Elementary Students Honored As Shining Stars
March 19, 2026
WSRE recently hosted the Shining Star Awards, honoring outstanding fifth grade students who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership, as well as demonstrating the core values of the Escambia County School District.
This was the 28th year that WSRE hosted this event, originally in partnership with the Greater Escambia Community Foundation and now in partnership with the Escambia County Principals Association, which raised the funds to purchase bicycles and also coordinated the event.
Each Shining Star student received a certificate and a brand-new bicycle.
The 2026 Shining Stars are:
- A. K. Suter Elementary — Saanvika Gampa
- Bellview Elementary — Veronika Yasenovska
- Beulah Elementary — Alyson Woods
- Blue Angels Elementary — Dominic Jackson
- Bratt Elementary — Lane Stuart
- Brentwood Elementary — Jameson Manni
- Byrneville Elementary — Kipton Little
- C.A. Weis Elementary — Za’Riyah Goble
- Cordova Park Elementary — Maren Fox
- Ensley Elementary — Malia Newberry
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Emma Smith
- Global Learning Academy — Zy’Tranna Mitchell
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Marlie Walters
- Holm Elementary — Brooklyn Hines
- Jim Allen Elementary — Elaine Ladieu
- Kingsfield Elementary — Alessa Zavala
- L.D McArthur Elementary — Amelia Yepishin
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Fabian Coronado
- Lipscomb Elementary — Jeffery Mensah
- Longleaf Elementary — Shanell English
- Molino Park Elementary — Ella Campbell
- Montclair Elementary — Liam Lionheart
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Khloe Cobb
- N.B. Cook Elementary — Weston Berry
- Navy Point Elementary — Auburn Haruguchi
- O.J. Semmes Elementary — Tanayia Milton
- Oakcrest Elementary — Angela Austria
- Pensacola Beach Elementary — Olivia McPherson
- Pine Meadow Elementary — Nolan Spencer
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Logan Dunlap
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Janae Kisor
- Sherwood Elementary — David Contreras Casteneda
- Warrington Elementary — Jakobi Henry
- West Pensacola Elementary — Lluany Jimenez-Zebadua
Photos courtesy WSRE for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Pleads To Federal Charges Of Selling Unregulationed Animal Medication
March 19, 2026
An area man has pleaded guilty to federal charges of selling unregulated animal medications.
Scott Robinson, 51, of Pace, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of drug adulteration.
Court documents reflect that from 2022 to 2025, Robinson advertised and sold the animal drug toltrazuril to customers across the United States through his website. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, toltrazuril is deemed an adulterated new animal drug, which is subject to specific requirements for its production, labeling, and sale. The FBI conducted multiple purchases of items labeled and advertised as toltrazuril from the Robinson’s website. Those items were tested by the FDA and confirmed to contain toltrazuril. Prosecutors said he never complied with FDA regulations regarding his production, labeling, and sale of toltrazuril.
Robinson faces up to one year imprisonment on each count, followed by a term of supervised release.
Citizen Joins Century CRA Board As Efforts Resume To Revitalize Blighted Area
March 19, 2026
The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board set out to add two citizens — asking anyone interested to attend a meeting this week. Only one did, and she was appointed to the board.
In a four minute meeting the CRA Board voted to appoint Michelle Cunningham to the board, which was approved by the town council. As a citizen, Cunningham has been involved with the CRA since it was in the planning stages. She is the daughter of Henry Cunningham, who is a member of the town council and CRA board.
The five members of the Century Town Council and up to two citizens sit on the CRA board, which is expected to meet quarterly. However, a meeting in February was the first in years.
The CRA includes, by definition, a blighted area of the town. In October 2018, the council approved a Tax Increment Financing plan for their redevelopment area, allowing the CRA to receive property tax revenues each year in excess of an established base rate. The appraised value of the property within the designated district was “frozen” in 2018, with that amount of tax revenue generated still designated for the town’s general fund, the county, and other taxing authorities. The redevelopment area receives 95% of the property tax generated in excess of the frozen base value as property values rise.
Along with small interest earnings, the CRA has spent nothing on improving the area to date, and has $191,151.89 in the bank.
The CRA funds can be used to improve conditions in the 510 acres bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East Highway 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King (see map above).
Tax Increment Financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activities in the targeted redevelopment area. Property owners in the CRA pay the same tax rate as those in the remainder of the town.
TIF revenue can be used on a “pay as you go” basis, where the annual stream of revenue is used to fund small projects, or used to pay debt service costs over the life of a project lasting 10 or more years. Historically in Florida, TIF has been effective at generating large amounts of funding for capital investments for roadway improvements, flood control programs, water and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks, street and sidewalk tree plantings, signs and building construction.
