Escambia Chief Deputy Supervisor Of Elections Sonya Daniel Retires
January 10, 2026
Escambia County Chief Deputy Supervisor of Elections Sonya Daniel has retired.
With more than 30 years in public service, Daniel began her career as public information officer for the Ft. Pierce Police Department in 1994, then assumed that same role for St. Lucie County in 2000, before moving to Escambia County in 2002 to establish the Public Information Office for the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. She managed public information for numerous hurricanes, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and now for multiple
controversial elections.
Daniel joined the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office in 2011 as the outreach and training coordinator. She was promoted to program coordinator in 2013, then to administrative deputy in 2015 and served as chief deputy to the supervisor of elections from 2023 to her retirement on January 5, 2026.
Her duties include managing all aspects of the elections office. She was known “hands-on” leader, working right alongside her team. She holds both state and national professional election certifications.
In 1996, she received her APR accreditation. In 2010, she returned to school to complete her master’s in strategic communications and leadership at the University of West Florida. She has been recognized by the Pensacola Chapter of FPRA three times as communicator of the year (2004, 2010, and 2021). Over the years she has served on several community boards including the 4-H Foundation, Council on Aging of West Florida, and UWF Alumni Board.
In her free time, she loves to travel and pursues creative crafts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Portion of North Escambia Is Officially In A Moderate Drought
January 10, 2026
A large swath of the North Escambia area is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While rain is on tap for Saturday, only a half inch or less is expected across the area.
The drought area includes McDavid, Walnut Hill, Bratt and Century.
Patronis Files Bills To Protect The Blue Angels From Government Shutdowns
January 10, 2026
Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis has introduced the Special Operating Authority for Rehearsal (SOAR) Act, which is intended to protect the United States Navy Blue Angels during a federal government shutdown to ensure safety and readiness. He said this legislation will ensure Blue Angels airshows continue in the Pensacola region despite any Democratic shutdowns.
“This is home for the Blue Angels. Federal government shutdowns hurt our economy and undermine the men and women who serve our nation,” said Patronis. “The Blue Angels represent excellence, service, and unity, and they deserve stability and leadership that puts our nation and those who serve it first.”
During a recent shutdown, the Blue Angels were unable to perform their Homecoming Airshow due to a lack of funding for basic needs, such as fuel, aircraft maintenance, repairs, and required updates, which led to the cancellation of their homecoming air show and halted essential training.
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
Pictured: The 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Show. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Announced Appointment, Reappointment To UWF Board Of Trustees
January 10, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced an appointment and reappointment to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Kevin Mason
Mason is the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Acentria Insurance. Previously, he served as the Producer and Managing Partner of North Florida Operations for the Insurance Office of America. Mason earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of West Florida.
Paul Bailey
Bailey is an Attorney for Welton Law Firm. He also serves as a Registered Instructor with the National Rifle Association and an Adjunct Professor at Pensacola Christian College. Bailey earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Pensacola Christian College and his juris doctor from Regent University.
File photo.
High School Basketball Scoreboard Roundup
January 10, 2026
Here are high school basketball scores from the North Escambia area this week.
BOYS VARSITY
- Tate 68, Pensacola 63 (Thursday)
- Washington 75, Tate 65 (Tuesday)
- Ponce De Leon 73, Northview 33 (Friday)
- Laurel Hill 67, Northview 46 (Tuesday)
GIRLS VARSITY
- Pensacola Catholic 76, Tate 49 (Friday)
- Ponce De Leon 49, Northview 17 (Friday)
- Laurel Hill 72, Northview 5 (Tuesday)
ECSO: Foul Play Not Suspected After Missing Man, 72, Found Dead In Cantonment Creek
January 9, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says foul play is not suspected in the death of a missing and endangered man who was found dead on Sunday in Cantonment.
The body of the 72-year-old man was found in a shallow creek off Calloway Street after he had been reported missing by a family member from his home on Ellington Street earlier in the day.
The ECSO said the man had been listed as missing and endangered due to a medical condition, and his death appeared to be natural.
File photo.
Global Engineering, Manufacturing Firm Selects Escambia County For U.S. Headquarters
January 9, 2026
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday night approved support for a tax exemption for a global aerospace company that will set up their United States headquarters in Escambia County. The Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) is for up to 10 years.
Field International Group, a global engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in the United Kingdom, has selected Escambia Count for its new American headquarters and manufacturing operation. Formerly referred to confidentially as “Project Britain”, the company will invest $8 million in capital expenditures and create 50 new jobs with an average annual wage of $80,000. A second phase of expansion is under consideration that it could
generate an additional $12 million and 50 jobs at similar wage levels, according to the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance.
