Monday Is Special Election Voter Registration Deadline
March 2, 2025
Monday is the deadline to register for the April 1 Special General Election to fill the Congressional seat vacated Matt Gaetz
The election is open to registered voters of all political parties.
If you have a Florida Driver’s License you can register online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov prior to 11:00 p.m. CST on Monday.
Physical applications can be downloaded from EscambiaVotes.gov. The applications are also available at many locations around the county. For a complete list, visit https://escambiavotes.gov/nvra-locations. Mail or deliver applications to the Supervisor of Elections main office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, Pensacola. Applications are also available at the office. If you are mailing an application to register to vote or change your party affiliation, it must be postmarked by March 3.
Century Man Charged By Atmore Police After Allegedly Swallowing Drug Evidence
March 2, 2025
A traffic stop on Highway 21 led to the arrest of a Century man after he attempted to swallow evidence, according to Atmore Police.
On February 26, around 7:55 p.m., an officer pulled over a vehicle for an expired license plate and identified the driver as 57-year-old Fred Ward. During the stop on Highway 21, the officer noticed Ward’s suspicious behavior and requested to search the vehicle.
APD said a search revealed multiple Kratom pills. As the officer attempted to take Ward into custody, he grabbed a pill that had fallen on the ground and swallowed it despite being ordered not to, according to Sgt. Darrell McMann.
Ward was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
Veterans Outreach Events Planned In Davisville And Molino
March 2, 2025
The Escambia County Veterans Services Office will hold two upcoming public meetings in North Escambia to give veterans a chance to discuss benefits with an accredited veterans services officer.
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. No appointment is required.
Meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates at community centers in North Escambia:
- Friday, March 14: Davisville Community Center, 10200 Highway 97 in Davisville
- Wednesday, April 9: Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A in Molino.
Escambia County Veterans Services Office staff members will be available to help with topics including reviewing VA benefits, filing a VA claim, and reevaluating VA disability.
For more information, contact the Veterans Services Office at (850) 595-2409 or email VSO@myescambia.com. Learn more about Escambia County’s Veterans Services Office at MyEscambia.com/veterans-services.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Lifeguards Return To Pensacola Beach
March 2, 2025
Pensacola Beach lifeguards returned to the towers on Saturday for the 2025 season.
Initially, Casino Beach will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, shifting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 9. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to provide coverage at up to eight towers, which begin staffing Memorial Day weekend.
Pensacola Beach hired 26 new lifeguards and welcomed 48 returning lifeguards to a rigorous training program, including over 60 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more.
Last season, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards performed 228 rescues from drowning and assisted swimmers experiencing distress. They also attended to 43 major medical incidents and assisted 39 patients for EMS transport. Lifeguards made contact with beachgoers over 500,241 times during the 2024 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and other safety tips.
“Our lifeguards are excited and eager to return to the towers on Saturday,” said Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood. “We’ve been training and preparing for the busy beach season ahead. We will begin by staffing the Casino Beach towers, and then open our remaining towers along Pensacola Beach, Quietwater Beach and Perdido Key. Our lifeguards are ready to welcome thousands of visitors and residents to this beautiful section of Florida.”
Pictured: A look out at Pensacola Beach from a lifeguard tower midday Saturday with a green flag and flat surf. The water temperature was 63 degrees. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Heads Up! Here Are This Weeks Road Construction Slow Spots
March 2, 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:
- Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – The week of Sunday, March 2, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, from Creighton Road to Olive Road, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 17th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – The week of Sunday, March 2, drivers may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- 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 Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps. 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 – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
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, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 westbound may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6 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, March 2, through Friday, March 7, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Beginning Sunday, March 2, motorists will encounter a new traffic configuration as U.S. 98 eastbound lanes from Oriole Beach Rd and College Parkway will be shifted south. This is necessary for crews to complete median construction operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Saturday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Two Staying In Showalter Park Dugout Arrested With Drugs, ECSO Says
March 1, 2025
Two people allegedly staying in the dugouts at Century’s Showalter Park are facing drug charges.
Brian Adrian Qualls, 44, and Lindsey Marie Hanks, 43, were both charged with felony possession of a controlled substance by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
After receiving a tip from the Flomaton Police Department, ECSO deputies responded to the park where they located Qualls and Hanks in a dugout in the northernmost part of the park. Deputies located a bag next to Qualls that contained synthetic cannabinoids (spice), according to an arrest report, and small bag in Hanks’ wallet that containing methamphetamine.
Qualls was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond, while Hanks remained in jail with bond set at $2,500.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
March 1, 2025
Ransom Middle School has announced their January Students of the Month. They are eighth graders Rylie Gibbs and James “Aiden” Jacobi. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
211 Northwest Florida Recognizes the Vital Community Hotline
March 1, 2025
211 Northwest Florida recently celebrated 211 Day as part of a month-long awareness campaign. National 211 Day is an annual observance celebrating the three-digit informational and referral hotline that has helped millions of people in the U.S. and Canada over the past 40 years. 211 Northwest Florida is our area’s iteration of the program that connects individuals to information about resources and services available in their community.
211 Northwest Florida is a resource for residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing, utility payment, veteran services, childcare, and other related needs. It operates in 10 Northwest Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa.
211 is 24/7, free, confidential, and is offered in over 180 languages. 211 specialists offer empathetic, non-judgmental care while connecting individuals and families to a range of available resources to meet their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
“Our specialists work to understand root causes of issues, often providing additional life-changing resources to callers,” said Laura Gilliam, CEO/President of United Way West Florida. “211 is an unmatched, critical, go-to service providing connection and support to those who need help.”
211 Northwest Florida made over 130,000 connections to essential resources in our community in 2024. 211 is especially helpful during times of disaster, such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, by spreading accurate and vetted information—while ensuring 911 calls are reserved for physical emergencies. If you are someone you know needs help, Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
Pictured: The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners recognized 211 Month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Washington High To Host Free Swim and Dive Program For Elementary Students
March 1, 2025
The Aquatic Center at Booker T. Washington High School will host a free Elementary Swim and Dive Program this spring.
Included will be a free orientation to basic water safety, an introduction to competitive swimming, with focus on improvement on freestyle and backstroke techniques, an introduction to freestyle and backstroke starts and flip turns, and an introduction to 1-meter springboard safety skills.
Interested students must have all paperwork (registration and consent/authorization form) completed prior to the pre-class swim test at registration. All applicants must be able to jump in deep water and swim 40 feet unassisted on the surface of the water, without stopping, prior to acceptance in the program.
Additionally, all participants must be registered students in Escambia County, (public, private or homeschool) and must be in grades K-5. Transportation must be provided by a parent/legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian should also remain on campus during the child’s session.
Registration will be open on March 10 and 11 from 3:30-7:00 pm at the Washington High School Aquatic Center. The program runs from March 12-18 with a second session to be schedule later.
Contact Megan Oberholtzer, M.Ed., Aquatics Director, Washington High School, at (850) 494-5681 for more information.
Booker T. Washington High School is located at 6000 College Parkway in Pensacola.
King Aero Donates Demo Jet Engine to George Stone Aviation Program
March 1, 2025
Students at George Stone Technical College’s aviation program will now get a hands-on look at how jet engines operate, thanks to a specially-designed demo engine donated by Pensacola company King Aero,
King Aero and GSTC have been working together for years to strengthen the pipeline of aviation mechanics in the area. The aviation maintenance program, which began development in 2014 and held its first class in 2017, continues to grow under the leadership of instructor Bill Davis.
Davis, an Air Force veteran with 35 years of experience in engine maintenance for the Hurricane Hunters, said the partnership with King Aero provides valuable real-world learning opportunities for his students.
“In class, when you start talking about how air moves or the physics of air movement, and talking about how it moves through each stage of this engine, it’s hard to for students to visualize what I’m describing,” Davis said. “I can explain it to them on the board all day long, but they can’t really grasp it until they can physically put their hands on it. With this demo engine, I’ll be able to show them a real example that they get their hands on — it gives them a whole different perspective.”
The demo engine was the brainchild of GSTC Aviation Program graduates and current King Aero employees Sean Rader and Will Keethler.
“It was a lot of work but feels good to give back to the school that got me to where I’m at in the first place,” said Rader. “Just being able to be a part of helping their program grow is very fulfilling.”
