Compton Continues To Crush It In Wahoos Win Over Smokies
August 1, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos took Friday’s contest 5-4 over the Knoxville Smokies.
The game started like any other game for the Blue Wahoos: with a home run from Brandon Compton. After both teams went scoreless in the first inning, the red hot Compton sent the first pitch he saw well over the wall in right field. The solo bomb was his 13th blast of the year with Pensacola and his 12th blast of the month. Those 12 big flies tied him for second all-time for Southern League homers in a month. The man he tied? An old Tennessee Smokie that goes by the name of Kris Bryant.
The lead didn’t last, as the Smokies got to Christian MacLeod, who made his first start for the Wahoos on Friday night, in the third inning. Carter Trice knocked an RBI single into center field to tie things up at 1-1. A couple innings later, Jay Beshears hit a two-run bomb out to left to give Pensacola a 3-1 lead, but the Smokies answered with two of their own in the bottom half when Alex Ramirez took Livan Reinoso (W, 1-0) deep for a two-run shot.
Knoxville starter, Luis Martinez-Gomez, ended up pitching 6.0 innings of three-run ball and was relieved by Kenyi Perez (L, 1-1) in the seventh. With one out recorded, Jay Beshears took a hit-by-pitch and Emaarion Boyd dropped down a beautiful bunt for a single. A double steal followed and allowed Brendan Jones to bring Beshears home on a sacrifice fly to center. One batter later, Cristian Hernández singled into left, scoring Boyd and giving the Wahoos a 5-3 lead.
The bottom of the seventh saw the Smokies steal a run back thanks to an Ariel Armas RBI double. But, with men on second and third, Jack Sellinger would get Jefferson Rojas to strikeout swinging, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs and keeping Pensacola in front 5-4.
Sellinger would go on to pitch the 8th and retire the first batter in the 9th before giving up a single and being pulled for Holt Jones (S, 3). Jones allowed a couple of 2-out walks, but still managed to lock down his 3rd save of the season and a 5-4 Wahoos win. The save tied him for the team lead with Colby Martin. Pensacola improved their record to 54-45 (a season high 9 games over .500) overall, and 18-12 in the second half while the Smokies fell to 53-47 overall and 15-16 in the second half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Saturday.
written by Charlie Hobert
UPDATE: Boil Water Notice Lifted For West Roberts, Stefani, Stallion Roads And Nearby Areas
July 31, 2026
UPDATE: This boil water notice was lifted on Sunday, August 2.
A boil water notice is in effect for residents in the area that includes portions of the area around West Roberts Road, Stallion Road, and Stefani Road.
Specially, the boil water notice includes:
- West Roberts Road from Highway 29 to Stallion Road
- Stefani Road
- South of West Roberts Road to Cool Creek Road, including the following areas:
- Jeter Road
- Pinedale Lane
- Broome Circle
- Urban Drive
- Tuttle Lane
The boil water notice follows an water outage due to broken 6 x 12-inch T-shaped pipe fitting on West Roberts Road. The fitting has been repaired and water service has been restored.
Residents located in the specified PBWN area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water (let sit for 30 minutes), for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Bacteriological sampling has been initiated, and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours.
ECUA crews completed the repair work and have flushed out the lines. Residents within the PBWN area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at 850-476-0480 for assistance.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted.
Beulah Man Pleads To 10 Charges Of Possession Of Child Sexaul Abuse Materials
July 31, 2026
A Beulah man has pleaded no contest under a plea agreement to multiple counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials brought by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in July 2024.
Charles “Billy” Danielson, now 52, was originally charged with 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to court records, Danielson pleaded straight up to 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials, while 10 counts will be dropped, along with the two-way communications device charge.
When he is sentenced in October, he faces a maximum of 127.5 months (10.625 years) in state prison with no limit on the probation period to be imposed. He had faced a maximum sentence of 305 years. He will be designated as a sexual offender for life.
FDLE said the investigation began in February 2024 after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a Snapchat user uploading images of child pornography.
On July 10, 2024, agents served a search warrant at Danielson’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices for examination. Agents said they found numerous images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of male and female children, some as young as infants and toddlers.
