McAnnally Fans Seven As Northview Beats 5A Niceville 5-3
April 21, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat the 5A Niceville Eagles 5-3 on Monday in Bratt.
Mikayla McAnnally earned the win in the circle over seven innings for the Chiefs, surrendering seven hits and three runs, striking out seven and walking three.
At bat, Peyton Womack led Northview going 2-3 on the night with two RBIs, while Avery Stuckey was 1-3 with two RBIs.
For a photo gallery, click to enlarge.
Northview will close out its regular season on Tuesday at 6 p.m. with a road trip to T.R. Miller. A make-up game against Jay that was scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gulf Breeze Stops The Tate Aggies In District Quarterfinal
April 21, 2026
The Gulf Breeze Dolphins defeated the Tate Aggies 7-0 on Monday evening in the 3A District 1 flag football quarterfinals.
Tate’s season ended at 6-8, while Gulf Breeze (9-4) will travel to Pace on Tuesday in the semifinals.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison Time For Threatening To Kill Police Detective
April 21, 2026
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison for threatening to kill a police detective.
Tamal W. Jenkins, 20, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for interstate threatening communication with intent to extort.
In July 2025, the Pensacola Police Department arrested suspects during a homicide investigation. Within days of the arrest, one of the responsible Pensacola Police Detectives received a text message threatening to kill the detective if she did not release the suspects who are now facing homicide charges. Through legal process and electronic investigative techniques, law enforcement identified Jenkins as the person who made the threat against the detective for acting in the course of her official duties.
“My office stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines in the fight against crime. They deserve our gratitude and respect for placing themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe. As this case demonstrates, anyone who harms or threatens to harm a law enforcement officer will be aggressively prosecuted by my office and held accountable,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
His sentenced will be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Jenkins also faces a violation of prior state-ordered probation for firearm and drug offenses.
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said: “Threats of violence against those upholding the law cannot be tolerated. The Pensacola Police Department is grateful to our federal partners for recognizing the gravity of this incident and ensuring Mr. Jenkins is held accountable.”
This Is Who The Agros Will Face In UWF’s First Division I Football Game
April 21, 2026
The Division I era for University of West Florida football will kick off at home on Thursday, August 27 with the Argos hosting Southern Illinois in the first game of the season.
The newly scheduled game will be a historic moment for UWF as the university announced the move to NCAA Division I beginning in the fall of 2026 with the football team playing as an FCS member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC) and all other sports competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).
“We are excited to open up with a great team like Southern Illinois for our start on the FCS level,” said head coach Kaleb Nobles. “At UWF, we prepare for games like this, and we want to play the best teams around the country that we can. We look forward to a great start to the 2026 UWF Football season.”
The visiting Southern Illinois Salukis were set to play Samford on the road for their 2026 opening game before adding UWF to complete a 12-game schedule for the team. Last season, the Salukis finished 7-5 overall which included a win over No. 11 Illinois State in the final game of the regular season. UWF make a trip to Carbondale, Ill. in 2027 as part of the home and home series.
“This is going to be an exciting game to begin our first football season as members of the FCS,” said Dave Scott, Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We are thankful to Southern Illinois for adding us to their schedule. We want to encourage the Pensacola community to rally around this monumental game and come out to support the Argos.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m on August 27 at Pen Air Field. More information on season tickets, individual tickets and the game day experience is still to come as construction of Darrell Gooden Stadium is ongoing.
A full football schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Expanded $3.1 Million Highway 4A Roadway Safety Project Nearly Complete
April 20, 2026
An Escambia County Highway 4A safety improvement project near Century was expanded and is nearing completion.
The project includes 5.8 miles of roadway safety improvements on Highway 4A from Highway 4 at the light in Byrneville to State Line Road, along with a one-mile portion of Highway 168.
