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.
Escambia Man Dies After Crashing Into Wall On I-10
November 3, 2025
A 20-year old Escambia County man died Saturday morning when his vehicle hit a wall on I-10 in Pensacola.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred about 2:47 a.m. on I-10 near Davis Highway when the man’s eastbound SUV left the roadway and crashed into a sound-attenuating wall.
The man was pronounced deceased on scene by Escambia County EMS.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
File photo.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
November 3, 2025
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway State Road (S.R.) 291 – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations and drainage improvements.
- S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for drainage improvements, curb replacement and pedestrian handrail installation.
- S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) 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, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for drainage improvements and concrete flatwork.
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Nov. 2, 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 Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Nov. 2, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road 292A east) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with east and westbound 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.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for manhole adjustments. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Nov. 2, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent westbound lane closures on Garden Street, between Brue Street and Alcaniz Street, Monday, Nov. 3, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- 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 south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for stormwater management upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at D Street and Barrancas Avenue. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- I-10 eastbound travel lanes near the Nine Mile Road interchange will be closed Sunday, Nov. 2, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for beam placement operations. Drivers will be detoured via the I-10 ramps and Nine Mile Road. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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 from Sunday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 7:
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete roadway construction. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- 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, Nov. 2, through Friday, Nov. 7.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Area Gas Prices The Lowest In Florida
November 3, 2025
The Escambia County area had the lowest metro gas prices in the state over the weekend with the average price at $2.66 per gallon.
The lowest price in the Pensacola area on Sunday was $2.38 at stations on Kenmore Road and East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the lowest price was $2.48 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Statewide, Florida gas prices rose 11 cents last week, yet the state average remains less than $3 a gallon.
Last week, the state average fell from $2.92 on Sunday to $2.87 per gallon on Tuesday. By Friday, it jumped 11 cents to $2.98.
Sunday’s state average of $2.97 per gallon is 5 cents more than a week ago, 14 cents less than last month, and 7 cents less than a year ago.
Pictured: Sunday night, the North Escambia low price for gas was $2.58 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Students Celebrate Red Ribbon Week (With Gallery)
November 2, 2025
Last week, schools across the area celebrated Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week is a week dedicated to drug prevention and awareness. Many of the school marked the week with activities and dress-up days.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Boys Golf Wins District Title; Heads To Regionals On Monday
November 2, 2025
For the first time in school history, the Tate High School Boys Golf Team has captured the district championship, marking a milestone achievement for the Aggies and a proud moment for the entire Tate community.
With steady, composed play from all five golfers, the Aggies secured the top spot and punched their ticket to the regional tournament in Oviedo, Florida, on Monday, November 3.
Leading the Aggies was Baylor Touchstone, who carded a team-best 72, demonstrating both precision and poise throughout the round. Jaxson Thomason followed closely with an impressive 73, delivering clutch shots that kept Tate in contention all day. Parker Hassell contributed a solid 79, while Ben Robinson and Jacob Drysdale each posted rounds of 82, rounding out a well-balanced team performance.
Head Coach William Griffitts expressed deep pride in his team’s effort and faith following the historic win. “This district win was monumental for the boys program, and I give all the credit to these athletes for putting in all the time and effort,” said Griffitts. “We strive for perfection and for more wins to come in the future. All glory to God.”
The championship caps off a season defined by hard work, focus, and steady improvement, hallmarks of a team that has been quietly climbing the ranks of high school golf in Northwest Florida. With the district trophy now in hand, the Aggies turn their focus to the regional championship in Oviedo. The team hopes to carry its momentum into the next round and continue its historic postseason run.
“This win means a lot for us, but we’re staying focused,” said Touchstone. “We’re proud of what we accomplished, but we know the job’s not done yet.”
The district title represents more than just a victory; it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tate High School golf. With a combination of talent, teamwork, and composure, the Aggies have proven they can rise to the challenge and make history in the process. As they head to Oviedo, the Tate Aggies carry not only the pride of their school but also the distinction of being the first boys team in Tate history to call themselves district champions.
Escambia Tax Collector Begins Collection Of Over $526 Million In Taxes
November 2, 2025
Collection has started for real estate and tangible personal property taxes in Escambia County. According to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford, this year’s rolls include 184,873 accounts totaling over $526 million. Bills were delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners – $256 million
- District School Board – $193 million
- City of Pensacola – $34 million
- Sheriff MSTU – $16.5 million
- Escambia Children’s Trust – $12.5 million
- Library MSTU – $11.8 million
- Northwest Florida Water Management – $697,000
- Downtown Improvement Board – $875,000
- Town of Century – $59,800
MSBU collections are detailed as follows:
- County Fire Protection – $37.5 million
- City Stormwater – $4.8 million
- Other MSBUs – $994,000
Payment discounts are available as follows
- November payments are discounted 4%
- December payments are discounted 3%
- January payments are discounted 2%
- February payments are discounted 1%
- March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2026. Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.