Walk-Off Win: Banks Leads Tate Aggies Past West Florida in Strike Out Cancer Game
April 4, 2026
Tate 5, West Florida 4
The Tate Aggies walked off with a 5-4 win over West Florida in Friday night’s Strike Out Cancer game at Tate.
In the bottom of the seventh, the game was tied at four when Tate’s Jordyn Banks doubled to score one run.
Sarah Mitchell pitched a complete game seven innings for Tate, allowing seven hits and four runs (two earned) while striking out nine and walking two. For the Jags, Abby Cogdill went four innings, surrendering three hits and one earned run with three walks and one strikeout.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
For more from the Strike Out Cancer game festivities, click here.
Next week, the Lady Aggies will have a three-game homestand with Navarre on Tuesday, South Warren on Wednesday, and Niceville on Thursday. West Florida will also have a busy week at home, with a Tuesday game against Niceville, North Bay Haven on Thursday, and Gulf Breeze on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Crash
April 4, 2026
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Friday morning on Highway 29 southbound near Kingfield Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details about the 8 a.m. crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Take Down Robertsdale; Posta Homers in Win
April 4, 2026
Tate 6, Robertsdale 3
The Tate Aggies beat the Robertsdale Golden Bears 6-3 on Friday night in Cantonment.
Hunter Clayton earned the win on the mound for the Aggies, allowing three runs (two earned) and three hits in six innings, striking out five and walking two. Aiden Bramblett was in for one inning and the save.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Evan Taylor led the Aggies at the plate with two RBIs as he went 1-3 for the night. Kaden Posta hit a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the third, and the Aggies also had one hit each from Nathan Connors and Kannon Ham.
The Aggies will round out the regular season next week — at Escambia on Tuesday and at home against the Washington Wildcats on Thursday for Senior Night.
Tate 6, Robertsdale 2 (JV)
Tate Boys Tennis Beats Pace 6-1
April 4, 2026
The Tate High School boys tennis team defeated Pace 6-1 Thursday night.
The Aggies girls tea, fell 5-2 to the Patriots.
With the win, the team improved to 6-1. Up next, the Aggies will host Gulf Breeze on Wednesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Pursuit Ends With Crash, Arrest
April 4, 2026
A Florida Highway Patrol pursuit in Escambia County ended in a crash early Friday morning.
Around 12:55 a.m., a state trooper patrolling North Blue Angel Parkway attempted to stop a vehicle with an improper tag, but the driver fled. During the pursuit, the driver traveled off the roadway and crashed into a fence at the intersection of Patricia Drive and Oakcliff Road. There were no injuries.
The driver was identified as 46-year-old Marvin Thomas of Pensacola. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with felony fleeing and driving with a suspended license.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Timely Hits Elude Blue Wahoos In 2-1 Opening Night Loss To Biscuits
April 4, 2026
The Blue Wahoos got a balmy night, a filled ballpark and superlative pitching and defense in their 2026 season-opener.
The lacking element, however, was timely hits.
In a game where the Blue Wahoos produced 10 hits, the Montgomery Biscuits took advantage of an eighth-inning opportunity for a 2-1 victory before a crowd of 5,038 Friday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The difference was the Blue Wahoos left a runner on third base in three innings and stranded four others in scoring position.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Karson Milbrandt, the team’s highest-rated prospect at No. 10, displayed the same array of quality pitches he showed in two starts last year in Pensacola. He finished 4.2 innings with six strikeouts, two walks and four hits.
He left trailing 1-0, but the Blue Wahoos tied the score in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Jay Beshears led off with a double and scored on a Brendan Jones single. It was part of a big night for Jones, who had three hits and two stolen bases, showing off the same speed that made him the stolen base leader in the New York Yankees minor league system last year.
Jones and Blue Wahoos centerfielder Dillon Lewis, who had a hit in his Double-A debut, were part of the four players the Miami Marlins gained from the Yankees in an off-season trade for Marlins starter Ryan Weathers.
Catcher Ryan Ignoffo had a one-out triple for the Blue Wahoos in the sixth inning, but was thrown out at the plate on a grounder to second. That play became a defining one.
The Biscuits’ Austin Overn led off the eighth with an infield single, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice and scored on a two-out single.
Montgomery’s bullpen had three relievers combine for four scoreless innings and no walks.
The teams will play the second game of this opening weekend series on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. in the first fireworks night of the season.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Blue Wahoos had a pair of highlight plays in the first two innings that will stand for the season. Shortstop Christian Hernandez made a spectacular throw deep in the hole on a first-inning grounder for an out. In the second inning, right fielder Fenwick Trimble robbed Biscuits third baseman Brayden Taylor of a home run with his leaping catch over the wall.
— The first 1,000 fans through the gates Friday received a Blue Wahoos 2026 magnetic schedule.
— The opening game also brought the first night of fans being able to ride the Blue Wahoos train around the stadium. The train in team colors was acquired in December for the Blue Wahoos’ Christmas lights show and will now be used each home game to provide free rides to ticketed fans.
— The loss dropped the Blue Wahoos to 9-5 all time in openers. It was their fifth straight season-opener at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Blue Wahoos Season-Opening Homestand
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.; Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Ascend Park, Disc Golf Will Be Closed Saturday Morning
April 3, 2026
The Ascend Community Park and disc golf course will be closed the morning of Saturday, April 4 for a company event. The park will reopen to the public at noon.
