FHP Corporal Constance Knowles Honored By Medical Examiner’s Office
November 4, 2025
The District One Medical Examiner’s Office has recognized Florida Highway Patrol Corporal Constance Knowles as one of this year’s Above and Beyond Award recipients.
The Medical Examiner’s Office said “Corporal Knowles demonstrates exceptional professionalism, communication, and dedication in every collaboration. Her diligence ensures accurate, timely, and respectful investigations, reflecting the highest standards of service.”
Knowles is an FHP traffic homicide investigator.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Shawn Lassiter Sworn In As Atmore’s New Mayor (With Gallery)
November 4, 2025
In Atmore Monday, newly-elected Mayor Shawn Lassiter was sworn into office. He has served as interim mayor since July 1, after Jim Staff retired after 24 years of service.
During an organizational meeting, councilmembers were also sworn in: Bob Turk, Jerome Webster, Eunice Johnson, David Dobson, and Bub Gideons.
Turk and Gideons are newly elected, replacing longtime council members Webb Nall and Chris Harrison, who did not seek re-election. Dobson was elected after being appointed to fill Lassiter’s council term when Lassiter was appointed interim mayor.
Municipal Judge Karean Reynolds, City Clerk Becca Smith, Director of Public Safety Chuck Brooks, Police Chief Ken Sessions and Fire Chief Ronald Peebles were also sworn into their positions.
The council also appointed Webster as mayor pro tem, Joe Whitt as municipal prosecutor, Gordon Godwin as public defender, Bill Wasden as city attorney, and Smith as city clerk.
Employment was continued by ordinance for all classified officers and employees.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Golfer Anna Kunkel Advances To State Finals
November 4, 2025
Northview High School’s Anna Kunkel competed in the FHSAA Regional Golf Championship in Jacksonville, finishing in the top five with a score of 74. She advances to the state to play for the state title.
At districts, Kunkel took first overall with a score of 69, while the Northview Girls Golf team finished third overall.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arthur Odom Sworn In As New Flomaton Mayor (With Gallery)
November 4, 2025
Arthur Odom was sworn in as the new mayor of Flomaton on Monday, replacing Jim Johnson. Johnson served six consecutive terms on the town council beginning in 2000 before being appointed mayor after the May 2023 resignation of Dewey Bondurant.
Council members Susan Fountain, Anna Lee, Kay Wagner, and Roger Adkinson were also sworn in. Adkinson was named mayor pro tem.
The council approved Odom’s request to postpone the official selection of town clerk, police chief and public works supervisor until he has time to speak with the individuals.
Odom said he looks forward to working for the citizens of Flomaton, and “Working with my council members. Sometimes we’re going to disagree, but we have to put our personal feelings aside and do what’s best for the town,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com and submitted (top) photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Sexually Battery Of Young Girl
November 4, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in station prison for the sexual battery of a young girl.
Jonathan Aaron Speaker was sentenced to serve life in state prison and was also designated a sexual predator by Circuit Court Judge John Simon. Speaker was found guilty by a jury of two counts of sexual battery (while in a position of custodial authority) and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim 12-15 years of age).
The investigation began after a report that Speaker had inappropriately touched a minor child in his custody. The abuse took place several years and started when the victim was 9-years-old. During the investigation, a controlled call was conducted with Speaker. During the call, Speaker told the victim that it was his “demon” that did these things to the victim.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant State Attorney, Carrie Gilmer prosecuted this case.
Student Athletes Honored At FCA Go The Distance Banquet
November 4, 2025
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Going the Distance Awards were presented this week at a banquet hosted by the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
Athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were honored for their participation in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball. The winners were chosen by their teammates based upon their integrity, dedication, character, and FCA values.
VOLLEYBALL
Allie Hepworth, Gulf Breeze
Danielle Lee, PSC
Emree Long, West Florida
Baylie Lowry, Jay
Emma Messer, Miltonon
Gabi Moulton, UWF
Brynleigh Roth, Pace
Maggie Stewart, Northview
Riley Walsh, Catholic
Emma Ward, Washingotn
Armani Westbrooks, Escambia
SWIMMING
Lauren Armstrong, Tate
Parker Brooks, Milton
Addison Chambers, Milton
Marialys Dekom, Navarre
James Dekom, Navarre
Landon Garcia, Catholic
Sara Gray, Catholic
Ian Malone, Washingotn
Qijuan McGhee, Pine Forest
Marie Prestwood, PHS
Abigail Robinson, Washingotn
Collin Scott, Tate
Carley Smith, Pine Forest
Lawson White, PHS
GOLF
Kinzlee Biggs, Tate
Riley Bounds, Gulf Breeze
Jackson Bridges, Northview
Meghan Cole, Escambia
Brayden Dadisman, Gulf Breeze
Lillian Day, Catholic
Hunter Kroll, Escambia
Kaden Lightbourn, Milton
Evana Lin, PHS
Dawson McCullough, Jay
Caroline Mitchem, Jay
Kaitlyn Roberts, West Florida
Anna Rudd, Pine Forest
Eli Semore, Washingotn
Madison Smith, Milton
Lisa Taing, Nav
Clayton White, PHS
Will Zoesch, Catholic
CROSS COUNTRY
Sarah Boyles, PHS
Hunter DeGraff, Jay
Addison Garrett, Catholic
Raul Gonzalez-Garcia, Washingotn
Danica Hoffman, Milton
Gracee Hood, Gulf Breeze
Braeden Hunt, Gulf Breeze
Jack McAuley, West Florida
Mateo Moreno, Milton
Charlotte Nesmith, West Florida
Claire Pennell, Jay
Peter Ruiz, PHS
Bowen Spear, Catholic
Brooke Stubblefield, Washingotn
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Church Pays Off $6.5 Million In Medical Debt For 4,400 Escambia County Residents
November 3, 2025
In an extraordinary act of generosity and faith in action, Transformation Church announced Sunday that it has paid off more than $6.52 million in medical debt for 4,400 people throughout Escambia County.
