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.
Ensley Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty For Denying Care For Her Dog
May 3, 2025
An Ensley woman has been charged with animal cruelty for failing to seek care for her dog, “causing the excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering to her animal,” according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Her Yorkshire Terrier named Prissy was later euthanized by authorities.
Pamela Michelle Miller, 58, of West Ensley Street, was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty. She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $100,000.
Veterinary staff at the Davis Animal Hospital reported that Prissy was brought in for a fur mat removal and nail trim but was found to be extremely lethargic and unresponsive. They observed that all four of the dog’s limbs were severely matted close to the skin, emitting a “horrendous odor,” and noted active bleeding on one paw.
Despite the veterinarian strongly recommending humane euthanasia due to the animal’s condition, Miller reportedly declined, stating, “You are not going to kill her,” and requested a treatment plan, according to an arrest report. Staff proceeded with debriding a leg and trimming nails, a process requiring multiple sedations due to the dog’s pain.
After removing a large mass of matted fur, staff informed Miller that Prissy’s leg was infected and necrotic. The Sheriff’s Office said the veterinarian again suggested euthanasia and even offered amputation of the leg at no cost, but Miller declined, reportedly stating, “I am too stressed, and this is too much for me,” and “I don’t care about that. My dog needs all her legs.”
Deputies said Miller signed an Against Medical Advice release form, acknowledging potential complications, suffering, and even death by removing her pet from optimal care. She reportedly told staff she was a nurse and could perform bandage changes herself, despite veterinary advice against it.
Veterinary staff attempted to schedule a follow-up appointment for April 8, 2025, but Miller did not answer phone calls or show up. On April 10, 2025, veterinary staff contacted Sgt. M. Roberson of Animal Welfare to report the suspected cruelty.
Later that day, an Animal Welfare officer visited Miller’s residence. She observed Prissy lying down and appearing unresponsive. When the officer picked the dog up, it howled loudly and could not hold its head up. They noted a dirty bandage on the dog’s left front leg with blood seeping through and were told by Miller that she had not changed it, the report states.
Due to concerns for Prissy’s safety and welfare, Sgt. Roberson removed the animal from the home. At the shelter, staff documented injuries including scabs on all four limbs and head, missing digits on a back paw (appearing to be an old, healed injury), a healed cut on an ear, and the severely injured left front leg. Prissy was unable to stand on her own and had a poor body condition score.
Due to the severity of the injuries, prognosis, and poor quality of life, humane euthanasia was elected for Prissy.
Lane Closures Planned For Beulah Road; Part of $4.4 Million Resurfacing Project
May 3, 2025
The Florida Department of Transportation says drivers will encounter lane closures on a portion of Beulah Road for the next several days.
The intermittent will be in the construction zone between Nine Mile Road and Mobile Highway from Sunday, May 4 through Thursday May 8 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving and milling operations.
Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road.
The work is part of a $4.4 million resurfacing project on Beulah Road from Mobile Highway to Issacs Lane.
The project will include
- Constructing a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side of Beulah Road from the Beulah Academy of Science to Nine Mile Road.
- Various sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, including Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
- Improvements at the Beulah Road at Nine Mile Road intersection.
- Stormwater management enhancements.
- Utility relocations.
- Guardrail installation.
- Signalization upgrades.
- New signing and pavement markings.
Additionally, drainage construction will require an 18-day closure with a detour on Beulah Road at the Beulah Church Road intersection. This closure is slated to occur during the summer months. Traffic will be detoured to Rebel Road between Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
FDOT anticipates that the project will be complete in late 2026.
Blue Wahoos, Barons Postponed in Birmingham
May 3, 2025
Friday’s scheduled game at Regions Field between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, with two seven-inning games beginning at 4:30 p.m. CT. Game two of the twin bill will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Weather Cancellation: Sawmill Day In Century Rescheduled For June
May 2, 2025
The Alger Sullivan Historical Society has canceled the 35th Anniversary Sawmill Festival in Century for Saturday, May 3 due to weather. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 7.
Vendor spaces are available for $20. Those interested can contact Christina at (850) 377-6752. Vehicle enthusiasts can register bikes for $15 and classic cars for $25.
The free event will be held in the historic district at the corner of 4th Street and Jefferson Avenue.
Pictured: Sawmill Day in 2024. NorthEscambia.comp photos, click to enlarge.
Commission Approves In $25 Million In Tourist Dollars To Upgrade John R. Jones Complex, Including Artificial Turf
May 2, 2025
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday night unanimously approved an Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommendation to allocate $25 million for upgrades, including artificial turf, for the John R. Jones complex on East Nine Mile Road with a focus on sports tourism.
The TDC approved the recommendation at their April 15 meeting and forwarded it to the commission for necessary final approval.
