Tate Aggies Cheerleaders Win Runner-up At State, Heading To Nationals
February 2, 2025
The defending state champion Tate Aggies cheerleaders took the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading state runner-up spot on Saturday.
The Aggie cheerleaders will compete in nationals this week. They will depart Wednesday and being competition on Friday in Orlando. Both the junior varsity and varsity squads will complete n traditional and gameday at nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed Crossing Nine Mile Road
February 2, 2025
A pedestrian was struck and killed late Friday night on Nine Mile Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 29-year-old man crossed the roadway into the path of a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old Gulf Breeze girl about 10:47 p.m. at Nine Mile road near Holsberry Road. Troopers said the girl was unable to avoid colliding with the pedestrian.
The FHP investigating is continuing.
Escambia Children’s Trust Seeks Applicants For Micro Grants
February 2, 2025
The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) has announced the launch of the Community, Access, Resilience, and Empowerment (CARE) micro grants designed to to build resilience, access, and empowerment in the community.
The CARE micro grants program will award up to $50,000 in one-time funding for existing programs toward advocacy efforts, training initiatives, and community engagement activities.
The project period runs up to 12 months, starting on or after May 1, 2025, and ending no later than April 30, 2026.
ECT invites established, fiscally responsible local providers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality services to apply. Programs should align with ECT’s mission to serve at-risk youth and address critical areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. For more information and the application, click here.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
Escambia (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson Named Alabama Sheriff Of The Year
February 2, 2025
Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Heath Jackson has received the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award.
Jackson was nominated for his heroic actions that occurred in 2023 when Sheriff Jackson rescued four people that had become stranded on Burnt Corn Creek in rising flood waters. The children were found clinging to tree limbs, and Jackson rescued them with the aid of a jet ski.
Jackson was also recognized for his leadership and service as the Escambia County Sheriff. A graduate of T.R Miller High School, he was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Jackson previously served with the Brewton Police Department, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
He is a graduate of the National Sheriffs’ Institute and the FBI National Academy and an FBI-LEDDA Trilogy Award winner. In 2024, Jackson was awarded the Medal of Valor Award by the National Sheriffs’ Association. He is also a member of the Brewton Rotary Club where he serves as past president. He currently serves as second vice president for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.
“Sheriff Jackson not only serves his county but is always eager to assist other Alabama Sheriffs when called upon,” Huey Hoss Mack, executive director of the Sheriff’s Association, said.
Pictured: Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson (right) was awarded the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year Award. The award was presented by Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, president of the Sheriffs
Association, at the annual winter meeting in Hoover, AL. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Bounce Back For Saturday Night Win
February 2, 2025
Despite facing a 3-1 deficit heading into the final frame, the Ice Flyers mounted an impressive comeback to force overtime, though ultimately fell short in a 9-round shootout Friday night.
Alex Wilkins opened the scoring for Fayetteville, but the Ice Flyers evened the score when Matt Wiesner benefited from an unusual bounce in the first period.
Marksmen forwards Khristian Acosta and Dalton Hunter propelled Fayetteville to a 3-1 lead with back-to-back goals, scored just 12 seconds apart, to end the second period.
Jake Hamilton gave the Ice Flyers a boost with his sixth goal of the season, cutting the deficit. Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira tied the game 3-3 with a power-play goal to close out regulation.
Neither team managed to break through in the overtime period, sending the game to a shootout that would ultimately require nine rounds to determine a winner.
The shootout remained scoreless through six rounds until Ice Flyers forward Doug Elgstam finally broke through, sneaking one past Marksmen goaltender Ryan Kenney. However, the celebration was short-lived as Ryan Nolan quickly responded for Fayetteville to even things up. The marathon shootout finally came to an end in the ninth round when John Moncovich secured the victory for the Marksmen.
The Ice Flyers will host the Fayetteville Marksmen on Saturday for game two of their three-game series.
