Ransom Middle School Inducts New Honor Society Members
September 21, 2026
New members were recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony at Ransom Middle School.
The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, the NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.
8th Grade Members
- Anatolie Badila
- Brentley Batchelor
- Nathan Brown
- Felicity Brown
- Camden Clarke
- Madison Degan-Dorangricchia
- Micah Doyle
- Colton Eden
- Charlee Edwards
- Ty Hagan
- Aiden Harris
- Natalie Harris
- Jackson Henson
- Melody Kershaw
- Aubry Licastro
- Samantha Meadows
- Zachary Moshell
- Gabrielle Orr
- Chloe Quebedeaux
- Cole Reynolds
- William Rogers
- Brayden Scales
- Mckenzie Teel-Galletti
- Weston Wagner
- McKenzy Walker
- Emily Wears
- Camden Williams
- Jazmin Yahya
7th Grade Members
- Lily Dunn
- Ryann Gibbs
- Lucy Hamilton
- Drew Haney
- Alyson Le
- Zachary Medeiros
- Presley Murdock
- Rylie Payne
- Eli Quebedeaux
- Joud Schweil
- McKenzie Simpler
- Karli Smith
- Nevaeh Smith
- Khlow Sowers
- Carson Spikes
- Natalie Thorsen
- Liam Wallace
Officers and Adviser
- President: Marcella Smith
- Vice President: Collin Cowart
- Secretary: Jett Smith
- Treasurer: Kensley Middleton
- Historian: Landon Thompson
- Faculty Adviser: Veronica Linkous
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Roberts Road Saga: It’s Reopened, But Maybe Not For Long
September 20, 2026
The West Roberts Road construction saga continues.
A portion of West Roberts Road that was closed August 29 reopened by last Friday, September 18, nearly two weeks beyond the estimated Labor Day weekend time frame.
But while it has been reopened, NorthEscambia.com has learned that another complete closure may be announced this week, again stopping traffic on the popular thoroughfare.
Once that complete road closure ends, intermittent lane closures will resume along West Roberts Road as the project continues, and periodic detours will be utilized along Kingsfield Road, Stallion Road, and Tate Road for the duration of the project.
The $4.6 million West Roberts Road Roadway and Drainage Improvements Project started in April in was first expected to be completed by fall 2026, but the schedule has now been pushed to winter 2026, weather and construction coordination permitting.
Pictured: West Roberts Road was open at the railroad tracks just east of Highway 29 on Saturday, September 19. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Three Arrested Following Flomaton Narcotics Search Warrant
September 20, 2026
Three people were arrested following a narcotics search warrant at a Flomaton residence.
According to the Flomaton Police Department, officers executed the warrant on September 17 at a home on College Street as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Escambia County (AL) Multi-Agency SWAT Team and the Lower Alabama Drug Task Force.
During the search, investigators discovered evidence consistent with illegal drug activity, leading to multiple drug-related charges against three individuals at the scene:
- Cynthia Goebel, 60, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Tonya Rolin was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree possession of marijuana.
- Justin White was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree possession of marijuana.
Police noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
Pictured: (L-R) Cynthia Goebel, Justin White, and Tonya Rolin.
Atmore Native Defends America From Under The Sea
September 20, 2026
Seaman Tyanthony Dailey, a native of Atmore is one of the sailors serving aboard Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 126-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Dailey graduated from Escambia County High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atmore.
“Growing up in Atmore, it’s a small town; everyone knew each other,” Dailey said. “It helped me get started. I talked to a lot of people who supported me with real examples of military life. Coach G (Gonzalez), my wrestling coach, helped build my toughness. I was in wrestling and football, and he helped me get to state championships. Also, my mom helped me a lot. She brought us up by herself and took care of us. She taught me the importance of independence, and that has helped me in my career so far.”
Dailey joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Dailey serves as a yeoman (submarine).
“I joined to do something different,” Dailey said. “Everyone around me was going to college. That wasn’t really my thing. I always saw submarines in the movies and thought, I can do that! I wanted to be an information systems technician, but there was an opportunity to start my Navy journey quickly by taking the yeoman rate, so I signed up.”
As a submariner, Dailey is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve under the sea.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; support special operations missions; conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Dailey is part of a rich 126-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming senior in rate and earning my dolphins (submariner qualification),” Dailey said. “That’s a big one because it’s so challenging. Learning each system on the boat and being a competent sailor is important. A lot of people depend on me to do my job. Driving a nuclear submarine is another big accomplishment and a huge responsibility.”
Dailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m doing something that most people wouldn’t do,” Dailey said. “It’s different than everyone else. I could be doing anything from shooting missiles, evading torpedoes or a number of other things. It’s a great job. If someone had the chance to serve four years, they should at least try. If asked what I did for my country, I can be proud to talk about what I’ve done in the Navy.”
Dailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my mom,” Dailey said. “She has helped me every step of the way with everything from cars to owning a home. She helped me grow up. My brother joined the Navy, too. We talk all the time and help each other. My wife has been amazing. She has loved and supported me the entire time and always has my back.”
Dailey said he’s thankful for the education opportunities that service in the Navy provides.
“I plan to go to college using Tuition Assistance, which will help me in my career and post-Navy life,” Dailey said.
written by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tucker
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clerk Of The Court Functions, Century Courthouse Closed On Monday
September 20, 2026
The Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller court offices at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Building-Juvenile, Public Records Center and the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century will be closed Monday, September 21 in observance of Yom Kippur.
The Clerk’s court functions follow the judicial holiday schedule, and the First Judicial Circuit courts will be closed.
The Clerk’s Official Records, Finance and Clerk to the Board offices, located at 221 Palafox Place, will be open.
Pictured: The Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
No. 14 Austin Peay Upends No. 17 UWF, 38-16
September 20, 2026
Despite entering Saturday night as the home favorite, No. 17 University of West Florida could not overcome an early deficit and miscues, falling 38-16 to No. 14 Austin Peay at Pen Air Field.
A crowd of 5,712 watched Austin Peay (3-1) jump out to an aggressive start in the first half and thwart UWF’s comeback attempts down the stretch with timely defensive stops and a backbreaking pick-six.
The Governors wasted little time making an impression. Midway through the opening frame, Chris Parson hit Jaden Robinson on a 61-yard touchdown strike down the right sideline to break the ice. Just over two minutes later, following a Markell Redding interception of UWF quarterback Ty’Ray Davis, Denver Harper ripped off a 41-yard scoring sprint on an end-around to put Austin Peay up 14-0.
Parson widened the gap to 21-0 on the second play of the second quarter with a 10-yard scamper into the end zone.
The Argos (2-1) responded when Davis engineered a 6-play, 76-yard march, highlighted by a 54-yard gallop from running back Markel Townsend. Davis capped the drive himself with a 10-yard rushing touchdown to get West Florida on the board at 21-7.
Austin Peay pushed its advantage back to three possessions when Courtland Simmons punched in a 5-yard touchdown run with 5:09 remaining in the half. UWF capitalized on a turnover on downs late in the period, setting up an 18-yard Reid Grek field goal as time expired to cut the margin to 28-10 at the break.
The Argos came out firing in the third quarter, controlling the tempo on an 11-play, 83-yard drive that chewed up nearly seven minutes. A 48-yard pass from Davis to Tyshon Mansell set up a 1-yard touchdown toss from Davis to Avery Giddens, pulling the Argos within 28-16 after a missed extra point.
UWF seemed poised to trim the deficit further early in the fourth quarter after marching deep into Governors territory, but Austin Peay’s defense stood tall, stopping Davis on fourth-and-1 at the 25-yard line for a turnover on downs.
The Governors answered with a methodical drive that culminated in a 37-yard field goal by Hamilton DiBoyan with 6:42 left, stretching the lead to 31-16.
Any hopes of an Argo comeback were extinguished moments later. With backup quarterback Donovan Leary in the game, Austin Peay defensive back Justin Wimpye stepped in front of a pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown with 4:26 remaining, sealing the 38-16 victory.
Townsend paced the Argo attack with 93 yards on nine carries, while Davis added 118 yards through the air and a touchdown pass alongside his rushing score. Austin Peay’s balanced offense churned out 235 rushing yards and was led defensively by Malik Denkins, who recorded eight tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Next Saturday, the Agros will travel to Southeast Missouri State.
Cantonment Woman Sentenced In 2025 DUI, Drug Possession Case
September 20, 2026
A Cantonment woman has been sentenced in a 2025 DUI case in which she was arrested after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed her driving erratically recently on West Nine Mile Road.
Tiffany Ann Baisden, now 60, was convicted of DUI, refusal to submit to DUI testing, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (alprazolam). She was sentenced recently to 18 months of probation on the possession charge, 12 months for DUI, and time served for refusal to submit to DUI testing.
According to an arrest report, Baisden was pulled over in the Kohl’s parking lot on November 23, 2025, after being seen driving without tag lights, accelerating and braking without reason, and drifting across traffic lines. The deputy noted Baisden appeared unsteady and unable to focus.
After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Baisden was taken into custody. The report states that the deputy found 10 alprazolam pills in her wallet during a search prior to booking.
At the jail, Baisden initially agreed to provide a urine sample but then failed to do so in a timely manner, which was taken as a refusal. Deputies said she also spontaneously stated that she had snorted methamphetamine in the past two days.
Florida Government Weekly Roundup: Taking Side On Amendments
September 20, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
ALCATRAZ AUDIT
An audit released Monday from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General stated the detention camp known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades failed to comply with standards for environmental health and safety, medical care and simple detention standards.
Photos included in the report, made during an unannounced visit to the facility in January, showed 18-square-foot metal enclosures called “calming areas” used to confine detainees.
