Full Post Office Services Return To Walnut Hill For The First Time In Nearly Two Years
May 10, 2026
After nearly two years, full services are set to return to the Walnut Hill Post Office on Monday.
Beginning Monday, the post office will once again offer full shipping and receiving services.
“We are excited to finally be back to providing these services to the community,” said Cortney Owens, EREC manager of marketing and communications.
The Walnut Hill post office is officially known as a Contract Postal Unit, a small office located within the offices of the electric utility on Highway 99A across from Ernest Ward Middle School. It previously provided the Walnut Hill community with post office boxes, package pickup and shipping, and standard postal services like mailing and stamps.
The building was closed by EREC in August 2024, due to mold, and post office box customers were able to collect their mail from the U.S. Post Office on Main Street in McDavid. Post office box mail that was uncollected in McDavid was boxed in Walnut Hill on July 29, 2025, and EREC announced the reopening of its office and the post office. But no more mail was delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
In February 2026, the USPS began delivering mail for boxes at the Walnut Hill post office. Any mail that requires a signature has to be picked up at the McDavid Post Office on Main Street because those require the use of a scanner the Walnut Hill location did not have.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s A Peek At Pine Meadow Cupcakes For Mom
May 10, 2026
Happy Mother’s Day!
The Pine Meadow Elementary School PTA recently held a very successful Cupcakes With Mom event, distributing over 900 cupcakes.
- For photo gallery 1, click here.
- For photo gallery 2, click here.
- For photo gallery 3, click here.
- For photo gallery 4 click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Inspirational Student Heroes Honored
May 10, 2026
Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTAs/PTSAs (ECCPTA) came together to recognize 52 remarkable students during the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards and ECCPTA Students of the Year Awards.
The students were honored for demonstrating strength, resilience, and perseverance while overcoming significant personal hardships. From navigating medical challenges and family loss to persevering through difficult personal circumstances, each student has remained committed to personal growth while inspiring classmates, educators, and school communities.
“Cox is honored to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary students whose courage and determination set an example for all of us,” said David Deliman, vice president of Cox’s Gulf Coast market. “Despite the obstacles they’ve faced, these young leaders continue to move forward with optimism and empathy. Their stories remind us of the power of resilience and community support.”
For more photo with North Escambia area students, families, and teachers, click here.
Students were selected by a committee of school leaders across Escambia County for their ability to persevere through adversity while showing measurable improvement and positively influencing those around them.
“The Escambia County Council on PTAs and PTSAs is proud to celebrate these 52 outstanding students from throughout our county,” said Melanie Gambill, president of the ECCPTA/PTSA. “Their determination, growth, and commitment to success reflect tremendous character. They are truly inspiring, and it is an honor to recognize their achievements.”
During the ceremony, each honoree was presented with a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from United States Senators Ashley Moody, Rick Scott, United States Representative Jimmy Patronis, Florida State Senator Don Gaetz, and Florida State Representatives Alex Andrade and Michelle Salzman. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation congratulating all the honorees.
Escambia County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes/ECCPTA Students of the Year for 2026 are:
- A.K. Suter Elementary School – John Wasilenko
- Bellview Elementary School – Ava Thomas
- Bellview Middle School – NaKeem Burgess II
- Beulah Elementary School – Kennedy Conway
- Beulah Middle School – Ja’Karius Lewis
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Timothy “Tim” Hayes
- Booker T. Washington High School – Ja’Von Williams
- Bratt Elementary School – Shawn Lewis
- Brentwood Elementary School – Kova Sutton
- Brown Barge Middle School – Danielle “Dani” Reisnour
- Byrneville Elementary School – Blake Mathis
- C.A. Weis Elementary School – Zakiyah Jolly
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Maya Barker
- Ensley Elementary School – Camila Lara
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Lillian Trincher
- Escambia High School – William Mitchell
- Escambia Westgate Center – Chase Statam
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Emma Bolton
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Samantha “Sam” Ross
- Global Learning Academy – SaRenity Walker
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Mia Chapman
- Holm Elementary School – Aaliyah Watley
- Hope Horizon – Elementary – Graham Utter
- Hope Horizon – Secondary – Colton Hernandez
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Karter Davis
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School – Cristofer Garcia
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Samson Boardwyne
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Joshua Jones-Foster
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Oliver Wright
- Longleaf Elementary School – Ka’Myriah Stallworth
- McArthur Elementary School – Allyssa Elrod
- Molino Park Elementary – Ryder Phillips
- Montclair Elementary School – Phallon Samuel
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Dylan Weyand
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Julian-Reese McClung
- Navy Point Elementary School – Isaiah Nation
- Northview High School – Hannah Jerkins
- O.J. Semmes Elementary School – De’Andre “D.J.” White
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Jaylen Holmes
- Pensacola High School – Jai’Juan McBride
- Pine Forest High School – Ashton Young
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Conner Warlick
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Ray’Una Moton
- Ransom Middle School – Jordan Bryant
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Braylen Coleman
- Sherwood Elementary School – Makayla Giard
- Success Academy – Kaiden Richardson
- Tate High School – Macy Jensen
- Warrington Elementary School – Lina Weston
- West Florida High School – Zamauriyah Gilliam
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Tony Rand
- Workman Middle School – Jazelle Clother
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Caught On Camera Stealing Wire From I-10 Light Poles, FHP Says
May 10, 2026
Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a man for allegedly stealing wire from light poles on I-10 in Escambia County.
