Man Killed In Pickup Crash Near Atmore
October 18, 2025
A single vehicle crash near Atmore claimed the life of a Mobile County man early Friday afternoon.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said 84-year-old Edward Lambert of Irvington, Alabama, lost control of his 2003 Dodge 2500 pickup truck, which left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Lambert was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash happened on Jacks Springs Road, just outside Atmore.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
File photo.
Jobs Report: Escambia County Area Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly
October 18, 2025
The Escambia County area unemployment rate increased over the past month, according to data released Friday by FloridaCommerce.
The area’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in August 2025, a 0.8% increase from the August 2024 rate of 3.9%.
FloridaCommerce said that the local metro area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate in professional and business services among all metro areas, adding 700 jobs in August 2025. The Pensacola metro area added 800 jobs (+0.5%) in the private sector over the year in August 2025. The area also gained the most jobs over the year in the education and health services sector, adding 800 jobs in August 2025.
Florida’s statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8%t in August 2025, up 0.1% from the July 2025 rate, and up 0.4% from a year ago.
“Data in the month of August continues to indicate there are jobs available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 459,000 jobs posted online,” the state said about the overall state job availability.
Northview Chiefs Slip To The No. 1 Rural Team In The State (With Gallery)
October 18, 2025
The Northview Chiefs had a tough time Friday night against Blountstown, the No. 1 team in the state in the Rural Classification.
The Tigers topped the Chiefs 59-0 in Bratt. Blountstown has dominated opponents this year, entering Friday night’s contest averaging 57 points per game while giving up just 9.
For a photo gallery, click here.
*Look for cheerleader, mini cheerleader, fan and band photos next week.
Tigers improved to 8-0, 5-0 in district play, while the Chiefs slipped to 1-7 overall, 1-4 in the district.
Next week, Northview will host the Central Lions from Hayneville, Alabama, which is 0-8 this season.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tanner Clark’s Touchdowns Lift Tate Over Washington
October 18, 2025
The Tate Aggies beat the Washington Wildcats 24-21 Friday night in Pensacola.
Sophomore Tanner Clark had three touchdowns for the Aggies, including a 47-yard TD to put Tate on the board fist.
The Aggies went on to win 24-21.
Next week, the Tate Aggies (6-2, 1-1) will head to Crestview to face the Bulldogs (4-3, 1-1).
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
High School Football Scoreboard
October 18, 2025
Here is the Friday night North Escambia area football schedule:
FLORIDA
- Tate 24, Washington 21 [Story..]
- Blountstown 59, Northview 0 [Story, photos...]
- Jay 13, South Choctaw 6M
- Milton 27, West Florida 20
- Pace 34, Pine Forest 12
- Crestview 24, Escambia 6
- St. Michael Catholic 50, Pensacola High 13
- Navarre 46, Gulf Beeeze 6
- Central at Veron
- Bye: Pensacola Catholic
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 19, Hillcrest (Evergreen) 6
- Escambia Academy 62, Heritage Christian 0
- Escambia County (Atmore) 49, Satsuma 14
- Jackson at W.S. Neal
- Bye: T.R. Miller
Jesse LaCoste Of Cantonment Convicted Of Grand Theft, Contractor Fraud
October 17, 2025
An Escambia County jury deliberated for just over an hour Thursday before convicting embattled contractor Jesse Wayne LaCoste of Cantonment of grand theft and contractor fraud, both second degree felonies.
He now faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 11 and remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
LaCoste was originally indicted on one count of racketeering and two counts of organized fraud.
The indictment alleged that between June 2018 and August 2022, LaCoste unlawfully managed LaCoste Construction Group, LLC and LaCoste General Contractors LLC by engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, involving forgery, perjury, false official statements, theft, and insurance fraud.
According to investigators, LaCoste allegedly defrauded homeowners, their insurance companies, subcontractors and suppliers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties of more than $2 million. LaCoste also allegedly forged and falsified applications to obtain his county and state contractor licenses.
LaCoste’s brother-in-law, Matthew Banks, is awaiting trial on similar racketeering and other contracting-related charges.
$1.4 Million For Escambia Parks Includes Splash Pad In Beulah, Park Shade In Gonzalez
October 17, 2025
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday approved nearly $1.4 million for miscellaneous park amenities, including play equipment and a splash pad in Beulah, and a shade structure for the Jennings-Gonzalez Park.
It was a warm, sunny afternoon when the ribbon was cut on April 2 for the new Jennings-Gonzalez Park on Goldenrod Road. The new playground does not have any trees or other shade near the playground.
“We may have to look at one of those fancy sunshades,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Barry quipped at the ribbon cutting, “as the summer sets on to us.” Numerous residents have requested some sort of shade at the park since it opened.
The new park amenities include $27,192.53 for a shade structure. It also includes $61,365.29 for play equipment at the Beulah Senior Citizens Center on Woodside Road, and $145,805.05 for a splash pad at the Beulah Regional Park near the Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway. The largest single expenditure will be $227,529.50 for a splash pad at Brownsville Park.
The $1,385,933.06 approved by the BOCC includes:
- Play Equipment at Beulah Senior Citizen Center – $61,365.29
- Shade Structure at Jennings Gonzalez Park – $27,192.53
- Play Equipment at Lincoln Park – $32,225.21
- Play Equipment at Marie Ella Davis Park – $44,593.12
- Play Structure at Perdido Kids Park – $847,222.36
- Splash Pad at Beulah Regional Park – $145,805.05
- Splash Pad at Brownsville Park – $227,529.50
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds will be used to pay for the improvements.
Pictured above and below: The grand opening of the Jennings-Gonzalez Park on April 2, 2025. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
October 17, 2025
Northview High School recently named its Students of the Month for September. Pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill., they are Christian Callender (left) and Sydney Little. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Arrests Two Atmore Residents On Contraband Charges
October 17, 2025
State authorities arrested two Atmore residents on Thursday on prison contraband charges.
The Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 and Narcotics Units arrested Jeffery Brooks and Marilyn Sharp at their home.
Brooks was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, possession of controlled substance synthetic, unlawful possession of marijuana 1st degree, prohibited activity, and promoting prison contraband 1st degree
Sharp was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, possession of controlled substance synthetic, unlawful possession of marijuana 1st degree, and prohibited activity.
ADOC said iems seized during a search of the residence included:
• 144 grams methamphetamine
• 25 grams controlled substance synthetic
• 10 grams fentanyl
• 158 grams marijuana
“These arrests are the result of an ongoing investigation into a promotion of prison contraband case at Fountain Correctional Facility by the Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 and Narcotics Units,” the agency said.
Boil Water Notice For Highway 297A, Pinebrook, Pleasant Valley Area
October 16, 2025
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has issued a precautionary boil water notice is in effect for a portion the Highway 297A area.
The boil water notice is in effect for :
- 411-453 Pinebrook Circle
- 2548 -2611 Highway 297A
- Pleasant Valley Drive
This notice was issued after repairs were made to a broken 12-inch water main. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
Residents located in the specified area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours.
ECUA crews completed the repairs to the main and have flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted.