Highway 97 Lane Closures Begin In $14 Million Resurfacing Project
June 23, 2026
Highway 97 lane closures have begun on a Florida Department of Transportation project along Highway 97 from Highway 29 in Molino to the Alabama state line at Atmore.
Drivers may not see actual construction equipment and lane closures for some time; FDOT said the first few days of the project often include sign placement and other planning before equipment is mobilized.
The 22-mile project will include milling and resurfacing the roadway, updated signs and pavement markings, and drainage improvements.
Work has been underway for weeks for stormwater drainage improvements at the Highway 29 intersection to alleviate historic flooding by installing an additional box culvert across the southern leg of the intersection and two additional cross drains on the northern leg of the intersection.
Drivers may experience intermittent lane closures and restrictions between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The project is set for completion in 2027.
Highway 97 was last resurfaced in 2009-2010 at a cost of $5 million.
NorthEscambia.com graphics.
FHSAA Spring Sports Realignment Brings Shifts for Northview and Tate
June 23, 2026
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has released its tentative spring sports classifications for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, triggering a major landscape shift for local athletic programs. The new biennial block brings significant changes to both Northview High School and Tate High School, highlighted by major classification drops for the Aggies and a permanent district home for the Chiefs.
The new alignments for Northview and Tate across the FHSAA spring sports lineup feature several key changes:
Baseball
Tate will drop down from Class 6A to Class 5A for the next two seasons. The Aggies will join a highly competitive District 1-5A lineup that features local rivals Gulf Breeze and Milton, alongside defending district champion Niceville. Meanwhile, Northview’s baseball program will see stability, remaining in the Rural classification where District 1 stays completely unchanged from the previous two seasons alongside Central and Jay.
Softball
Mirroring the baseball adjustments, Tate is dropping down to Class 5A. The Aggies will compete in District 1-5A with Gulf Breeze, Milton, Niceville, and Mosley, which bumps over from District 2-5A. This move shifts Tate away from Class 6A, which now features defending state champion Hagerty as well as Navarre and Pace. Northview softball will remain in the Rural classification, where District 1 remains unchanged.
Flag Football
Northview officially joins a state series district after spending the last two seasons competing as an independent program. The Chiefs will now compete in Class 1A. Tate will navigate a reconfigured District 1-3A; while Niceville remains a district opponent, panhandle power Choctaw has jumped up to 3A and Mosley bumps over to join the district.
Track and Field
Both schools are experiencing classification shifts for their boys and girls track and field programs. Tate is bumping up from Class 3A to Class 4A, joining a powerful District 1-4A field that includes Navarre, Pace, Crestview, and five-time state champion Niceville. Conversely, Northview is moving down from Class 2A to Class 1A, joining District 1-1A alongside Central, Jay, L.E.A.D. Academy, and Pensacola Christian.
Boys Weightlifting
Tate will remain in District 1-3A alongside Navarre, Pace, Crestview, and Niceville. The Aggies’ district rivals, Pace, will be chasing a fourth straight state sweep but will do so without their longtime head coach. Northview will continue competing in Class 1A, staying in District 1-1A with Central, Jay, and Pensacola Catholic.
Girls Lacrosse
Tate remains in Class 2A, where the district alignment is completely unchanged from the past two years alongside Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Navarre. Northview does not field a team in lacrosse.
Girls Tennis
Both programs will see total stability for the next two years. Tate remains in Class 3A alongside Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Pace, and Booker T. Washington. Northview remains in Class 1A with East Hill Christian, Jay, and Pensacola Catholic.
Boys Tennis
Just like the girls’ programs, the boys’ tennis teams for both schools will experience complete stability over the next two years. Tate remains anchored in Class 3A alongside Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Pace, and Booker T. Washington. Northview will continue to compete in Class 1A, sharing a district with East Hill Christian, Jay, and Pensacola Catholic.
These classifications remain tentative pending the FHSAA appeals process, which runs through July 3, after which all classes will be finalized.
Jay Man Convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty For Killing Kitten
June 23, 2026
A Jay man has been convicted of aggravated animal cruelty for killing his former girlfriend’s kitten
Gunner Cole Bush, 21, was convicted by a Santa Rosa County jury of aggravated animal cruelty.
In the early morning hours of December 9, 2023, Bush tortured a kitten to death, according to prosecutors. He moved into the home of his then-girlfriend and her family in the summer of 2023.
During that time, two other cats went missing, the State Attorney’s Office said. One of the cats had been in the family for five years. Bush was also the last person seen with one of the cats. After the death of the kitten on December 9, 2023, the family discovered the remains of the two other cats nearby.
