In 2022, Winstrom was named the Chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city
“Trust is a key component not only of leadership within a police department but also between the department and the community it serves,” Winstrom said. “I’m well aware that trust is earned and there are no shortcuts in earning it. I am eager to get to work with the team already in place at PPD.
“Pensacola’s looking to strive to thrive in an ethical way, and in a way that lifts everyone up. Policing is an integral part of that effort. Everyone wants to be on a winning team. Pensacola is a winning team, and I am looking forward to being part of that.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Ernest Ward, Ransom Volleyball Wrap Regular Season
February 13, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle Eagles hosted the Ransom Middle Tigers in the final volleyball match of the regular season.
In junior varsity action, Ernest Ward downed Ransom, while the Tigers topped the Eagles in varsity play.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Ernest Ward also celebrated Eighth Grade night, recognizing
- Neveah Allen
- Evie Brooks
- Lola Chavers
- Ryleigh Crabtree
- Lily Lowery
- Brylynn McGhee
- McKenzie Norton
- Harleigh Grace Parsons
- Calee Satterwhite
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Lacrosse Beats PHS 16-2
February 13, 2026
Tate High School Girls Lacrosse beat the Pensacola High Tigers 16-2 on Thursday night at Tate.
With the win, the Aggies are 1-1 on the young season, while PHS dropped to 0-2.
Up next, Tate will host the Milton Panthers in a district matchup on Tuesday, February 17, at 6 p.m.
‘Paint With Puppies’ On Saturday In Cantonment To Benefit Escambia Animal Shelter
February 13, 2026
The Northview 4-H Club and Escambia County animal shelter will host “Painting With Puppies” on Saturday, February 14, at the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
Participants will be able to make their own work of art and meet adoptable dogs during the event from 10 a.m. to noon.
The entry fee is $5, and additional monetary or pet supply donations are welcome. All proceeds will benefit the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center.
The Langley Bell 4-H Center is located at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
For The Third Time This Year, Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold At Highway 97 Retailer
February 13, 2026
For the third time this year, a Davisville lottery store has sold a winning Fantasy 5 lottery ticket.
A ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop, on Highway 97 just south of Atmore, was one of two top-prize winning tickets sold for the Thursday, February 12, evening drawing and is worth $55,609.50 each. The other winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Pompano Beach.
The winning numbers were 3-5-10-20-27.
The State Line Gift Shop sold a $55,328.49 winning ticket for the February 8 midday drawing, and a $55,272.07 winning ticket for January 15.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Preseason Softball: Tate Falls To WFHS
February 13, 2026
West Florida 20, Tate 10
The Tate Aggies fell to the West Florida Jaguars 20-10 in preseason softball on Thursday.
Aubree Gorum was 1-1 for the Aggies at the plate, and led the team with two RBIs. Madison Smillie was 3-5 to lead Tate at bat. Emorie Nelson, Mykamia Padgett, and Jordyn Banks each added a hit.
The Aggies will open the regular season at home against Crestview on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Accidental Fire Heavily Damages North Escambia Home Wednesday Night
February 12, 2026
Fire heavily damaged a North Escambia home on Wednesday night.
The single-story residential fire was reported around 10:40 p.m. in the 500 block of Templehill Drive, just south of East Kingsfield Road.
When firefighters arrived, heavy flames and smoke were showing. With an aggressive attack, damage was limited to about half of the home and a total loss was prevented, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue. The situation was reported under control by 11:27 p.m.
Firefighters were able to save two dogs and a pet snake; however, a cat was discovered deceased. There were no other injuries.
ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire to be accidental. The American Red Cross has provided assistance to the displaced occupants.
The Ensley, Cantonment, Ferry Pass, and Brent stations of ECFR responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trial Set For Homicide Suspect That Claimed Self Defense In McDavid Main Street Drug Deal
February 12, 2026
During a hearing last week, a trial date was set for the suspect in a fatal shooting on Main Street in McDavid in February 2025. The suspect claims he shot the victim out of fear, but the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says it was murder.
Investigators charged Antonio Marshone DeSoto, now 26, with homicide for the shooting on Main Street, just east of Highway 29. During a February 4 hearing, Judge John Simon set a jury trial to begin May 11. DeSoto has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim, identified as Charles Black, was found lying in Main Street directly in front of the McDavid Post Office about 8:40 p.m. on February 18 suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was just a few feet away from the driver’s door of his Chevrolet SUV, which remained in the roadway.
After he was shot, Black was able to call 911 and tell dispatchers that DeSoto was the perpetrator, according to an arrest report. He was no longer able to speak to deputies after they arrived on scene. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to the nearby McDavid Fire Station before being airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to a Pensacola hospital where he later died.
Deputies received a tip that DeSoto had fled following the shooting to a residence in the 100 block of Highway 164, just west of Highway 29 and Driver Road, about a half mile from the shooting scene. Deputies searched the home and found nothing. ECSO said the homeowner said she was allowing DeSoto to stay in a room inside the house, but she had not seen him since earlier that afternoon. She told deputies that she had been advised by her daughter that she heard gunshots from down the road, but she did not see DeSoto after that.
DeSoto was taken into custody outside the home.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Breaks Ground On New Stadium
February 12, 2026
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.
University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement.
“We are celebrating a milestone that represents not just the start of construction, but the continuation of an extraordinary journey that began long before I arrived here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “The Darrell Gooden Stadium represents an important step forward for the University of West Florida, creating a place where students, alumni and the community can come together around shared traditions and feel proud to be Argonauts. I would like to thank the Tourist Development Council, the Gooden family and our generous donors for their long-term commitment to the growth and future of UWF.”
Designed to expand seating capacity from approximately 3,800 to 7,500, the new stadium will include premium seating, club areas and suites, along with modern amenities that enhance the game-day experience and allow the facility to host a wide range of events beyond football.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative era for Argonaut Athletics, providing our student-athletes with a championship-caliber home that matches their dedication on the field and ‘builds champions for life,’” said UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “By bringing football and major events directly to the heart of our campus, we are creating an unmatched game-day environment that will strengthen the bond between our University and the entire Pensacola community for generations to come.”
The stadium is funded through a combination of institutional investment and donor support, including a lead gift in excess of $9 million that secured the facility’s name. The project also received a $2 million grant from Escambia County’s Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax, recognizing the stadium’s impact on tourism and economic activity.
“The stadium is a whole new game changer, and I think it will really change the program for the betterment of the University,” Gooden said. “I’m just blessed and proud, and I feel very honored that the stadium is going to be named after me. I think that’s just a great honor, and I’m really excited to see this thing move forward and get the new stadium done.”
The first kickoff at Darrell Gooden Stadium is planned for Fall of 2027. Construction on Darrell Gooden Stadium will continue while the Argos compete during the 2026 season. As part of the phased development, a new state-of-the-art LED video board — measuring 85 feet wide by 30 feet tall — will be installed in the end zone opposite the Darrell Gooden Center and will be in place for the 2026 season. The video board will enhance the game-day experience for fans while supporting future media, marketing and community event opportunities as the stadium project moves toward full completion.
“This stadium changes what’s possible for our program,” said Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles. “It enhances recruiting, allows us to attract quality opponents, and gives our student-athletes a first-class environment that reflects the direction of UWF Athletics. Most importantly, it gives our fans and community a place they can truly call home.”
Economic impact studies from the UWF Haas Center project substantial benefits from the new stadium. Over a five year period, the football program alone is expected to generate $23.3 million in economic output and contribute $8.7 million to Escambia County’s gross regional product, excluding construction costs. Historically, UWF Athletics has generated $248.6 million in total economic output over a five year period, while the University contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually.