Troopers were dispatched to a reported suspicious person on I-10 at mile marker 15, near Scenic Highway after a person was seen on FDOT cameras breaking into the interstate light poles and pulling wire from the poles.
Responding troopers located 42-year-old John Edward Stone, Jr. in possession of the tools required to open the pole access panels and cut the wires, and FHP said he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was arrested and booked into the Escambia County jail on charges of felony criminal mischief, felony possession of burglary tools, misdemeanor drug equipment possession, and misdemeanor loitering and prowling. Stone remained in the Escambia County Jail early Sunday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Escambia Animal Shelter Offering Free Cat And Dog Adoptions
May 10, 2026
The Escambia County animal shelter is offering free adoptions for cats and dogs one year older through Sunday, May 17 for the 10th anniversary of the Bissell Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” event.
A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
The adoption fee for pets younger than one year old will be $50 for puppies and $25 for kittens.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
First Students Graduate From Soul Train Youth Workforce Training In Century
May 10, 2026
The first students have graduated from the Soul Train Youth Workforce Training in Century, Students pictured (L-R): Cece, 15; Zyana, 11; Emily, 15; Charley, 15. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Milbrandt Enchants, Praytor Hits Tater In Wahoos Win
May 10, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their second nailbiter in a row on Saturday night, beating the Rocket City Trash Pandas 1-0 thanks to a dominant pitching performance from Karson Milbrandt and a big swing from Sam Praytor.
Milbrandt (W, 2-1) completed 6.0 innings for the third consecutive start, scattering two harmless singles and two walks while striking out a season-high nine batters. In doing so, he lowered his ERA to a Southern League-leading 1.48.
Rocket City’s Austin Gordon (L, 1-3) was nearly as good, but surrendered a solo homer to Sam Praytor in the bottom of the fifth in what proved to be the game’s only run. Praytor, who was activated off the injured list on Thursday, finished 2-for-3 in his first Blue Wahoos game of the season.
Mason Vinyard contributed 2.0 scoreless innings of relief, and Kade Bragg (S, 1) worked a spotless ninth to finish off the combined three-hit shutout. It was Pensacola’s first shutout win of the season, and their first 1-0 win since August 1, 2025.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Trash Pandas, and their longest homestand of the season, on Sunday afternoon.
written by Erik Bremer
West Fraser Announces $70.25 Million Expansion In McDavid Following Tax Break Approval
May 9, 2026
The day after the Escambia County Commission approved a tax break for the West Fraser sawmill in McDavid, the company announced a $70.25 million expansion that will create 30 new jobs.
Thursday night, the commission approved an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) for the company, giving the company a 70% ad valorem tax exemption over a five-year period. An EDATE under Florida law provides that new and expanding businesses may be exempted from ad valorem taxation. During the current fiscal year, the exemption will be worth $590,969.
The $70 million investment is planned for nearly $28 million in year one, $20.5 million in year two, $13.4 million in year three, and $8.3 million in year four, and the production jobs will have an average annual salary of $49,920 with a gross annual payroll of $10.7 million, according to paperwork West Fraser filed with Escambia County.
Less than 12 hours after the tax break approval, the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance announced that West Fraser has invested $70.25 million in capital expenditures to expand its existing sawmill operation on Champion Drive, off Highway 29, McDavid. FloridaWest said the expansion will create 30 new “family-supporting jobs.”
