Over 1,800 High Schoolers Attend Northwest Florida Construction Career Days
February 24, 2026
More than 1,800 high school students got an interactive, hands-on look at the transportation industry during the 6th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days (CCD) last week at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds.
Students had the opportunity to operate heavy equipment and learn about bridge inspections, paving, concrete, traffic control, engineering, and more. The event highlights the wide range of career paths available within the transportation, structural, engineering, and building industries. Participants were also engaged directly with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), engineering firms, and contractors actively seeking to hire in the Northwest Florida region.
The event also allowed FDOT and its industry partners to connect with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Students who are 18 years or older may complete job applications with participating companies during the event.
For a photo gallery including Northview and Tate High School students at the event, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Members Honored During 2026 Medal Day
February 24, 2026
Escambia County Fire Rescue hosted the 2026 ECFR Medal Day awards ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 21. The ceremony served as a celebration of all achievements accomplished by the hardworking men and women in ECFR during 2025.
Escambia County Fire Rescue annually recognizes individual firefighters and fire officers for their contributions to the department. The following personnel received ECFR’s most distinguished individual awards:
Career Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Jeffery C. Rohrer
Career Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Angel Santana
Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Christianne Barry
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Joshua Bazinet
Lieutenant Terrell Jackson Award
- Firefighter Eli Jackson
District Chief Dwain Bradshaw Award
- Lt. James Shaw
Pinning of New Firefighters
The following firefighters completed their mandatory one-year probationary service period:
- Jalen Abner
- Kenneth Daley
- Avery Carter
- Carson Deferrari
- Ryan Frank
- Evan Gourley
- Danny Hand
- David Hart
- Brandon Haygens
- Jacob Hughes
- Trevor Isakson
- Dustin Meyer
- Levi Penfold
- Sean Philson
- Michael Pousson
- Robert Rumley
- Travis Stephens
- Shamane Walker
- Ryan Walsh
- Coleman Young
Promotions
The following firefighters and fire officers received promotions during 2025:
Battalion Chief
- Chief Dimitri Jansen
Safety 4 Training and Safety Lieutenant (Lateral Transfer Promotion)
- Lt. Reiner Crabtree
Lieutenant
- Lt. Geoffrey Carmichael
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Lt. Geric Fatheree
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Lt. Connor Wood
Retirement
The following firefighters have dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Escambia County and retired from service in 2025:
- Firefighter Paul McCleary
- Retired in February 2025 after 40 years of service
- Chief Mark Butler
- Retired in September 2025 after 30 years of service
- Lt. Jason Menda
- Retired in July 2025 after 25 years of service
- Firefighter Brian Kraatz
- Retired in December 2025 after 24 years of service
Service Recognition Medal
Awarded to those firefighters in acknowledgement of their long and faithful service:
- District Chief Brandon Stevens
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
Final Alarm Medal
In 2025, Escambia County Fire Rescue lost a beloved volunteer deputy chief, who faithfully served the Beulah community:
- Deputy Chief Beau Rodrique
- Final Alarm – Jan. 5, 2025
Medal of Courage
Awarded to a firefighter who was involved in an act of true bravery that resulted in the rescue or saving of a life.
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he entered the water during hazardous conditions with no hesitation, located a victim below the water surface, and brought them to safety, resulting in a life saved.
Medal of Gallantry
Awarded to a firefighter who, at great personal risk, has been instrumental in rescuing and saving another from possible death.
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he served as the jet ski operator, managing to swiftly and safely maneuver hazardous waters to rescue multiple struggling swimmers out of the Gulf.
Company Citations
Presented to members for unequaled team effort in overcoming unusual difficulties and obstacles in the performance of their duties to affect a successful outcome in an emergency incident. A ribbon is given when the team’s effort results in the saving of a human life.
- Jan. 19, 2025 - Cardiac Arrest Call – Engine 17 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Keith Chapman
- Firefighter Channon O’Connor
- Firefighter Zach Aceto
- April 23, 2025 – Water Rescue – Station #13 – 1328
- Lt. Josh Rowe
- Firefighter Mattox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- April 26, 2025 – Multi-Victim Water Rescue – Station #13
- Engine 13
- Lt. Guy Meredith
- Firefighter Niels Frage
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
- Ladder 13
- Acting Lt. Allen Harrison
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Engine 13
- June 13, 2025 – Stabbing Incident – Squad 3 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Daniel Mills
- Firefighter Geoffrey Carmichael
- Firefighter Chase Perdue
- July 22, 2025 – Entrapment Rescue – Squad 3 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Charles McGuffey
- Firefighter Kenny Fehl
- Firefighter Jacob Darr
- Firefighter David Neydlin
- Aug. 12, 2025 – Residential Structure Fire – Station #6 (A-Watch)
- Engine 6
- Lt. Charles Bailey
- Firefighter Robert Vardeman
- Firefighter Allan Beasley
- Firefighter Jaylen Abner
- Ladder 6
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Battalion Chief 3
- Chief Wesley Barnett
- Engine 6
- Sept. 14, 2025 – Medical Emergency Call – Ladder 19 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Steven Service
- Firefighter Adam Wright
- Firefighter Marvin Vazquez
- Sept. 19, 2025 – Heat-Related Illness Call – Engine 8 (B-Watch)
- Lt. Baylen Payne
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Kenneth Daley
- Oct. 27, 2025 – Squad 14 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Kyle Sexton
- Firefighter Wesley Brandt
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Ryan Welsh
- Nov. 3, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 7 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Jeffery Johnson
- Firefighter Chase Boydston
- Nov. 17, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Ladder 19 (B-Watch)
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Firefighter Bruce Durden
- Firefighter Garrett Chandler
- Firefighter Anthony Hendricks
- Nov. 25 & 26, 2025 Multi-Victim High-Risk Water Rescues (Two Separate Incidents)
- Engine 13
- Lt. Brian Diamond
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Michael Register
- Ladder 13
- Lt. Joshua Rowe
- Firefighter Maddox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- Engine 13
- Nov. 27, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Victims – Ladder 6 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Dec. 4, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 4 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jason Felicelli
- Firefighter Tim Nagim
- Firefighter Anthony Stafford
- Firefighter Jacob Hoskins
- Dec. 21, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Squad 14 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Phillip Hoffman
- Firefighter Dale Coulter
- Firefighter Jeremy Warner
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to a firefighter or fire officer who was involved in an act where their extreme proficiency in skill and knowledge resulted in the rescue and/or saving of a life.
- Firefighter/Paramedic Dale Coulter
Civilian Life Saving Award
Presented to members of the public whose personal actions directly and significantly contribute to the saving of a human life.
- Andrew Smith
- Utilized a drone to successfully drop a rescue tube flotation device to a distressed swimmer
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.