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.”
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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
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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.
Wahoos End First Half With 11-4 Win Inbox
June 22, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos secured the series victory over the Birmingham Barons by a final score of 11-4 on Sunday evening.
Besting the Barons (26-43) in four of six games, the Blue Wahoos (36-33) earned their fifth series win as the first half of the season came to a close. It is their first series victory over Birmingham, who they tied 3-3 in the teams’ first meeting at Regions Field in late May.
Standout Cam Cannarella batted a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a career-best five RBI as well as two runs scored. He’d increase his hitting streak to seven games and manage his second home run in as many days, earning his first three-hit game at the Double-A level.
Over the course of the series, Cannarella batted .534 (11-for-21) against the Barons. He’s slashing .378/.439/.543 heading into a road trip at Chattanooga.
The Blue Wahoos managed their 11 runs on 12 hits, drawing eight walks. All but one Pensacola starter recorded a hit in the win. Juan Matheus and Dillon Lewis each posted 2-for-5 days at the plate, each driving in and scoring at least one run.
The Pensacola pitching staff, led by starter Luis Moreno (W, 3-3), allowed only four earned runs on a combined nine hits and a single walk while striking out nine Baron bats. Moreno delivered 5.0 innings, allowing one earned run on four hits while picking up three strikeouts. A free base wasn’t issued to the Birmingham battery until the ninth inning.
Pensacola made a statement in the first inning as three hits led to three runs. The one-two punch of Cannarella and Aiva Arquette showed just how much damage they can do, as Cannarella got himself aboard with a single and was sent home immediately after Arquette powered his fifth home run over left field.
Matheus added to the lead moments later, scoring from third on a Ryan Ignoffo sacrifice fly into deep center. Pensacola would round out the impressive first inning with a 3-0 lead, and bring an early end to the day for Barons starting pitcher Phil Fox (L, 2-3) who would be saddled with the loss.
Patience at the plate paid off in the second inning for the Blue Wahoos. Garret Forrester, Payton Green and Arquette each drew walks to load the basepath, setting the table for Matheus to single through the left side and bring home Forrester.
Cannarella padded the lead for the third straight inning, sending a sacrifice fly to the warning track in center to give Ignoffo room to score from third. Birmingham stopped the bleeding as third baseman Alec Briley pulled off a diving catch on a liner by Arquette, but the Blue Wahoos held a comfortable 5-0 lead
The Barons answered back in the fifth with a solo home run from Jorge Corona, but it wouldn’t take long for the Blue Wahoos to respond with two of their own. After a lengthy battle at the plate, Cannarella launched an opposite field two-run home run over left. It’d be his second home run at the Double-A level, his first coming a night prior in Saturday’s victory.
Lewis then hammered a first-pitch no-doubter over left center, driving in Matheus to spike the lead to 9-1. Lewis tied Columbus’s David McCabe for the Southern League lead in home runs with 16 on the season.
Birmingham got two back with an Anthony DePino two-run homer in the top of the sixth, but the Pensacola offense kept rolling. Ignoffo kicked off the bottom of the frame with a single, followed by a walk issued toIan Lewis Jr. Both pulled off a double steal, paving the way for Cannarella to blast a two-RBI double to the left-center warning track.
Though the Barons would manage another run on a solo homer in the seventh, it’d be the final score from either side as the Blue Wahoos pitching staff struck out four through the remaining innings.
The Blue Wahoos will take Monday off before hitting the road for a series with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, beginning on Tuesday.
written by Maddy Branning
Beulah Academy Honored At State FFA Convention
June 22, 2026
The Beulah Academy FFA Chapter received several honors at the 98th Florida State FFA Convention & Expo last week in Orlando, bringing home multiple top finishes in state-level competitions.
The academy’s Floriculture Team earned a fourth-place finish in the state. Team member Aubree Jones accepted the honors on stage on behalf of the squad, which also includes Luci Graham, Trinity Mangan, Mallory Mahoney, and Madi Heckman.
In addition to the team success, Beulah Academy reached the top of the podium in the State Agriscience Fair competition. Kinsleigh Robinson and Colton Howell captured first place for their division.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over the next few days, NorthEscambia.com will publish 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.
Vehicle Strikes Dollar General In Cantonment
June 21, 2026
A vehicle collided with a Cantonment Dollar General store Saturday evening.
The incident happened about 7:20 p.m. at the Dollar General on Highway 29 at Neal Road. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into the front wall of the store.
The driver sustained minor injuries. There were no other injuries reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
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Escambia Commission Joins Lawsuit Against Clerk Childers Over Blocked Donations
June 21, 2026
The Escambia County Commission has voted to join a lawsuit against Clerk of Courts Pam Childers, escalating a legal battle over who holds final authority over county tax dollars.
