Republican Jimmy Patronis Wins Florida Congressional Race; Democrat Carries Escambia
April 2, 2025
Republican Jimmy Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in Tuesday’s special election to succeed U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz to keep Florida’s 1st Congressional District in Republican hands.
Patronis, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, received 57% of the vote to 42% for Valimont. Stephen Brody, no-party candidate, received about 1% of the vote.
Valimont, however, was the top vote getter in Escambia County with 51.10% of the vote to 48.06% for Patronis.
“Thank you, Northwest Florida. Not all districts are built the same — the Panhandle is a force of its own,” Patronis said Tuesday night during his victory speech. “I’m going to Washington to help President Trump battle against all this far left insanity, to buttress his strong moves to return common sense to America, to pull our country out of the ditch. I like to think that when President Trump says Make America Great Again, he’s thinking about us. I am humbled by all of the support in this race. I’m no better than anyone else and I will do everything I can to represent this district.”
Last November, Valimont lost to Gaetz with 36 points as the district favorite Trump by 38 points.
Patronis has served for a nearly a decade as Florida’ Chief Financial Officer, but he was forced to resign as of Monday to run for Congress.
Escambia County Had ‘Temporary Ballot Shortages’ During Tuesday’s Congressional Special Election
April 2, 2025
Some of the polling locations in Escambia County experienced “temporary ballot shortages” due Tuesday’s Florida 1st Congressional District special election.
Just before precinct closed, the Supervisor of Elections Office sent an email to the media and posted a notice that “some precinct locations in Escambia County have experienced temporary ballot shortages.” due to unprecedented turnout. SOE Robert Bender assured voters that every voter in line before 7 p.m. would be able to cast their ballot, and that every ballot would be counted.
“Some precinct locations in Escambia County have experienced temporary ballot shortages.
“We are excited to see such an unprecedented voter turnout in this election, as we always encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote,” Bender said Tuesday just before polls closed. “I’d like to assure voters that anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be able to cast their ballot.”
Just over 32,000 ballots were cast in-person at polling locations in Escambia County on Tuesday.
For election results, click here.
Tate LaCrosse Celebrates Senior Night
April 2, 2025
Tate High School Lacrosse celebrated senior night Tuesday.
The Aggies honored three seniors: Talia Mendiola, Hannah Keeler, and Laila Ritchey.
In Tuesday night’s game, Tate fell to the Seacoast Collegiate Swordfish from Santa Rosa Beach.
Pictured top: (L-R) Tate Lacrosse seniors Hannah Keeler, Talia Mendiola, and Laila Ritchey. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Girls Tennis Shuts Out Washington
April 2, 2025
Tate Aggies girls tennis defeated Washington 7-0 Tuesday, as the Tate boys lost 6-1 to the Wildcats.Up next, Tate will travel to Navarre on Thursday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bridges Records 18 Outs As Northview Slips To West Florida; Gulf Breeze Tops Tate
April 2, 2025
West Florida 3, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs slipped to West Florida 3-1 on Tuesday night in Pensacola.
Jackson Bridges recorded 18 outs for the Chiefs in six innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run while striking out seven and walking three.
Northview’s only score came on an error in the third inning. Grayden Sheffield, Kelan Jury and Cole Davis each had one hit for the Chiefs.
Up next, the Chiefs will head up to Atmore to take on Escambia County on Thursday before a rematch in Bratt with West Florida on Friday.
Gulf Breeze, Tate 0
The Gulf Breeze Dolphins defeated Tate 7-0 on Tuesday night in Cantonment.
Connor Dethlefs, Cal Foxworth, and Kaden Posta each had one hit for the Aggies.
Bryton McLellan went five and two-thirds innings and took the loss for Tate. He allowed six runs (two earned) on five hits while walking one and striking out four. Sheppard Edgar threw one and one-third innings, allowing on hit and one run while walking one.
Next, Tate will host the West Florida Jagaurs on Thursday before traveling to Navarre on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Atmore Traffic Stop
April 2, 2025
A Cantonment man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Atmore.
Joseph Neales, 49, was pulled over by Atmore Police on Highway 21 for failing to wear a seat belt. During the stop, an officer noticed suspicious behavior and obtained consent to search the vehicle. Police said the search uncovered a small amount of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia.
Neales was arrested and charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
DeSantis Proposes $1,000 Property Tax Rebate For Florida Homeowners
April 1, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan Monday to provide direct property tax relief to Florida homeowners, proposing a rebate averaging $1,000 for each homesteaded property in the state. He said the rebates, which would be issued in December 2025, are aimed at offsetting state-mandated school property taxes while ensuring full funding for local school districts.
If approved by the Legislature, the proposal would benefit more than 5.1 million homeowners across Florida. The initiative aligns with DeSantis’ broader goal of ultimately eliminating property taxes through a future constitutional amendment.
“Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government,” said DeSantis. “Constitutional protections for Florida homeowners require approval of the voters in 2026. In the meantime, Floridians need relief. I am today proposing a plan that will result in—on average—$1,000 rebate checks for each household as a discount on their property taxes. If the Legislature acts on this plan now, we can get this done this year. Let’s get this done for the people of Florida this session.”
The governor called on the Florida Legislature to grant the necessary authority to issue the rebates immediately, leveraging the state’s strong revenue position to benefit full-time residents.
