Escambia County Program That Provides Bus Or Plane Tickets To Get Homeless Out Reaches Milestone
May 5, 2025
Escambia County’s Real Change Project Reconnect Program is celebrating a milestone of helping 150 individuals, including five children, reunite with their family, friends, or other support networks through free transportation assistance.
Real Change Project Reconnect was launched in February 2024, with a goal of reducing homelessness in Escambia County. The program offers resources and assistance for individuals travel to locations where they have a better support system to help them get back on their feet.
The program is funded by Escambia County and facilitated by Ministry Village at Olive, Inc. Through Project Reconnect, eligible individuals and families are provided with a bus or plane ticket to their chosen destination, provided they can demonstrate that family, a job, or support network is in place for them.
Approximately $31,130 of the $53,527 allocated for the program has been spent for the 150 individuals who have received assistance so far. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners approved an increase in funding for the program from $30,000 to $53,527, providing even more opportunities to help individuals seeking assistance.
Escambia County Governmental Liaison Liz Kissel, who manages the program for the county, said she’s excited about using the additional funding to continue helping individuals who are looking for an opportunity to improve their circumstances.
“This program is truly changing lives for the better,” Kissel said. “We are hearing so many heartwarming stories of people being reunited with their families, giving them a chance for a fresh start with the support of their loved ones. Thank you to Ministry Village for their continued partnership and dedication to helping those in need in our community – this wouldn’t be possible without their support. I look forward to continuing to help individuals experiencing homelessness in Escambia County through Project Reconnect along with our other Real Change programs.”
The following individuals and families may be eligible for Real Change Project Reconnect:
- Individuals and families seeking family reunification and housing with their family or other support system.
- Individuals and families who have identified employment and need only short-term social service support to facilitate their transition to the arrival community.
- Individuals and families who have affordable permanent housing or other shelter options awaiting them in a community where they have family or social supports.
This program is just one part of Escambia County’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness in the community, and the county is continuing to work with community partners to strategize additional solutions for those experiencing homelessness.
For more information about Project Reconnect and other Escambia County Real Change programs and resources, visit MyEscambia.com/realchange or email homelessness@myescambia.com.
Man Shot Early Sunday Morning In Beulah
May 4, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting in Beulah.
It happened just around 1:05 a.m. in the 9600 block of Rebel Road, just north of Nine Mile Road and Beulah Middle School.
Daniel Michael Sonier, 35, was charged with felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older and felony criminal mischief with property damage.
Deputies said Sonier was attacking an elderly couple when he was shot by the male in self-defense. The victims and Sonier were known to one another, and the incident is being investigated as a domestic violence incident.
He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He was booked into custody remotely from the hospital about 6:20 a.m. He is being held without bond.
The elderly couple was not injured. Sonier’s relationship with the elderly couple has not been detailed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Tate High School Hosts Military Signing Day To Honor Student Enlistees
May 4, 2025
Tate High School recently held its first-ever Military Signing Day—an event mirroring traditional athletic scholarship signings, but honoring students who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
In a ceremony filled with pride and patriotism, six students were recognized for their commitment to military service following graduation. Each student signed enlistment documents in front of classmates, teachers, and proud family members.
The honored enlistees included:
- Jayce Latzer – Army Reserves
- Zachary Colston – Army Active Duty
- Ryan Gates – Army Active Duty
- Conner Houchens – Army Active Duty
- Jaida Goodyear – United States Marine Corps
- Phoenix Myrick – United States Marine Corps
Tate High commended these young men and women “for their courage, commitment, and service to our nation”.
Photos by Tate High School Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
May 4, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane - Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, May 4, drivers may encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- Signage will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing, from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, May 4, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, May 4 through Friday, May 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, May 4, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- The U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp will be temporarily shortened Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reduced turn-lane length is required for daytime construction activities and will reopen nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, May 4 through Thursday, May 8, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, May 4, through Friday, May 9, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations near Catamaran Drive – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 5 through Thursday, May 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: Noise wall construction and preparation are underway for the I-10 at U.S. 29 interchange project in Escambia County. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Masonic Lodge Honors Ernest Ward, Northview Teachers
May 4, 2025
Century Masonic Lodge #213 recently honored two local teachers for their contributions to the community as educators.
Megan Bryan of Ernest Ward Middle School and David Amerson of Northview High School were chosen this year and were each presented with a monetary contribution and Grand Lodge certificate.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century To Hold Second Public Hearing On Grant Application Projects
May 4, 2025
The Century Town Council will hold a second public hearing this week on several projects that have been identified for a potential grant funding application.
The public hearing will be held at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday at Century Town Hall.
The town plans to apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Florida Commerce, focusing on three requests:
- design for potential resurfacing of three streets
- construction of the Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue
- a minor home repair program
The street portion of the request would be design only in anticipation of potential paving at a later date for Barnwell Lane, Cedar Street, and both East and West Cottage streets.
The minor home repair program would provide home repairs to address structural code enforcement issues and access issues such as ramps that would allow low or moderate income individuals to remain in their homes for a longer period of time. The town will determine later if roofing repairs or upgrades might be included.
