Escambia County Animal Welfare Rescues 32 Dogs Recovered In Animal Hoarding Case
May 15, 2026
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare has rescued 32 dogs from a recent animal hoarding case,
Recently, Escambia County Animal Welfare Officers recognized that an individual was struggling to care for their dogs after falling on hard times. Officers coordinated with animal shelter staff to develop a plan for the removal and care of the dogs, but since they had not had veterinary care for some time, the team determined it would not be safe to bring them to the shelter and risk exposing the other pets in their care.
Animal Welfare Officers and shelter staff worked with Escambia County Administration and the Facilities Department to find a potential emergency shelter where the dogs could be temporarily housed. An empty building was located at the Perdido Landfill, and Animal Welfare coordinated with the Waste Services Department to set up a temporary emergency shelter for the dogs.
“I’m so proud of our team for their hard work and willingness to go above and beyond on this case,” Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said. “This rescue was a team effort that highlights the importance of planning and coordination between multiple agencies. Hoarding cases are never easy, but our team is passionate about what we do and, and we are always working toward helping the animals in our community. Any time we can help animals and give them a chance to live a happy, healthy life, it’s a good day for our team.”
The rescued dogs will soon be available for adoption, thanks to the hard work of Animal Welfare staff and county employees. The dogs have already begun receiving treatment from Animal Welfare’s veterinary team, including vaccines and parasite prevention. The Pensacola Humane Society will assist veterinary staff with spay and neuter surgeries for the dogs.
“We’re grateful for these partnerships that help make operations like this a success,” Robinson said. “I’m glad that the quick, professional response by our team, county departments, and community partners has resulted in a second chance for these dogs. Thank you to everyone who helped with this rescue, and thank you to the Pensacola Humane Society for their continued partnership with helping animals in our community.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Rally Late In Comeback Win Over Chattanooga
May 15, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos rallied for an impressive comeback win over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Thursday night, scoring four times in the eighth inning after letting an early lead slip away.
The Lookouts took a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to an infield single, stolen base, throwing error and wild pitch from Pensacola starting pitcher Orlando Ortiz-Mayr. The Blue Wahoos answered back in the second, capitalizing on a missed catch error from Lookouts left fielder Shane Sasaki to score three runs on a Michael Snyder sacrifice fly, Dylan Jasso RBI double and Brendan Jones sacrifice fly.
Jasso extended the Pensacola lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning with an opposite-field solo homer, his second of the season. The Lookouts tied it up in the bottom of the fifth, as Ortiz-Mayr started the frame by issuing a walk and a pair of singles before Christian MacLeod entered to make his Blue Wahoos debut. A run-scoring balk and Leo Balcazar RBI single followed to bring the score to 4-4.
The Lookouts took a 6-4 lead in the sixth on a Dominic Pitelli two-run homer. After the Blue Wahoos got a run back in the seventh on a Jones RBI single, reliever Luis Moreno (W, 1-2) surrendered a two-run homer to Cade Hunter to stretch the Chattanooga lead to 8-5.
Down to their final six outs, the Blue Wahoos mounted a rally in the eighth by drawing three walks against reliever Irvin Machuca. Snyder laced a two-run double into the left field corner against Thomas Farr (L, 1-2), Jasso tied the game with a sacrifice fly, and Gage Miller capped the comeback with a go-ahead RBI single for a 9-8 lead.
Colby Martin (S, 1) earned his first Double-A save, getting the final six outs while allowing only a walk and a single.
The Blue Wahoos went 6-for-9 with men in scoring position, and tied a franchise record last set in 2017 with three sacrifice flies in the same game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Friday
written by Erik Bremer
Century Plays It Safe With $1.2 Million Housing Grant Application For Seven Homes
May 14, 2026
Facing a deadline next week, the Century Town Council reached a consensus Tuesday evening to prioritize financial safety over competitive points in an application for a $1.2 million state housing grant.
During a workshop follow-up to last week’s regular meeting, council members weighed two distinct paths for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program: promise more homes to increase their chances of winning or promise fewer homes to ensure the town can actually afford the work.
Ultimately, the council directed grant consultant Robin Phillips to submit an application requesting $1.2 million to rehabilitate or replace seven homes.
The decision comes after the council punted the issue on May 5, citing concerns over the town’s potential liability. Under CDBG rules, if a municipality fails to complete the exact number of homes promised in its application, it may be forced to pay back the entire grant—money local officials say the town does not have.
“What I don’t want to see is us having to give money back and pay money out that we don’t have,”council member Henry Cunningham said. “If we shoot lower, then we may not have to pay back money and still have the opportunity to rehab some more houses.”
To maximize competitive scoring, the town originally considered a plan to rehabilitate 16 or 17 homes at a cost of roughly $62,000 each. However, council members argued that $62,000 is no longer a realistic figure for a “total rehab” in 2026 because every house rehabilitated much meet all aspects of code. A roofing rehabilitation, for instance, might require a complete electrical upgrade under CDBG guidelines.
Current estimates for a full demolition and reconstruction are closer to $140,000 to $150,000 per unit. Additionally, the grant must cover significant “soft costs,” including $180,000 for administrative and inspection fees and roughly $30,000 for temporary relocation of residents during construction.
By committing to only seven homes, the council effectively accepted a 100-point scoring penalty in the state’s competitive ranking. However, the strategy provides a much higher per-unit budget. This ensures that even if all seven selected properties require full replacement, the town will have sufficient funds to meet its contractual obligations.
The council noted that if the grant is awarded and construction costs for the first seven homes come in under budget, the town can always “pull” additional applicants from their waiting list to help more families.
The formal application is due to the state next week. It will be several weeks, or even months, before the town knows if it has been awarded the grant.
In 2018, the town received a similar $700,000 CDBG grant for up to 10 families. That followed $1.3 million tornado recover housing grants in 2016.
File photo.
Final Four Bound: Northview Lady Chiefs Seek Financial Support For State Trip
May 14, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs are asking for financial assistance to make the trip to the Rural Division Final Four next week.
The team will travel to Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood (Orlando metro) for the state semifinals on May 19 with the state championship to follow on May 20. The team must fund transportation, lodging, and food.
Donations can be made on Venmo or by check made payable to Northview Diamond Club at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Fleeing Deputies On Motorcycle, Possessing Drugs In Dollar Bill
May 14, 2026
A Molino man was arrested recenthly after allegedly fleeing law enforcement on his motorcycle at a high rate of speed and discarding narcotics while attempting to hide in a constructio
Spencer Ray Stokes, 34, was charged with fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with lights and sirens active and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, both felonies.
According to an arrest report, a deputy was patrolling the area of East Nine Mile Road when he observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed. When the deputy attempted to catch up, the rider—later identified as Stokes—performed a U-turn and eventually sped through a red light at the intersection of Guidy Lane.
The deputy briefly lost sight of the motorcycle after it made evasive maneuvers through several intersections, leading the officer to deactivate emergency lights and sirens for safety, the report states. While continuing to search the area, the deputy discovered the unoccupied motorcycle parked behind a house under construction near Cain Avenue.
Stokes was located by responding units as he walked away from the scene. He reportedly admitted to parking the bike and walking behind the under-construction houses.
A K-9 unit searched the path Stokes had taken and alerted to several discarded items, including the motorcycle’s keys and a $1 bill. Inside the folded bill, deputies found two green pills identified as oxycodone.
Stokes was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle Bands Present Joint Spring Concert
May 14, 2026
The Northview High School and Ernest Ward Middle School bands held their joint Spring Concert this week at Northview.
The Ernest Ward Advanced Band performed American Spirit March and Chorale and Mystic Chant.
Northview Jazz Ensemble performances included American Patrol and My Funny Valentine. The Northview Concert Band performed selections including Golden and Rising From The Earth.
The bands are all under the direction of Garsche Roble.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
30,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Saturday
May 14, 2026
State Representative Michelle Salzman, in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast and a dedicated coalition of community organizations, will host a large-scale food distribution event this Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until supplies are exhausted, this event will provide approximately 30,000 pounds of food—including fresh produce—to families across our community. To ensure a smooth process, vehicles are permitted to begin lining up as early as 6:00 a.m. Distribution is available to the first 300 families.
Residents are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as demand is expected to be high and supplies are limited.
Each participating household will receive a box of fresh food, providing vital support to individuals and families navigating food insecurity within Escambia County.
“This event reflects the power of partnerships and our shared commitment to serving the community,” said Salzman. “We are proud to come together to ensure families have access to essential resources.”
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church is located at 6205 North W Street in Pensacola.
