Emergency Dispatcher Gerry Steege Named Escambia Employee Of The Month
February 9, 2025
Gerry Steege, emergency communications dispatcher in the Escambia County Emergency Communications Division has been named the county’s February 2025 Employee of the Month.
“Thank you for recognizing my hard work,” said Steege. “I’m honored to be chosen as Employee of the Month. I’m so glad to be part of Emergency Communications. I appreciate the recognition and will continue to push for excellence. It’s motivating to see my contributions valued. Thank you so much again.”
As an emergency communications dispatcher, Steege dispatches fire and EMS units while maintaining constant communication with responders, processing 9-1-1 calls, and providing lifesaving pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
Steege has served as a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Walnut Hill Fire Department. Due to his service and extensive knowledge of Walnut Hill and the surrounding communities, Steege was able to provide vital information to Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS during the recent snowstorm that helped fire rescue and EMS units navigate hazardous roadways.
“Throughout the heavy snowstorm that blanketed Escambia County, Gerry’s knowledge of the North Escambia communities and its roadways proved critical as EMS and fire crews responded to emergency calls,” said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “His years of service as a firefighter in Walnut Hill extended to his role as a first responder in Emergency Communications as a dispatcher. We are grateful for his steadfastness to the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of his normal dispatch and volunteer firefighting duties, Steege has taken on additional equipment replacement projects, including his research, procurement, and installation of the necessary replacement parts for outdated Emergency Communications consoles resulting in significant cost savings for Escambia County taxpayers.
“Gerry’s dedication and extra effort in researching and installing replacement parts for Emergency Communications consoles not only saved Escambia County money but also highlighted his value as a team member who goes above and beyond,” said Emergency Communications Chief Andrew Hamilton. “We are proud to recognize one of our own who contributes so much behind the scenes.”
Pictured top: Gerry Steege with his family, alongside Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore (second from left) and Communications Deputy Chief Mark Carter (left). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2025 Tate Lady Aggies Softball Rosters Announced
February 9, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies have named their 2025 varsity and junior varsity teams.
The rosteras are as follows:
VARSITY
- Jordyn Banks
- Kinzlee Biggs
- Blakely Campbell
- Carlyn Ham
- Aubree Jordan
- Amburleigh Laird
- Kaylie Mitchell
- Mykamia Padgett
- Taylor Robinson
- Tristen Showalter
- Madison Smillie
- Jordan Smith
- Lacy Wilson
- Kara Wine
- Peyton Womack
JUNIOR VARSITY
- Gracyn Campbell
- Aubree Gorum
- Sarah Mitchell
- Brelynn Morris
- Carmen Morris
- Emorie Nelson
- Bailey Parden
- Kierstyn Phillips
- Kaylyn Relstab
- Ke’Anna Smith
- Tatianna Yahle
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ice Flyers Rough Start Again Decisive In Series-Ending Loss To Macon Mayhem
February 9, 2025
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers faced another three-goal hole early into Saturday’s series finale against the Macon Mayhem.
This time, they could not produce any late-game suspense.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Mayhem twice answered the Ice Flyers brief points of momentum with insurance goals, then played tight defense in the final minutes to produce a 5-3 victory at the Pensacola Bay Center and claim both final meetings this season between the teams.
Saturday’s game attracted a crowd (5,619) that nearly filled every seat in the lower bowl for Toy Story Night with the Ice Flyers wearing custom designed purple jerseys to match the theme. There was also a live auction for game-worn jerseys following the game.
The back-to-back losses pushed the Ice Flyers four points behind Evansville and Birmingham for the last two playoff qualifying spots. The Ice Flyers (13-22, 5 OT losses) have 16 games remaining, eight apiece home and away.
With their wins, Macon (17-20, 3 OT losses) climbed from ninth to seventh place in the league standings.
After trailing 3-0 Friday night, closing to within a goal and failing to get an equalizer in the final minutes of 3-2 loss to Macon, the game Saturday began even rougher for the Ice Flyers.
They gave up three goals in the first nine minutes, forcing Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham to remove starting goaltender Brody Claeys for Cody Karpinski.
Only 28 seconds later, a jolt of good vibe occurred when Matt Wiesner poked in the puck through traffic to trim the deficit.
