One Injured In Fire That Destroyed Chemstrand Road Home
January 3, 2026
One person was injured in a New Year’s Eve Fire on Chemstrand Road, Escambia County Fire Rescue said on Friday.
The fire was reported on Wednesday, December 31 at 4:34 a.m. in the 10000 block of Chemstrand Road. Firefighters arrived at a single-story wood-framed residence with heavy flames and smoke. The fire was brought under control by 5:12 a.m.
One patient was treated and transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The fire was the 12th in Escambia County during the month of December and represented by the 12th and final red bulb in the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign. Each red bulb represented a residential or commercial structure fire that resulted in damage.
A December 28 fire, represented by the ninth bulb on the wreath, destroyed a mobile home south of Century.
Photo above for NorthEscambia.com. Photo below: A December 28 mobile home fire on North Century Boulevard. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
This Is Who Claimed A Winning $55,994 Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold On Nine Mile Road
January 3, 2026
We now know who had a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket sold on Nine Mile Road.
The ticket sold at the Circle K, 3225 West Nine Road at I-10, was the only winning ticket in the December 26 midday drawing and is worth $55,904.78. There were no winning tickets in Friday’s evening drawing.
According to the Florida Lottery, the cash option on the winning ticket was claimed by Octavia Carson Harris of Mobile.
The winning numbers were 1-6-8-16-24.
Molly Villanueva Named Beulah Academy Of Science Teacher Of The Year
January 3, 2026
Molly Villanueva was named the Beulah Academy of Science Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged With DUI After Eden Lane Crash
January 3, 2026
A Cantonment woman was arrested for DUI after her vehicle veered off the road and struck several objects in a residential area. Troopers said he alcohol level was over twice the legal limit.
Wanda Ann Wingfield, 64, was found behind the wheel of a grey Chevy Colorado with the engine of her Chevrolet Colorado still running after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded to a single-vehicle crash on Eden Lane, according to an arrest report. FHP said that her vehicle had collided with a mailbox, a telephone pole, and a water meter.
When questioned about the December 20 crash, Wingfield reportedly told the trooper that she had “missed her turn”.
According to the arrest report, she failed field sobriety exercises, and she provided breath samples of 0.187 and 0.189. The legal limit in Florida is 0.08.
Tara Garic Named Pine Meadow Elementary Teacher Of The Year
January 3, 2026
Tara Garic was named the Pine Meadow Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO, Ascend Cares Volunteers Fill Care Packages For Service Members In Guam
January 3, 2026
Members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were joined by volunteers from the Ascend Cares Foundation to package care packages for service members deployed during the holidays.
Sheriff Chip Simmons, Lt. Tampary, and Deputy Mason Tampary worked alongside Ascend volunteers to fill dozens of care packages for U.S. service members stationed in Guam.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rail Yard Dawgs Top The Pensacola Ice Flyers 4-2 Friday Night
January 3, 2026
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs defeated the Pensacola Ice Flyers 4-2 on Friday night during Friends and Family Night at the Hangar in front of 5,803 fans.
The first period was evenly matched, but Roanoke’s Noah Finstrom broke through late in the frame to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw Andrew Poulias tie the game early with a short-handed goal. However, Roanoke quickly responded with goals from Travis Broughman and Jordan Rosenbaum to take a 3-1 lead into the third period.
The Ice Flyers fought back in the third period, with Zack Bross cutting the deficit to 3-2. Despite a valiant effort to complete the comeback, Roanoke’s Matt O’Dea sealed the 4-2 victory with an empty-net goal in the final seconds.
The Ice Flyers will look to bounce back tomorrow night for 850 Night in a rematch against the Rail Yard Dawgs.
Five Escape Injury In Crash At Highway 29, Highway 97 In Molino
January 2, 2026
Five people escaped injury in a two-vehicle crash Thursday night at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
The crash happened at 5:55 p.m. and involved a Toyota Tacoma and another vehicle.
All five people involved reportedly refused transport to the hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
Reader submitted photo by Kevin Enfinger for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged After Crashing Reported Stolen Vehicle
January 2, 2026
The Florida Highway Patrol charged a Cantonment man after he wrecked a reported stolen vehicle in December.
Justin Michael Odom, 31, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license third or subsequent conviction.
On December 6, Odom crashed a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Tate Road. He was extracted and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS.
According to troopers, the vehicle had been reported stolen in Santa Rosa County. FHP said, Odom admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Troopers said that his license had been suspended due to multiple prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Odom remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond. He is set for arraignment on Friday, January 2.
Brandon Korinchak Named Northview High Teacher Of The Year
January 2, 2026
Brandon Korinchak was named the Northview High School Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.