Field International provides precision engineering, tooling and ground support equipment for the aerospace, transport, energy and medical industries. Founded in the United Kingdom in 1995, the company has built a global footprint delivering design, manufacture, and onsite services for aerospace original equipment manufacturers, maintenance repair and overhaul operators, and related industrial clients. Field International’s capabilities include engineering design, precision machining, fabrication, tooling assembly and maintenance services. The company has operations in the United Kingdom, India, China and Singapore.
“Following a competitive evaluation of multiple regions, Field International selected Escambia County for its first U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation,” said Mark Booker, Group CEO of Field International Group. “The county’s strategic location, business climate, corporate assets, and skilled workforce align well with our growth objectives in the North American market. The level of coordination and support provided by the local community and economic development partners has been world-class and was very instrumental to our decision.”
A relationship with the company was initiated by Florida’s Great Northwest, which played a central role in positioning the region as a competitive location to do business. FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance partnered closely with Florida’s Great Northwest to advance the project locally, with Escambia County ultimately prevailing against competing locations throughout the United States.
“Field International’s decision to establish operations in Escambia County reflects our competitiveness in attracting high wage, advanced manufacturing jobs and strengthening the community’s aerospace cluster,” stated Ashlee Hofberger, chair of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. “The Board of County Commissioners is honored to support this project and approved a Resolution of Support for an EDATE to help secure these jobs and
associated capital investment for our community.”
The first phase of Field International’s operation will focus on core engineering and manufacturing activities supporting aerospace tooling and ground support equipment. The company’s presence in Escambia County is expected to enhance the local manufacturing base and employment opportunities in precision engineering.
“FloridaWest congratulates Field International on its decision to locate in Escambia County,” said Chris Platé, chief executive officer of FloridaWest. “This project reinforces the county’s value proposition for global precision manufacturers seeking access to U.S. markets and reflects the effectiveness of coordinated regional business attraction. Successful outcomes like this are the result of strong public and private sector collaboration.”
“Field International’s investment marks a victory for regional collaboration and foreign direct investment,” said Jennifer Conoley, president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. “This is the culmination of years of marketing Northwest Florida as a premier business hub worldwide, made possible only through strong local partnerships.”
$2.36 Million Highway 4A Safety Improvement Project Is Now Underway
January 9, 2026
A $2.36 million, Escambia County Highway 4A safety improvement project is now underway near Century.
The 4.8 miles of roadway safety improvements are taking place on Highway 4A from Highway 4 at the light in Byrneville to State Line Road, and include pavement reconstruction at the State Line Road intersection. The project’s total cost will be $2,362,863.20.
The planned roadway improvements include widening and overlaying the existing lanes. The project also includes the relocation of mailboxes and the reinstallation of traffic signs to county specifications. The guardrails within the project limits will be upgraded to current Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards.
The project also includes minor drainage modifications to accommodate road widening.
Pictured: Work on Thursday afternoon on a safety improvement project on Highway 4A. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Manny Diaz Jr. Selected By UWF Board of Trustees As The University’s Next President
January 9, 2026
The University of West Florida Board of Trustees selected Manny Diaz Jr. to serve as the University’s seventh president during a special board meeting on Thursday. Diaz, UWF’s interim president since July, was announced as the sole finalist on Nov. 22, 2025, following a comprehensive national search. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
“On behalf of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, I congratulate Manny Diaz Jr. on his selection as UWF’s seventh president,” said UWF Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews, who also shared an extended message to the University community. “During his past six months as interim president, Diaz has demonstrated that he is exceptionally suited for this role through his engagement with students, faculty, staff, and the community. We are confident that his leadership will be a catalyst for the University of West Florida to continue to succeed, grow and deepen its impact on the Northwest Florida region and beyond.”
Prior to coming to UWF, Diaz served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, where he oversaw statewide policy, academic standards and student success initiatives across the K–20 system. His career experience includes work as a classroom teacher, administrator and policymaker.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust UWF and the Board of Trustees has placed in me,” Diaz said. “UWF is a dynamic institution with extraordinary momentum, and I am excited to work alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to build upon that success. Together, we will continue to elevate UWF’s impact, strengthen opportunities for students, and advance our mission of excellence for the region and beyond.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Barricades Himself In Escambia Home, Shoots Fireworks At Deputies
January 9, 2026
A man is facing multiple charges following a standoff at a home just north of Nine Mile Road.
Phillip Preston Resmondo, 37, was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief with property damage under $200, and criminal mischief with property damage between $200 and $1,000. Resmondo, who was on federal probation, remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond on a hold placed by the U.S. Marshals.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a criminal mischief complaint in the area of Le Ruth Drive, about two blocks north of Nine Mile Road near Copter Road, for a man that was hitting stop signs with a baseball bat.
When deputies arrived, he made threats and got into a truck and revved the engine “as if he was going to run over deputies,” and then locked himself in a house and refused to come out, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said he then started shooting fireworks out of the home’s windows.
After SWAT arrived on the scene, Resmondo was taken into custody.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