Scoring Summary
First Period
FAY 1, PEN 0
10:11 Alex Wilkins (1) – Unassisted – PP
Fayetteville capitalized on a power play to score the game’s first goal.
FAY 1, PEN 1
17:14 Matt Wiesner (6) – Cayden Cahill
A shot by Matt Wiesner ricocheted off the glass and bounced off the back of the Marksmen’s goalie, Ryan Kenney, to tie things up.
Shots on goal: FAY 11, PEN 18
Second Period
FAY 2, PEN 1
17:48 Khristian Acosta (3) – Alex Ambrosio, John Moncovich
Fayetteville took the lead with Khristian Acosta’s shot on a 2-on-1 rush.
FAY 3, PEN 1
18:00 Dalton Hunter (14) – Unassisted
12 seconds after Acosta’s goal, Dalton Hunter weaved around the Ice Flyers defense and sent a shot past Brody Claeys to extend the Marksmen’s lead to two.
Shots on Goal: FAY 10, PEN 15
3rd Period
FAY 3, PEN 2
13:05 Jake Hamilton (6) – Cayden Cahill
Jake Hamilton’s well-placed shot found its way through traffic and into the back of the net, giving the Ice Flyers the momentum boost they needed for their third period comeback.
FAY 3, PEN 3
15:05 Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira (5) – Nick Pryce
The Ice Flyers tied things up with Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira getting a much needed goal on a powerplay opportunity.
Shots on Goal: FAY 3, PEN 14
Overtime
None
Shootout
Ice Flyers – Doug Elgstam
Marksmen – Ryan Nolan
Marksmen – John Moncovich
Total Shots: FAY 30, PEN 52
Escambia County Teacher Of The Year Named
February 1, 2025
Friday night, Global Learning Academy kindergarten teacher Kelly Reed was nas named this year’s Escambia County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Reed will now be in the running for the state teacher of the year award.
The other finalist were:
- Beulah Elementary – Brooke Ferrara
- Beulah Middle – LeAnne Jenkins
- Ransom Middle – Stacey Hammer
- Tate High School – Kristin Maum0
Other Teacher of the Year, by school, were:
- Jim Allen Elementary – Jacey Taylor
- Bellview Elementary – Natalie Hardeman
- Blue Angels Elementary – Christina Cardenas
- Bratt Elementary – Sherri Carter
- Brentwood Elementary – Jill Stewart
- Hellen Caro Elementary – Erin Quinlan
- N. B. Cook Elementary – Kheri Murphy
- Cordova Park Elementary – Margaret Fox-McClellan
- Ensley Elementary – Mary Springer-Alonzo
- Ferry Pass Elementary – Jina Bradley
- Global Learning Academy – Kelly Reed
- Holm Elementary – Lynette Chandler
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Laura Wiggins
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Janie Hayes
- Lipscomb Elementary – Aurora Paul
- Longleaf Elementary – Christine Dunson
- McArthur Elementary – Jodie Langford
- Molino Park Elementary – Heidi Robar
- Montclair Elementary – Maxine Mathis
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Carrie Lawson
- Navy Point Elementary – Tanya DeGruccio
- Oakcrest Elementary – Deja Ramsey
- Pine Meadow Elementary – Kristen Whiddon
- Pleasant Grove Elementary – Theresa Restifo
- Scenic Heights Elementary – Amanda Byers
- O.J. Semmes Elementary – April Scott
- Sherwood Elementary – Patrice Majewski
- A. K. Suter Elementary – Tracy Eiser
- Warrington Elementary – Sylvia Harvey-Thomas
- C. A. Weis Elementary – Brianna English
- West Pensacola Elementary – Brittany Langlois
- Bailey Middle School – Clif (William) Cone
- Bellview Middle – Vicki Davis
- Brown Barge Middle – Nora Guy
- Ernest Ward Middle – Maria Willis
- Ferry Pass Middle – Kristen Amerson
- Workman Middle – Cynethia Gosse
- Escambia High School – Alicia Gifford
- Northview High School – Obreonne Parker
- Pensacola High School – Justin Aultman
- Pine Forest High School – Jonetta Moody
- Booker T. Washington High School – Karen Privett
- West Florida High School – Tiffany Odom
- Alternative Education – Christopher Baker
- Beulah Academy of Science – Kara List
- Achieve Academy – Jayla King
- Success Academy – Pam Carter
- Escambia Virtual – Kimberly Rayburn
- Escambia Westgate – Terri Michelle Price
- ESE – Kirsten Kappler-Bennett
- Hope Horizon – Heather Turner
- George Stone Technical College – Garry Ellison
- Pensacola Beach Charter – Heather Gagnet
Funeral Services Held For Mother And Daughter Killed In Highway 97 Crash
February 1, 2025
Funeral services where held Saturday for the mother and daughter that were tragically killed in a three-vehicle crash January 23 on Highway 97 Walnut Hill.
