Photo Gallery: Opening Day At Molino, NEP and Century Ballparks
March 8, 2026
Saturday was opening day for the spring ball season at several local ballparks including NEP, Century Baseball Association at Showalter Park and the Molino Ballpark.
For a photo gallery that includes scenes from Molino, Century and ENP, click here.
Related story: Play Ball! Saturday Was Opening Day For A Growing Century Blackcats Ball Program
Reader submitted and NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
March 8, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway lighting work:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98.
- Intermittent lane closures at the I-110 ramps to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14.
- Intermittent lane closures at the I-10 ramps to I-110 (Exit 12) and Davis Highway (S.R. 291) (Exit 13).
- Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, March 8, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, March 8, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for barrier wall placement and heavy equipment relocation.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, March 8 through Friday, March 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge construction activities. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, March 8:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 eastbound near the U.S. 29 interchange, Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for bridge construction activities.
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, March 8, through Friday, March 13, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- U.S. 90 Coring Operation over the White River Bridge – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 9 through Friday, April 10, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for coring operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Students Learn About Ag During NHS ‘Fresh From Florida’ Event (With Gallery)
March 7, 2026
About 550 elementary school students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties attended the annual Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” agricultural advocacy program Friday morning at the school in Bratt.
Formerly known as the “Food For America program”, the event gave students a chance to learn about agriculture first hand, up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more to learn how food gets from the farm to their tables. Students were even able to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter.
The Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program has been honored as the number one program in the state multiple times, and the chapter was also named one of the best in the United State by the National FFA Organization.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Making False Claim Of Liquor Store Knife Attack
March 7, 2026
A Cantonment man was arrested after security footage allegedly debunked his claims of being threatened with a knife during a January disturbance at a local liquor store.
Kenneth Scott Miller, 48, is charged with making a false report to law enforcement. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $500 bond.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Miller contacted authorities on January 20, claiming a man had held a pocket knife to his throat and threatened him outside The Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 and Old Chemstrand Road. Miller reportedly maintained this version of events under oath, even after deputies warned him of the legal consequences of filing a false report.
However, the reporting officer noted that Miller provided inconsistent stories during the initial investigation. A follow-up review of the business’s security footage showed Miller as the primary aggressor, according to the arrest report. The video reportedly depicted Miller aggressively approaching another individual’s vehicle multiple times. While the other man did brandish a knife to protect himself, the footage showed he held it by his side or at chest height and never placed it to Miller’s neck.
Florida Senator Renews Push To Make Daylight Saving Time Year-Round
March 7, 2026
As we spring forward by an hour tonight, one Florida senator has renewed his push to keep daylight saving time year-round.
His Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight savings time year round.
“Floridians and families across the country are counting down the days until they can spring forward and enjoy more sunshine. Even just an extra hour in the evening means more time to play with your kids, walk your dog, and, for those in the Sunshine State, enjoy all that our beautiful beaches, parks, and cities have to offer,” Scott said.
In 2018, as governor of Florida, Scott signed legislation that, pending federal approval, would exempt Florida from the biannual time change and allow the state to remain on daylight time all year.
Last year, Senator Scott was joined by 17 of his bipartisan Senate colleagues in reintroducing this bill. Congressman Vern Buchanan leads the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“With support from President Donald Trump and a bipartisan group of colleagues, it’s clear that now is the time for Congress to pass my Sunshine Protection Act. Together, we can finally lock the clock and make Daylight Saving Time permanent so that families can enjoy brighter evenings all year long,” Scott says.
Northview Walks Off With Extra Inning District Thriller 5-4 Over Jay
March 7, 2026
Northview 5, Jay 4 (8 innings)
The Northview Chiefs walked off with a 5-4 win over the Jay Royals in an extra inning district thriller on Friday night in Bratt.
The Chiefs took a 4-0 lead in the second inning, only to see Jay tie the game at four in the top of the sixth inning.
