Michigan Man Confirmed As New Pensacola Police Chief
February 13, 2026
Thursday, the Pensacola City Council officially confirmed Eric Winstrom as the new chief of the Pensacola Police Department. The vote was unanimous.
Winstrom, who has been the chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will start with PPD on March 2. He was selected by Mayor D.C. Reeves after a nationwide search.
“Choosing the right person to lead our police department is perhaps the most important decision I will make as your mayor,” Reeves said recently. “My focus was on finding the person who is the right fit for our community with the ability to lead PPD into the future. After much consideration and feedback from the community throughout this selection process, I look forward to working with Chief Winstrom to help write PPD’s next chapter.”
Kristin Brown, who has been serving as PPD’s Acting Chief, will serve as the Deputy Chief during the transition.
In 2022, Winstrom was named the Chief in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city
“Trust is a key component not only of leadership within a police department but also between the department and the community it serves,” Winstrom said. “I’m well aware that trust is earned and there are no shortcuts in earning it. I am eager to get to work with the team already in place at PPD.
“Pensacola’s looking to strive to thrive in an ethical way, and in a way that lifts everyone up. Policing is an integral part of that effort. Everyone wants to be on a winning team. Pensacola is a winning team, and I am looking forward to being part of that.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Ernest Ward, Ransom Volleyball Wrap Regular Season
February 13, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle Eagles hosted the Ransom Middle Tigers in the final volleyball match of the regular season.
In junior varsity action, Ernest Ward downed Ransom, while the Tigers topped the Eagles in varsity play.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Ernest Ward also celebrated Eighth Grade night, recognizing
- Neveah Allen
- Evie Brooks
- Lola Chavers
- Ryleigh Crabtree
- Lily Lowery
- Brylynn McGhee
- McKenzie Norton
- Harleigh Grace Parsons
- Calee Satterwhite
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Lacrosse Beats PHS 16-2
February 13, 2026
Tate High School Girls Lacrosse beat the Pensacola High Tigers 16-2 on Thursday night at Tate.
With the win, the Aggies are 1-1 on the young season, while PHS dropped to 0-2.
Up next, Tate will host the Milton Panthers in a district matchup on Tuesday, February 17, at 6 p.m.
‘Paint With Puppies’ On Saturday In Cantonment To Benefit Escambia Animal Shelter
February 13, 2026
The Northview 4-H Club and Escambia County animal shelter will host “Painting With Puppies” on Saturday, February 14, at the Langley Bell 4-H Center.
Participants will be able to make their own work of art and meet adoptable dogs during the event from 10 a.m. to noon.
The entry fee is $5, and additional monetary or pet supply donations are welcome. All proceeds will benefit the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center.
The Langley Bell 4-H Center is located at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Preseason Softball: Tate Falls To WFHS
February 13, 2026
West Florida 20, Tate 10
The Tate Aggies fell to the West Florida Jaguars 20-10 in preseason softball on Thursday.
Aubree Gorum was 1-1 for the Aggies at the plate, and led the team with two RBIs. Madison Smillie was 3-5 to lead Tate at bat. Emorie Nelson, Mykamia Padgett, and Jordyn Banks each added a hit.
The Aggies will open the regular season at home against Crestview on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Trial Set For Homicide Suspect That Claimed Self Defense In McDavid Main Street Drug Deal
February 12, 2026
During a hearing last week, a trial date was set for the suspect in a fatal shooting on Main Street in McDavid in February 2025. The suspect claims he shot the victim out of fear, but the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says it was murder.
Investigators charged Antonio Marshone DeSoto, now 26, with homicide for the shooting on Main Street, just east of Highway 29. During a February 4 hearing, Judge John Simon set a jury trial to begin May 11. DeSoto has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim, identified as Charles Black, was found lying in Main Street directly in front of the McDavid Post Office about 8:40 p.m. on February 18 suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was just a few feet away from the driver’s door of his Chevrolet SUV, which remained in the roadway.
After he was shot, Black was able to call 911 and tell dispatchers that DeSoto was the perpetrator, according to an arrest report. He was no longer able to speak to deputies after they arrived on scene. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to the nearby McDavid Fire Station before being airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to a Pensacola hospital where he later died.
Deputies received a tip that DeSoto had fled following the shooting to a residence in the 100 block of Highway 164, just west of Highway 29 and Driver Road, about a half mile from the shooting scene. Deputies searched the home and found nothing. ECSO said the homeowner said she was allowing DeSoto to stay in a room inside the house, but she had not seen him since earlier that afternoon. She told deputies that she had been advised by her daughter that she heard gunshots from down the road, but she did not see DeSoto after that.
DeSoto was taken into custody outside the home.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Breaks Ground On New Stadium
February 12, 2026
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.
