David Stafford Named Pensacola City Administrator
October 9, 2025
Former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford has been appointed as Pensacola city administrator. Stafford, a Pensacola native with over 30 years of experience in government management and public leadership, will lead the city’s administrative operations and work closely with Mayor D.C. Reeves to advance the city’s strategic priorities.
“We are fortunate to have a person of David’s caliber leading our team at the City of Pensacola,” Reeves said. “David’s deep knowledge of our city, his credibility with our constituents, his leadership acumen, and his sterling reputation nationally for public service will continue to push Pensacola to new heights. It’s an honor to get to work with him, and I’m excited to get going.”
I am honored and humbled to serve as Pensacola’s City Administrator,” Stafford said. “Pensacola is a city with incredible momentum, and I’m excited to work alongside Mayor Reeves and the talented team he has assembled to build on that success. My career has been dedicated to public service and bringing people together to solve problems. I look forward to applying that experience to help move our city forward. This is a special place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has given so much to my family and me.”
Stafford served as Escambia County Supervisor of Elections for nearly two decades from 2005 to 2024. As a constitutional officer, he was responsible for voter registration, election administration, and candidate qualifying for more than 300,000 citizens. In that capacity, Stafford managed a multimillion-dollar budget and oversaw staff recruitment and training, including more than 600 election workers. He led the adoption of new voting systems, innovative technology, and cybersecurity protocols, while also providing national leadership on election administration through service on multiple advisory boards, committees, and working groups.
Following his tenure as Supervisor of Elections, Stafford was appointed as Election Security Advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where he directed operational risk management and cybersecurity initiatives across eight southeastern states.
Most recently, Stafford served as Vice President of Accounts at Enhanced Voting, leading client success efforts and driving innovative solutions for election officials.
David Stafford’s first day with the City of Pensacola will be October 27.
Volunteers Needed For Escambia County Extension Council Zones 1-12
October 9, 2025
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Extension Council for zones 1-12.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Extension Council, who meet the requirements noted in the job description below, are asked to submit an information sheet indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31. Information sheets should be submitted via email to jones.tina@ufl.edu or by mail to:
Tina Jones
3740 Stefani Road
Cantonment, FL. 32533
Zones and locations:
- Zone 1: North intersection of Highway 164 and Highway 97
- Zone 2: South of the intersection at Highway 164 and Highway 97 to the north side of Tungoil Road
- Zone 3: South side of Tungoil Road to the north side of Gibson Road at Highway 97
- Zone 4: South side of Gibson Road at Highway 97 to the north side of Molino Road
- Zone 5: North side of Quintette Road to the south side of Molino Road
- Zone 6: South side of Quintette Road to the north side of Kingsfield Road
- Zone 7: Nine Mile to Kingsfield Road
- Zones 8-12: At large
The Escambia County Extension Council was established in accordance with Chapter 67-1366, Section I- 8 Florida Statutes. The purpose of this council is to study the needs of the county in developing its natural resources, its families and youth; to provide for the organization of planning committees in various agricultural commodities, in youth and in all phases of home economics important to Escambia County; to provide for close liaison between the committees, county extension agents and the council; and to coordinate the reports of all committees into a single Escambia County resource development program designed to develop the county’s resources and its people through programs for which the Cooperative Extension Service has a responsibility for initiating or coordinating. Council members serve a two-year term of office. For more information on UF/IFAS Escambia Extension visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/.
UF/IFAS ESCAMBIA COUNTY EXTENSION COUNCIL MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTION
All Zones
General Description
Represent your organization that serves the people of Escambia County. Share their needs and concerns. Serve as a catalyst and leader in shaping the vision for Extension in support of Escambia County citizens within the scope and mission of UF/IFAS Extension.
Specific Responsibilities
- Attend quarterly council meetings as scheduled.
- Seek out needs and issues of clientele you represent.
- Learn about all programs of Extension.
- Advocate for Extension as opportunities arise.
- Suggest resources to contribute to Extension educational programs.
- Contribute personal expertise, information, and time as available and needed to support Extension’s efforts in Escambia County.
Time Required
- Two-year term of membership.
- May be eligible for a second term.
- 4-6 council meetings per year; 1-2 hours in length.
- Committee meetings as assigned.
Resources Available
- Extension Council guide
- Extension staff
- Escambia Extension Agents’ Plan of Work reports
- Extension educators within the region
- Regional and State Advisory Councils
Training Opportunities
Several training opportunities, including orientation, are available to council members throughout their term of service. This council operates under the Florida Sunshine Law and members are required to attend training provided by the Escambia County Attorney’s staff at a regularly scheduled Extension Council meeting.
Organizational Relationships
Council members work primarily with the County Extension Director. There is generally regular interaction with Extension Agents and also staff members, as well as Extension educators who serve Escambia County. Council members may be asked for input from the regional Extension Director or other members of UF administration.
Qualifications:
- Live in the geographic area noted.
- Interest in enhancing the educational efforts of Escambia County.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an advisory capacity with Extension staff and volunteers.
Northview High Holds Parent College and Career Night
October 9, 2025
Northview High School held a Junior/Senior Parent College and Career Night on Tuesday.