After a February 2016 tornado damaged or destroyed 40 homes and businesses, the town looked to address the long-term effects on the community of a downturn in economic development. That led to the redevelopment area.
Aggie Classic Scores; Pace To Host Yukon For Title; Tate With Walk-Off Win
March 19, 2026
The field is set for the final day of the 2026 Aggie Classic on Thursday.
Pace will host Yukon (OK) at 7 p.m. for the Aggie Classic Championship at Pace High School.
Other Thursday games are:
Tate High School
Christ Presbyterian (TN) vs. Bixby (OK) 4 p.m.
Tate vs. Blanchard (OK) 7 p.m.
Gulf Breeze High School
Gulf Breeze vs Broken Arrow (OK) 7 p.m.
Pensacola Catholic High School
W.S. Neal (AL) vs. Claremore (OK) 4 p.m.
Pensacola Catholic vs. Union (OK) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 Scores
- Tate 6, Claremore (OK) 5
- Pace 11, Blanchard (OK) 0
- Yukon (OK) 8, Gulf Breeze 1
- W.S. Neal (AL) 7, Union (OK) 5
- Broken Arrow (OK) 5, Christ Presbyterian (TN) 4
- Pensacola Catholic 6, Bixby (OK) 4
Tate 6, Claremore (OK) 5
The Tate Aggies walked off with a 6-5 win over the the Claremore (OK) Zebras on Wednesday night at Tate.
In the bottom of the seventh and tied at five, the Aggies scored on an error.
Clayton earned the win for Tate, giving up no hits and not runs in one-third of an inning, striking out one and walking none. Brady opened the game for Tate, surrendering seven hits and five runs (four earned) in six and two-thirds innings, walking two and striking 11.
At the plate, Griffin Cook went 3-4 with three RBIs, and Evan Taylor went 2-4 for the Aggies. Cade McNair added one hit.
Tuesday, March 17 Scores
- Tate 5, Broken Arrow (OK) 2
- Pace 11, Claremore (OK) 1
- Yukon (12) W.S. Neal (AL) 2
- Gulf Breeze 9, vs Bixby ( OK) 8
- Blanchard (OK) 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
- Christ Presbyterian (TN) 11, Union (OK) 1
Monday, March 16 Scores
- Tate 10, Union (OK) 3
- Gulf Breeze 16, Blanchard (OK) 6
- Pace 15, Broken Arrow (OK) 6
- Pensacola Catholic 11, Claremore (OK) 0
- Bixby 13 (OK), W.S. Neal (AL) 1
- Yukon 10 (OK), Christ Presbyterian (TN) 0
Century Council Votes To Nearly Double Water Rates, Increase Sewer Rates
March 18, 2026
The Century Town Council voted Tuesday night to nearly double the cost of water usage, alongside smaller increases for wastewater.
The move came after the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) determined that the rate increases were necessary in order to remain financially viable and make payments on six outstanding loans.
“What’s the scenario if we do nothing?” Council member John Bass asked.
“The state will take over; you can’t keep operating and paying loans,” Town Clerk Carrie Moore responded.
The council considered two rate increase scenarios—a graduated hike over several months, or an immediate one. The council voted 3-2 for the immediate increase, which the study said will ultimately save residents money. Bass and Henry Cunningham voted against the measure, voicing support for the more graduated increase.
Under a resolution approved Tuesday night, the base rate for 2,000 gallons of water will nearly double on April 1 from the current $13.59 to $26.64. Usage tiers over 2,000 gallons a month would nearly double for up to 5,000 gallons (from $2.59 to $5.08) with other increases for additional usage.
Wastewater rates will increase from a current $16.94 to $17.79 for 2,000 gallons, plus additional usage fees above 2,000 gallons.
For an average customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the water cost will rise from $21.36 to $41.87, while the study said the combined water and wastewater cost will rise from $48.95 to $74.56 per month.
The town council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:15 p.m. for a second and final vote on the rate increase.
Pictured top: Council members Sparkie Harrison (left) and Dynette Lewis (right) voted for an immediate water rate increase on Tuesday night. Shelisa Mccall, not pictured and participating by phone, also voted in the affirmative. Pictured below: Council members Henry Cunningham (left) and John Bass (right) voted against the immediate increase, supporting a graduated increase. NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
GoFundMe Aims To Send Body Of Boy Murdered In Cantonment To Mom In Honduras
March 18, 2026
Horrendous and despicable.