For first-year Northview Head Coach Justin Raley, it was an extra meaningful win. Justin had been an assistant coach the past three seasons at Jay, under the leadership of his father Duane Raley, who is now an assistant coach at Northview.
“It’s very special. I love some people over there, and we had a great time, but I’m thankful for my opportunity over here,” Justin Raley said. “I’ve got friends over there; I’ve got family and my wife is from there. It’s good to compete against those guys, and I’m proud of our guys.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Grayson Burns was on the mound for five and two-thirds innings for the Chiefs, allowing four hits, four runs (three earned) while walking four and striking out six. Jase Portwood earned the win in two and one-third innings of no run, no hit ball, walking one and striking out five.
Dane King went 2-4 at the plate for the Chiefs, with two RBIs. Chavers went 3-3.
“These guys competed so hard; I’m so thankful for them,” Justin Raley said. “God brought me to a wonderful place. These guys, they buy in, and they compete every day and I love them.”
Bryson Nelson led the Royals with two RBIs as he went 2-4.
Landon Golden gave up five hits and four runs in five innings for Jay, striking out eight and walking three.
Up next, Jay will travel to Chipley on Tuesday and Flomaton on Thursday. In a three-game home stand next week, Northview will host J.U. Blacksher on Monday, T.R. Miller on Thursday, and L.E.A.D. Academy on Friday.
Justin Raley told the team that it will be important to stay focused after a big win with three games on the schedule next week.
“We’ve got to show up next week and compete; we can’t stop,” he said. “It’s just maintaining a sense of composure, and I preached to them not to let the moment get too big. We’ll enjoy it tonight, and then tomorrow morning, it’s back to business and we’ll be ready for next week.”
Northview 6, Jay 1 (JV)
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat the JV Jay Royals 6-1 on Friday in Bratt.
McAnnally earned the win for the Chiefs, giving up five hits and no runs in six innings, walking one and striking out five. Camden Jacobson pitched tw0-thirds of an inning, allowing two hits, one run, no walks, and no strikeouts.
Tyler McAnally went 2-for-3 for Northview, with one RBI.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Man Faces Federal Gun And Drug Charges
March 7, 2026
An Escambia County man is facing federal gun and drug charges.
Terry Terrell Crenshaw, 39 was in indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; one count of use of a communication facility; and one count of maintaining drug-involved premises.
If convicted, Crenshaw faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count; up to four years’ imprisonment on the use of a communication facility count; and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the maintaining drug-involved premises count. His trail is scheduled for April 6, and he remains in jail without bond.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff: Illegal Immigrant Charged With ‘Horrendous’ Manslaughter Of 3-Year-Old In Cantonment
March 6, 2026
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has announced the arrest of a 28-year-old Cantonment man following the death of his 3-year-old nephew, describing the case as “horrendous and despicable”.
The suspect, Samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo, is currently charged with negligent manslaughter, though Simmons indicated that more severe charges are being considered as the investigation continues The sheriff said Maldonado Erazo is in the country illegally.
The case began on Wednesday night, March 4 when deputies responded to a report of a 3-year-old in cardiac arrest in the 1900 block of Brentco Road. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child was pronounced dead.
The subsequent autopsy performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed a harrowing pattern of physical trauma. Simmons reported that the child suffered from 17 separate strikes to the head, burn marks caused by a lighter being heated and pressed into the skin, multiple broken ribs, with one being completely detached from the backbone, a transected pancreas, which is a rare injury typically only seen in cases of extreme blunt-force trauma, and signs of possible sexual abuse and a broken collarbone.
“The injuries to the child are hard to talk about and even harder to imagine having to endure,” the sheriff said.
Investigators said the injuries were in various stages of healing, suggesting the child had been subjected to a cycle of violence over a significant period.
A Failure to Act
The Sheriff explained that the child ended up in the care of Maldonado Erazo after the boy’s mother and aunt were deported. Despite the child showing signs of “extreme distress” throughout the final day of his life, Maldonado Erazo allegedly failed to seek medical help, instead taking the boy to work with him until “the child declined to a state of cardiac arrest”.