Students and their parents learned about graduation requirements, scholarship opportunities, searching for colleges, college applications, and admission requirements.
Several colleges and universities were took part, along with armed forces branches and others.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Varsity Blanks West Florida
October 9, 2025
Tate 3, West Florida 0
The Tate Aggies Varsity volleyball team delivered a powerful and commanding performance against the West Florida Jaguars on Tuesday night, securing a decisive 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-6, 25-16).
After a solid 25-16 win in the opener, the Aggies overpowered West Florida in the second set with a 25-6 scor. The Aggies closed it out 25-16 to complete the sweep.
West Florida 2, Tate 0 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity fell to the West Florida Jaguars in a two-set loss.
The Aggies fell by the narrowest of margins, 26-24 in the first set before West Florida took the decisive second set 25-18.
FHP Arrests Cantonment Man For DUI Hit And Run Crash
October 8, 2025
A Cantonment man was arrested following a DUI hit and run crash last week on East Kingsfield Road.
Alfred Ryan Long, 36, was charged with driving under the influence with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, and obstruction without violence.
The incident began around 10:00 p.m. when a blue 2005 sedan reportedly rear-ended another vehicle near the intersection with Cabot Street, then continued traveling until it crashed into a traffic sign. An independent witness at the scene reported seeing the driver—described as a white, middle-aged man wearing an orange shirt—flee the accident site on foot, walking eastbound. The witness noted the driver appeared impaired, reporting a strong odor of alcohol. The driver was later identified as Long.
A short time later, a responding Florida Highway Patrol trooper located Long, who matched the description, a few blocks from the crash site. Long was reportedly sweaty and out of breath. Upon contact, the trooper observed Long struggling to keep his balance, swaying and stumbling. The report also indicated Long exhibited several signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, with a heavy presence of alcohol detected on his breath.
During the investigation, Long was found to be concealing the vehicle’s Florida tag underneath his clothes, according to an arrest report. Troopers believed the tag was purposely removed from the vehicle in an attempt to deter the criminal investigation into leaving the scene of a crash.
Long was asked to perform a series of roadside sobriety exercises, which FHP said he failed. He subsequently refused to provide a breath sample to determine his alcohol content.
Long was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
Century Approves $49K Change Order For Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
October 8, 2025
Tuesday night was a night of rather ordinary business for the Century Town Council, including a change order authorization for more than $49,000 on a wastewater treatment plant improvement project.
The $49,645.20 change order approved by the council, along with 20 additional construction days, will remove existing concrete coating in four concrete tanks located in the 35-year-old wastewater treatment plant on Jefferson Avenue. The coating will be sandblasted or removed in a similar method, according to engineer Dale Long said. The change order will also fund the repair of a large crack discovered in a clarifier tank.
In other business, the council also approved a resolution on miscellaneous water improvements that changes the language stating the funding source will be a new account recently created for that purpose.
Pictured: Portions of the Century Wastewater Treatment Plant that need repair and removal of concrete coating, including large crack (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Names Students Of The Month
October 8, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School recently named their September Students of the Month. They are Elijah Brown and Paris Pittman. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over $63 Million In Bonuses Award To Law Enforcement Recruits In Florida
October 8, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday in the Panhandle that Florida has awarded more than 9,400 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving the Florida Panhandle region, with an additional 734 bonuses distributed to recruits across the state.
Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.
“Today in Panama City, we welcomed new law enforcement recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties and awarded them $5,000 recruitment bonuses,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Many new officers across the state moved to Florida from soft-on-crime jurisdictions, where prosecutors allow crime to run rampant and local politicians denigrate law enforcement. Here in Florida, law enforcement officers are supported and appreciated—and criminals are held accountable.”
To date, more than 1,900 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 600 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 9,400 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $63 million to date.
The bonuses are part of a broader initiative to make Florida the most law-and-order state in the nation. Under the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, the Governor secured $49 million in pay increases for more than 16,200 state sworn law enforcement officers, raised the minimum base pay to $60,000, and provided significant raises for both entry-level and veteran officers. The state has also expanded wellness resources, enhanced penalties for crimes against officers, introduced law enforcement education programs in high schools, and launched the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program to cover training costs for new recruits.
In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, DeSantis said the benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, excellent health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Sweep The Pine Forest Eagles (With Gallery)
October 8, 2025
The Northview Chiefs made quick work of the visiting Pine Forest Eagles on Tuesday night in Bratt, delivering a dominant performance to secure a straight-set victory. The Chiefs controlled the match from start to finish, winning in three sets: 25-9, 25-18, and 25-16.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Chiefs completely overwhelmed the Eagles in the first set, closing it out with a decisive 25-9 margin. Though the Eagles rallied and played tougher in the subsequent sets, managing to push the score to 25-18 and 25-16, the Chiefs maintained control.
The Northview Chiefs will end the regular season on Thursday as they host the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs from Uriah, Alabama.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Eagles Celebrate 8th Grade Night
October 8, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles celebrated 8th Grade Night on Tuesday night, honoring 8th grade football players and cheerleaders.
For a photo gallery, click here.
In game action in Walnut Hill, Ernest Ward fell to the T.R. Miller Tigers.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.
