Tate Aggies Shut Out Choctaw 15-0: Mitchell Drives In Five; Padgett Throws No-Hitter
February 24, 2026
Tate 15, Choctawhatchee 0
The Tate Lady Aggies shut out the Choctawhatchee Indians 15-0 on Monday night.
Kayla Mitchell collected five RBIs on three hits in Fort Walton Beach on Monday. Mitchell accounted for three with a home run to center field in the third inning and added two runs on a double in the second.
Madison Smillie also had three hits for Tate, while Jordyn Banks and Brelynn Morris added two hits each.
Mykamia Padgett pitched a four-inning no-hitter, allowing no runs, walking two and striking out 10.
Next up, the Lady Aggies will travel to Niceville on Thursday.
Tate 14, Choctaw 5 (JV)
In JV action, the Lady Aggies beat Choctaw 14-5.
In the circle, Faith Middleton earned the win for Tate, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) in two innings, walking one and striking out five. In relief, Khloe Gibson pitched one inning, giving up two runs (none earned) while walking two and striking out one.
Middleton and Mikela Foster had two hits each for THS.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Nine Mile Road Costco Construction Moving Quickly
February 23, 2026
Construction is underway on a new Costco at 225 East Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee gave final approval in August 2025 for a Costco at 225 East Nine Mile, the previous site of a long-closed Kmart and, later, a Planet Fitness.. The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store, but a target date has not yet been announced.
Since work began late last year, the previous shopping center has been demolished, foundation work has been completed, and workers have erected the steel frame and a few exterior walls.
The 172,580-square-foot Costco retail store will have a freestanding gas station and 830 parking spaces at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. The site is just under 22 acres.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle School FFA Visits Over 900 Elementary Students For Hands-On Agriculture Day
February 23, 2026
Last week, leaders from the Beulah Middle School FFA Chapter visited more than 900 students at Beulah Elementary School for an engaging and interactive agricultural learning experience.
While learning about the five essential elements plants need to grow—water, sunlight, soil, air, and warmth—each student created a necklace containing a cotton seed. Students were especially excited to learn how cotton grows—from seed to harvest—and how it is used in everyday products.
In addition to plant science, FFA members shared information about the Beulah Middle School farm and the many opportunities students have to be involved in agricultural education and FFA. Each class also met one of the farm animals that made the trip, providing a memorable, up-close agricultural experience.
Teachers were provided with follow-up educational materials, including books about growing cotton and peanuts, student worksheets, and FFA-themed coloring sheets to continue the learning in their classrooms.
The newest addition to the Beulah farm—a sweet lamb—also joined the group and greeted every student as they exited the cafeteria, making the day even more special.
“It was an incredible day of leadership, service, and agricultural education, and we are so proud of our Beulah Middle School FFA students for representing our program so well,” FFA sponsor Leanna Jenkins said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Woman Pleads Guilty To Federal Fentanyl Charges Stemming From Nine Mile Traffic Stop
February 23, 2026
A 53-year-old Escambia County woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to trafficking in fentanyl, charges that originated with a traffic stop on Nine Mile Road.
Laurie Ann Chapman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl has had an undeniably devastating, deadly impact on countless communities nationwide,” said United States Attorney John P. Heekin. “Sheriff Chip Simmons and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are doing great work in collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners to attack this threat head-on, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek maximum punishment for anyone who peddles this poison.”
Court records indicate that Chapman was the target of a multi-month joint investigation. During that time, law enforcement conducted surveillance and documented multiple instances of Chapman and her associates distributing fentanyl. The investigation concluded on May 29, 2025, when officers conducted a traffic stop at Nine Mile Road and Old Palafox and found Chapman in possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl intended for a prearranged sale.
Chapman faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, and up to a five-year term of supervised release thereafter.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 7 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
Cantonment Man Arrested For Burglary At Olive Baptist Church
February 23, 2026
A Cantonment man is was arrested for allegedly breaking into an Olive Baptist Church ministry building and a church, according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Charles Edward Suggs, 53, was charged with felony counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure, criminal mischief with property damage over $2,500, possession of burglary tools, and misdemeanor larceny.
Deputies responded to the Olive Baptist Church Crossroads building on University Parkway at Davis Highway after an employee discovered a man sitting on a couch inside the building. Surveillance footage reportedly showed a man shattering the front glass door with a wheel hub and using a metal bar to force entry through a rear door.
The investigation revealed that a 2006 Ford van on the property had also been burglarized after its passenger window was smashed. Authorities found Suggs in possession of food items and a shirt taken from the premise, according to an arrest report. Total damages to the building and the vehicle were estimated at approximately $5,000.
Suggs told deputies that he was told by his paston, “Joe”, to come to the church and clean. His additional statements were redacted from the arrest report.
Suggs was transported to the Escambia County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
Lipscomb Elementary School Holds Family STEM Night (Gallery)
February 23, 2026
The Lipscomb Elementary School PTA recently hosted a family STEAM night.
The event included performances by the Lipscomb Chorus, MESS Hall activities, free pizza, and all students had artwork on display. District staff were also on hand to answer questions about the Focus Parent Portal or Canvas.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECFR: Fire Near Molino Was Caused By A Chicken
February 23, 2026
A chicken is being blamed for a fire last week near Molino.
The fire in the 5600 block of Highway 99 near the Escambia County 4-H facility was reported around 12:40 p.m. Thursday.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started in a chicken coop and spread to numerous bales of hay, creating thick smoke in the area.
ECFR said its investigation determined the fire was started by a chicken knocking over a heater in the chicken coop.
“No poultry was harmed during the fire, although approximately 20 hay bales were lost in the fire,” an Escambia County spokesperson said. The chicken coop was destroyed.
ECFR Station 18 from Molino responded to the fire.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
February 23, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers on I-10, between mile markers 7 and 9, may encounter inside lane closures Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23 and outside lane closures Tuesday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 26, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, traffic will be shifted toward the inside of the roadway, as crews perform construction activities.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Ninth Avenue (S.R. 289) Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Feb. 22, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Feb. 22, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Feb. 22, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for ECUA water main upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 27, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge construction activities. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Feb. 22:
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over City Streets – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Sunday, Feb. 22 through Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 98 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Pensacola Bay – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Intracoastal Waterway – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures west of S.R. 297 Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 27, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from the Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Rollover Crash Near Bogia Road
February 22, 2026
There were no injuries in a single vehicle rollover crash midday Saturday on Highway 29.
About noon, the driver of a Kia sedan lost control, left the roadway, and overturned in a muddy ditch alongside Highway 29 near Bogia Road.
Both the driver and passenger escaped without injury.
The McDavid Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to the scene, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, but FHP has not released further details.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Pensacon Friday And Saturday
February 22, 2026
Thousands of fans attended the first two days of the Pensacon pop culture convention at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The event continues from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