Century Residents Map Out Walkability, Next Steps for AARP Grant Project
July 31, 2026
That was the focus of a meeting Thursday evening at town hall, part of a project funded by a $2,500 grant through the nationwide AARP Community Challenge program to study community walkability.
A small group of residents, several of whom walk around Century on a semi-regular basis, met to share their experiences.
“I walk at Hurricane Park in Flomaton; it’s not safe to walk in Century,” one resident said, referring to traffic, not crime.
“I think most people in Century are walking to get somewhere,” another resident said, mentioning that many people walk to one of several stores in town out of necessity.
The group identified several areas in Century that frequently have walkers — including North Century Boulevard, Jefferson Avenue, and East Hecker Road. The areas were plotted on large maps for future consideration.
Mayor Ben Boutwell, speaking by phone, said the town faces limitations on North Century Boulevard since it is a state highway. He mentioned walkable areas including Showalter Park, Anthony Pleasant Park, and the trail that connects the recreation areas.
“There’s not a lot of recreational walkers around here,” Boutwell acknowledged.
Up next, the AARP grant project will include volunteer training and walk audits — a group of people walking a route and taking notes about walking conditions, signals, traffic, and even the availability of shade or seating. The results will eventually go to the town council by December.
The initiative aims to identify barriers to mobility and highlight opportunities for future infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly those aged 55 and older. The grant will not fund any improvements; those will be up to the town council at a later date.
Moving forward, the group plans a training meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 at Century Town Hall.
Pictured top: Century Town Council member Sparkie Harrison (left) marks a typical walking route on an oversized map of Century. Pictured below: Some of the areas that were marked during a Thursday evening meeting. (Self-adhesive “Sign Here” indexing flags were being used to mark the map; they do not represent literal sign placements.) NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested After Child’s Stolen Dirt Bike Found Stripped In Area Residence
July 31, 2026
Two men face felony charges after the Atmore Police Department recovered a child’s stolen dirt bike that was in the process of being stripped down and repainted.
The investigation began Tuesday when officers received a report of the stolen dirt bike from the Canoe community. By Thursday, investigators reported that they located the bike inside a room at the Canoe residence of Daren Knighten.
Knighten was arrested without incident and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center. He is charged with first-degree receiving stolen property, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Austin Buckhault was also arrested in connection with the theft. He faces charges of first-degree receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pictured inset and below: Knighten and Buckhault. Pictured top: Knighten.
The Big List: Back To School Bashes, Supply Giveaways And More This Weekend
July 31, 2026
Back to school events will be taking place across North Escambia this weekend, with one event scheduled for next weekend. Many of the events provide free school supplies and more.
Highland Baptist Church Backpack and School Supply Giveaway – Molino
Highland Baptist Church will host a Backpacks and School Supplies Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the church, located at 6240 North Highway 95A in Molino.
The event is designed to help local students and families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing backpacks and essential school supplies at no cost. Community members are invited to attend and take advantage of this opportunity while supplies last.
“We want to support families in our community as they get ready for a new school year,” said Brad Johnson, Associate Pastor. “This giveaway is a practical way for Highland Baptist Church to share God’s love and help students begin the school year equipped for success.”
The church encourages families with school-age children to arrive early. Backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
CIC Back To School Bash (Cantonment)
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host the CIC Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 1 at 12:30 p.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street in Cantonment. Backpacks with school supplies, food, waterslide, and bounce house.
Community Food Distribution and Backpack Giveaway – Marcus Pointe Baptist
Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast, A Foundation of Hope, and Kevin Stephens, ECUA District 5, along with a coalition of community organizations and local businesses, invites area families to attend a Community Food Distribution and Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, located at 6205 North W Street.
The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue while supplies last. Vehicles may begin lining up at 6 a.m. to receive assistance.
Families will receive fresh food and grocery items along with backpacks filled with school supplies to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. The event is designed to provide essential resources that help families start the school year with confidence. Food and backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and per-car amounts will be limited due to high expected demand.
Next Level Of Faith Giveaway – Century
Next Level Of Faith Ministries at 7041 North Century Boulevard will hold a Back to School Giveaway on Saturday, August 1 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. (while supplies last) with free backpacks and school supplies for children of all ages. There will also be games and snacks for children.
