Tate Aggies Open Season With Win Over Niceville
November 19, 2025
The Tate Aggies opened their season with a 75-66 win over Niceville Tuesday night at Tate.
Up next, the Aggies will travel to Pensacola High to take on the Tigers. The next home game for Tate is two weeks away on December 2 against the Escambia Gators.
NorthEscambia.com file image.
Trial Postponed For Suspect In 2024 Death Of Teen At Cottage Hill Party
November 18, 2025
Trial has been postponed for a now 21-year-old charged in the April 2024 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a party at a Cottage Hill home.
Ethan Alexander O’Brien remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond on charges of second-degree negligent manslaughter, tampering with evidence and improper exhibition of a firearm.
Jury selection was set to begin Monday for O’Brien’s trial, but Judge John Simon granted the state’s request for a continuance. The State Attorney’s Office requested the continuance because prosecutors learned that a key expert witness in the case, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Pagacz, is traveling out of the country. O’Brien’s attorney did not file any objections.
O’Brien is now set to appear in court February 2026.
The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, O’Brien, then 19, was showing off his firearm, at which time it accidentally discharged, hitting 16-year-old Bryson Allen.
The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 12. 2024, at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road. Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene, and investigators said O’Brien fled the scene.
Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night, April 12, after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene tape still surrounded the home the following morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Slightly Smarter Than A Toaster’ — Beulah Academy Of Science Robotics Team Competes
November 18, 2025
The Beulah Academy of Science Robotics Team, led by Mrs. Bruening, completed a successful eight-week journey, culminating in their participation in the BEST Robotics Competition 2025 Game Day on Saturday at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama.
The Bobcats, competing as Team 2296, “Slightly Smarter than a Toaster”, showed exceptional resilience and teamwork throughout the day. Despite finishing 11th out of 13 teams in the regular rounds, the team secured a surprise spot in the Wildcard Round.
The advancement was due to the strength of the team’s presentation, as their Engineering Notebook scored in the top four of all entries. This unexpected wildcard berth marked an amazing achievement for the team’s inaugural year.
While they did not advance to the semi-finals, the students were celebrated for their tenacity and their impressive Expo Booth, built by Wesley and Allison Moore and featuring a logo designed by Lucas Stammer. The team demonstrated great problem-solving skills, perseverance, and passion in their first competitive season.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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Escambia County Honors Life And Service Of Former D1 Aide Jesse Casey
November 18, 2025
The Escambia County Commission on Monday issued a proclamation celebrating the life of former District 1 Aide Jesse Casey, who passed away on July 24, 2025.
“Jesse brought not only professionalism to his work, but also kindness, humility, and an unwavering willingness to help others, earning him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him,” the proclamation stated. “Jesse was more than a valued colleague, he was a friend, a mentor, and a steady presence whose positive attitude and wonderful spirit lifted those around him; and his contributions to Escambia County extended far beyond the workplace, as he was known for his generous heart, dedication to service, and genuine love for his community.”
Jesse Casey’s life exemplified the highest ideals of public service and friendship, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps,” the proclamation continued.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s New Logo Now Appearing On Town Vehicles
November 18, 2025
The Town of Century’s recently approved logo is now appearing on town vehicles.
The logo, which will also be used as an official seal, will appear on town documents, signage, websites, and vehicles. Stationery, signage, and digital materials will be updated over time to keep costs at a minimum.
The town council approved the logo in September at a design cost of $250.
Pictured: The new Town fo Century logo on a town work truck. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
House Fire Near Century Displaces Four People
November 18, 2025
A house fire south of Century Monday night displaced four people.
The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. in the 4300 block of North Century Boulevard, just north of Whirlpool Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the single-story home. The house was a total loss.
There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under by the Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue.
The American Red Cross is assisting two adults and two teens who lived in the home.
Pictured: Damage in a house fire Monday night on Highway 29 near Century. Photos: ECFR for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market Wednesday In Molino And Century
November 18, 2025
The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino and Century on Wednesday, November 19 with a variety of fresh produce.
- Molino Community Center (Molino Library) — 6450 North Highway 95A from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
- Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century — 8040 North Century Boulevard from 1–3 p.m.
During the Molino visit, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices. Items available may include apples, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, garlic, lemons, limes, oranges, yellow onions, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes. The selection varies each visit and is based upon availability.
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 are accepted at Millie; no cash.
Pictured: Millie Mobile Market at the Molino Library last month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Basketball Opens Season With Wins
November 18, 2025
Northview Chiefs boys basketball teams opened the season on the road with wins Monday night.
The JV Chiefs beat J.U. Blacksher in Uriah 39-17, and the varsity Chiefs defeated the Bulldogs 49-39.
Up next, Northview boys basketball will lost T.R. Miller on Thursday and then travel to Orange Beach High School on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com file image.
Escambia County Commission Reorganizes, Appoints New Chair And Vice Chair
November 18, 2025
During the regular BCC Meeting on Monday, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners reorganized to appoint the new chair and vice chair.
The board appointed District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger as chair and District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger as vice chair. Commissioner Hofberger will serve as the commission chair until November 2026.
“I am excited to step into the role of board chair for the coming year,” Commissioner Hofberger said. “As your chair, I plan to ensure our board maintains a collaborative approach so we can make a lasting difference for our community. I want to thank Commissioner Mike Kohler, whose outstanding leadership as chairman over the past year has laid the foundation for great progress. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a public servant, and I look forward to representing not just District 4, but all of Escambia County in this new capacity.”
Commissioner Hofberger accepted the gavel from former chair District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler, who served as chair during the 2024-2025 term.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Escambia County as board chairman,” Commissioner Kohler said. “We have made tremendous strides over the past year, and I’m grateful for the support my colleagues on the board have shown me during my time as chairman. I look forward to continuing our forward momentum with Commissioner Hofberger as chair and bringing great progress to Escambia County. I will continue to work hard for not just District 2, but for all of Escambia County to make our community the best it can be.”
Fry Your Bird For A Good Cause: Miracle League Turkey Fry Set For Thanksgiving
November 17, 2025
With rows of timers and a command center, a small army of volunteers will be ready to fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
The annual Miracle League of Pensacola Turkey Fry Fundraiser will be Wednesday, November 26.
Last year, the Miracle League fried about 350 turkeys to golden brown perfection, with the help of volunteers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cadets and American Legion Post 340.
The turkey fry will take place from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving at the Miracle League fields at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive (the east end of the John R. Jones Sports Complex).
To make an appointment or for more information, call (850) 490-7035 (leave a message if no answer). Time slots are limited; walkups are welcome, but appointments take priority.
To have your turkey fried by the Miracle League, you must do the following before arriving at the park:
- Completely defrost and clean the turkey and remove the inside packing. If this is not done prior to arriving at the park, they will not be able to fry your turkey.
- Be on time for your appointment made at the number above.
- A minimum donation of $35 per turkey is needed to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League.
For a photo gallery from last year, click here.
The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field – just like other kids. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity that these children would not otherwise have. It is a place where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