If awarded, grant funds would construct a new Carver Community Center (pictured) on Jefferson Avenue. The town previously received a $3.255 million state grant for a community center on Jefferson Avenue, but most of the funds were clawed back by the state. The town was able to use $514,650 to pay for the engineering, architectural and grant administer expenses that left the town with no building but a complete set of shovel-ready drawings.
The potential dollar figures for the grants is not yet known.
Three members of the public and a council member elect attended the first public hearing and offered input on the potential projects.
NorthEscambia.com photo/images, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Girls Win County Track Championship
May 4, 2025
The Ransom Middle School girls track team won the 2025 Escambia County Middle School championship. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Laskey Leads Wahoos To Twin Bill Split With Barons
May 4, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos played their first doubleheader of the season on Saturday night, falling 4-0 to the Birmingham Barons in game one but rallying late to take the nightcap by a 4-1 final.
Game one, originally scheduled for 4:30, was delayed past 6:00 due to the same persistent weather threats that forced a postponement on Friday. Once the game began, the Blue Wahoos managed only two singles as the Barons pitching staff worked a combined seven-inning shutout.
Birmingham scored two runs in the second inning against Pensacola starter Dax Fulton (L, 1-1), taking advantage of a dropped third strike that would have otherwise ended the frame. Adam Hackenberg and Jacob Burke each followed with RBI singles, putting the Barons up 2-0. A Jacob Gonzalez two-run double in the fifth doubled the home team advantage to 4-0.
Grant Taylor worked 3.0 scoreless innings in his start for the Barons, and Jake Palisch (W, 2-0) and Peyton Pallette worked the final four frames of the seven-inning game without allowing a Pensacola base hit.
In game two, the Blue Wahoos jumped ahead in the first inning with singles from Jared Serna and Jake Thompson before a Nathan Martorella sacrifice fly plated the game’s first run.
The Barons tied it up in the second with back-to-back two-out doubles from Gonzalez and Weston Eberly, but that would be the only damage against Blue Wahoos starter Adam Laskey (W, 2-0). The lefty worked 5.0 innings, keeping the game tied 1-1 until Pensacola took the lead for good in the sixth.
Martorella sparked a two-out rally in the sixth inning against Andrew Dalquist (L, 2-1), lining a single to right field. He was off on contact as Josh Zamora sent a pop fly into shallow center field, advancing to third base and then scoring on an errant throw back to the infield. Mark Coley II added an RBI single to score Zamora and provide more insurance.
Josh White protected the lead with a quiet sixth inning, and Dale Stanavich (S, 5) earned his Southern League-leading fifth save with a spotless seventh.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series on Sunday against the Barons. First pitch from Regions Field is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Lady Aggies Present Over $28K In Donations From Strike Out Cancer Game
May 3, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies softball team on Friday presented $28,989 in proceeds from this year’s Strike Out Cancer game to three charities.
The funds were divided equally, with checks of $9,663 each presented to:
- Keeping Abreast, which works to fight breast cancer
- The Baptist Foundation for their mammogram fund
- Rally Foundation, which fights childhood cancer
Since its inception, Tate Aggie softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer Game is approaching a quarter million dollars raised in the fight against cancer. The grand total stands at about $246,000.
“Personally, I believe it’s our obligation. Ours, not just to help one, but all. Not just breast cancer, ovarian cancer. There’re many different types. It’s our obligation,” Tate coach Melinda Wyatt said. “Because cancer is going to find us, whether it’s a friend, neighbor, family member or coworker. Don’t think it’s not going to affect you, because it will.”
Everything about the game is donated to cancer research. Admission is by donations. There are raffles, concession sales and auctions. During the April 4 game, a chocolate cake topped $200, and a one-of-kind handmade blanket made from 15 years of Aggie Classic t-shirts went for over $1,000. The Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies working the game donate their time. The umpires not only donate their time — they also bring thousands of dollars in donations.
For several years, the West Florida Jaguars have been the opposing team. But they are always on the same team in the fight against cancer, and Tate is quick to acknowledge that they have been a crucial part of the Aggies’ efforts. This year, the Lady Jags arrived with a check for $8,400.
The Lady Aggies enjoyed a 5-4 walk-off home run win.
For a photo gallery from the Strike Out Cancer game, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com and NorthEscambi.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Michele Salzman Collecting Hygiene Supplies For Elementary Students
May 3, 2025
State Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with the Krewe of Priscus, is accepting donations for an upcoming Summer Hygiene & Activity Giveaway for the students of Lincoln Park Elementary School.
This community initiative will benefit all 300 students enrolled at Lincoln Park by providing gift bags filled with essential hygiene items, snacks, and fun activities to help kick off a healthy and happy summer.
The following items are being collected:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Soap and body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hairbrushes and combs
- Hand sanitizer
- Shelf-stable snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.)
- Coloring books and crayons
- Deck of cars, deflated beach balls
- Other small kids’ activities
Donations will be accepted through May 12 at Salzman’s district office at 3212 South Highway 95A. To coordinate a drop-off, call (850) 207-5024 to coordinate with volunteers.