Legendary WKRG Broadcaster Mel Showers Has Died
October 19, 2024
Longtime WKRG news anchor Mel Showers has died. The legendary broadcaster was 78.
Showers worked at WKRG 5 for 50 years and was the station’s main anchor from 1980 until his retirement in 2019.
He was later inducted into the Alabama Broadcasting Hall of Fame and was named Journalist of Distinction by the National Association of Black Journalists.
Courtesy photo.
Day Of Caring Projects Completed at Jim Allen, Tate, Lipscomb
October 19, 2024
Volunteer groups fanned out across Escambia County Friday for the United Way of West Florida’s 31st Annual Day of Caring.
Day of Caring is a community-wide initiative that connects volunteers and resources with local agencies and schools needing support. Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Hundreds of people worked together to complete all kinds of projects that provide additional capacity to the organizations and institutions that keep our community strong.
Since 1993, United Way of West Florida has coordinated more than 28,000 volunteers to complete projects across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
About 850 volunteers took part in Friday’s Day of Caring, including volunteers at Jim Allen Elementary and Tate High schools.
A team from International Paper in Cantonment volunteered at Jim Allen Elementary School. They put a new coat of paint on the school’s basketball games, four square games and installed new basketball nets in a playground refresh.
Nearly 20 dedicated volunteers from the local Publix rolled up their sleeves to assist in a campus beautification project at Tate High School. Their efforts focused on revitalizing the front entrance by excavating overgrown plants and weeds, transforming the space in between the Jennings building into a welcoming environment for students and staff alike.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the amazing volunteers who participated. Their hard work and commitment have made a lasting positive impact on Tate and exemplify the power of community collaboration,” Tate High School Assistant Principal Paul Lovely said.
At Lipscomb Elementary School, a team from Navy Federal Credit Union used paint to transform the school, adding new life and vibrancy to the campus.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Tate High Aggies Pep Rally
October 19, 2024
The Tate High School Aggies held a pep rally Friday morning in Pete Gindl Stadium.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos by Tate High School Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP To Lay Off 600 Employees Company Wide; None In Cantonment
October 19, 2024
International Paper plans to layoff 650 employees, the company has confirmed to several industry news sites. Locally, IP says the layoffs do not include the IP Pensacola mill in Cantonment.
“This announcement is not related to any mill operations at Pensacola – so no impact here.” IP Regional Communications Manager Whitney Fike said Friday.
A majority of the 650 layoffs are expected in Memphis, Tennessee, where the company is headquartered.
In October of last year, IP permanently ceased operation of one of their production machines in Pensacola. It was estimated at the time that about 100 local jobs would be impacted as the idled #4 machine did not resume production.
Pictured: The International Paper Pensacola Mill in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Washington 35-14 (With Gallery)
October 19, 2024
The Tate Aggies snapped a two-game losing streak Friday night as they beat the Wildcats of Washington 35-14 on Carl Madison Field.
Elijah West has two first half touchdowns for the Aggies, one on a 15-yard pass from Taite Davis and the other on a 34-yard pass from Davis.
Tate’s Carson Secchiari added a pair of TDs in the second half, one for 23 yards and one from 16 yards out.
The third Aggie touchdown of the night was a 19-yarder from senior Demorian Clay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Look for fan, cheerleader and band photos coming soon.
“It’s nice to have a win and come back after a rough stretch there and get a W,” Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said. “We ran the ball well. We had not done that in a couple of weeks.”
The defense played well and stopped the runs. They made them play the football, and made them one-dimensional, and that helped us tonight,” he added.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will host the Crestview Bulldogs in a district matchup. Crestview (3-5) is coming off a 23-20 loss to Escambia Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blountstown Shuts Out Northview 34-0
October 19, 2024
The Northview Chiefs fell on the road Friday night to Blountstown 38-0.
After a bye week, the Chiefs (2-7) will hope to bounce back as they host a season finale against the Flomaton Hurricanes (4-4) in a Thursday night Halloween game.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs were shut out by Jay last week, 34-0. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
October 19, 2024
Here are Friday night football scores from across the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
- Tate 35, Washington 14 [Story, photos...]
