A New Chapter: Ernest Ward Middle PTE Puts Students First
September 16, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School PTE (Parents and Teachers of Eagles) is shifting its focus to students and community involvement.
“We are shifting our focus to students,” PTE President Tristan Long said during the group’s meeting at the school.
He said that previously the PTE focused about half on students and half on staff, but they plan to focus at least 70% of their funding on students. They are also looking to improve community partnerships and prepare financially to perhaps fund student organizations.
The group also aims to find ways to bring families and students together at the school for events, while also improving volunteerism.
“More than money, they need hands,” Principal Tyvanna Boulanger said.
The EWMS PTE was recently recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity by the IRS, making all donations and business sponsorships tax deductible. For more information on the PTE at Ernest Ward, visit their Facebook page.
At Monday’s meeting, the group also adopted bylaws and a code of ethics.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School PTE President Triston Long and Vice President Tabitha Schoonover at Monday’s meeting. Other board members attended by video. Pictured below (L-R): EWMS Assistant Principal Rodney Drish, Escambia County Public Schools Director of Middle School Education Dr. Michael Roberts, and EWMS Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary, Grand Theft And Witness Tampering
September 16, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry and threatening the victim.
Willie Ray Purifoy, 47, was charge with burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property and witness tampering. All of the charges are felonies.
The incident occurred at a residence on Washington Street in Cantonment. The victim told law enforcement that Purifoy entered his home through an unlocked door without permission and stole six men’s wristwatches and loose coins, with a total value of $4,950. The victim stated that he had previously hired Purifoy to do handyman work and help with his business, and that Purifoy had been in his home before, but never unescorted or with permission to enter on his own.
According to an arrest report, he victim confronted Purifoy outside his home, and Purifoy allegedly rode away on a bicycle, refusing to talk. Purifoy reportedly sold three of the stolen watches at a pawn shop on Mobile Highway in Pensacola for $225. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm the watches matched the description of the stolen items, and a hold was placed on them.
The report also states that Purifoy allegedly called the victim on September 3 and said, “I’ll mess you up,” and threatened to start a rumor that the victim was gay. The victim’s phone records corroborated the call, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Purifoy remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000.
Salzman To Host Constituent Services Day On Friday
September 16, 2025
The office of Florida House Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with local, state, and federal officials will host in-person mobile office hours to assist constituents with casework issues. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of the district offices a more convenient way to receive county, state, and federal casework assistance.
“I am looking forward to hosting another Constituent Service Day. This quarterly event allows for constituents to get in person help from federal, state and local elected officials and organizations serving District 1,” Salzman said.
Constituent Services Day will be held Friday, September 19 from noon at 2 p.m. at the Ferry Pass Community Center, 8800 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola.
Participants are scheduled to include:
- Representative Michelle Salzman’s Office
- US Senator Ashley Moody’s Office
- Congressman Jimmy Patronis Office
- Senator Don Gaetz Office
- County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger’s office
- Pensacola’s Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer
- Escambia County VSO’s Office
- Hope Florida
- Arc Gateway
- Department of Health
- Center for Independent Living
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
- Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division
FHP Conducts Speed Enforcement Operation On Highway 97
September 16, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a speed enforcement detail last weekend on Highway 97 in North Escambia.
FHP Captain Jason King said the detail was “in response to citizens’ concerns about dangerous driving”.
In a two-hour timeframe Saturday morning, troopers conducted 10 traffic stops on vehicles exceeding the posted 55 mph speed limit between Highway 29 in Molino and the Alabama state line. King said no other violations were observed during the enforcement detail.
A fatality occurred last Friday morning on Highway 97 just before 7 a.m., and a two-vehicle crash about an hour later, and about 3.5 miles south on Highway 97, injured two people. There was also a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries that occurred in August on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Autistic Boy Found Safe At Lake Stone Near Century
September 15, 2025
A missing 8-year-old boy was found in about an hour Monday morning at Lake Stone near Century.
The boy was reported missing around 6:10 a.m., and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded with resources that included a drone and two K-9 units.
The child was located safely in the area and was not injured, according to the ECSO.
NorthEscamiba.com file photo.
FDOT: Highway 97 To Be Resurfaced 2026; No Other Improvements Currently Funded
September 15, 2025
A $20.6 million project to resurface Highway 97 is set for 2026, and there may be a widening study forthcoming in the next few years, but there are no other improvements or safety improvements planned for the state road that has seen several major crashes and a fatality in recent weeks, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The fatality was last Friday morning just before 7 a.m, and two-vehicle crash about an hour later and 3.5 miles south on Highway 97 injured two people. Both crashes, and a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries in August, were blamed on drivers that failed to remain in their lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
After the Friday crashes, NorthEscambia.com asked FDOT if there are any plans in place for the two-lane roadway.
The state funded $79,997 for preliminary engineering in 2025, and approved funding is in place for a $20,650,022 resurfacing from Highway 29 in Molino north to the Alabama state line. The state is funding $11,436,602 of the 22-mile project along with $9,213,420 in federal dollars.
Ian Satter, public information director for FDOT District 3, said on Friday that for the next five years, there are currently no other planned or funded improvements or safety studies for Highway 97.
Four Lane Highway 97?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on expanding Highway 97 to four lanes is number six of ten capacity project priorities adopted this year by the Regional Rural Transportation Plan (RRTP) for 2025. That list is forwarded to FDOT as requested priorities — essentially a wish list — for the study in advance of any consideration of the actual work. However, inclusion does not mean FDOT, will or will not seek funding for a project.
The current FDOT Adopted Five-Year Work Program covers Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 (projects programmed July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030) and was adopted on July 1, 2025.
The process of approving and legislatively funding new items for the Five-Year Work Program includes multiple lengthy steps, Satter said. (The process is illustrated below). As part of the development process, each FDOT District coordinates with the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in urbanized areas and county governments in rural areas.
FDOT District 3, which includes 16 counties across Northwest Florida, will begin the process in mid-October.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Escambia Commission To Consider Ballot Referendum
September 15, 2025
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
The school board voted 3-2 on February 18 to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed. The school board then sent the referendum to the county commission for approval.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said in February. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
On Tuesday, the county commission will vote on scheduling an October 16 public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance authorizing a countywide referendum on the statewide primary election on August 18, 2026, to determine if the school superintendent should be an elected position.
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
Bonus Photos: Northview Fans, Band And Cheerleaders At Central
September 15, 2025
The Northview Chiefs beat Central 46-8 last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the cheerleaders, fans and band, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Photos: Tate Fans, Band And Cheerleaders At Milton
September 15, 2025
The Tate Aggies slipped to the Milton Panthers 3-0 last Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the cheerleaders, fans and band, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Tuesday
September 15, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution Tuesday, September 16, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will being at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should like up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification. The distribution will operate on a first come, first served basis as supplies last. Recipients must have an identification with a maximum of three families per vehicle that can receive food.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
