Sheriff Says Calm Down After Three Road Rage Incidents
March 21, 2026
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons issued a stern warning to motorists following a surge in road rage violence, including a shooting and an armed confrontation, over a four-day period.
The most severe incident, which occurred eon Tuesday at the intersection of Fairfield Drive and W Street, escalated from a verbal dispute into gunfire. According to investigators and surveillance footage, a truck driver repeatedly jumped into the bed of his vehicle to throw trash at another car before punching and shattering the car’s driver-side window. The driver of the car, who was traveling with a woman and a small child, fired two shots, striking the truck driver.
In two other separate cases:
- Thursday on Pine Forest Road: A driver intentionally veered into another vehicle while traveling side-by-side. Authorities are currently working to identify the suspect.
- Wednesday on North Davis Highway: A woman was arrested and charged after pulling a firearm and pointing it at another motorist.
Sheriff Simmons urged the public to maintain composure behind the wheel to avoid criminal charges or physical harm.
“My advice to everyone is to calm down on our roadways,” Simmons said. “Stay in your car, do not approach the window of a driver’s car, and you’re probably not going to get yourself shot.”
No Injuries In Highway 29, Quintette Road Crash
March 21, 2026
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon on Highway 29 at Quintette Road.
Around 5 p.m., a passenger car collided with a utility trailer, causing significant damage to the car.
Everyone involved in the crash refused transport by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated; troopers have not said which driver was at fault.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
NAS Pensacola Now Open To Public Only On Weekends
March 21, 2026
Beginning Monday, March 23, NAS Pensacola will only be open for public visitation on the weekends and closed to the public Monday through Friday.
Only Department of War identification card holders can access the air station Monday through Friday.
Visitors to NAS Pensacola’s areas of public interest, including the National Naval Aviation Museum andd the Pensacola Lighthouse, can access the air station only on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Any non-affiliated guest of a Department of War identification card holder must be vetted through the Visitor Control Center.
“Naval Air Station Pensacola remains vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” said NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman. “We constantly assess a variety of factors to determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
The National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse are not closed; Department of War identification card holders can visit these areas during normal operating hours. Access to NAS Pensacola for non-Department of War identification card holders, however, will only occur on weekends until further notice.
Until further notice, all visitors over the age of 18 must be vetted through the NAS Pensacola Visitor Control Center at the south end of Navy Boulevard before being granted access to the installation on Saturdays and Sundays. At the Visitor Control Center (VCC), individuals will be required to present a Real ID or U.S. Passport for screening. Screened individuals must then use the installation’s West Gate at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway to enter the air station.
The NAS Pensacola Visitor Control Center will open for public visitors at 8 a.m.
All individuals 18 years of age and older who do not hold a Department of War ID card and are planning to visit areas of public interest, including the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, will need to complete the following steps:
- Visitor Control Center – Before accessing the installation, all visitors must go to the Visitor Control Center located at the main front gate at the south end of Navy Boulevard. Use the left lane when approaching the installation. All visitors 18 and older must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenseor a U.S. passport.
- Background Check and Pass: At the Visitor Control Center, individuals will undergo a background check and be issued a visitor pass.
- Proceed to the West Gate: Once a visitor pass is granted, individuals will then proceed to the West Gate entrance, located at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway, to access areas of public interest onboard the air station.
Visitors should plan extra transit time for the security process.
Weapons, backpacks, coolers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause the thousands of individuals who visit the air station’s areas of public interest each week,” Newman said. “Our operational requirements, however, are priority, and we are committed to providing support to the commands training the next generation of aviators, aviation maintenance technicians and cyber warriors.”
NHS Grad Ragsdale Named ACCC DII Softball Player Of The Week
March 21, 2026
Northview High graduate Chloe Ragsdale has been named the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division II Softball Player of the Week.
Ragsdale is a sophomore catcher for the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW) Saints has one home run, three RBIs, and after her first four games of the season.
Ragsdale is a 2024 Northview High School honors graduate.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Endangered Man Last Seen Months Ago In Cottage Hill
March 20, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing endangered man last seen months ago in Cottage Hill.
