Man Charged With Homicide After Victim Found Stabbed In Ensley Home
April 23, 2025
A 34-year-old Escambia County man is charged with homicide after allegedly stabbing a man in the neck at an Ensley home.
Kyle Alexander Miller, 34, remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond after being arrested Monday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1200 block of Barmel Street off Fowler Avenue for a welfare check. When they arrived, they found a man that had been deceased for several days in the master bedroom. According to an arrest report, the homicide was believed to happen on our about April 9.
An autopsy determined the man died after being stabbed twice in the neck. Miller was then developed as a suspect; investigators believe Miller was the victim’s roommate at the time.
Northview Tops Tate Varsity 9-4; Tate JV Shuts Out NHS (With Gallery)
April 23, 2025
Northview 9, Tate 4
The Northview Lady Chiefs ended their regular season with a 9-4 win over the Tate Aggies Tuesday night in Bratt.
Mikayla McAnally earned the win with a complete game with seven innings in the circle. She gave up eight hits and four runs while walking three and striking out eight. Jordan Smith opened for Tate, giving up four hits and six runs (two earned) in five and one-third innings while striking out four and walking five. Peyton Womack closed in two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits while striking out one and walking three.
Kylee Langham slammed a home run to center field to the put the Chiefs on the board in the bottom of the first. Riley Brooks, Mikayla McAnally, and Daviona Randolph each had two hits for the Chiefs. Mikayla McAnally, Jamison Gilman, and Langham each had two RBIs.
Kaylie Mitchell went 1-for-4 at the plate for the Aggies with two RBIs.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Up next for the Chiefs is the district tournament, with a schedule to be announced.
In their final regular season game, the varsity Lady Aggies will host Escambia at 5:30 Wednesday. It’s youth night…kids wearing their team jersey will be admitted at no charge and receive free hotdogs, chips, and a drink from the concession stand (first come, first serve). A few local youth softball teams will be highlighted beginning at 5 p.m.
Tate 15, Northview 0 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies shut out Northview 15-0 on Tuesday.
Sarah Mitchell earned the win for Tate, giving up one hit and no runs in three innings, walking two and striking out seven.
Mitchell went 3-3 at the plate. Aubree Gorum and Gracyn Campbell each had three RBIs for Tate.
The game closed the season for the JV Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Broadcasters Recognized Dave Hoxeng, Owner Of Cat Country, Other Local Stations
April 23, 2025
The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has announced Dave Hoxeng as the 2025 recipient of FAB’s prestigious William J. Brooks Award. Established in 1988, this award honors legendary Florida broadcasters whose exceptional service and dedication set a standard of excellence in the industry. Presented annually, the award celebrates individuals who embody the high ideals exemplified by its namesake, William J. Brooks.
FAB said Dave Hoxeng, owner of ADX Communications, has profoundly influenced the radio landscape of Northwest Florida through an unwavering commitment to local content, community service, and broadcast excellence. Since launching Cat Country 98.7 (WYCT-FM) in 2003, Dave and his wife Mary have grown their media presence to include NewsRadio 92.3/AM 1620 (WNRP), ESPN Pensacola 1330/99.1 (WEBY), and Pensacola’s Playlist 94.5. These locally owned and operated stations serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with a dynamic mix of music, news, sports, and talk programming.
Hoxeng’s dedication to local broadcasting has been central to the stations’ success and national recognition. Cat Country 98.7 was named the 2024 CMA Radio Station of the Year, adding to previous wins in 2017 and 2019. The station has also earned multiple honors from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and has been recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with the NAB Crystal Radio Award and the NAB Service to America Award for outstanding community service.
Beyond the airwaves, the Hoxengs are deeply rooted in the local community. They established the Dave and Mary Hoxeng Endowed Scholarship at Pensacola State College to support aspiring journalism students. Their commitment to ethical leadership and civic engagement has also been recognized with awards such as the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and the PACE Award for Spirit of Pensacola.
“These honors and accolades reflect Dave’s dedication to the industry and the impact his stations have on the communities they serve,” said Pat Roberts, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. “He is a pillar of our industry, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
The William J. Brooks Award will be presented at the Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Annual Luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at The Breakers Palm Beach, as part of the FAB’s Annual Convention.
Blue Wahoos Miss Opportunities, Fall 2-1 To Smokies
April 23, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Producing two-out, run-scoring hits has been a staple of the Blue Wahoos’ early-season success.
They could not buy one Tuesday. It cost them a game.