That’s how Escambia COunty Sheriff Chip Simmons described the death of a 3-year-old boy in Cantonment, allegedly due to the negligent actions of his uncle. 28-year-old samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo at home on Brentco Road.
Orlín Josué Hernandez Reyes died after his mother was deported to Honduras.
Local advocate Grace Resendez McCaffery, owner of Latino Media Gulf Coast (La Costa Latina Newspaper) in Pensacola, has established a GoFundMe.
“I am raising funds to get the remains of a little boy to his mother in Honduras,” McCaffery wrote. “With the help of a caring and experienced organization that helps Honduran nationals in the U.S., we are working to get Baby Orlin’s body to his mother, Wendy,”
To view or contribute to the GoFundMe, click here.
The Murder Case
Maldonado Erazo is facing multiple charges include felony murder.
“The uncle will now be held responsible and accountable for not just the care, but also for inflicting these horrendous injuries,” Simmons said.
The case began on Wednesday night, March 4, when deputies responded to a report of a 3-year-old in cardiac arrest in the 1900 block of Brentco Road. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child was pronounced dead.
The subsequent autopsy performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed a harrowing pattern of physical trauma. Simmons reported that the child suffered from 17 separate strikes to the head, burn marks caused by a lighter being heated and pressed into the skin, multiple broken ribs, with one being completely detached from the backbone, a transected pancreas, which is a rare injury typically only seen in cases of extreme blunt-force trauma, and signs of possible sexual abuse and a broken collarbone.
“The injuries to the child are hard to talk about and even harder to imagine having to endure,” the sheriff said.
An arrest report obtained Monday by NorthEscambia.com reveals more information about the alleged abuse that led to the death of the young boy.
The following details may be extremely disturbing to some readers.
Arrest Report Details
A deputy arriving at the home on Brentco Road found Maldonado Erazo carrying the child in the yard. Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS performed life-saving efforts, but the child was pronounced deceased upon arrival at Sacred Heart Children’s Emergency Room.
The deputy wrote in the report that the child had numerous bruises, scratches, scrapes, and scabs covering his body, with an abnormally swollen abdomen. The deputy notes some of the bruising to be “patterned,” appearing to potentially be shoe prints, and other bruising to have crisp, straight lines consistent with a hard linear object.
Speaking through a deputy that was translating, Maldonado Erazo told deputies that the child was not feeling well and got sick after dinner the night before and still did not feel well on the day of his death, prompting Maldonado Erazo to take the child to work, the report states. He decided to leave work early and stopped to buy Alka-Seltzer for the child on the way home. At home, the child was limp and threw up. After carrying him inside, the child was unresponsive, and he called 911.
According to the ECSO, the child’s mother was deported about three weeks ago, leaving the child in Maldonado Erazo’s care.
When Maldonado Erazo was notified of the child’s passing, the deputy “could tell by Maldonado Erazo’s reaction that he wasn’t upset by the news,” the report states.
Autopsy, Search Warrant
The chief medical examiner’s statements to deputies were redacted from the report, other than to say she was “concerned” when she saw photos of the child.
A search warrant was executed at Maldonado Erazo’s residence, and a large number of the “tools, extension cords, items with handles, etc.” were seized, but it was not immediately known if any were of value as evidence.
During the autopsy performed by the chief medical examiner, injuries were found that were “likely caused by a looped cord.” There were burn marks on the child’s cheek, arm, chin and shin consistent with a hot lighter, such as a grill lighter, being pressed against the skin. Additional findings were redacted from the report, but the death was ruled a homicide.
When Maldonado Erazo was interviewed at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, he said the child was always with him, even when he is at work. He provided explanations for the injuries, including bug bites and that he dropped a 12-pack of Coca-Cola on his foot. The medical examiner disagreed.
When Maldonado Erazo was advised of his rights, deputies said he advised he did not want to speak, and he wanted a lawyer.
Investigators said another child told authorities that Maldonado Erazo “drinks too much, gets mad, and whips them with a ‘wire,’” according to the ECSO report.
Top two photos courtesy GoFundMe for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ray Palmer Of Pensacola Sports Named To Sports ETA Hall Of Fame
March 18, 2026
Sports ETA has announced that Ray Palmer, president and CEO of Pensacola Sports, will be inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual Symposium on April 22 in Las Vegas.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the sports events and tourism industry through leadership, innovation and service.