Corey Shane McBride, 39, last made contact with his family on January 1, 2026, according to the ECSO. He was last seen near the 1000 block of Wendy Drive, a private road off Parker Road.
He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Firefighters, Forest Service Battle 10-Acre Fire In Davisville
March 20, 2026
Firefighters and the Florida Forest Service spent hours battling a large brush fire in Davisville on Thursday afternoon.
The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. at Highway 97 and Greenland Road. According to Joe Zwierzchowski, Florida Forest Service spokesman, the fire reached about 10 acres in size.
Firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to residences in the area.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
The Walnut Hill, Century, Molino, and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, and the Nokomis Fire Department were dispatched to the fire, in addition to the Florida Forest Service.
Pictured: A wildfire burns along Highway 97 in Davisville on Thursday afternoon before the first firefighters arrive on scene. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Named ACM Station Of The Year For Sixth Time
March 20, 2026
For the sixth time, Cat Country 98.7 has won the 2026 ACM Radio Station of the Year Award from the Academy of Country Music (ACM). The announcement was made in Nashville by the Academy of Country Music at the annual Country Radio Seminar.
The winners of the 61st Annual ACM Awards will be honored at the Academy of Country Music Awards show on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“Our Cat Country 98.7 team’s dedication to our communities has always been our main priority, and it’s deeply satisfying when that commitment is recognized. To receive the ACM Station of the Year for these efforts is humbling and energizing for everyone here,” said Mary Hoxeng, general manager and owner of WYCT, Cat Country 98.7. “We are equally thrilled for our listener family; we all share this honor.”
Cat Country 98.7 was previously named the ACM Radio Station of the Year in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2022.
Pictured: Brent Lane, morning host and program director of Cat Country 98.7 receiving the ACM award from country artist Parker McCollum in Nashville this week. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spring Into Reading: Kingsfield Elementary Hosts Literacy Celebration (Gallery)
March 20, 2026
Kingsfield Elementary recently held its Spring Into Reading Literacy night.
It was a fun evening celebrating reading and creativity. Families enjoyed a spud book character contest, a lively recorder music program, a Reader’s Theatre with Tate Drama Club, and exciting reading games for all ages.
Organizers said it was a great time for families to come together, share stories, and spark a love of reading this spring.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Senior James Treick Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist
March 20, 2026
Tate High School senior James Treick has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalist, one of the most prestigious academic honors awarded to high school students in the United States. The recognition places Treick among an elite group of students nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
Treick has earned an impressive 5.15 weighted GPA at Tate. In addition to his coursework at Tate, he has been dual enrolled at Pensacola State College, where he has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has received President’s List recognition for his outstanding academic performance.
Beyond the classroom, Treick has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring and leadership in STEM education. For nearly three years, he has worked at Code Ninjas, where he mentors students, teaches coding to kindergarten through ninth grade students, and coaches teams in robotics design and programming. His work helps inspire younger students to explore technology, engineering, and problem-solving.
At Tate, Treick is actively involved in several academic and service organizations. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. He has also contributed to Tate’s athletic community as a member of the tennis team, where he demonstrated leadership by serving as team captain during his sophomore year. In addition, Treick has dedicated time to serving others as a missions volunteer, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
“James has distinguished himself through both his academic accomplishments and the way he invests in others,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “Whether he is excelling in the classroom, mentoring younger students, or leading among his peers, he consistently represents Tate High School with excellence. Being named a National Merit Finalist is an incredible accomplishment, and it reflects the dedication he has shown throughout his high school career. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see the impact he will continue to make in the future.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students across the country for exceptional academic performance and potential. Finalists represent the highest-achieving students in the nation. National Merit Scholarships will be awarded later this year.
Pineview Church Road South Of Jay Has Reopened
March 20, 2026
Pineview Church Road south fo Jay has reopened.
The bridge over Mare Branch Creek was closed on Monday for repairs, and reopened one day ahead of schedule.
Drivers in the area were detoured on Pineview Church Road south to Highway 89 and north to Hollandtown Church Road.