Valerie Lynn Bullock Hicks, 66, of Molino, and Charity Lynn Hicks, 30, of Pensacola, passed away when their Mazda struck a large fence post after being hit by a pickup truck driven by a man that the Florida Highway Patrol says “failed to maintain his lane of travel “.
Valerie Hicks was a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, and business owner. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor’s degree and taught at Atmore Baptist Temple.
Charity Hicke was homeschooled by her mother and later graduated from Pensacola Christian College. She worked at Temple Christian Academy before becoming a realtor at Flynn Built Custom Home Builders.
“Both ladies will be missed and forever in our hearts. They were perfect examples of love, kindness, faith, and hope. We mourn their death today but look forward to the day we meet them again in heaven. Both ladies lived a beautiful life that deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please pray for her husband and all family members at this critical time,” Temple Christian Academy said in a statement.
“Charity was a remarkable soul — a force of nature whose boundless kindness, love, and generosity touched everyone she met,” Flynn Built said. “She was an extraordinary achiever, always bringing her radiant smile and vibrant energy to every room she entered. Charity’s light was truly one of a kind, and her memory will forever shine in our hearts.”
For the complete obituary, click here.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Smyrna Baptist Church in Pensacola with burial following at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their crash investigation.
Fines Begin Today For Violators At Pensacola Red Light Cameras
February 1, 2025
The grace period is now over, and police are now issuing tickets and fines for violations at traffic cameras in Pensacola.
The cameras are located at:
- 9th Avenue & Bayou — north, south, east, and west approaches (near Cordova Mall)
- 9th Avenue & Airport — north, south, east, and west approaches (also near Cordova Mall)
- 9th Avenue & Fairfield Drive — east and west approaches
- Davis Hwy & Fairfield Drive — east and west approaches
- 9th Avenue & Gregory Street — west approach
These intersections were chosen based on traffic crash data collected over several years and have historically been sites of Pensacola’s most major crashes., Pensacola Police said. In the past two years alone, these five intersections have accounted for 377 vehicle crashes.
During a January grace period, Pensacola Police say more than 1,200 violaters were captures by the cameras.
Now, each violation will be reviewed by a Pensacola Police officer, and citations will be issued. The fine is $158.
Rep. Michelle Salzman To Host Sunday Open House On Immigration
February 1, 2025
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman will host an open house at her office on Sunday to discuss the issue of immigration.
“There have been a lot of questions and emails about the special session we recently had, so I will be making myself available at my office this Sunday before I head back to Tallahassee for people that would like to drop in and discuss immigration,” Salzman said. “If you live in District One, I welcome you. I will always support the strongest of legislation on illegal immigration. I have always supported legislation combating the issue and I will continue to do so.”
The open house will be from 4-6 p.m. at Salzman’s office, 3212 Highway 95A in Cantonment (just north of 10 Mile Road).
Ice Flyers Rally Night Third Period Lead Evaporates In OT Loss Against Roanoke
February 1, 2025
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers gained a point Friday, but left with an empty feeling.