Palmer has spent more than two decades leading the growth of sports tourism in Northwest Florida. Since joining Pensacola Sports as executive director in 2002 and later becoming president and CEO, he has guided the organization through a period of unprecedented expansion focused on event management, sports tourism development and community engagement.
Under Palmer’s leadership, Pensacola Sports has expanded its portfolio to include high school all-star series competitions, firefighter games, open water swimming events, fishing tournaments and numerous collegiate championships. Major events secured during his tenure include the Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship, along with community awards programs, scholarships and youth initiatives that strengthen the region’s sports ecosystem.
Palmer has also played a key leadership role within Sports ETA, serving as chairman of the board and contributing to numerous committees that have helped shape the future of the sports events and tourism industry.
“Ray Palmer has dedicated his career to demonstrating how sports events can elevate a community and create lasting economic and civic impact,” said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. “Through his leadership at Pensacola Sports and his service to Sports ETA, Ray has helped grow our industry and inspire destinations across the country to think bigger about the role sports can play in their community.”
“Just to have been considered to join the other 24 members of the Sports ETA Hall of Fame is special — being selected is an amazing honor,” said Palmer.
A lifelong resident of Pensacola, Palmer is also widely recognized for his civic leadership and community service. He is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, a recipient of the Florida Sports Leadership Award, and a member of numerous regional boards and committees. In 2026, he was named for the third time to the Inweekly Power List, recognizing the 100 most influential people in the Pensacola region. Known for his enthusiastic advocacy of his hometown, Palmer frequently describes Pensacola as the “Western Gate to the Sunshine State,” proudly promoting the destination and its quality of life to visitors and event organizers from around the country.
Two NAS Pensacola Sailors Credited With Saving Driver After High-Speed Creek Crash
March 18, 2026
Two Navy sailors are being credited for saving the life of a driver who crashed into an Escambia County creek on Sunday.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 37-year-old man was traveling east in the westbound lanes of Highway 98 at a high rate of speed. After running a red light, the vehicle crashed through a fence and into Bayou Chico Creek, where it became completely submerged.
Two sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola witnessed the crash and immediately rendered aid. One sailor jumped from a boardwalk into the water and heard the driver knocking on the windows. He broke through the sunroof, pulled the driver from the submerged vehicle, and brought him to shore. The second sailor then began rendering first aid until Escambia EMS arrived.
The first sailor swam back and reentered the vehicle to ensure no other passengers were inside. He was later treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the rescue.
FHP said that the driver suffered a medical emergency that led to the crash. He was transported to Baptist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Photos courtesy FHP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Gets 11-Inning Spring Break Shutout of T.R. Miller
March 18, 2026
The Northview Chiefs earned a Spring Break shutout 3-0 over T.R. Miller in 11 innings Tuesday night.
Jase Portwood earned the win for the Chiefs in relief, giving up three hits and no runs in four and two-thirds innings, while striking out four and walking three. Boutwell opened on the mound for NHS, surrendering five hits and no runs in six innings, striking out five and walking two.
Grayden Sheffield led Northview at the plate with two RBIs and was 1-5 on the night. Portwood led Northview in hits, going 2-4.
The Chiefs will enjoy the rest of Spring Break off before returning to acton of March 24 at West Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northwest Florida Congressman Patronis Speaks Out On Shutdown And TSA
March 18, 2026
Tuesday, Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis spoke out amid TSA staffing shortages and nationwide travel disruptions as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters its 32nd day.
“The American people shouldn’t be paying the price for Democrat dysfunction,” said Patronis. “TSA agents are being pushed to the brink, working without pay, struggling to make ends meet, and in some cases leaving their jobs. Travelers across the country are feeling the strain, from longer security lines to widespread flight delays. We need immediate action to fund DHS, support our frontline personnel, and restore stability to our nation’s skies.”
Patronis continued, ‘With uncertainty abroad, including threats from Iranian sleeper cells, Democrats are putting Americans’ safety at risk by using Homeland Security funding as a political bargaining tool. For over a month, essential personnel have continued to serve without pay. TSA agents are keeping our skies safe, the Coast Guard is defending our shores, and FEMA’s disaster preparedness remains uncertain, all while critical funding is stalled. This is neither sustainable nor responsible. Americans deserve better than a standstill when it comes to protecting our nation.”
THe Congressman said the shutdown has already made a significant impact, adding that:
- Over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and call-out rates have doubled during peak travel.
- As of Tuesday morning, 900+ flights were canceled and 2,600+ delayed.
- Strong winds across the Northeast, affecting roughly 34 million Americans, are worsening delays.
The Senate has not yet announced a date for the next vote on the DHS funding package.