Ascend Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy; Local Site To Continue Normal Operations
April 21, 2025
Ascend Performance Materials on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
If approved, Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize its finances without the threat of creditors’ lawsuits. The reorganization plan must be accepted by a majority of its creditors.
The Pensacola Ascend plant on Old Chemstrand Road and rest of the company will continue to operate as usual during the process.
“Our site has been producing quality materials and providing stable, high-paying jobs in this community for over 70 years, and this restructuring agreement will provide a foundation for us to continue that legacy,” said Senior Site Director Kevin Heisel. “The products our Pensacola employees produce enable automobiles, appliances, electronics and a wide range of other important products to operate safely and efficiently and improve the lives of millions of people around the world each day. We are focused on continuing safe and reliable operations to manufacture these materials for our customers.”
The company has received a commitment for $250 million in debtor-in-possession financing from certain of its lenders, which is expected to provide the company with sufficient liquidity to support Ascend throughout the Chapter 11 process. Ascend aims to complete the process in approximately six months.
Ascend has filed a number of customary “first day” motions with the bankruptcy court seeking approval to support its operations during the Chapter 11 process, including paying employee wages, salaries and benefits without interruption. The company expects to receive approval of these motions in the coming days. Ascend intends to pay vendors and suppliers in full for goods and services provided on or after the filing date in accordance with the bankruptcy code.
“Ascend has made significant strides in transforming our business, with a focus on efficiency and driving cost reductions while ensuring that we are able to operate safer than we ever have before,” said Phil McDivitt, President and CEO of Ascend Performance Materials. “Over the last several months, we have been working with our lenders to define the best path forward for Ascend. The restructuring will substantially reduce Ascend’s debt and ensure that we are well-positioned to continue executing on our long-term strategy. We are confident that the Chapter 11 process will put us on a path to becoming an even stronger company with a healthier financial structure and better positioned to continue delivering high-performance materials that improve the lives of our customers.”
‘All Aboard!’ Soul Train Club Youth Center Opens Doors In Century
April 21, 2025
Pastor Evelyn Deterville stood in the doorway of a newly leased space in Century and tooted a wooden train whistle with a smile.
“Welcome, welcome to the Soul Train Club she said,” tooting the horn again. “Come on it, we are open for everybody.”
Deterville’s Extra Mile Club St8 Up nonprofit official opened the “Soul Train Club of Century” youth resource center Friday afternoon. It’s in a space in the Century Business Center on Pond Street — a space that was a classroom in a long-closed middle school. And with her Soul Train Club, it’s returning to its education roots.
For a photo gallery, click here.
As a non-profit, Deterville is leasing the space from the Town of Century for $75 a month.
“Welcome to the Soul Train Club. We are empowering youth, educating them about the wonderful town of Century and the foundation of the trains, as well as teaching them about morals, values different things like that, and then we’re also extending learning from school, teaching them how to help them with their reading their math, all the STEM programs by being engaged, so it’s a one-stop shop.”
With the help of volunteers and donations, she’s organized the classroom space into several functional areas. There’s a train table, serving STEM education and keeping the program on track. There’s a clothes closet (with the racks still on the way) with free new clothing from Walmart, an area for games, parent involvement and sometimes vendors. On Saturday, she had a Jamaican food vendor, and said she hopes to give children a taste of food from other cultures.
She is planning to take part in a summer youth feeding program and has backpacks ready for children to take a week’s worth of meals home at one time. And she’s looking to establish an American Heritage Girls Troop
Realizing transportation is a problem for children and youth in Century, Deterville is hoping to add a bus or other transportation to the program. She applied for an Escambia Children’s Trust CAREs microgrant but was rejected. Now, she’s in talks with Metro Rapid Transportation, her neighbor in the Century Business Center, about options.
Deterville describes herself as a life learner, always striving for knowledge and then sharing that knowledge with others. She recently hosted a free grant writing class for local nonprofits.
Plans call for the center to be open every weekday afternoon and Saturdays.
For more information on the Soul Train Club and how to involve youth or volunteer, call Deterville at (850) 480-9702. Volunteers will be required to complete a form and undergo a background check.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Beta Club Donates Hundreds Of Stuffed Animals To Escambia Sheriff’s Office
April 21, 2025
The Tate High School Beta Club recently donated hundreds of stuffed animals to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and ECSO victim advocates and deputies will keep these stuffed animals in their vehicles to comfort children in traumatic situations.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Easter Day Fire Destroys Camper, Damages Home Near Jay
April 21, 2025
An Easter day camper fire damaged a residence near Jay midday Sunday.
The fire was initially reported at 12:13 p.m. as only a vehicle fire in the 13000 block of Highway 89, just south of Jay High School. Additional information was received that a camper trailer was on fire and threatening an adjacent home.
The first units on scene reported that the camper was fully involved with fire spreading to the home. The fire was brought under control with some smoke and fire damage to the residence. The camper trailer was a total loss.
The Jay, Allentown, and Berrydale fire department responded, along with the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
There was no word on the cause of the fire, and no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECUA Reports 3,100 Gallon Sewage Spill Off Kingsfield In Gonzalez
April 21, 2025
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority reported a 3,100 gallon sewage leak on Hamilton Crossing Drive on Saturday.
At 10:36 Saturday morning, crews responded to a leaking sewer force main located near the sidewalk at 2026 Hamilton Crossing Drive, in the Hamilton Crossing subdivision off East Kingsfield Road. The flow entered a nearby storm drain, which travels to the north and behind the houses.