Beulah Back To School Splash Bash
The First Baptist Church of Beulah will host a Back to School Splash Bash on Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 5805 Beulah Church Road. The free event will include free clothes, food, hygiene kits, school supplies, and haircuts for students. There will also be a waterslide.
Back to School Youth Clothing Giveaway – Century
A Back to School Youth Clothing Giveaway will be held at Dignity Depot inside the Soul Train Club at 150 Pond Street, Suite B, in Century on Saturday, August 1 from noon until 5 p.m. Free youth clothing in a variety of styles and sizes.
Back To School Event at Jubilee Church – Friday, July 31
A Back to School Event will be held on Friday, July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jubilee Church, 5910 North W Street. The church will have backpacks filled with school supplies, haircuts for kids, family activities, food, music, and more. Everything is free.
In addition, community partners will provide valuable information and entertainment for the entire family.
Calvary Apostolic Back To School Bash – Sunday, August 2
Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle at 5591 North Highway 29 in Molino will host a Back To School Bash on Sunday, August 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Free school supplies will be available while they last. There will also be a bounce house and water slide, $1 hot dogs, food trucks, vendors, shopping, pony rides, face painting, ice cream, and more.
Beulah Chapel Back to School Community Fun Day – Byrneville – August 8
Beulah Chapel Assembly of God will host a Back to School Community Fun Day on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 2311 Highway 4A in Century. The day of fun, food, and community features a waterslide, kickball, a cookout, and back to school grab bags for kids.
Ensley Man Arrested by FDLE on Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Materials Possession, Bestiality Charges
July 31, 2026
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested an Ensley man on multiple child sexual abuse possession and bestiality charges.
Bailey Jaden Hurst, 25, was charged with 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, two counts of sexual activity involving animals, and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
The investigation began in June 2026 when agents received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), reporting that an unknown user uploaded over 100 files containing images depicting the sexual abuse of children to a Google account. Two of those files also depicted bestiality involving female children between four and seven years old. Agents traced the associated IP address to Hurst’s residence.
This week, FDLE agents executed a search warrant at Hurst’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Further digital forensic analysis reportedly resulted in the identification of numerous files containing images that depicted child sexual abuse.
FDLE’s Special Operations Team, the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted with the search warrant.
Future Aggies Hit the Field for Tate High Youth Football Camp
July 31, 2026
The Tate High School Aggies held their two-day annual youth football camp this week.
Youth participated in drills on the field with Tate coaches and players.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Rock Knoxville Behind Dishmey, Compton
July 31, 2026
Eliazar Dishmey turned in another dominant start, Brandon Compton made franchise history with yet another home run, and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Knoxville Smokies on Thursday night by a score of 5-1.
Dishmey (W, 2-1) wrapped up a superlative month with 5.0 scoreless, one-hit frames. Across five July starts, the 21-year-old righty allowed just one run on 10 hits in 21.1 innings.
He got early run support from Compton, who went deep with a solo homer in the fourth inning off Smokies starter Brody McCullough (L, 0-2). It was the 12th Double-A homer for Compton, and his 11th of July to set a new Blue Wahoos franchise record for home runs in a single month.
The Blue Wahoos added two more runs in the sixth inning on doubles from Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus, plus a fielding error from Smokies third baseman Jefferson Rojas. They took a 4-0 lead in the seventh as Colby Shade doubled, stole third, and scored on a Payton Green groundout.
The Smokies threatened in the eighth with four two-out baserunners against reliever Jaydenn Estanista in his Blue Wahoos debut. Colby Martin (S, 7) entered with a 4-1 lead and the bases loaded, and struck out Edgar Alvarez to escape the jam.
Connor Caskenette hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth to give the Blue Wahoos a four-run cushion again, and Martin came back out to finish the four-out save with a hitless ninth.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Friday.
written by Erik Bremer
Rescinded: Cottage Hill Water Works Boil Water Notice For End Of Wishbone Road
July 30, 2026
UPDATE: This boil water notice was rescinded on Monday morning.
Cottage Hill Water Works has issued a boil water notice for the dead end portion of Wishbone Road.
There was routine maintenance in the area that impacted addresses from 1331 to 1480 Wishbone Road. Those customers may have experienced low water pressure or a temporary loss of water service.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water in the area that is used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
For more information, contact the utility’s office at (850) 968-5485
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is rescinded.