The Knoxville Smokies broke a tie game without a hit in the eighth inning and held on for a 2-1 victory against the Blue Wahoos to begin a series that matched the Southern League division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It became a frustrating night for the Blue Wahoos. They had runners in scoring position in five of the final six innings, but could not get a clutch hit. They were 1-for-9 in the game in that scenario.
A crowd of 3,568 on Doggone Tuesday with one-price tickets, witnessed a game with solid defensive plays on both sides. The Blue Wahoos turned a double play with the bases loaded to thwart the Smokies in the fifth. Left fielder Mark Coley II made an inning-ending, diving catch an inning later to prevent extra bases and potentially a run.
The Smokies picked off the Blue Wahoos’ Kemp Alderman in the fourth inning and had first baseman B.J. Murray Jr. make a terrific diving stop on a ball scorched off the bat by Nathan Martorella in the eighth. The next Blue Wahoos batter, Coley II, hit a double that would have tied the game.
Three Blue Wahoos pitchers had solid outings adversely affected by a combined eight walks. Two of those walks led to Smokies runs.
The Blue Wahoos started well, getting a first-innning run when Jared Serna reached on a single, moved over on a fielder’s choice and scored on Alderman’s single.
Knoxville tied the game in the second inning when Parker Chavers walked and eventually scored when Hayden Cantrell – a former Blue Wahoos player – delivered a two out single.
Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller worked the first four innings, giving up three hits, but issuing five walks. Reliever Justin King pitched out of a bases loaded, no-out jam that he inherited from Miller in the fifth inning.
Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor, now the team’s No. 1 catcher with Joe Mack elevated Monday to Triple-A Jacksonville, reached base twice in the game. His frustration boiled in the ninth when he was called out on a third strike call, then was ejected when yelling at the home plate umpire.
It was among 10 strikeouts for the Blue Wahoos in the game. Coley II had two of the Blue Wahoos’ six hits.
The teams will continue the six-game series Wednesday in a matchup of each team’s top-rated pitcher. Robby Snelling (2-0. 2.20 ERA) makes his fourth start for the Blue Wahoos against Knoxville’s Will Sanders (0-1, 4.05 ERA).
GAME NOTABLES
— Joe Mack quickly made an impact in his Triple-A debut Tuesday with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. After the Blue Wahoos catcher was called up Monday to replace Augustin Ramirez, who made his MLB debut Monday with the Miami Marlins, he was in Jacksonville’s starting lineup.
Batting fourth, he reached on an error, walked and scored a run in four plate appearances. Also joining Jacksonville on Monday was Blue Wahoos second baseman Harrison Spohn, who did not play Tuesday. The Jumbo Shrimp (16-6) defeated the Gwinnett Stripers to extend their first place lead in the International League East Division.
— Three area teachers were honored before the game and threw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Knoxville Smokies vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday.
GAME TIMES: Wednesday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
TDC Recommends $25 Million For Upgrades At John R. Jones Complex, Including Artificial Turf
April 22, 2025
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has approved a $25 million allocation for upgrades, including artificial turf, for the John R. Jones complex on East Nine Mile Road with a focus on sports tourism.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners must give final approval to funding the project, and the dollar figure could change.
“I am under the impression that there is a lot of momentum behind this from the board,” said Ashlee Hofberger, TDC board member and Escambia County District 4 commissioner. “Obviously I am only one of five, but I think a lot of people are excited about this. It’s just a question of how we balance the spending with the (Pensacola) Bay Center spending. Just knowing that all of that has to come from the same pot, one of those projects is going to have to be scaled back to some degree.”
Last year, the TDC approved $90 million on for significant upgrades and enhancements at the Pensacola Bay Center and to construct a new indoor sports facility at Ashton Brosnaham Park in District 5. The BOCC has or moved forward on Ashton Brosnaham and has considered four concept designs ranging from $22 to$104 million for just the Bay Center.
The TDC’s vote recently to recommend $25 million for John R. Jones was 5-3. With the Bay Center cost weighing into the decision on a negative vote for at least one TDC member. Charles Bare, who also serves on the Pensacola City Council. said he wanted to wait and see what the final price tag for Bay Center upgrades will be.
“It’s not because I don’t support youth sports,” Bare said at the TDC meeting. “I think without having a clear picture of where we are going with the Bay Center right now, that’s just more critical to the city at this point, not that city residents won’t enjoy what’s happening up there at this particular facility, but it is more focused on the county at large. I just want to make sure there’s plenty of funding there to do whatever we are going to do at the Bay Center.”