West Florida Libraries Upgrading Software, Temporary Service Disruptions Expected
April 1, 2025
A migration to new software is underway at West Florida Public Libraries to provide improvements to patron requests, checkouts, and services.
During the migration period, interlibrary loan services will be temporarily unavailable. Any checked-out interlibrary loan materials can still be returned in person at any WFPL location. Overdue fines that occur due to the migration will be waived.
Beginning Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m., access to library accounts and online catalogues will be temporarily unavailable. Patron accounts will be locked, and no new accounts or renewals will be processed until the migration is complete. Patrons are encouraged to visit WFPL locations in person to check materials out with a staff member.
The software migration is expected to be completed in April.
Library hours of operation and scheduled events will remain unchanged during the migration period.
New Waffle House Approved For West Nine Mile Road In Beulah
April 1, 2025
Development plans for a new Waffle House near Beulah Middle School have been approved.
We first told you about the plans back in August 2023, and plans were approved in the last week by the Escambia County Development Review Committee.
The new 2,000 square foot-restaurant will have 33 parking spaces on 0.75 acres at 6034 West Nine Mile Road at the intersection with Rebel Road. That’s next to an Anytime Storage facility across Nine Mile Road from Beulah Middle.
Here Are The Complete GCA & NRYO Livestock Show Results
April 1, 2025
The 2025 GCA & NRYO Livestock Show last Saturday showcased outstanding talent and dedication from participants across multiple categories.
For more photos. click here.
Here are the highlights from this year’s show:
Market Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Jack Trejo
Market Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Jack Trejo
2nd: Gracie Oliver
3rd: Abbie Trejo
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Preview Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Ella Gilmore
Preview Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: A. T. Bridgers
3rd: Brooke Hoomes
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Juniors:
1st: Blakely Cooper
2nd: Bailey Sullivan
Beef Breeding
Grand Champion Angus: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Brangus: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Brangus: Abbie Trejo
Grand Champion Gelbvieh: Mallory Mahoney
Grand Champion Simmental: Everett Anderson
Grand Champion Registered: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Registered: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Commercial: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Champion Commercial: Blakely Cooper
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Marlee McElhaney
Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Bailey Sullivan
Supreme Champion: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Supreme Champion: Blakely Cooper
Beef Breeding Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Bailey Sullivan
2nd: Blakely Cooper
3rd: Heaven Pierce
Intermediates:
1st: Ella Gilmore
2nd: Charlotte Trejo
3rd: Mallory Mahoney
Seniors:
1st: Abbie Trejo
2nd: Grace Oliver
3rd: Tanner Wolfe
Market Swine
Grand Champion: Jessie Joyner
Reserve Champion: Emma Bowman
Market Swine Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: A.T. Bridgers
2nd: Aubrey Williams
3rd: Addisyn Ward
Intermediates:
1st: Rylie Gibbs
2nd: Jesse McElhaney
3rd: Louis Hartjen
Juniors:
1st: Marlee McElhaney
2nd: Ryann Gibbs
3rd: Blakely Cooper
Dairy Goats
Grand Champion: Aimee Jones
Reserve Champion: Isabella Seevers
Meat Breeding Goats
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Reserve Champion: Canon Gunter
Market Goat
Grand Champion: Andrew Richardson
Reserve Champion: Aimee Richardson
Preview Meat Goat
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Market Lamb
Grand Champion: Cheyenne Armstrong
Dairy Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Isabella Seevers
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
Intermediates:
1st: Aubree Jones
2nd: Journi Edwards
3rd: Sophie Edwards
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
Meat Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
3rd: Isabella Seevers
Intermediates:
1st: Sawyer Lovett
Juniors:
1st: Andrew Richardson
Lamb Showmanship
Intermediates:
1st: Cheyenne Armstrong
Poultry and Rabbit Show Results
Chick Chain Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Emerson Salter
2nd: Abby Hayes
3rd: Kaylee Mendoza
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Izzy Hayes
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
4th: Angie “Lainey” Dunsford
Seniors:
1st: Nathan Carter
2nd: Kaiden Hall
3rd: Hannah Jerkins
4th: Anniston Smith
Open Poultry Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Abby Hayes
2nd: Lucy Hill
3rd: Jayce Malecki
Intermediates:
1st: Zoe Cain
2nd: Makenna Overman
3rd: Hayden Helm
4th: Kinsleigh Robinson
5th: Marley Slack
6th: Blake Butler
7th: Gabriel Lang
8th: Luci Graham
9th: Trinity Mangan
10th: Olivia Bramlett
Seniors:
1st: Luke Graham
2nd: Taylor Anderson
3rd: Phoenix Myrick
4th: Christian Hollingsworth
5th: Curtis Dalton Smith
Grand Champion Chick Chain: Braxton Williams
Reserve Champion Chick Chain: Cole Watson
Reserve Barred Rock: Izzy Hayes
Reserve Buff Orpington: Abby Hayes
Grand Champion Open Poultry: Riley Chancery
Reserve Champion Open Poultry: Taylor Anderson
Rabbit Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
2nd: Easton Shiver
3rd: Eli Shiver
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Addyson Creighton
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
Seniors:
1st: Rhylie Upton
2nd: Addisyn Ward
3rd: Lacey Reeves
Best of Show: Easton Shiver
Best Opposite: Olivia Garvin
Reserve Best of Show: Eva Loredo
Reserve Best Opposite: Braxton Williams
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