- Blountstown 38, Northview 0 [Read more...]
- West Florida 23, Milton 20
- Escambia 23, Crestview 20
- St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) 38, Pensacola High 37
- Vernon 16, Central 9
- Navarre 48, Gulf Breeze 20
- Pace 29, Pine Forest 6 (Thursday)
ALABAMA
- Hillcrest (Evergreen) 48, Flomaton 17
- Monroe Acad. 2, Escambia Acad. 0 (forfeit)
- Satsuma 14, Escambia County (Atmore) 13
- Jackson 48, W.S. Neal 0
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County Extends SEC Women’s Soccer, Sun Belt Basketball Championship Agreements
October 18, 2024
Escambia County has approved new agreements to host the Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Championships and the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships through the end of the end of the decade.
The SEC Women’s Soccer Championships were first held at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in 2022, with the first agreement continuing to 2024 for the tournament that begins November 3. Under the new agreement approved Thursday, the SEC Women’s Soccer Championships will continue to be hosted by the county and Pensacola Sports at Ashton Brosnaham off 10 Mile Road in 2025 and 2026 with an option to renew for three on-year periods through 2029.
The 2022 event saw record-breaking attendance numbers and generated $2.5 million in local economic impact, according to Escambia County, with several million more in 2023.
An agreement to host the 2021-2025 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships at the county-owned Pensacola Bay Center was also extended Thursday. Under the new agreement, the Sun Belt tournament will continue at the Bay Center for 2026-2030.
“Thrilled. Absolutely thrilled,” Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer said Thursday afternoon. “One of the things that is so exciting is the reality that when these conferences find a home, and a neutral site home, it really takes years to grow the event they way they want it to grow, and we want it to grow.”
“The fact that they believe in what we are doing…I just think we couldn’t be prouder,” Palmer added.
Pictured: The record-setting SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hofberger Sworn In As Escambia County District 4 Commissioner — For A Month
October 18, 2024
For the first time since January, there are now five members sitting on the Escambia County Commission.
Ashlee Hofberger was sworn in Thursday to the District 4 seat, following her appointment earlier this month by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The District 4 seat had been vacant since Robert Bender was appointed Supervisor of Elections in January.
She will be vice chair of the commission for her term through November 18.
In August, Hofberger won the Republican primary for the seat. She will still face Democratic candidate Ron Helms in November. Helms is a Navy veteran and owner of a Pensacola business.
“I am honored to have received the appointment of District 4 County Commissioner by Governor DeSantis,” Hofberger said. “I have hit the ground running, prioritizing vital initiatives such as enhancing resources for our first responders, streamlining business operations in Escambia County, and ensuring a better investment of taxpayer dollars. Being appointed during the final weeks of my campaign adds an interesting dynamic as I navigate the responsibilities of office while actively seeking the support of voters for the November 5th election. It’s a unique opportunity to learn and engage with the community simultaneously. As I balance my new role and campaign efforts, I remain committed to my vision for Escambia County. My focus is clear: support our first responders, facilitate business growth, and manage taxpayer funds wisely. I believe in a collaborative approach to make a positive impact.”
Hofberger is owner of The Wash Room laundromat and Bogeys Golf Suites. In 2012, she opened the emergency restoration firm Complete DKI and later sold it to the national company First Onsite in 2021. She is the recipient of the 2019 National Association for Industrial and Office Properties Member of the Year. A volunteer of the PACE Center for Girls, Hofberger earned her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of West Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Pine Forest Road Paving Project Near Completion
October 18, 2024
A paving project is nearing completion on Pine Forest Road in Walnut Hill.
The $1.3 million District 5 project includes resurfaceingsix miles of Pine Forest Road from Highway 97 to Arthur Brown Road. Final thermoplastic striping and reflective pavement markings will be completed about 14 days after paving.
Pictured: Paving last week on Pine Forest Road near Walnut Hill late last week. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