Macon then got the first goal of the second period to extend the lead, then a goal less than seven minutes into the third period to again answer an Ice Flyers lead-trimming score.
With more than three minutes left in the game, following a timeout, Graham pulled Karpinski for the extra attacker, but the Ice Flyers struggled with puck control in those closing minutes and were thwarted from getting numerous chances.
Pensacola played without team captain Jake Hamilton, suspended for his role in a fight Friday night. Also following last night’s game, winger Michael Herrera was placed on a 14-day injured list.
Once again the Ice Flyers managed more shots on goal (35-29), including an overwhelming edge in the second period (12-3), but could not generate more goals.
With the Bay Center transformed as the center venue for the ultra-popular Pensacon week, the Ice Flyers will travel to face the Birmingham Bulls next Friday and Saturday with an opportunity to close ground if they can win those back-to-back games.
They will then play Evansville at the Bay Center for three consecutive games the following week (Feb 21-23), so there are opportunities for this team to gain ground in a quest for a playoff spot.
Here’s a quick recap from Saturday.
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers struggled to gain puck possession following the opening faceoff and got pinned in their zone. That turned into Macon’s first goal just 2-minutes, 52 seconds into the game by Justin Kelly.
The Ice Flyers didn’t get their first shot on goal until nearly four minutes into the period.
The Mayhem then answered with two goals just 39 seconds apart to expand the lead and force the goaltender change.
Matt Wiesner’s goal put some energy back for the remainder of the period, following assists by teammates Greg Susinski and Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira.
SECOND PERIOD
Sam Dabrowski converted a pass from Ivan Bondarenko with 5:13 left in the period to provide another lift. Bondarenko had massed on a backhand attempt as he swooped on net, but regained control of the puck on after circling the cage and found slid the puck to Dabrowski for ninth goal of the season.
Bondarenko and Wiesner then just missed converting on a two-on-one during a penalty kill situation, after the Ice Flyers were whistled for too many men on the ice.
Macon got called for the same penalty with 1:21 left, but the Ice Flyers couldn’t capitalize and Macon took intermission with a 4-2 lead.
THIRD PERIOD
Blake Tosto poked in puck amid traffic in front of the crease to cut the deficit to 4-3 with 17:57 left in the game and suddenly thoughts of comeback were returned.
But following a game timeout and a faceoff in the Macon zone, the Mayhem gained possession and Jake Goldowski scored the game’s biggest goal on a rush by flipping the puck past Karpinski with 13:10 left. It gave the Mayhem a two-goal edge they kept.
GAME NOTABLES
Following the game, many of the Ice Flyers players participated in a post-game skate with fans.
The jersey auctions and uniform design were popular with proceeds going to Covenant Care.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Friday-Saturday (Feb. 14-15)
WHERE: Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Alabama.
FHP Seeks Passenger That Fled Following Fatal Escambia County Crash
February 8, 2025
A fatal crash early Friday morning on Millview Road has left one man dead and authorities searching for answers.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 36-year-old Pensacola man was driving a Ford pickup north on Millview Road when the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a guardrail on the west shoulder. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries.
Investigators are now looking into the circumstances surrounding a passenger who fled the scene without rendering aid or notifying law enforcement.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or troopers at *FHP.
File photo.
One Developer Drops $45 Million Bid For OLF-8, Another Ups Offer To $50 Million
February 8, 2025
Friday, Beulah Town Center (BTC) withdrew their $45 million offer for the 540 acre OLF-8 property owned by Escambia County in Beulah, expressing disappointment with a 30 day negotiation period that was ending.
“After dedicating the past eight years to working toward an agreement for the purchase of OLF-8, we are disappointed that a resolution could not be reached. While we had hoped for a different outcome, we respect the County’s position and the process. Though this chapter is closing, we remain committed to pursuing meaningful opportunities that reflect our experience, expertise, and long-term vision,” Beulah Town Center managing member Chad Horne said in a letter Friday to Escambia County commissioners.”
During a Thursday night commission meeting, commissioners would not extend the negotiation period.
“We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come. We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come, Horne continued in BTC’s Friday letter.
Last month BOCC unanimously approved negotiations for 30 days with BTC, mandating that the DPZ Master Plan would be a deed restriction with 270 acres for light industrial, 61 acres for residential and 47 acres for a mixed use center.