The county will move forward with obtained a bank loan for $25 million to be repaid with TDT funding. The annual debt service is estimated to range from $2.1 to $3.3 million with payments coming from tourism tax revenues, not the county’s general fund.
John R. Jones Complex
The John R. Jones complex currently has 18 baseball and softball fields, plus two rectangular multi-use fields for sports such as football, lacrosse, soccer, cheerleading and more.
Over $2 million in LED lighting improvements were made last year at the park.
According to the proposal, the new facility will attract hundreds of teams, players and fans for tournaments and be competitive with similar facilities in nearby communities such as Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Daphne and more.
There are 23 hotel properties within seven miles, and it is about 15 minutes from the Pensacola International Airport.
The Nine Mile Road facility will have the capacity to host 39 weekend tournaments plus 12 full week tournaments during the summer, creating over $2.3 million in revenue subject to the tourist development tax.
Breaking Down The $25 Million
The $25 million will fund:
- $20 million – Artificial turf for 20 Fields
- Approx. $1 million per field
- 18 multi-dimensional diamond fields,
- Plus, two rectangular multi-use fields
- $500,000 – Landscaping & Common Areas
- Flower beds and aesthetic landscaping
- $1.2 million – Sidewalks & Parking Upgrades
- Entryway and sidewalk connectivity
- $1 million – Fence, Shade & Dugout Work
- Overall fence work, shade areas & dugout upgrades
- $1.5 million – Concessions & Building Upgrades
- Remodeling and upgrading buildings.
- Miscellaneous Expenses – $400,000
- Various Aesthetic Upgrades
- Design – Permits or Consulting Fees – $400,000
- Potential fees for design or consulting
Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said a conversion to article turf fields will also eliminate the need and expense of fertilizers, pesticides, water, and mowing.
Stakeholder Support
The project has received letters of support from key stakeholders, including:
- NEP Baseball
- 2D Sports
- USSSA
- USFA
- UWF
- PSC
- Home2 Suite – Davis Hwy.
- Courtyard West Pensacola
- Zen Hospitality
- Escambia County Destination Marketing Organization
Northview Lady Chiefs Beat Jay To Claim Rural District 1 Championship (With Gallery)
May 2, 2025
It’s been a long time coming.
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat the Jay Royals 9-1 on Thursday night to win the Rural District 1 championship — the Lady Chiefs first district championship since 2019.
The Chiefs blasted ahead in the top of the second inning with a two-run home run from Bailey Burkette, and RBI single from Jamison Gilman and a two-run single from Addysen Bolen.
Sophomore Mikayla McAnally pitched a complete game for Northview, striking out 17 while allowing one earned run on three hits.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Gilman, Burkette and Kylee Langham each went 2-4 while Riley Brooks went 2-3.
“I have a very young team. We have one senior and one junior, the rest ninth and tenth graders,” head coach Amy Holland said. “We have a strong team still. They’ve worked so hard, and this means a lot to them. And they told us from the beginning, they’re going to get it done, and they’ve worked really hard and here we are 9-1. That’s a great win tonight over the first-place team in our area.”
Holland said McAnally, who had three of her 17 strikeouts in the last inning, didn’t play like a sophomore.
“She’s a very hard worker,” she said, “just seeing her from last year to this year. Wow. We threw Jamison (as pitcher) on the Paxton game. Of course, you’ve got to win that game to get to this game. And so, I asked Mikayla, I said, ‘Mikayla, can you do it?’ And she said, ‘I can do it, coach.’ And before she came out there before the game, she said, ‘I’ve got this.’ So, hats off to her for a great job.”
Holland said she’s looking forward to bringing a regional playoff game to Bratt. Northview will likely face Chipley next Thursday night.
“It’s going to be great to be able just to play that first playoff game back a Northview and have all of our fans there and not have to travel so far down. It’s a great opportunity for our community.”
“It took four years to get here, and we finally did it,” Gilman, Northview’s only senior, said after the game. “It’s definitely a good feeling to be on top 9-1 too. That’s a big deal to win by that much in a championship.”
“We are ready. This is the start of our season where we keep going. We are going to state. We’ve got it this year,” McAnally said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 2, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School has named their April Students of the Month. They are Grayson Cannon and Leena Abu Alloush. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bree Wiggins Named Tate Rodeo Queen; Rodeo Is Friday, Saturday Nights
May 2, 2025
Bree Wiggins has been named the 2025 Tate FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo queen. She is a freshman is Tate High School.
First runner-up was Annoelynn Lawson. Other contestants were Autumn Heist, Aubree Burke and Makayla Godwin.
The Tate FFA Alumni Rodeo will take place Friday and Saturday nights at the Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway. The arena is covered and will take place rain or shine. Event time is 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available on GoFan.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
