Baby Reportedly Injured In Cantonment Crash Involving SUV, Escambia Deputy
February 21, 2026
An infant was reportedly injured during a crash involving an SUV and an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cruiser late Friday night in Cantonment.
The crash occurred around 11:40 p.m. on West Roberts Road near Sutton Place Drive. The deputy was reportedly just off the roadway when her cruiser was struck by the SUV.
The infant was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. There were no other injuries.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Westgate’s Very Special Mardi Gras Parade (With Photo Gallery)
February 21, 2026
Let the good times roll!
The 33rd annual Mardi Gras parade was held Friday morning at Escambia Westgate School — a very special parade for the school’s special needs students.
With plenty of beads, trinkets, smiles, and Mardi Gras krewes, the parade rolled through the school parking lot for students with sensory issues that might not otherwise be able to attend a regular Mardi Gras parade.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Horse Judging Team Places At State Finals
February 21, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle School Horse Judging team competed in the state finals at the Florida State Fair.
The team placed 15th overall, and Harleigh Grace Parsons earned the highest individual score on the team with a 10th-place win.
The team is coached by sisters Courtney and Stephanie Solari.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Bats Explode in Double-Digit Win Over North Bay Haven (With Gallery)
February 21, 2026
The Tate Aggies beat North Bay Haven Academy of Panama City 11-2 on Friday night in Cantonment.
Starting pitcher Nathan Connors earned the win for the Aggies, allowing two hits and two unearned runs in four and two-thirds innings, walking a half dozen and striking out eight. In relief, Hunter Clayton pitched one-third of an inning of scoreless, runless ball, striking out one.
Evan Taylor went 3-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run to center field in the fifth inning. Cal Foxworth was 3-3 with one RBI, while Griffin Cook went 2-3.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will look to continue the momentum at Gulf Breeze on Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Early Northview Chiefs Lead Evaporates In One-Run Loss To The Escambia Gators (Gallery)
February 21, 2026
After leading 5-1 at the end of three innings, the Northview Chiefs dropped a Friday night home game 6-5 to the Escambia Gators.
Jackson Bridges opened on the mound for the Chiefs, giving up five hits and five runs (three earned) in four and one-third innings, recording eight strikeouts and three walks. Jase Portwood went two and two-thirds innings, giving up one run and two hits, walking four and striking out three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Luke Chavers, Taylor Curtis, Kobi Fiorenti, Dane King, Bryant Mason, and Grayden Sheffield each had one hit for Northview. Mason had two RBIs, and Portwood added one.
Next up, the Chiefs will travel to Chipley on Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bigalow Nets Hat Trick For Aggies Against Navarre (With Gallery)
February 21, 2026
The Navarre Raiders brought a powerful offensive attack to Cantonment on Friday night, defeating the Tate Aggies 22-3
Kira Bigalow led the Aggies’ scoring, accounting for all three of the team’s goals. Tori Sappington contributed on both ends of the field, recording an assist and leading the team with 8 draw assists.
Carly Helmig was active in the net, facing a relentless barrage of 32 shots on goal and finishing the night with 17 saves
The Tate Aggies (2-2) will host West Florida (1-2) on Monday at 6 p.m. in Pete Gindle Stadium.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Convicted Of Manslaughter For Fatally Shooting Teen At 2024 Cottage Hill Party
February 20, 2026
A Cantonment man has been convicted of manslaughter for the April 2024 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a party at a Cottage Hill home. He was also convicted of evidence tampering as a two-day trial concluded on Friday.
Ethan Alexander O’Brien, 21, will be sentenced on April 16.
The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, O’Brien, then 19, was showing off his firearm, at which time it discharged, hitting 16-year-old Bryson Allen (pictured below).
The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road.
The victim grabbed his side after being shot and said, “You just shot me bro” before falling to the ground, a witness told law enforcement. He said O’Brien had an “AR style” rifle and he was playing with it before the shooting.
Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene, and investigators said O’Brien fled the scene. The weapon was never found.
Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night, April 12, 2024, after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene tape still surrounded the home the following morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Arson For Torching His Own Jeep
February 20, 2026
A Cantonment man has been charged with arson after allegedly torching his vehicle last Sunday morning.
As we previously reported, a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was discovered burning with no one around alongside Neal Road near Pine Top Lane shortly before 9:30 a.m.
Now, Jerry Kent Calvert, 24, has been charged with felony arson in connection with the fire that destroyed his vehicle.
After the fire, deputies attempted to contact Calvert and his relatives, noting that he would not answer his phone for anyone. His parents later located him walking near the Escambia County Road Department’s Camp 5, and deputies responded.
He stated that the vehicle ran out of gas and he parked on the side of the Road at Pine Top Lane and Neal Road, an arrest report states.
His exact statement to deputies was redacted from the report, but the report states it was “because he was tired of his grandmother yelling at he and his uncle and kicking them out of the house.”
A Florida State Fire Marshal detective told deputies that burn patterns indicated that the fire was not accidental.
NorthEscambia photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Racist Comments Get Man Kicked Out Of Escambia Commission Meeting
February 20, 2026
An Escambia County man was kicked out of Thursday’s Escambia County Commission meeting after he made what was deemed to be racist comments toward District 1 Commissioner Lumon May.
Andrew Blewer signed up to address the BOCC about a $359,670 grant for the Pensacola Bay Living Shoreline Project, a multipart, large-scale living shoreline to be constructed within the Lower Pensacola Bay System.
The video is below, or click here.
During his allotted time, Blewer said, “Lumon May, you might like this, that we got some people that moved into our neighborhood that has a skin pigment similar to yours’ so you are look out to them or whatever.” Blewer, who is white, lives in Bellview, and May is black.
He was immediately interrupted by Board Chair Ashlee Hofberger.
“Okay, sir, we’re not going to allow racist comments here, so you can try again or you can exit,” Hofberger said. “I’m not sure why the color of your neighbor’s skin matters.”
“It shouldn’t,” Blewer exclaimed.
“Then why did you tell us?” asked Hofberger.
As Blewer continued, May said, “Andrew, I’m going to try to get staff to write a DEI grant (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) so you can have a DEI neighborhood. Then you’ll be happy.”
“Let me help you with one more thing because your time’s running. I don’t care how you address this board but keep my name out of your mouth, alright? And then we’ll be OK, alright?
Blewer replied, “You want me to take you to another chicken dinner so I can talk to you one-on-one.” His comment elicited a strong response from the audience, and prompted Hofberger to have him removed by deputies.
“Get him out and whatever we can do to suspend him from coming back, I want that done, too, so check that out,” she said to applause.
““Thank you, Madam Chair,” said Commissioner Steven Barry. “We don’t have to listen to sexist or racist comments.”
May then joked about the exchange.
“Thank you for your leadership, Madam Chair, but I think we are going to be done by 11 a.m. and chicken sounds pretty good to me,” May quipped.
Tate High Theatre Presents ‘Shrek The Musical’
February 20, 2026
Tate High School Theatre will present Shrek the Musical February 20 – 21 and February 26 – 28, at 7 p.m. nightly in the Tate High School Cafetorium.
Shrek the Musical is a heartwarming and hilarious adventure based on the popular animated film, featuring memorable characters, high-energy musical numbers, and an uplifting message about friendship and self-acceptance.
The production is a showcase of student talent and dedication. Every aspect of the show has been created entirely by students, including set construction, costume design, props, lighting, makeup, and wigs. The result is a fully student-designed theatrical experience that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of Tate’s thriving theatre program.
In addition, the production features double casting for the roles of Fiona, Dragon, Pinocchio, and Gingy. Each cast will perform on alternating nights, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy unique interpretations of these beloved characters.
Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door (cash only).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