Since it opened in December, more than 500 people have recorded a round at the Ascend disc golf course. With the exception of this Saturday’s event, the disc golf course and park are open to the public from dawn until dusk at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road in Cantonment.
File photos.
Man Pleads Guilty In Federal Murder Case For Killing Reservist Just Behind Nine Mile Kohl’s
April 3, 2026
An Alabama man has been pleaded guilty to federal charges for fatally shooting and running over a woman January 2, 2025, near an apartment complex behind Kohl’s on Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the area of an apartment complex on Baldridge Drive about 8:30 p.m. to find that 30-year-old Starmichael L. Tucker, a U.S. Air Force reservist, had been shot several times. She later died at the hospital.
Charles Jerome Carson-Dowdy, 31, pleaded guilty in federal court for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm
Carson-Dowdy faces up to life imprisonment at his sentencing, which is scheduled for August 25 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
“Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution by my office, this offender will be held accountable for the anguish he has inflicted on the victim’s family through his vicious, deadly, and cowardly violence that stole an innocent life. This case underscores the deadly threats posed by dating and domestic violence, and it is more important than ever to obtain justice for the victims, like Ms. Tucker, to ensure this can never happen again,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
Court documents state that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, and Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellphones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate Tucker. At the end of December 2024, Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had a series of escalating arguments by text message.
On January 1, 2025, as Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy. In response, Carson-Dowdy, who was at his residence in Mobile used his phone to call an Uber and traveled to the Tucker’s residence in Pensacola to confront her. Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.
Carson-Dowdy entered Tucker’s home without her permission, and she returned home to find him in her apartment. At approximately 8 on January 2, 2025, Carson-Dowdy followed Ms. Tucker as she left her apartment and he fired an initial volley of approximately four shots at her using his handgun. The victim was struck from behind by the bullets and collapsed in the apartment parking lot. Carson-Dowdy walked over to Ms. Tucker, who was lying on the ground, and shot her approximately ten more times. Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately ran over Tucker with the car, reversing the vehicle over her body, and then driving forward, running over her again. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.
Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.
The case is being investigated jointly by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the initial investigation.
Easter Egg Hunts, Festivals And Special Services Planned. Here’s A Big List.
April 3, 2026
Here are Easter weekend events scheduled in the North Escambia area:
Palm Sunday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold and outdoor Easter celebration on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday and Sedar Meal and Foot Washing at Gonzalez Methodist Church will be Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Good Friday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a special Good Friday worship service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Good Friday Services
Good Friday services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 3. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Beulah Dash 5K and Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Beulah’s annual Beulah Dash and Family Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 4 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway. click here to register for the 7:30 a.m. 5K Color Run. The egg hunt starts for children fifth grade and below starts at 11 a.m. for walkers through age 4 and special needs; noon for K5 through fifth grade.
Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church – Molino’s annual Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino for walkers through fifth grade, including a special needs hunt.
Egg Drop – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold an Egg Drop on Saturday, April 4 at 3 p.m.
Canoe Church Easter Celebration and Services
Canoe Church will host an egg hunt with games and lunch on Saturday, April 4, at 12 p.m. Easter Sunrise services will be held at 6 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with breakfast to follow. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 171 South Canoe Rd, Atmore.
Cora Baptist Easter Egg-stravaganza — Jay
Cora Baptist Church at 12953 Chumuckla Highway, Jay, will host and Easter Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Food, fun, bounce house, and fellowship for all. The Easter Story will be shared.
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service will be held at the Blue Wahoos Stadium on Sunday, April 5, at 6 a.m. Admission is free.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Easter Services
Easter Sunrise service will be Sunday, April 5, at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 7:45 a.m. A traditional service and cantata will be held at 8:30 a.m. with a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise Service
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise service will be held at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, with a potluck breakfast to follow in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 6730 Highway 4 in Jay.
Easter Service — Bratt
First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold an Easter Worship Service on Sunday morning, April 5 at 10:15 a.m. following Sunday School at 9 a.m.
CrossFaith Church Easter – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold Easter Sunday services, April 5, at 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Highland Baptist Easter – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold an Easter Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. on April 5, following Connect Groups at 9:30 a.m.
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter Service
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter service will be Sunday, April 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The children’s ministry will hold an Easter egg hunt following service. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 181 Neal Road in Cantonment.
Northview Falls To West Florida; Tate To Gulf Breeze
April 3, 2026
West Florida 7, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs fell to the West Florida Jaguars 7-1 on Thursday night in Bratt.
Harrison Vernier led things on the mound first for West Florida, giving up four hits and one run in seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Jackson Bridges opened for Northview, giving up six hits and six runs (four earned) in four innings, striking out three and walking three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Keelan Boyd and Hayden Huntsinger had two hits each for the Jags, including a home run over the centerfield Wall for Huntsinger. Bryant Mason went 2-3 at bat for the Chiefs with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning.
This wrapped the home season for Northview; the Chiefs will travel to Baker on April 6 and Pensacola Catholic on April 9. West Florida will be at home on April 7 against Washington.
Gulf Breeze 5, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies out-hit the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 8 to 4, but they still fell to the Dolphins 5-3 on Thursday night.
Connor Dethlefs had two hits for the Aggies. Kaden Posta, Evan Taylor, Griffin Cook, Kannon Ham, Cal Foxworth, and Brody White each added one hit.
Lance Brady took the loss on the mound for Tate, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out seven and walking three over three and two-thirds innings.
Next up, Tate will host Robertsdale on Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