The 3-1 vote brings the county into an existing lawsuit filed by two local nonprofits—First Tee Gulf Coast and the Warrington Emergency Aid Center—after Childers refused to release two checks totaling $7,000 in board-approved community impact grants allocated by Commissioner Lumon May. Under longstanding county practice, each of the five commissioners is allocated $50,000 annually in discretionary funds to distribute to local organizations.
While commissioners maintain they have the sole legislative power to decide how public funds are allocated, Childers argues her constitutional duty as county auditor requires her to independently vet individual payments to ensure they serve a valid public purpose.
Alex Andrade, the attorney representing the two nonprofits, explained during the meeting that because the litigation directly challenges the county’s 1985 ordinance governing these charitable donations, state law mandates the county be involved in the case. Andrade advised the board that joining voluntarily as co-plaintiffs would allow them to actively defend their spending authority, rather than being dragged into the suit later as defendants.
The board conditioned its involvement on an agreement that they will not seek personal financial damages against Childers if she loses the case.
Commissioners Mike Kohler, Steve Stroberger, and Lumon May voted in favor, stating a judge needs to permanently clarify the boundaries between commission appropriations and clerk oversight. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that property taxes should fund local infrastructure rather than charitable groups or lawsuits. Commissioner Steven Barry was absent.
“I am not going to sue to say that take property tax dollars that we require people to pay,” “and then turn around and give them to whatever charity we think is the best one. We have people begging for property tax reform, and we are going to turn around and sue to give that money away? Instead of building sidewalks, putting in cameras, or anything else we could be doing. That is absolutely freaking ridiculous.”
“This is about political theater,” Commissioner Mike Kohler said, after noting that Childers made the payments over over 12 years before refusing. “I don’t even know how this is normal accounting practices where you do something for 12 years, and then you just decide that you are not going to do it. It does not make any common sense to me.”
Tate High FFA Chapter Earns Multiple State Awards At Annual Convention
June 21, 2026
Forty-one members of the Tate High School FFA chapter traveled to Orlando last week to showcase their agricultural expertise and leadership at the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo. The week concluded with numerous individual accolades, state championships, and premier chapter recognition for the Tate FFA.
Among the highest individual honors, six seniors received their State FFA Degrees: Raevyn Aldridge, AT Bridgers, Maegan Coleman, Taelyn Hubbard, Miller Richards, and Madison Wise. Additionally, Christian Hollingsworth and Ellen Rigby were awarded the American FFA Degree, the highest credential bestowed by the National FFA Organization.
Tate FFA was also recognized collectively on the state stage, earning designation as a Premier FFA Chapter and receiving Florida’s Finest recognition through the National Chapter Award Program.
In individual and team competitive events, several students secured top finishes across the state:
- Aquaculture: Henry Merritt, Aden Bailey, Luke Graham, and Daniel Aldridge were crowned State Champions. Henry Merritt also earned High Individual honors for the event.
- Environmental Science: Luke Graham, Parker White, Daniel Aldridge, and Henry Merritt placed second in the state.
- Farm and Agribusiness Management: William Mason, Lucas Jones, Hailey McVoy, and Isabella Towns secured a fifth-place finish.
- Agriculture Education: Madison Wise placed fifth individually in the state.
- Prepared Public Speaking: Maegan Coleman represented the chapter as a state participant.
In the Proficiency Award categories, which recognize outstanding student achievement in specialized agricultural career areas, Rieslin Colvin was named the State Winner in Veterinary Science. Katie Byrd was recognized as a Top 4 Finalist in Agricultural Services, and Ava Atiyeh was named a Top 4 Finalist in Equine Placement.
Beyond competitions, members actively supported the convention’s operations. Daniel Aldridge, Luke Graham, Noah Jacobs, and Henry Merritt served as volunteers in the Courtesy Corps, assisting with general sessions and competitive event halls.
Luke Graham, who serves as the Tate FFA Chapter President, was elected by his peers to serve as the District 1 Secretary for the 2026-2027 year.
Over the next few days, NorthEscambia.com will bring stories and photos from other North Escambia area school that took part in the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
I-10 Westbound Ramp To Davis Highway Closed Nights Through Thursday
June 21, 2026
The I-10 westbound off ramp at Davis Highway (Exit 13) will be periodically closed during Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
During the closures, I-10 westbound drivers will be detoured via Interstate 110 southbound and Airport Boulevard to N. Davis Highway. Law enforcement will be on site, and flaggers will be present to direct drivers through the work zone.
Additionally, drivers are reminded that there may be intermittent I-10 lane closures between U.S. 29 to Davis Highway (Exit 13) for roadway construction.
These activities are a part of the $7.4 million resurfacing project on I-10 from U.S. 29 to Davis Highway (Exit 13) that also includes guardrail installation, stormwater management enhancements, and new signing and pavement markings. This project is scheduled for completion later this summer.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
