Wednesday: Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market In Molino
March 17, 2026
The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino on Wednesday with a variety of fresh produce.
Millie will be at the Molino Community Center (Molino Library) at 6450 North Highway 95A from noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
During the Molino visits, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices. Items available will include apples, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, onions, oranges, gold and sweet potatoes, lemons, and tomatoes.
Millie travels routes throughout Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Florida service area, addressing pockets of low food access (food deserts) where supermarkets are scarce, to provide community members the opportunity to buy affordable fresh produce and other nutritious foods at a significantly discounted rate. Feeding the Gulf Coast collaborates with local farmers to purchase produce when available specifically for the Millie Mobile Market.
Only debit or credit cards (including tap-to-pay) are accepted at Millie; no cash.
Pictured: A previous Millie Mobile Market visit at the Molino Library. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Member Of Outlaws Motorcycle Club Pleads Guilty To Federal Arson Charge
March 17, 2026
An Escambia County member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club has pleaded guilty in federal court to arson, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 42, pleaded guilty in federal court to the charge of arson by means of an explosive causing personal injury.
On February 15, 2025, during an altercation with a group of individuals associated with the Pagans Motorcycle Club in the parking lot of Emerald Coast Harley Davidson on Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach, Simonds set off an explosive that damaged the adjacent Jimmy John’s restaurant building and injured one of its employees, according to court documents.
Although the defendant drove away from the scene, Simonds was quickly identified and arrested by law enforcement. In his car, officers recovered four more explosive devices, two guns, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, and an Outlaws Motorcycle Club vest that the defendant had been identified wearing during the incident. During a subsequent search of his residence, federal agents seized additional explosive devices, explosive making material and equipment, and other evidence that the defendant was making and selling explosives.
Fire Destroys Large Barn In Molino (Gallery)
March 16, 2026
Fire destroyed a large barn in Molino on Sunday afternoon.
The approximately 2,400-square-foot barn was fully involved in fire shortly after the blaze was reported to Escambia County Fire Rescue around 3:30 p.m. on Sunshine Ride Court, off Sunshine Hill Road west of Highway 97.
The fire reportedly started when someone was working on equipment inside the barn. There were no injuries reported at the scene.
The barn was a total loss. The fire also damaged or destroyed horse trailers and other equipment.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Update: Man Completes Walk Across America From Top To Bottom
March 16, 2026
In early December, we introduced to Tim Hickle as he traveled through North Escambia on a quest to walk across America from north to south.
Sunday, Hickle texted NorthEscambia.com to say he has now made it to Key West — nine months, four days, 4,040 miles and 9.4 million steps later.
Our original story from December 2, 2025 (scroll down):
When Tim Hickle decided he would retire after 40 years as a buyer in the construction industry, his wife said he needed to find something to do. And he did.
Walking across America from north to south.
“So I went online and I searched the things to do when you retire, which is a horrible idea,” the 64-year-old said Monday afternoon on Pine Barren Road near McDavid.
“But I found this guy that walked Route 66 from Chicago to L.A. It was something I thought I could do. The more research I did, the more I found there were just hundreds and hundreds of people that go from coast to coast each year.”
He eventually settled on a north-south route from northern Minnesota, at the northernmost point of the U.S. at the Canadian border, to Key West, Florida. He retired in May and started his walk on June 8; he hopes to reach Key West by the end of February.
He’s made it over 180 days and 2,700 miles to North Escambia. He has about 900 miles to go.
He crossed into Florida on Sunday and spent Sunday night at Lake Stone near Century before hitting the road again. He planned to spend Monday night at the Bogia Boat Ramp on Bogia Road off Highway 29 before heading to the Molino Fire Station by Tuesday night.
As he walks, he pulls what he has nicknamed the “Copper Kettle”. It’s a simple camper cart he designed and built that carries his supplies and provides a place to sleep. The cart weighs about 120 pounds. “It has a memory foam mattress, sleeping bag, pillows,” he said. “Anything that needs to stay dry goes inside.”
Hickle is not walking to raise money or draw attention to any cause.
“It’s just a personal goal to walk from the far north in the Lower 48 to the far south in the Lower 48. There’s a lot to be said for downsizing to the point where everything I need fits into 22 square feet. I don’t mean to be anti-commercial or anything, but less is more for me.” Along the way, he recharges electrical items as he can, items like his phone and caution lights for the back of the camper.
Hickle is keeping in touch with his wife back home in Colorado as he walks, joining her when he can by phone or video—especially on Mondays when he helps her babysit their grandchild.
“We are about to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary,” he noted. He is going to miss that anniversary as he walks. One of the best parts of the walk, he said, is meeting people.
“I’m doing this at a walking pace so that I can have human interactions,” he said. “I can have a conversation with someone by the road that is getting the mail or mowing their grass. We are going to have some kind of interaction.”
“They are really the high points of his journey.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
It’s Spring Break – That Means The Annual Aggie Classic
March 16, 2026
It’s spring break, and that means it’s time for the 31st annual Harvesters Credit Union Aggie Classic with teams from four states facing off across Pensacola.
Tate, Washington, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Catholic, and Pace will take part in the tournament, as will W.S. Neal from East Brewton, Alabama. The remainder of the teams are from Tennessee and Oklahoma.
Daily tickets for adults are $10, or $35 for a weekly pass. For children (11 and under), daily tickets are $5, or $15 for a weekly pass. Ages 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the gate each day, with cash or card accepted.