The work includes widening and overlaying the existing lanes. The project also included the relocation of mailboxes and the reinstallation of traffic signs to county specifications. The guardrails within the project limits were upgraded to current Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards. The project also includes minor drainage modifications to accommodate road widening.
The county later added Highway 4A from State Line Road to Highway 29 in Century, bringing the total project cost to just over $3.1 million.
Escambia County said substantial completion is anticipated next week, with final completion scheduled by May 15.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Pace Softball Player Recovering After Serious Injury During Game At Tate
April 20, 2026
The Pace High School Patriots player seriously injured in a softball game on Friday evening at Tate High School should be back to playing softball again soon.
Junior Kylie Reed was running to second base when she collided with the Tate second baseman. She was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS, and the game was called.
“She has some micro fractures in her neck and inflammation from the whiplash. She is about to be released,” Tate Aggies Softball posted Sunday night. “They actually said she could be back to playing when she’s no longer in pain.”
“Thank you all for prayers and well wishes. We may be opponents on the clay, but softball is bigger than just a game,” Aggies softball added.
The Tate second baseman was not injured.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Branch Manager At Century Library Looks Forward To Serving Community
April 20, 2026
The new branch manager of the Century Library, Lee Ann Helton, is looking forward to improving local library services and upcoming summer programs.
Helton has a strong background in education and library services. She spent 18 years in the Escambia County (AL) School District, including eight years as an elementary school librarian at Rachel Patterson and A.C. Moore in Atmore, and was principal at Huxford Elementary School. She holds a master’s in library media.
“I enjoy talking to people when they come in about what the library means to them, and how we can better serve them,” she said.
Helton said she is looking forward to the beginning of the annual summer reading program, and the free summer lunch program for youth.
The Century Library is one of eight West Florida Public Libraries locations.
Pictured top: Leigh Ann Helton, Century Library branch manager. Pictured below: Helton works to organize part of the library’s popular DVD collection. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High 2026 Prom King And Queen Named
April 20, 2026
Riley Brooks was named prom queen, and Reece Starns was named prom king at the Northview High School 2026 prom Saturday night.
The prom court was Mary Oliver, Amanda Fernandez, Riley Brooks, Makenzie Levins, Camo Bodiford, Jackson Simmons, Grayden Sheffield, and Reece Starns.
The prom, “A Night Under The Stars”, was held at the Sanders Beach Resource Center in Pensacola.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click here to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
April 20, 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:
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
- 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. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from S.R. 274 (Creighton Road) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 19, 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 construction activities.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road 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 throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. 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 E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at B Street and 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.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and guardrail installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 between mile markers 11 and 14.
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-10 ramps to access Interstate 110 (I-110) southbound (Exit 12) and Davis Highway (Exit 13).
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway lighting installation:
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-110 ramps to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).
- Intermittent I-110 lane closures near the Creighton Road overpass.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line– Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
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, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from the Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Ease After Early Spike, But Volatility Looms
April 20, 2026
Florida gas prices spiked by 14 cents per gallon early last week, most of the increase disappeared by Sunday, according to AAA.
Sunday’s state average of $4.02 per gallon of regular unleaded is 2 cents less than a week ago, 7 cents more than a month ago, and $1 more than this time last year.
The average price in Escambia County was among the lowest in the state at $3.76. That’s 10 cents less than a week ago, a dime more than a month ago, and 97 cents more than a year ago.
Sunday night, a low price of $3.73 per gallon was available in North Escambia at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
AAA said gas prices could drift lower this week following a sharp selloff in the oil market. Crude oil prices fell about 13 percent last week on reports that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to commercial shipping, easing concerns about supply disruptions. Oil finished the week nearly $13 per barrel lower than the week before, a move that can translate into roughly a 30 cent swing at the gas pump.
“Oil prices are reacting to fast‑moving headlines, and that volatility makes it difficult to predict what drivers will see at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Last week’s drop could provide some short‑term relief, but with conditions in the Middle East still unclear, prices could move higher again just as quickly depending on how events unfold.”
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