Lewis Homers Twice, But Bullpen Falters In Road Loss To Lookouts
May 14, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hit three homers and held a comfortable lead through the middle innings, but the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied late for an 8-7 victory on Wednesday afternoon.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carlos Jorge lifted a go-ahead, three-run homer to complete a six-run comeback for the Lookouts and even up the series at one game apiece.
Fenwick Trimble and Dillon Lewis hit back-to-back homers right away in the first inning to put Pensacola ahead 3-0. It marked the first back-to-back homers for the Blue Wahoos since their last trip to Chattanooga in June of 2025.
Leo Balcazar got two runs back for the Lookouts with a two-run homer in the third inning against Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams, but Cristian Hernández stretched the Pensacola lead back to 5-2 in the top of the fourth by hitting an RBI double and scoring on a Dylan Jasso sacrifice fly.
Lewis tacked on two more runs with a homer in the fifth, marking his second homer of the afternoon and team-leading eighth of the season.
Williams allowed two runs in the sixth, but Jack Sellinger prevented further trouble to preserve a 7-4 lead until the bottom of the eighth. The Blue Wahoos, who made five outs on the basepaths throughout the game, were unable to capitalize on threats against Chattanooga reliever Taylor Floyd (W, 1-0) in both the seventh and eighth innings, and paid the price when Jorge hit his three-run homer against Nigel Belgrave (L, 1-3) to give the Lookouts their first lead of the afternoon.
Hunter Parks (S, 3) narrowly avoided blowing a save of his own in the top of the ninth as Brendan Jones lifted a deep drive just foul down the right field line, but converted a 1-2-3 frame to lock down the save and a comeback win for the Lookouts.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Federal Jury Convicts Escambia County Felon on Firearms and Ammunition Charges
May 14, 2026
An Escambia County felon has been convicted on federal firearm charges.
James Michael Olshefskie, 55, was found guilty by a federal jury in Pensacola following a two-day trial for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of two unregistered firearm silencers.
On September 11, 2025, United States Probation Officers visited Olshefskie at his Escambia County residence as part of his federal post-conviction supervision. He was on federal supervised release for a 2024 federal felony conviction, and as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During their visit, probation officers found ammunition and unregistered firearm silencers in his bedroom.
Olshefskie faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 25, 2026.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Final Four Bound: Northview Lady Chiefs Shut Out Jay For Regional Crown
May 13, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs headed to the Final Four for the second straight year after taking the Rural Region 1 softball championship with a 6-0 shutout of the Jay Royals on Tuesday night in Bratt.
Northview junior Mikayla McAnally struck out 10 batters, one hit shy of a perfect game, and walked none.
Addysen Bolen led the Lady Chiefs at the plate with two RBIs as she went 2-3 on the evening. Daviona Randolph also went 2-3 at bat. Peyton Womack and Bailey Burkette each added one hit.
Emery Vaughn had the only hit for the Lady Royals with a single to right fielder Randolph.
Fore a photo gallery, click here.
Ella Samford opened in the circle for Jay, giving up one hit and four runs in one-third of an inning, striking out none while walking three. Cadee Carroll went for five and two-thirds innings, allowing five hits and two runs with one walk and three strikeouts.
Tuesday was the first time on the field in a week for the teams due to rain, but Coach Amy Holland saw her Lady Chiefs take care of business.
“I think we need to work a little more on finding the middle part of the ball, but we scratched out some runs when we needed to,” Holland said after the game with rival Jay. “Every year we come back and we both battle it out. “There’s a good team; they’re a good rival team. You just never know how it’s going to go.”
“I didn’t pitch my best game, but we got the job done,” McAnally said. “But we hit as a team, and we got it all together when we needed to.”
Holland called McAnally the “heart of the team.”
“You’ve got to have a good pitcher to have a good team in softball, and she has come through in the circle for us.”
“We are going back this year,” the junior pitcher said. “We’re more prepared, and we know what to expect this year.”
Last season, Northview won the regional championship 4-1 over Jay. The Chiefs advanced to the state final for the first time in school history, finishing as state runners-up to Trenton.
“It’s a surreal feeling, and we all definitely wanted to make it back,” said senior Riley Brooks. “We are 100% more prepared. Our schedule this year will make it easier for us to face the challenge.”
Brooks added, “We know we have something to prove, and we will.”
The Lady Chiefs (20-5) will practice each afternoon this week before heading to the Orlando area for the state semifinals on Tuesday, May 19 against Liberty County (22-5). The winner will advance to the state championship on Wednesday, May 20.
Fore a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