The State Attorney’s Office said a tool used to mutilate the kitten was found in Bush’s truck.
The case was investigated by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Rosa County Animal Services. Special assistance was provided by the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, which conducted DNA analysis on a tool used to harm the kitten and performed a necropsy on the deceased animal.
Bush will be sentenced on July 27.
Cantonment Woman Faces Felony Charge After Shoplifting Incident
June 23, 2026
A Cantonment woman is facing a felony shoplifting charge after allegedly attempting to steal hundreds of dollars in merchandise from an Escambia County department store.
Lashamonique Tytrell Moore, 36, was arrested on a felony warrant charging her with second-degree petit theft, third or subsequent offense. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
According to an arrest report from the Pensacola Police Department, an officer responded to the Marshalls department store located on Airport Boulevard in reference to a theft. A loss prevention officer reported seeing a woman, later identified as Moore, enter the store with a shopping cart and select $418.74$ worth of items, police said.
The report states that Moore walked toward the front doors without paying for the merchandise. As she neared the exit, an unidentified man took the shopping cart, and the two walked out of the store together. The store’s loss prevention officer was able to exit the building and safely recover all of the stolen merchandise.
PPD investigators reviewed store surveillance footage and utilized prior jail intake records and driver’s license photographs to positively identify Moore as the suspect. Police said Moore has more than three prior theft convictions, which elevates the charge to a felony under Florida law.
Northview, Ernest Ward Middle FFA Chapters Attend State Convention
June 23, 2026
A combined delegation of 18 members from the Northview High School FFA Chapter and the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA Chapter capped off their academic year with a string of victories at the 98th Florida FFA Convention & Expo last week in Orlando.
The Northview Parliamentary Procedures Career Development Event (CDE) Team led the chapter’s highlights by winning its district and placing in the top 12 overall in the state. The successful team consisted of Jack Boutwell, Jackson Bridges, Grace Oliver, Mary Oliver, Jackson Simmons, and Ona Spinks.
Because two members share a surname, chapter officials noted that both Grace Oliver and Mary Oliver were critical to the team’s precise execution. Grace Oliver also achieved individual historic milestones at the convention, participating in the Ag Ed Institute and being elected as the new Florida FFA District 1 President.
In individual leadership contests, Jackson Simmons captured a fourth-place finish in the state for the Discussion Meet Leadership Development Event (LDE).
The chapter itself was heavily decorated on the main stage, earning the prestigious Premier Chapter Award and a third-place finish for the Chapter Agricultural Advocacy Award. The Northview FFA Alumni and Friends chapter also took home a fourth-place finish for Outstanding Alumni Affiliate, while alumni member Donnie Dixon was named a finalist for the Outstanding Young Alumni Member Award.
The convention also marked a pinnacle of individual advancement for several local students. Hunter Manning was recognized as an American Degree Candidate, the highest rank achievable in the National FFA Organization.
Additionally, nine local students were awarded their State FFA Degrees. The recipients included Boutwell, Simmons, Spinks, Olivia Hall, Kailey Hawkins, Hannah Jerkins, Mikenna Mattheiss, Grace Oliver, and Mary Oliver.
NorthEscambia.com is running a series stories and photos from other North Escambia area schools that took part in the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Temporary Road To Temporary Bridge Washed Away At $5 Million Bridge Replacement Site
June 22, 2026
A temporary asphalt road to a temporary bridge on a $5.03 million construction project has washed away at Brushy Creek southwest of Walnut Hill during recent torrential rain and floods.
Construction started in February on a full replacement of the bridge on O.C. Phillips Road, a dirt road. The asphalt road provided access to a temporary bridge that was allowing the roadway to remain open during construction of the new bridge.
The new bridge that is under construction is designed to be higher, reduce flooding, and improve the creek habitat. It is not set to be complete until the summer of 2027, weather permitting.
The O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement Project is being performed in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation. The project is funded by the Local Option Sales Tax, FDOT, and RESTORE funds, with construction costs totaling $5,032,813. Murphree Bridge Corporation is the primary contractor.
There is no word on when the temporary bridge might reopen.
Pictured: The remnant of a temporary asphalt approach to a temporary bridge on O.C. Phillips Road as seen Sunday morning. Pictured inset above: The same area under creek flood waters last week. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Survivor: Tony deGraaf Honored As Florida Little League Volunteer of the Year
June 22, 2026
Tony deGraaf, the long-serving president of the Tri-County Little League and Jay Recreation Association, has been named the Volunteer of the Year by the Little League Florida State District Administrators Association.