They carried a 2-0 lead into the third period, but gave up a power play goal in the first five minutes, then had Roanoke tie the game with 1:14 left and the Rail Yard Dawgs followed with an overtime goal on their first puck possession for a 3-2 win at the Pensacola Bay Center.
It was the Ice Flyers fifth overtime loss this season, matching the most in the league. But this one occurred after the Ice Flyers had seemed to withstand a barrage of Roanoke scoring chances earlier in the game.
The loss left a crowd of 4,140 exiting with disappointment on Rally Foundation Night, sponsored by Gulf Winds Credit Union, that raised thousands of dollars. The organization is part of Rally Gulf Coast, which helps children with cancer, along with their families, who live along the Gulf Coast region.
Wearing specialty jerseys designed by some of the children battling cancer, the Ice Flyers started strong.
Nick Pryce scored just 2:17 into the game, a split-second before the Ice Flyers power play expired. Midway through the period Ivan Bondarenko provided a 2-0 lead that stood all the way into the third period.
The teams will rematch Saturday at the Bay Center on Mardi Gras Night, which always attracts a mass crowd.
In one of the rare times this season, the Ice Flyers were outshot by a wide margin, 40-26, but Ice Flyers goaltender Brody Claeys came up with big saves throughout the first two periods and several in the third.
The Ice Flyers were seeking their first three-game win streak of the season. Instead, they settled for getting at least one point in six of their last seven games.
Here’s a quick recap.
FIRST PERIOD
Just 17 seconds into the game, the Ice Flyers had a power play. Roanoke’s Carson Gallagher was whistled for tripping.
As he was set to break from the penalty box, Pryce got a pass from Michael Herrera, made a great deke in the crease area and slid the puck on a backhand past veteran SPHL goaltender Austyn Roudebush. The 31-year-old Roudebush is playing his seventh season in the SPHL, five of those with Roanoke.
Gallagher, meanwhile, wound up being the game’s No. 1 star after he scored the tying and winning goal.
Later in this period, Houston Wilson was one of four Ice Flyers to hit a post with his shot and have the puck carom away.
With 10:47 left, Bondarenko worked past a Roanoke defender, moved in on goal and flicked a shot into the upper corner to give the Ice Flyers a 2-0 lead.
With 6:29 left, Claeys made a pair of big saves in the same sequence to keep the score the same.
SECOND PERIOD
No scoring, but plenty of action.
The biggest occurred with 8:22 remaining when Cayden Cahill was awarded a penalty shot when he broke free and was tripped by Bryce Martin with a clear path to the net. On the penalty shot, Cahill made a great move, but Roudebush stretched his leg and thwarted the tap-in shot with his skate up against the goalpost.
That play would prove decisive.
The Ice Flyers were whistled for two separate penalties in the final seven minutes of the period.
THIRD PERIOD
Roanoke’s Austen Swankler scored his first goal with the team on a one-timer during a power play that was perfectly set up with a cross pass from Nick Ford that Swankler blasted into the net with 15:28 left.
It was one of the few times the Ice Flyers have allowed a power play goal on home ice. Their 90.2 kill percentage entering the game was the best in the league.
The Ice Flyers killed another penalty with 4:19 left, but less than 30 seconds later with 1:44 left, Gallagher tied the game. It happened at the same time Roudebush was skating off the ice for an extra attacker.
That deflating moment led into another for the Ice Flyers. They gained the face off in overtime, carried the puck into the Roanoke end, but once the Rail Yard Dawgs gained possession, their chance proved decisive when Gallager rifled a shot into the net just 52 seconds into overtime.
GAME NOTABLES
The Ice Flyers wore specialty Rally Foundation uniforms with the jerseys designed by kids involved with the Rally Gulf Coast and Rally Foundation. There was a live auction after the game on the arena concourse with game-worn jerseys.
In a special scene, kids involved with Rally Gulf Coast and parents sat on the benches during warmups as players greeted the kids during their pregame routines.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Ice Flyers
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center