“Escambia County offers strong, attractive business fundamentals for long‑term investment such as our McDavid lumber mill expansion,” said Chuck Watkins, vice president, Capital and Technology, West Fraser. “The area’s robust business climate, ample and sustainable fibre basket and skilled local workforce make it an excellent expansion opportunity for our McDavid lumber mill. Combined with quality community amenities and a long history in forestry, the region provides both the resources we need and a great place for our employees to live and work.”
FloridaWest said the company’s McDavid facility has been a cornerstone employer in the region and a key part of the community’s industrial base. The expansion at West Fraser’s McDavid sawmill includes significant capital investment in new construction and equipment upgrades designed to enhance the facility’s production capacity and operational efficiency. The project is expected to generate substantial economic activity across Escambia County, supporting local suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
“West Fraser has been a valued employer in northern Escambia County, and this expansion builds on their commitment,” said Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. “Creating 30 new jobs with competitive wages in a more rural area of our community demonstrates our economic development efforts are serving the entire county, and I am proud to support it.”
“West Fraser’s continued investment in Escambia County sends a clear message that our community is competitive on the global stage,” said Chris Platé, chief executive officer of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance. “Retaining and growing established employers is a cornerstone of our economic development strategy, and West Fraser’s decision to expand here is a powerful testament to the strength of our region’s value proposition for the forest products industry.”
Army Warrant Officer Sentenced For Raping Woman At NAS Pensacola
May 9, 2026
An Army rotary wing aviator was convicted by a military jury of raping two women, including one at NAS Pensacola and sentenced to 31 years in prison,
Warrant Officer Dawson Van Manen, 27, assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, was also sentenced by the military judge to a dishonorable discharge from Army and total forfeiture of pay and allowances.
In addition to the rape charges, Van Manen was convicted of the possession of anabolic steroids, which is a Schedule III controlled substance, and disobeying a lawful order.
Van Manen was apprehended by agents with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and Naval Criminal Investigative Service on August 29, 2024, after the first victim reported a rape that occurred in earlier that month at the Navy Lodge & Suites, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., after a night of drinking and socializing at a bar off base.
The victim started communicating with Van Manen on the dating app Bumble and the couple met in person for the first time that night at the bar in Pensacola.
Agents with Army CID discovered that he had used the false name “2nd Lt. David Johnson” on his dating app profile to conceal his true identity. He also registered at the Navy Lodge & Suites using the first name “David.”
After the assault, she went to the local hospital where medical staff gathered evidence using a rape kit. During the trial, the nurse testified that the victim’s swelling and injuries were the worst she’d seen in her career.
Shortly after the first victim reported her rape, Van Manen’s estranged wife also came forward and informed Army CID that she had endured years of abuse, to include a violent rape in December 2023.
At that time, Van Manen and his then-wife were living in Ozark, Ala., near Fort Rucker. One evening after she rebuffed his request for sex, he became violent, threatening that he had wanted to chop her up and have sex with her dead body. He then proceeded to tie her up, cover her mouth with duct tape and video record himself raping her. After the assault, the victim called her sister saying she was terrified that he would kill her.
While under investigation for these rapes in June 2025, Van Manen was ordered to remain on post at Fort Rucker by his commander but violated that order by going off post to meet up with another woman who was not his wife. Simultaneously, he was caught by his roommate possessing and admitting to using multiple anabolic steroids.
Van Manen will serve his prison sentence at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Upon release from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements.
Canvas Platform, Used By Escambia Schools, Was Hacked
May 9, 2026
The Escambia County Public School system has been identified as one of approximately 9,000 educational institutions caught in a sweeping cybersecurity breach involving the Canvas learning management platform.
The hacking group named ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the Canvas breach, which brought the platform down earlier this week.
“While Canvas is currently operational, some components have been disabled as a precaution. Instructional staff has been given access to several immediate instructional alternatives, in order to mitigate the possibility of any disruption to the educational process,” Escambia County Public Schools said Friday.
Canvas is also used locally by the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, and to a limited degree, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. ECSO does not use Canvas for any day-to-day law enforcement purposes, but in education and training.
Instructure said it does not appear that social security numbers, birthdays, or passwords were compromised. The company said compromised information may include names, email addresses, student ID numbers, and messages exchanged using Canvas.