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.
New Florida Animal Cruelty Offender Database Is Now Online
January 2, 2026
A new statewide animal cruelty offender database is now online in Florida.
It’s the latest phase of Dexter’s Law, which was named after a 4-year-old black and white bulldog mix that was adopted in Pinellas County and found brutally killed a few days later in a park.
The first part of the law went into effect back in July 2025, allowing judges to increase penalties in animal cruelty cases. The next part of the law went into effect January 1, 2026, requiring the state to create and maintain a database of animal abusers.
To access the database, click here.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis when he signed Dexter’s Law.
People who have either been found guilty, pleaded guilty**,** or no contest to animal cruelty charges will be listed in the database. The database is hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is designed to help shelters, pet rescues, and citizens who screen individuals before the adoption process is complete.
If a name is placed in the state database, it will remain for 10 years. The database is updated on the first day of each month.
Maria Moultrie Named George Stone Technical College Teacher Of The Year
January 2, 2026
Maria Moultrie was named the George Stone Technical College Teacher of the Year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