The prestigious honor highlights more than 15 years of unwavering dedication to youth sports in the community, the majority of which deGraaf has spent leading the organization as its president.
His contribution stands out not just for its longevity, but for his extraordinary resilience. In 2021, deGraaf was diagnosed with brain cancer. Over the last five years, he has endured three brain surgeries, two separate rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, and numerous other medical treatments.
While the illness eventually prevented him from continuing his duties as a head coach, it did not stop his involvement. Through surgeries and ongoing treatments, deGraaf has continued to maintain fields, attend board meetings, make decisions for the league, and assist with coaching whenever his health allows.
Local organizers expressed their deep gratitude for his enduring spirit and commitment to the area’s youth.
“He inspires us daily with his strength, faith, and selflessness. The impact he has made on the children he has coached and the families he has served through the years is immeasurable, and our community is better because of his dedication,” Florida District 1 Little League said in a statement.
Those who work alongside deGraaf noted that he has dedicated most of his adult life to serving young athletes, always prioritizing the needs of the league over his own and never seeking individual praise. His philosophy remains rooted in the fundamental value of hometown youth sports, the character-building lessons they provide, and the opportunities they create for children to grow in confidence.
Tony was surprised Sunday with the honorable recognition.
“Today was so special,” said his wife, Amanda Carnley DeGraaf. “Thank you, to everyone, that surprised Tony today with such an honorable recognition.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Declined Last Week
June 22, 2026
Florida gas prices are declining as 4.6 million Floridians prepare to travel for Independence Day. The majority of them (4.08 million) will take a road trip. View AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast for Florida.
Last year on Independence Day, Florida drivers paid an average price of $3.11 per gallon. While it’s unlikely the state average will drift lower than that in time for this year’s holiday, the state average should test 2024 levels, which was $3.53 per gallon.
Florida gas prices are on a streak of declines. Through the last 11 days, the state average fell 32 cents per gallon. That cuts the cost of filling an average-size gas tank by nearly $5. In the county, the low price was $3.08 at the warehous clubs and several other stations. In Escambia County, the Pensacola metro area had the lowest average in the state at $3.41. In North Escambia, a low of $3.19 was available on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
Falling gasoline prices have been influenced by a drop in the cost of crude oil. As a reminder, oil prices influence about half of what drivers pay at the gas pump. US oil prices fell 16% during the past two weeks, on the hope that an agreement between the U.S. and Iran would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Since an agreement was announced last weekend, oil prices dropped $8.28 per barrel (10%) and Florida’s average gas price declined 20 cents per gallon.
“Florida’s state average is now the lowest since early March,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Lower gas prices come at an ideal time for summer travel and offer some financial relief for drivers. Still, the outlook remains uncertain. Developments involving the Strait of Hormuz will continue to influence whether prices rise or fall.”
Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view state and local average gas prices
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sudden Stop Causes Tractor-Trailer Cargo To Spill, Blocking I-10
June 22, 2026
A shifted load on a tractor-trailer blocked a lane of I-10 in Escambia County on Sunday morning, causing traffic delays but resulting in no injuries.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 48-year-old Kissimmee man was driving a tractor-trailer westbound on I-10 near mile marker 10 around 10:29 a.m. when he stopped suddenly to avoid a collision.
The abrupt stop caused the vehicle’s load to shift and fall into the roadway, disabling the semi. The shifted cargo blocked the inside westbound travel lane of the highway.
State troopers confirmed that the driver was wearing his seatbelt and escaped the incident without injury
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Spots To Watch
June 22, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and state projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., drivers may experience intermittent lane closures and ramp closures for paving operations and roadway construction. This week, drivers may encounter intermittent closures on the I-10 westbound off-ramp at Davis Highway (Exit 13). Law enforcement will be on site, and flaggers will be present to direct drivers through the work zone.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, June 21, 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 through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, June 21, 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 for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., at the following locations:
- Between the Perdido River Bridge and mile marker 1, for guardrail installation.
- Near the Pine Forest Road interchange (Exit 7), for striping operations.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, 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, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 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 – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures on Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.:
- I-10 westbound traffic will be reduced to one travel lane and shifted south near mile marker 10.
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 9 and 11.
- Intermittent outside lane closures on U.S. 29 northbound, between Diamond Dairy Road and Broad Street.
Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
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- Intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive. 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.
- 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, June 22 through Friday, June 26, 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, June 22 through Friday, June 26, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- S.R. 296 (Beverly Parkway) Routine Maintenance at U.S. 29 (Palafox Street) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 25 to 5 a.m. Friday, June 26 for paving operations.
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, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 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 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, 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.
Pictured: Work continues on Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino as seen Sunday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.