After debate, commissioners voted 4-1 for a motion by District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger and seconded by District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry to complete the initial 30 day negotiation period with BTC, and then consider any other offers that come in. District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger cast the lone dissenting vote.
Ryan Bell and Beulah Ranch, LLC have upped their offer to $50 million for the property on West Nine Mile Road. A copy of a written offer from Beulah Ranch was not available from the county on Friday.
The county had received a $42.5 million offer from TRI-W Development, but the group walking out of an early January meeting, rescinding their offer.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Facing Multiple Drug Charges After Fleeing Traffic Stop
February 8, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing multiple drug charges after a traffic stop in Escambia County.
William Austin Thomann, 27, was charged with driving a motorcycle without a valid motorcycle endorsement, fleeing and eluding with disregard to public safety, failure to register a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled Substance without a prescription (fentanyl), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull Thomann over on Pensacola Boulevard for speeding and no license plate on his motorcycle. After Thomann ran stop signs and increased his speed, the deputy back off the pursuit. Deputies located the stalled motorcycle on Hansen Boulevard, at which point Thomann dropped the bike and fled on foot, according to an arrest report. He was captured at a nearby residence.
In Thomann’s backpack, deputies reported finding a bag of marijuana, two prescription bags of marijuana that weighed 3.5 grams, additional bags and containers of marijuana, a blue powder that field tested positive for methamphetamine with fentanyl.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail after his bond was revoked in an open weapon and drug possession case from last year.
Tate Aggies Slip To Milton, Finishing Season At District Runners-Up
February 8, 2025
The Tate Aggies are 6A District 1 runners-up after falling on the road to the Milton Panthers.
The Panthers dominated scoring in the first half, leading Tate 39-10 at the half. Despite a slow start, the Aggies found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Milton 18-16.
But Tate just could not keep pace with Milton in the final period.
The Aggies finished their season at 17-10.
Pictured: The Tate Aggie home opener with a 71-68 win over the Atmore Blue Devils. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
North Beulah Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Wednesday
February 8, 2025
Residents of a portion of north Beulah can dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge during a Neighborhood Cleanup next Wednesday, February 12.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separated from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 6,915 tons (13,830,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Ernest Ward Eagles Triumph Over Bailey Bulldogs In Middle School Volleyball
February 8, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles soared to victory over the Bailey Middle School Bulldogs this week in middle school volleyball matchups.
In the JV game, the Eagles dominated with a straight-set win, taking the match 25-21, 25-12.
The varsity matchup was a nail-biter, with both teams battling hard. Ernest Ward claimed the first set 25-16, but Bailey fought back to take the second 25-21. In the decisive third set, the Eagles held their ground and secured the win 15-11, sealing their victory for the night.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Recap: Mayhem 3, Ice Flyers 2 (With Gallery)
February 8, 2025
Despite a hard-fought effort, the Ice Flyers fell short 3-2 to the Mayhem Friday night in the first of two weekend games.
The first period ended scoreless, with neither team finding the back of the net.
Macon’s Jarret Kup broke the deadlock early in the second period.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Midway through the second, Ice Flyers’ Jake Hamilton and Macon’s Jacob Schapps dropped the gloves, energizing the crowd.
Macon then took control as Jake Raleigh netted two power-play goals before the period’s end.
In the third period, Nick Pryce scored his third and fourth goals of the season to cut the Mayhem’s lead to one.
However, the Ice Flyers couldn’t complete the comeback in the final minutes.
Scoring Summary
First Period
MAC 0, PEN 0
No Scoring
Shots on goal: MAC 6, PEN 15
Second Period
MAC 1, PEN 0
1:39 Jarret Kup (5) – Unassisted
MAC 2, PEN 0
13:32 Jake Raleigh (5) – Yaroslav Yevdokimov, Jake Goldowski
MAC 3, PEN 0
17:14 Jake Raleigh (6) – Yaroslav Yvdokimov, Jake Goldowski
Shots on goal: MAC 7, PEN 11
Third Period
MAC 3, PEN 1
7:12 Nick Pryce (3) – Matt Wiesner
MAC 3, PEN 2
12:53 Nick Pryce (4) – Douglas Elgstam, Houston WIlson
Shots on goal: MAC 4, PEN 7
Total shots: MAC 17, PEN 33