ECUA estimated the spill to be about 3,100 gallons, of which 400 gallons was recovered. ECUA initiated their clean procedures.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Advisories
April 21, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. 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. Side streets intersecting Garden Street will not be closed for more than five consecutive days.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and J Street.
- 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, April 20 through Thursday, April 247, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 8 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, Monday, April 21 through Thursday, April 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
-
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25, 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, April 20, 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, April 21 through Friday, April 25, from 7 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 7 a.m.
- A temporary shoulder closure adjacent to the outside U.S. 29 southbound on-ramp access to I-10 eastbound will occur on Thursday, April 24 between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. for guardrail repair work. Law enforcement will be on site.
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures west of U.S. 29 Monday, April 21 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia River – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures east of U.S. 29 Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 292 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Bayou Chico – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures south of U.S. 98 Thursday, April 24 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
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, April 20 through Thursday, April 24 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, April 20 through Thursday, April 24, 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.
- 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, April 20, through Friday, April 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Decline 11 Cents On Average
April 21, 2025
Florida gas prices declined 11 cents last week. The state average was $3.00 per gallon on Sunday. That’s the lowest daily average price since March 24.
Sunday’s state average is two cents less than a month ago, and 59 cents less than this time last year.
The average Sunday in Escambia County was $2.78, down a dime from a month ago. The lowest price Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.56 at stations on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.66 was available Sunday at multiple stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“An 11-cent drop may not turn heads, but every little bit adds up for drivers navigating the road and their budgets,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately, the downward trend may not continue much longer. Oil prices moved higher last week after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Iranian oil.”
Late Comeback Seals Road Series Win For Wahoos
April 21, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (11-4) clinched their third consecutive series win to open the 2025 season with a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Clingstones (6-8) on Sunday.
The Wahoos jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. A one-out Joe Mack single and a groundout placed a runner in scoring position for first baseman Nathan Martorella, who drove home Mack with a two-out hit to put Pensacola ahead 1-0.
The Clingstones answered back in each of their next two innings. Facing Wahoo starter Luis Palacios (ND), Columbus tied the game in the second inning when third baseman Keshawn Ogans drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk. Palacios escaped the jam without further trouble, but yielded another run in the third inning when Columbus right fielder Ethan Workinger singled home shortstop Cal Conley. After three innings of play, the Clingstones led 2-1.
Pensacola failed to answer in the middle innings against Columbus starter Blake Burkhalter (ND), who did not allow a baserunner over his final three innings. The Clingstones’ bullpen continued to keep the Wahoos in check into the seventh inning, when catcher Sam Praytor’s two-out walk snapped a streak of 17 consecutive batters retired by the Columbus pitching staff.
Trailing 2-1 in the eighth inning, the Blue Wahoo bats finally came to life. Facing righthander Jorge Juan (L, 0-1), center fielder Mark Coley II and Joe Mack each drew walks to put two aboard with nobody out. Second baseman Jared Serna then hit a 3-0 pitch into right field, scoring Coley from second before Ethan Workinger’s error allowed Mack to score from first. After a pitching change, Pensacola tacked on another run when Serna’s steal attempt of second provoked an errant throw by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski. The second Clingstones’ error of the inning allowed Serna to score and give the Wahoos a 4-2 lead heading to the bottom of the eighth.
In the bottom of the eighth, Columbus pulled closer when first baseman Drew Compton doubled home Cal Conley against Pensacola righthander Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (W, 1-0). The Wahoos responded with an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Mark Coley’s RBI single scored left fielder Dalvy Rosario from second. Righthander Josh Ekness (SV, 2) entered for the bottom of the ninth and closed out a 5-3 Pensacola victory.
The series win marks the first-ever series victory for Pensacola over Columbus and the first road series win for the Blue Wahoos in 2025.
The Blue Wahoos return to Pensacola on Tuesday, April 22 to begin a six-game series with the Knoxville Smokies. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is schedule for 6:05 p.m.
Aggie Cheerleaders ‘Egg’ Yards Across North Escambia For Easter
April 20, 2025
Kids across North Escambia found eggs hidden in their yards Easter morning with the help of the Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders.
Tate Cheer held an “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. For donations starting at $20, the cheerleaders hid pre-filled eggs Saturday night in yards north of Nine Mile Road. Proceeds will benefit the Tate cheer program.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Kristin Maum Places Second In Quarterfinals For ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’
April 20, 2025
A Tate High School teacher paced second in the quarterfinals of the “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest by the national magazine Reader’s Digest.
We first told you about Kristin Maum last week.
On other Escambia County teacher, Emerald Barton, advanced to the semi-finals. She is a kindergarten teacher at Navy Pointe Elementary.
About Kristin Maum
Maum admits she was a terrible student back when she was in school.
“I didn’t do my homework, I slept through class, but I was never disrespectful to my teachers—I just found school to be boring,” she said. “I decided to become a teacher so that no other students felt the way I did. I want students to love learning so much that they become lifelong learners. What inspires me most as an educator is the belief that every child can learn and deserves to feel known, valued, and inspired.”
“I love getting to work with kids on a daily basis—helping them fall in love with learning. In my class, we do whatever it takes to learn,” she said.
The Reader’s Digest contest will award the winner $25,000 and a trip to Hawaii. And if had won, Tate High would have received a school assembly from Bill Nye the Science Guy.
She had planned to use the $25,000 to pay off about $18,000 in medical debt that accumulated after she was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 and began treatment. The remainder of the money she hoped would to go toward her son’s college tuition. He will be a freshman in the fall.