Critics of the detention center and efforts, previously calling the facility “inhumane,” were quick to call the findings “appalling.”
“Those responsible must be held accountable,” U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat from West Palm Beach, said in a release. “This cannot happen again.”
When asked about the audit during a press conference Monday in Lakeland, DeSantis said he hadn’t read the report but defended the state’s immigration enforcement efforts.
“Some of this stuff is going to be characterized in a certain way, no matter what,” DeSantis said. “But I can tell you, when they set it up, their goal was not only to meet the federal standards, but to actually exceed the federal standards. That did require more resources.”
Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesman for DeSantis, issued a statement claiming Florida has taken action after the Biden Administration let “at least ten million illegal aliens entered our country.”
“The left-wing media wants to focus on a confinement area for violent criminal aliens who have proven they cannot remain peaceful while awaiting deportation,” Lanfranconi continued. “While it adheres to all federal standards for criminal confinement, we’d make it even smaller if we could.”
TAKING SIDES ON AMENDMENTS
DeSantis on Monday evening came out against Amendment 1, which would increase the amount of money lawmakers can put into a key reserve fund. It increases the cap on the balance of the budget stabilization fund from 10 percent of the previous year’s general fund revenue to 25 percent.
In doing so he split with the Republican Party of Florida and GOP legislative leaders who backed the proposal.
“This is a foolish constitutional amendment proposal. We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history,” DeSantis posted on X. “Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax. Surplus revenue could also be used to remove tolls once the property tax issue is settled. I recommend a NO vote.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Tate High School Names 2026 Homecoming Court
September 19, 2026
Tate High School has named its 2026 Homecoming Court.
The homecoming game for the Aggies will be Friday, October 16.
The Homecoming Court members are:
SENIOR COURT
Girls Court:
- Katie Byrd
- Zaria Cannon
- Livi Cherry
- Cydney Clanton
- Autumn Dinkle
- Angelina Figueroa
- Victoria Friedman
- Bristol Guy
- Isabella Killebrew
- Brooklyn Ray
- Lillian Vige
- Taylor Winslow
- Allison Wynne
Boys Court:
- Sebastian Arita
- Gavin Bramblett
- Teagan Broach
- Jamison Burchfield
- Owen Charles
- Elijah Crites
- Daniel Fernandez
- Micah Frazier
- Jesse Garrett
- Immanuel Harris
- Jacob Pierce
- Jayden Tyson
JUNIOR COURT
- Gracyn Campbell
- Camilla Carstens
- Ella Frank
- Kendra McDonald
- Nadia Mitchell
- Aubrey Moodie
- Kinsley Powell
- Isabella Ragland
- Taylor Seckinger
- Niyana Wiggins
SOPHOMORE COURT
- Brynn Donado
- Audrey Green
- Novalee Hudgens
- Myla Manoso
- Payton Palmer
- Yaretzy Sandoval-Bocanegra
FRESHMAN COURT
- Alyssa Cavnar
- Annabelle Hayes
- Madylin Madril
- Genesis Maxwell
- Sophia Pollard
- Reagan Stevens
Pictured: 2025 Tate Homecoming first runner-up Taylor Dyer, Homecoming Queen Destiny Moorer, and second runner-up McKenna Lister. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County (AL) Schools Awarded $12.5M CTE Grant To Build Centralized Career Center In Flomaton
September 19, 2026
A new centralized Career Readiness Center will be built in Flomaton to serve high school students across Escambia County, Alabama, following the award of a $12.5 million grant.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant was funded by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). The facility will be constructed on Escambia County school board property in Flomaton, with the project expected to take approximately three years to complete.
The transformational project establishes a regional partnership between Escambia County (AL) Public Schools and Brewton City Schools, serving students from all four area high schools: Flomaton High School, Escambia County High School in Atmore, W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton, and T.R. Miller High School in Brewton.
School officials said the centralized hub will ensure equitable access to modern training equipment, specialized classrooms, and industry-aligned instruction regardless of where a student lives in the county.
“This grant represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our students and communities,” said Dr. Michele W. Collier, Superintendent of Escambia County Schools. “Through our partnership with Brewton City Schools, we are breaking down barriers and expanding access to career and technical education for every student. This investment will help students discover their passions, earn valuable credentials, and prepare for successful futures in college, careers, military service, and beyond.”
Students attending the four high schools will have access to a variety of CTE pathways, including:
- Automotive Technology
- Business Information Technology
- Construction Technology
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- General Agriculture
- Health Science
- Industrial Maintenance
- Information Technology
- Law and Public Safety
- Television Production
- Welding
The pathways are designed to provide real-world training and allow students to graduate with industry-recognized certifications for high-demand careers.
District officials noted that by strengthening partnerships between education and regional industries, the center will help supply the skilled workforce needed to drive economic development across Escambia County and surrounding communities.
Additional updates will be provided to students, families, and community members as planning and construction advance.