Through a partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit that purchases and forgives medical debt for pennies on the dollar, Transformation Church’s donation was multiplied to abolish millions in burdensome medical bills for local families.
The medical debt forgiveness targeted individuals and households in Escambia County who either earn 4x or below the federal poverty level or whose medical debt equals 5% or more of their annual income. Medical debt relief was not requested and recipients were not required to apply — they will simply by notified by mail this week of the debt abolishment — with no tax consequences, no penalties, and no repayment required.
‘Transformation is more than a name — it’s a calling,” said Pastor Brad Livingston, lead pastor of Transformation Church. “We believe the church should be known for generosity, compassion, and impact. Today, thousands of our neighbors are being set free, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Medical debt remains one of the leading causes of financial hardship in America. For many, a single medical emergency can spiral into years of debt and stress. By stepping in to erase millions in medical debt, Transformation Church said it hopes to ignite a movement of compassion and generosity that spreads far beyond Escambia County.
Transformation Church is a faith community based in Pensacola dedicated to helping people “Encounter God, Experience Community, and Engage Their World”. The church has locations at 6800 Mobile Highway, 3141 Gulf Breeze Parkway and streams online. A new location is coming soon to the University of West Florida Campus.
SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament Kicks Off At Ashton Brosnaham Park (With Gallery)
November 3, 2025
The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament kicked off in North Escambia on Sunday with first round matches at Ashton Brosnaham Park. It’s the fourth year the tourney has been hosted at the Escambia County park off 10 Mile Road.
Hundreds of people watched on Sunday as Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi State and LSUA all earned wins to advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
For photos from Kentucky and Florida, click here.
For photos from Mississippi State and Oklahoma, click here.
Sunday scores were as follows:
- #10 Alabama 2, #7 South Carolina 0
- #6 Kentucky 1, #11 Florida 0
- #8 Mississippi State 1, #9 Oklahoma 0
- #5 LSU 3, # 12 Auburn 2
In quarterfinal action on Tuesday.
- #2 Vanderbilt vs. #10 Alabama, 11:30 a.m.
- #3 Georgia vs. # 6 Kentucky, 2 p.m.
- #1 Arkansas vs #8 Mississippi State, 4:30 p.m.
- #4 Tennessee vs #5 LSU, 7 p.m.
For tickets, click here. Tournament books include one ticket for all six sessions of the tournament; all tickets are general admission. Admission is free for kids 12 and under wearing a soccer jersey with a paying adult for the November 2 and 4 matches.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ashton Brosnaham Dog Park Closed During SEC Tournament
November 3, 2025
The dog park at the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, located at 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Dr., will be closed during the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament this week. The dog park will reopen Monday, November. 10.
Residents with dogs are encouraged to visit one of the other county dog parks:
- Beulah Regional Park, 7820 Mobile Highway
- Lexington Terrace Regional Park, 900 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Regency Park, 8245 Fathom Road
- Santa Maria Plaza, 199 Madrid Road
File photo.
EREC CEO Ryan Campbell Name Pace Chamber’s Man Of The Year
November 3, 2025
Escambia River Electric Cooperative CEO Ryan Campbell has been named the Pace Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year.
The chamber honored Campbell’s leadership as EREC has continued its legacy of dependable service and expanded its impact. He played a key role in bringing fiber internet access to northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, bridging the digital divide in the communities served by the member owned electric cooperative.
“What truly sets Mr. Campbell apart, though, is his heart for people. He leads by example when it comes to community outreach. Whether it’s supporting local schools through the Partnership in Education, promoting safety through school programs like Safety City, or showing up at career days to inspire students, Mr. Campbell is always looking for ways EREC can make a real difference beyond just providing power,” the nomination stated. “Ryan Campbell’s leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. For these reasons and many more, he is more than deserving of the title of Business Leader of the Year.”
“I am deeply honored by this recognition,” Campbell said. “This award represents the collective effort, teamwork, and passion of our entire EREC family as we continue to serve our members and strengthen our community.”
Other Pace Chamber of Commerce awards were:
- Business of the Year: B&C Nursery
- Excellence in Community: Service: Survivor-Led Solutions
- Non Profit of the Year: Food Raising Friends
- Woman of the Year: Liz Ohlhorst
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