Seeking Maximum Accountability
While the current charge is negligent manslaughter, Sheriff Simmons made it clear that the Sheriff’s Office is collaborating closely with the State Attorney’s Office to upgrade the charges.
“As I speak here today, that 3-year-old boy’s body lies at the county morgue,” Simmons said. “But he’s not there. He is pain-free in the arms of our Lord, and his killer, Samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo…will answer for these crimes in this life and beyond.
County Commission Affirms Administrator’s Decision To Hire Christal Bell-Rivera As Library Director
March 6, 2026
Thursday night, the Escambia County Commission affirmed the county administrator’s decision to hire Christal Bell-Rivera as the next library services director, rejecting recommendations from the West Florida Library Board of Governance (BOG) that ranked two other candidates higher.
The BOG recommended Bradley Vinson, current coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District, as its top choice to run the library system. The BOG’s second choice was Chris Hare, current division manager for WFPL.
According to the county, the administrator has the sole decision on employe hires, with the board only voting to approve or disapprove. The commission only appoints the county administrator and county attorney.
Administrator Wes Moreno’s decision came under fire because Bell-Rivera did not meet minimum qualifications without a master’s degree in library science, which opponents argued would cause the county to not receive state grants. She is currently a candidate to receive the degree this year.
Assistant County Administrator Debbie Bowers, who attended the commission meeting for an absent Moreno, said that while the position was advertised with certain educational requirements, it also included “an equivalent experience” provision. She said Bell-Rivera had proven herself as an assistant and interim director at the helm of a library system with a $12 million budget and 111 employees.
“Christal has equivalent experience,” Bowers said. “I think that she has done a great job.”
Bowers said BOG and public concerns are moot regarding the library system potentially losing state funding after receiving assurances from the state library system. “We were assured that we could be eligible for the funding,” Bowers added.
“Sometimes you have to hire somebody for the heart that they have for the community, for the job that they are doing, and sometimes that’s not exactly what’s on the job description,” District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger said. “Sometimes the heart that somebody has, and the passion they have for the job that they do, along with other relevant experience, combines and makes them the perfect fit for the job.”
“Doing the job is more than meeting a minimum requirement, if you’ve actually been doing the job successfully,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “By accounts from administration, she has been.”
“It’s our administrator’s decision to hire who he thinks is best qualified,” District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger said. “I’m sure he took everything into account, and I trust his decision.”
A motion by Barry and seconded by Stroberger to affirm Moreno’s decision to hire Bell-Rivera passed 4-1 with District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler voting against.
Kohler said he found out on Thursday that Bell-Rivera did not meet the qualifications for the position, and said the commission does not listen enough to its citizen advisory boards.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Announces Escambia Judge Appointment
March 6, 2026
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced a judicial appointment in Escambia County, Alabama.
Ivey appointed Wade Leon Hartley of Brewton to serve as circuit judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit covering Escambia County. Hartley was notified of his official appointment earlier this week and was sworn in on Wednesday, prior to the formal announcement by the governor’s office on Thursday.
A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and The University of Alabama School of Law, Judge Hartley succeeds Circuit Judge Jeffrey Alan White who retired from the bench on February 16, 2026, after serving nearly 12 years on the Escambia County District and Circuit Court.
“Wade Hartley brings to the bench almost 32 years of varied legal experience including service as Tribal Prosecutor, Special Municipal Judge, Indigent Defense Counsel in the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Court, and Public Defender in the 21st Judicial Circuit,” said Ivey. “His broad knowledge of the law will serve the Court and the people of Escambia County well.”
“I am both humbled and honored at receiving Governor Ivey’s appointment,” said Hartley. “I am extremely appreciative of the trust that she has placed in me, and I intend to serve the people of Escambia County with integrity, diligence, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law.”