Last year, the Tate Aggies fell in the championship game of the Aggie Classic 13-7 to the First Academy Royals of Orlando.
Monday, March 16
Tate High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Yukon, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Union, OK
Pace High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Bixby, OK
7:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Broken Arrow, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Catholic High School
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Claremore, OK
Tuesday, March 17
Tate High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Yukon, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Broken Arrow, OK
Pace High School
4:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Claremore, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Union, OK
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Bixby, OK
Catholic High School
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Wednesday, March 18
Tate High School
4:00 PM – WS Neal, AL vs Union, OK
7:00 PM – Tate, FL vs Claremore, OK
Pace High School
7:00 PM – Pace, FL vs Blanchard, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze, FL vs Yukon, OK
Catholic High School
4:00 PM – Christ Presbyterian, TN vs Broken Arrow, OK
7:00 PM – Catholic, FL vs Bixby, OK
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Surge 84 Cents In 12 Days, More Increases Possible
March 16, 2026
Florida gas prices continue to climb at the fastest pace in four years. Over the past 12 days, the state average rose 84 cents, adding about $12 to the cost of filling an average-sized gas tank. Sunday’s average reached 3.72 dollars per gallon, the highest daily average price since August 2023.
Compared to recent benchmarks, Sunday’s state average is 27 cents more than a week ago, 84 cents more than a month ago, and 61 cents more than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon on Sunday was below the state average at $3.48 — up from $3.12 a week ago and $2.74 a month ago.
Fuel markets have been extremely volatile since the conflict with Iran began. In the first week of the conflict, the US price of oil (WTI) rose 36 percent, an increase of $23.88 per barrel. This surge was driven by concerns about global supply disruptions and instability affecting major oil shipping routes.
Continued uncertainty pushed prices higher again late last week, lifting oil another $8 per barrel. Gasoline futures also climbed, increasing 29 cents last week and 96 cents over the past two weeks. These higher crude oil and wholesale gasoline costs are now steadily working their way down to retail prices in Florida. If crude oil prices remain elevated or increase further, pump prices in Florida could continue trending higher through the week.
“Even though fuel supplies in the United States remain steady and refineries continue to operate, higher crude and gasoline futures are lifting prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Florida drivers may see another round of price hikes in the coming days as stations adjust to rising wholesale costs. How high prices ultimately go, will depend on how long this conflict continues and whether there are further effects on global fuel supplies.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Critically Injured When Pickup Rolls, Hits Pole, Lands In Church Parking Lot
March 16, 2026
A 30-year-old Escambia County man was critically injured in an early Saturday morning crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the man was traveling west on Highway 90 near Bridget Lane when his Dodge Ram pickup left the roadway, rolled over, and collided with a utility pole just before 3:30 a.m. The pickup came to a stop in the parking lot of Transformation Church.
The driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
March 16, 2026
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:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, March 15 through Thursday, March 19, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, March 15 through Thursday, March 19, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, March 15, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, March 15, 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 north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, March 15:
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- 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. 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, March 15, through Friday, March 20, 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.
Back-to-Back: Tate Track Takes Top Spot At Battle By The Beach
March 16, 2026
For the second straight week, the Tate High School Girls’ Track and Field Team earned a first-place win.
The Aggies took the top spot in the Second Annual Battle by the Beach Spring Break Invitational hosted by Pine Forest High School on Saturday. A week ago, the Aggies won first place in the Wildcat Invitational.
For more photos from the meet, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Men’s Basketball Falls In NCAA Tournament First Round
March 16, 2026
West Florida (25-9, 15-7 Gulf South) fell to West Alabama (27-5, 19-3 Gulf South) with a final score of 53–58 on Saturday at Rick Case Arena in the NCAA South Regional Tournament. This game marked the fourth time the two teams have faced each other this season.
Despite the loss, this season concluded as one of the most successful in program history, with the Argonauts achieving the second most wins in a season at 25-9. The season also featured one of the biggest turnarounds in school history, as the team had won only 16 total games in the last two seasons. Additionally, UWF claimed their second Gulf South Conference championship this season.
West Florida’s defense recorded eight steals, contributing to a tense game with 12 ties throughout the contest. The first half began with West Alabama taking an early lead, thanks to free throws by Elliot Tulip, putting the score at 3-0. West Florida quickly responded with a jumper from Aric Demings and a 3-pointer by Elijah Wyche, assisted by Demings, to edge ahead 5-3 at the 16:26 mark. The game remained closely contested with both teams exchanging leads, highlighted by a 3-pointer from the Argonauts’ Christian Monroe at 9:51, bringing the score to 14-11. As the half drew to a close, both teams were tied 29–29 after a late driving layup by Christian Valarezo with 36 seconds remaining.
West Alabama pulled away in the second half to secure the five-point victory over the Argonauts. Rasean Frederick scored the opening points with a jumper, giving the Tigers an early momentum. West Florida tied the game at 33 with Wyche’s tip-in at the 16:54 mark. However, Jakobe Singleton’s consistent scoring, including a layup with 1:35 remaining, helped the Tigers maintain their lead. Although West Florida’s Colby McAllister hit a late 3-pointer with five seconds left to cut the deficit, West Alabama sealed the win with two free throws by Singleton.
McAllister led the scoring for the Argonauts with 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Demings contributed nine points, converting all five of his free throws, and recorded three assists. Tim Hall Jr. was active defensively, finishing with two steals and five rebounds. Wyche scored seven points and blocked a shot, making three of his four field goal attempts.