Pensacola Airport Transformed Into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport
February 5, 2025
Pensacola International Airport has partnered with Pensacon for its annual transformation into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, assuming the temporary name and stellar decor to commemorate the 2025 Pensacon convention scheduled for February 14-16.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the temporary change renaming the airport Pensacola Intergalactic Airport on Tuesday. The signage throughout the terminal highlights iconic comic and science fiction characters and welcome messages.
“Our relationship with the Pensacola Intergalactic Airport has been such a wonderful way to not only promote Pensacon, but also show travelers how great our city is in supporting events like ours. Each year, our celebrity guests are impressed when they come off the plane and feel like they are already immersed in Pensacon,” Pensacon CEO Mike Ensley said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Library Security Cameras Proposed For Molino, Century, Southwest Branches
February 5, 2025
West Florida Public Libraries is looking to add security cameras at the Molino, Century and Southwest library branches.
The Escambia County Commission will consider a $140,655.91 proposal from Security Engineering, Inc. for camera surveillance systems at the three libraries. According to BOCC agenda item for Thursday, the cameras will “enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, greatly improving safety. This proactive measure will safeguard valuable assets and create a secure environment.”
- Century Branch Library – $39,743.37 – Six interior, six exterior cameras
- Molino Branch Library $39,743.37 – six interior, five exterior cameras
- Southwest Branch Library $43,340.49- five interior, five exterior cameras
The projects includes all installation, accessories, networking equipment and other supplies. The cameras will be connected to the library’s server at the downtown library.
The Escambia County cost will piggyback on a bid awarded by Okaloosa County To Security Engineering.
Pictured: The children’s area at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Playoff Hopes Dashed For Tate And Northview Girls Basketball, Tate Soccer Teams
February 5, 2025
Playoff hopes ended Tuesday night for the Tate and Northview girls basketball teams along with the Tate soccer teams.
BASKETBALL
Girls Rural Class District 1
- In Girls Rural Class District 1 basketball quarterfinal action, the No. 6 Northview Chiefs fell 83-32 to No. 3 Century. Central will advance to the semifinals on Thursday at No. 2 Paxton.
Girls 6A District 1
- In the Girls 6A District 1 basketball quarterfinals, the No. 6 Tate Aggies lost to No. 3 Crestview by a score of 46-25. Crestview will travel to No. 2 Milton on Thursday, while No.1 Niceville will host No 4 Pace. The district championship will be held on Saturday.
SOCCER
Class 6A Girls Tournament
- In the Girls 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals Tuesday night, the No. 7 Tate Aggies fell 3-0 to No. 2 Niceville. It was the first postseason appearance by the Lady Aggies soccer team in 18 years.
Class 6A Boys Tournament
- In the Boys 6A District 1 regional soccer quarterfinals, the No. 7 Tate Aggies lost 5-3 to No. 2 Horizon in Winter Garden.
Pictured: The 6A Tate Lady Aggies took on the 1A Northview Lady Chiefs last month. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Weightlifters Qualify For State
February 5, 2025
Two Northview High School weightlifters are headed to state after their performance at the 1A R1 Regional Championship.
In the 101-pound weight class, Maggie Stewart secured a 5th place finish with a total lift of 190 pounds.
In the 119-pound division, Aaliyah Fountain earned a 3rd place finish, lifting a total of 265 pounds.
Steward and Fountain both qualified for the upcoming tate meet.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Apparent Murder-Suicide Off 10 Mile Road Under Investigation
February 4, 2025
An apparent murder-suicide attempt Monday night off 10 Mile Road is under investigation.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to home on Millbrook Drive where they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
According to the ECSO, a 48-year-old male was pronounced deceased, and a 24-year-old male was transported to the hospital.
Morgan Lewis, ECSO public information officer, the situation appeared to be a murder-suicide, but the final determination will be made by the medical examiner.
The relationship, if any, between the individuals was not released, nor were details on the shooting.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Incumbents Adams, Fetsko Prefile To Seek Reelection To School Board
February 4, 2025
Two incumbent Escambia County School Board members pre-filed Monday to seek reelection this year.
District 1 member Kevin Adams and District 2 member Paul Fetsko prefilled to seek the non-partisan seats during the 2026 election cycle.
Pictured: Kevin Adams (left) and Paul Fetsko (right).
Motorbike Rider Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Crash With Vehicle
February 4, 2025
A motorbike rider was seriously injured in a collision with a vehicle Monday night in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 7:30 p.m. in the 700 block of North Highway 29, near Grocery Outlet.
The motorbike rider was airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to a Pensacola hospital. An update on their condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Felony Hit And Run In Century Crash That Injured Five
February 4, 2025
A Panama City man has been charged with a hit and run crash Saturday night in Century that injured five people, including children.
Dexter Ivey Smith, 35, was charged with felony hit and run for failure to stop or remain on scene at a crash with injury, along with misdemeanor battery and driving with a revoked license.
The crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Highway 29 near the southern town limits.
The driver of a northbound pickup truck was struck by a northbound SUV driven by Smith approached at a high rate of speed, according to troopers. The pickup truck overturned multiple times, coming to rest on the shoulder just north of Salter’s Lake Road. Smith’s SUV rotated into the paved median of Highway 29.
The 38-year-old female driver of the pickup truck and her passengers — a 45-year-old male, 18-year-old male, 13-year-old male and a 6-year-old female — all sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
A witness told troopers that a white male in his mid-thirties with short black hair and a long nose fled from the scene. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office later received a report of a man matching the description outside a nearby home. The witness was able to identify Smith as the driver that fled the scene of the crash.
FHP said Smith was also charged with battery for throwing a flashlight at the passenger of the second vehicle.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Nine Mile Road Traffic Light At Ashland Avenue Goes Into Flash Mode Today
February 4, 2025
A new traffic signal on Nine Mile Road at Ashland Avenue will be activated in flash mode mode on Tuesday.
Drivers on Nine Mile Road will encounter a yellow flashing signal, meaning they should slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution. Drivers on Ashland Avenue will stop with a red flashing light.
On Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m., the traffic signal will be fully activated with in standard mode.
Atmore Police Execute Search, Arrest Six On Drug Charges
February 4, 2025
Atmore Police Department officers executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Harris Street on Saturday afternoon, leading to the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and stolen firearms.
The operation, carried out around 3:30 p.m., was the result of citizen complaints and police surveillance. Inside the residence, officers discovered two stolen firearms, several hundred grams of marijuana, Ecstasy pills, THC gummies, synthetic cannabis (Spice), and drug packaging materials, including digital scales. Authorities also said they found two small children in close proximity to the narcotics.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
- Willis Williams, 26 – possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property (second degree), possession of marijuana (first degree), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Kenta Finklea, 37 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), receiving stolen property (second degree), obstructing government operations, and chemical endangerment.
- Diane Finklea, 63 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Aaron Salter, 27 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Brandon McCaster, 28 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
- Tiecha Finklea, 37 – possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (first degree), and receiving stolen property (second degree).
All six suspects were booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
Pictured: (top row) Willias Williams, Kenta Finklea, Diane Finklea, (bottom row) Aaron Salter, Brandon McCaster, and Tiecha Finklea.