University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement.
“We are celebrating a milestone that represents not just the start of construction, but the continuation of an extraordinary journey that began long before I arrived here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “The Darrell Gooden Stadium represents an important step forward for the University of West Florida, creating a place where students, alumni and the community can come together around shared traditions and feel proud to be Argonauts. I would like to thank the Tourist Development Council, the Gooden family and our generous donors for their long-term commitment to the growth and future of UWF.”
Designed to expand seating capacity from approximately 3,800 to 7,500, the new stadium will include premium seating, club areas and suites, along with modern amenities that enhance the game-day experience and allow the facility to host a wide range of events beyond football.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative era for Argonaut Athletics, providing our student-athletes with a championship-caliber home that matches their dedication on the field and ‘builds champions for life,’” said UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “By bringing football and major events directly to the heart of our campus, we are creating an unmatched game-day environment that will strengthen the bond between our University and the entire Pensacola community for generations to come.”
The stadium is funded through a combination of institutional investment and donor support, including a lead gift in excess of $9 million that secured the facility’s name. The project also received a $2 million grant from Escambia County’s Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax, recognizing the stadium’s impact on tourism and economic activity.
“The stadium is a whole new game changer, and I think it will really change the program for the betterment of the University,” Gooden said. “I’m just blessed and proud, and I feel very honored that the stadium is going to be named after me. I think that’s just a great honor, and I’m really excited to see this thing move forward and get the new stadium done.”
The first kickoff at Darrell Gooden Stadium is planned for Fall of 2027. Construction on Darrell Gooden Stadium will continue while the Argos compete during the 2026 season. As part of the phased development, a new state-of-the-art LED video board — measuring 85 feet wide by 30 feet tall — will be installed in the end zone opposite the Darrell Gooden Center and will be in place for the 2026 season. The video board will enhance the game-day experience for fans while supporting future media, marketing and community event opportunities as the stadium project moves toward full completion.
“This stadium changes what’s possible for our program,” said Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles. “It enhances recruiting, allows us to attract quality opponents, and gives our student-athletes a first-class environment that reflects the direction of UWF Athletics. Most importantly, it gives our fans and community a place they can truly call home.”
Economic impact studies from the UWF Haas Center project substantial benefits from the new stadium. Over a five year period, the football program alone is expected to generate $23.3 million in economic output and contribute $8.7 million to Escambia County’s gross regional product, excluding construction costs. Historically, UWF Athletics has generated $248.6 million in total economic output over a five year period, while the University contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually.
Jay Father And Son Charged With Stealing 20 Tons Of Asphalt Millings From Santa Rosa County
February 12, 2026
A Jay man and his son are both facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing tons of asphalt millings from a county lot.
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Jason Scott Wolfe and his 18-year-old son, Tanner Riley Wolfe, were both charged with one count of felony grand theft. They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on bonds of $2,500 each.
According to an arrest report, a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant observed a white truck with a dump trailer and John Deere cab tractor at a Santa Rosa County surplus yard on County Mill Road. The trooper said he recognized Jason Wolfe and his son, Tanner Wolfe. He said Tanner was standing near the tractor, and Jason was walking toward the truck while the dump trailer appeared to be loaded with asphalt millings.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop, and Jason Wolfe told him that several county employees had told him he could take the asphalt millings, but he refused to provide any names, the report states.
Santa Rosa County Public Works advised the public is not allowed to remove county materials, and no employee authorized the Wolfes to remove material. They estimated 20 tons of millings worth $1,000 were missing from what had been a 60-ton stockpile. Freshly deposited asphalt millings were reportedly located on Jason Wolfe’s property.
Jason Wolfe told an SRSO deputy that three county employees had “told people they were allowed to take materials,” the report states. “He also stated that the county had previously delivered millings to his property on County Mill Road.” He would not provide the names of the county employees, and he said there was no equipment present and he did not shovel any materials, but there was no sign indicating it was wrong.
“Jason also stated he knew the property owner and believed the materials were dumped there illegally so he did not believe the county had a leg to stand on,” the report states.
The deputy reported that a “County Property Do Not Remove Dirt” sign was on the ground near the wood line at the county site that appeared to have recently been taken down.
Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Reopen Following Maintenance
February 12, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill have reopened following Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway maintenance.
The crossings were closed last week on South Highway 99 and Deer Run Road.
According to Escambia County, both crossings have reopened. The county noted that the variable message boards (electronic information signs) may still be present until they are removed by a contractor.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Good Times Roll: McArthur Elementary Hosts Mardi Gras Parade (Gallery)
February 12, 2026
McArthur Elementary School hosted a Mardi Gras Parade on Wednesday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
