Vendor Applications Now Open For Annual Century-Flomaton Joint Fireworks Show
June 10, 2026
The annual Flomaton/Century joint fireworks show is coming up on July 3, and vendor applications are being accepted now for the event in Century.
The festivities will begin with the national anthem and a planned World War II vintage plane flyover at 5 p.m.
There will be food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more. The fireworks show will begin [omit after] dark.
For a vendor registration packet, click here (pdf).
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Trooper Injured After Rear-Ending Tractor-Trailer On I-10
June 10, 2026
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was injured after rear-ending a tractor-trailer on I-10 in Santa Rosa County.
The trooper, a 28-year-old male from Pensacola, was traveling eastbound on I-10 in the inside lane at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday. FHP said his marked FHP sedan crashed into the rear of the tractor-trailer that had slowed for traffic east of the Highway 87 exit.
The trooper sustained minor injuries. The driver of the truck, a 49-year-old man from Fort Myers, was not injured.
International Paper Pensacola Mill Announces 2026 Community Grants Program
June 10, 2026
The International Paper Pensacola Mill is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant program, which will award 10 grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
The IP Foundation grant program supports organizations working to address critical community needs and improve quality of life across the region.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager. “We’re proud to support organizations that are creating positive change and delivering real impact where it’s needed most.”
Applications are open through Monday, July 13 and can be submitted online at www.ipgiving.com.
The International Paper Foundation focuses its giving on four key areas:
- Education – with a priority on early childhood literacy (birth through 3rd grade)
- Hunger – improving food security
- Health & Wellness – promoting healthy lifestyles
- Disaster Relief – helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters
Additional funding opportunities may support environmental initiatives and other critical community needs.
Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualifying federal entities and demonstrate measurable impact through their programs.
For more information, visit www.internationalpaper.com/giving-eligibility or contact Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Blue Wahoos, Clingstones Postponed In Columbus
June 10, 2026
Tuesday’s series opener at Synovus Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Columbus Clingstones was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, with a pair of seven-inning games.
‘I’d Need To Have Heart Surgery’ — Aggie Nation, Community Rally For Tate Softball Player
June 9, 2026
Aggie Nation and the local community are rallying behind a Tate Lady Aggies who is undergoing open heart surgery.
Mykamia “MyMy” Padgett, an incoming Tate High School senior and Alabama State University commit, said softball meant everything to her, even as her world came crashing down a few months ago.
“During a fairly intense game mid-season, everything changed. After the first inning, I felt fatigue and suddenly passed out soon after exiting the field,” Padgett said. “Waking up with everyone around me was overwhelming and scary. My mom rushed me to the hospital, not having any idea the news we’d later on received. After seeing a cardiologist, I got news no athlete would want to hear, that I was out for the season indefinitely”
“And I’d need to have heart surgery.”
“I’ve dealt with my fair share of sports-related injuries or soreness before, but this is by far the scariest thing I’ve been told. To get the special care I need, I’m being referred to a heart surgeon in Orlando where I’ll have my surgery, and stay for a week to recover before traveling home.”
“Even though it doesn’t get easier as the day gets closer, I’m staying focused on my recovery and love for the game. More than anything, I’m putting my faith in God, trusting that He will give me strength to get through this like He has every other challenge in my life.”
This evening, June 9, The Tate Softball Aggies will open their Summer Ball season with all concessions proceeds benefiting Padgett. Tate will host West Florida at 5 p.m., and Northview 1 will face West Florida to follow at 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m. Tate will host Northview 1 in game three.
RELATED: Tate Summer Softball Open This Evening, Proceeds To Benefit Lady Aggie
Ransom Middle School Academic Team Conquers National Championships, Earns Global Bids
June 9, 2026
The Ransom Middle School Academic Team put on a historic performance at the International Academic Competitions Middle & Elementary School Nationals in Orlando.
Facing off against a massive field of over 2,200 public, magnet, private, and homeschooled students from across the United States, Ransom players solidified their place among the nation’s elite, securing multiple spots in upcoming international olympiads during IAC’s largest tournament ever.
In the National Science Bee, Levi Cox, Sydney Cox, James Corvin, and Cutter Rhodes qualified for the 2028 International Science Championships in Washington, DC. Cutter Rhodes’s final ranking is #79 nationwide.