“I love the thought of us hosting the softball, baseball, and lacrosse tournaments so many of our families are currently traveling to play in tournaments,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said Monday afternoon. “Also, the thought of all those teams coming to our community in the future, staying here and spending money at our local businesses should benefit all Escambia citizens. That’s something that should make everyone smile.”
In September 2024. the TDC recommended an indoor sports facility costing up to $60 million for Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and about $30 million in upgrades for the Pensacola Bay Center.
Barry said Monday that the Ashton Brosnaham project “isn’t currently moving forward”.
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 would 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 would 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 would 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 aid a conversion to article turf fields, would 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
“We strongly believe these improvements will provide significant benefits not only to the park itself but also to Escambia County and the surrounding communities,” said John Buck, NEP president. “One of the most impactful upgrades being discussed is the transition to turf fields. By making this change, NEP Ballpark would become a premier facility capable of attracting multiple softball and baseball tournaments from surrounding areas—not only at a local and regional level but also on a national scale. These events would bring in teams, families, and spectators, providing a major boost to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants while further establishing Pensacola as a top destination for youth and amateur sports.”
New Ladder Truck Now In Service At ECFR’s Ensley Fire Station
April 22, 2025
A new Escambia County Fire Rescue ladder truck went into service on Monday in Ensley.
The new Ladder 6 is at Station 6 on Highway 29, which is known as “The Big House”, the busiest fire station in Escambia County.
The new truck will provide call relief for Engine 6 in addition to providing a staffed aerial truck to respond in north and central Escambia County.
Station 6 in Ensley is now home to Ladder 6, Engine 6, Hazmat 6 at a battalion chief. Every firefighter assigned to the station is a certified hazardous material technician. Station 6 was the busiest fire company in Escambia County last year, running about 2,500 calls including over 100 fires.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students, Employee Of The Month
April 22, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their employee and student of the month for March. (L-R) Pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger are students Camden Miller, eighth grade; Brooklynne Fountain, seventh grade; Hadley Weaver, sixth grade; and Michelle Thomas, science teacher. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Julie Luker Named Byrneville Elementary School Teacher Of The Year
April 22, 2025
Byrneville Elementary School on Monday named third grade teacher Julie Luker as their 2025 Teacher of the Year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Senior Jamison Gilman Awarded Florida Sheriff’s Association Scholarship
April 22, 2025
Northview High School senior Jamison Gilman, the daughter of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Senior Deputy James Gilman and Donan Gilman, has received a Florida Sheriff’s Association scholarship.
The program awards $2,000 each year to ten deserving children of full-time employees in sheriff’s offices across Florida. She is the first student from Escambia County to receive the scholarship.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click toe enlarge.
Ice Flyers Begin Search For New Head And Assistant Coaches Ahead Of Next Season
April 22, 2025
Pensacola Ice Flyers Owner Greg Harris has announced the launch of a formal search for a new head coach and assistant coach to lead the team into the 2025-26 SPHL season. The decision comes after a stretch of seasons that fell short of expectations, and Harris is now focused on ushering in a new era of Ice Flyers hockey.
“Over the past few years, we haven’t had the on-ice success this organization, our fans and I expect,” said Harris. “As owner, it’s my responsibility to make decisions that position us for long-term success, and that starts with bringing in the right leadership behind the bench. We’ve broken franchise attendance records the last three seasons. It’s time we have a top ranked team to match the off-ice success.”
Harris has received numerous coaching resumes since Gary Graham was relieved of his duties in February, which led to bringing back three-time SPHL championship coach Rod Aldoff as an interim head coach to finish the season. His coaching search will now be expanded and conducted immediately, with interviews beginning in the coming weeks. Harris noted that while wins are a major priority, cultural alignment is non-negotiable.
“We’re not just looking for Xs and Os,” Harris added. “We’re looking for coaches who understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Our fans, our partners, our community, they deserve a team that reflects their pride, energy and commitment to success, both on and off the ice. Our next head coach and assistant coach will be strong leaders, be good communicators, bring in players who represent everything defined by wearing the Ice Flyers shield, and be committed to building a winning culture the right way, from the locker room to the community. A coach does this, on-ice success will be sure to follow,” Harris said.
Harris anticipates a high volume of interest from qualified candidates across the hockey world and is looking forward to connecting with top-tier coaches who are eager to help shape the next chapter of Ice Flyers hockey.
“With the reputation of this organization and the passion of our fanbase, I expect we’ll receive a wide range of impressive resumes,” said Harris. “We’re excited to engage with the best of the best and find the right fit for where we’re headed. My goal is to move through this process efficiently and make a decision that sets us up for both immediate and long-term success.”