In the National History Bee, James Corvin and Sydney Cox furthered the team’s success by qualifying for the 2027 International History Olympiad in London.
In the team event, the National History Bowl, James Corvin, Levi Cox, Sydney Cox, and Cutter Rhodes were joined by Zackary Cox, a rising sixth-grader playing for Ransom. The rounds were exciting, and these players played so well against much more experienced teams, keeping the scores close through the afternoon.
Cutter Rhodes also participated in the Spelling Bee and took the Map and Flag Exam. He placed third in the Spelling Championships_ and secured first place in the Jeopardy Charity Games.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
PPD: No Criminal Charges Expected In Drowning Of Girls, 5 And 8, In Neighbor’s Pool
June 9, 2026
No criminal charges are expected after two girls, age 5 and 8, drowned in a neighbor’s pool Monday evening.
Pensacola Police were called to the 500 block of Gerhardt Drive just after 6:30 p.m. in reference to two missing girls and began a search around their home and in the immediate area. Despite life-saving measures, both girls were pronounced deceased at the hospital.
PPD Chief Eric Winstrom said Tuesday morning that there was no negligence in the incident. He said the pool was protected by both a privacy fence and a second fence around the pool, both of which were up to code. He said officers believe the 8-year-old scaled the fence and then opened a gate for her younger sister.
Officers also believe there was no wrongdoing by the parents, and the girls snuck out prior to the incident.
The investigation is continuing.
File photo.
Day One: Here’s Who Qualified To Run For Office
June 9, 2026
Monday was the first day of qualifying for candidate to be on the 2026 ballot in Escambia County.
Candidates must qualify noon on Friday.
The following candidates have qualified as of 5 p.m., June 8:
Escambia County Commissioner (Partisan)
- District 2 – Glenn Dorsey (REP)
- District 2 – Mike Kohler (REP)
- District 2 – EErica King (Write-In)
- District 4 – Ashlee Hofberger (REP)
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (Partisan)
- District 2 – Lois Benson (REP)
Escambia County School Board (Nonpartisan)
- District 1 – Kevin Adams
- District 1 – Erin Toler
- District 2 – Paul H. Fetsko
- District 3 – David Williams
- District 3 – Isaac L. Williams
City of Pensacola, Mayor (Nonpartisan)
- Ann Hill
- D.C. Reeves
- Jermaine J. Williams
Pensacola City Council (Nonpartisan)
- District 2 – Charles Bare
- District 2 – Sherri Myers
- District 4 – Brian Cole
- District 4 – Boyce White
- District 6 – Allison Patton
Santa Rosa Island Authority (Nonpartisan)
- Steven Luppert
The following candidate pre-filed on Monday, June 8:
Century Town Council (Nonpartisan)
- Seat 4 – John Bass
See A Wild Turkey? FWC Wants You To Report The Sighting
June 9, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking Florida residents and visitors to report all sightings of wild turkeys between now and Aug. 31. This includes hens, poults (newly hatched wild turkeys) and gobblers.
Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a broader multi-state initiative aimed at better understanding the reproductive success and abundance of wild turkeys. This survey helps determine wild turkey nesting success, poult survival, and population distribution and abundance, which is crucial information that FWC biologists need to manage and sustain healthy wild turkey populations for years to come.
Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state, and nests typically begin to hatch in late spring and continue into the summer. However, nesting success can vary each year based on several factors, including weather conditions, predation and habitat quality. Fluctuations in nesting success and poult survival can strongly influence wild turkey populations. By reporting wild turkey sightings, Floridians and visitors can help biologists estimate population metrics at statewide and regional levels.
To learn more and start reporting, visit MyFWC.com/TurkeySurvey.
Two Correctional Inmates Assaulted Century Correctional Staff Members, FDC Says
June 9, 2026
Two Century Correctional staff members were assaulted by inmates in two unrelated incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Lamon E. Robinson, 24, assaulted a staff member by grabbing them, according to the FDC. The staff member was not injured.
Robinson is serving a two-year sentence for robbery out of Duval County.
Inmate John W. Lance, 45, assaulted a staff member by striking them, according to the FDC. The staff member was not injured.
Lance is serving a three-year sentence out of Escambia County for possession of methamphetamine.
Pictured: Inmate Lamon Robinson (left) and John Lance (right).