Escambia EMS CORE Program Marks 400th Opioid Recovery Patient
August 12, 2025
Escambia County EMS has reach a 400th patient milestone in its Coordinated Opioid Recovery Effort (CORE) which aims to combat the opioid crisis and provide comprehensive care to individuals battling opioid addiction.
CORE is a state-funded addiction recovery program that expanded to Escambia County in late 2022, with the county accepting its first CORE patient in February 2023.
Since its inception, the CORE program has worked diligently to offer personalized, non-judgmental support to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. This program focuses on providing immediate medical care, counseling, and long-term recovery support to help patients through the recovery process.
“When we started, we had no idea just how incredible the journey would be,” said Joey Kerman, Supervisor of the Escambia County EMS CORE Program. “We didn’t have a roadmap — just a deep desire to make our community better. We knew the numbers were high, the need was substantial, and we had a group ready to make a difference. We set out to help people recover and empower them to become the heroes of their own stories. Healing is not easy, and the challenges of recovery are unlike those of any other disease. While physical signs and symptoms exist, addiction is often a secondary disease. What lurks beneath is even more difficult years of physical and emotional trauma that people try to self-medicate with substances.”
“We have asked these individuals to trust us, to let us guide them from darkness into light,” Kerman added. “These 400 patients have placed that trust in us — and in doing so, they’ve inspired us every day to help others. They remain our biggest source of referrals, proving that recovery is possible even when past attempts have failed. We have shown that healing can happen. And today, I want to celebrate those 400 patients. They are the true heroes and deserve the praise.”
The CORE program combines EMS response with community resources, including addiction counseling, mental health support, and recovery services, to give patients the tools and services they need to overcome addiction. By intervening at critical moments and connecting individuals with resources, CORE helps to break the cycle of addiction and offers a pathway to recovery.
“Our CORE team truly cares about the individuals we serve, and I am so proud of them for reaching this significant milestone,” Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said. “Hearing the success stories and the lives being transformed through the CORE program is so rewarding, and that positive impact is what drives us forward as we continue to address the opioid crisis in our community.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo/graphic, click to enlarge.
The Chosen Softball Wins 2025 Southern Nationals Tournament
August 12, 2025
The Chosen girls softball team based in Century recently won the championship at the 2025 MVP Southern Nationals Tournament.
The team finished third in points prior to the tournament, defeating teams from Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois to go undefeated and win Southern Nationals. Heather Pierce was named National Tournament MVP.
Chosen team members also won three of the four “skill events” held before play began, finishing first in the team spirit competition, first in the home run challenge, and first in the throwing skills competition.
They ended the 2025 travel ball season with 12 total tournaments, including eight championship titles, two second-place finishes, and two third-place finishes.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
There’s A New Phone Ban In Florida Schools
August 11, 2025
There are new state laws in place governing cell phone usage in public schools.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, a total ban has been implemented statewide on cell phone use for elementary and middle school students during school hours — essentially from bell to bell for grades K-8.
High school students are generally allowed to use their phones outside of class, but not during instructional time unless “expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes”.
Students will be allowed to use their phones, however, for documented medical conditions or disabilities.
“It is a law, and it’s something we are going to make certain we adhere to,” Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said.
Escambia County looked at Yondr pouches to control phone usage, but they were found to be cost prohibitive. Yondr is a pouch that locks phones inside.
Pictured below: We were there when Escambia County (FL) Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard visited Flomaton High School last year to learn about Yondr pouches for locking away cell phones during the school day. Escambia County, Florida, ultimately determined the pouches were too expensive. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show Delivers $31.5 Million in Economic Impact for Escambia County
August 11, 2025
The Santa Rosa Island Authority said on Friday that the 2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show, headlined Blue Angels, delivered a substantial boost to the local economy. The event generated more than $31.5 million in economic impact for Escambia County, according to a recent study conducted by Downs & St. Germain Research.
Commissioned by Visit Pensacola, this annual economic impact study found that the air show attracted 206,500 visitors from July 9-12, 2025. Of those, 124,000 were unique attendees – meaning visitors who attended more than one day of the event. Nearly half of all attendees (49%) were out-of-county visitors. These non-local attendees alone spent $20.6 million in the Pensacola area, supporting local businesses across the hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
“This report reinforces what we already know — the Pensacola Beach Air Show is not just a beloved tradition, it’s a powerful economic driver for our community,” said Mike Burns, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. “Visitors come for the Blue Angels, but they stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, and shop in our stores. It’s a huge win for our entire region.”
Other key highlights of the 2025 report:
- 61,000 out-of-county visitors attended the show, traveling in groups of 3.1 people on average.
- 63% of out-of-county guests stayed in paid accommodations, staying an average of 3.7 nights.
- Visitors who came specifically for the event accounted for 31,900 room nights in the area.
- The average out-of-town travel party spent $1,050 during their visit.
- 59% of non-local attendees said the air show was their main reason for visiting the area.
The economic impact includes both direct spending and the indirect and induced effects that follow — such as increased business and household spending throughout the region. The report was calculated using IMPLAN economic modeling and a local multiplier of 1.53.
“As we continue working to enhance tourism on Pensacola Beach, having this kind of data helps us see just how impactful events like the Pensacola Beach Air Show are for our community,” added Burns. “We’re proud to highlight our hometown heroes, the Blue Angels, with this iconic experience year after year.”
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach on Thursday, July 10 as seen from onboard a Coast Guard ship in the Gulf. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Century Council Members, Chamber Discuss Plans For ‘Centurion’ Honor Program
August 11, 2025
Plans are in the works to establish the “Centurion Program” to recognize local citizens who have made a difference in Century.
The town council has voted to approve a proposal by council member John Bass to hold a banquet to honor selected Centurion recipients, who will be chosen by a committee.
The Century Chamber of Commerce was already working on a similar recognition program since the Century chamber separated from a joint annual recognition program with the Flomaton Chamber.
Recently, Bass sat down with the Century Chamber of Commerce to discuss his ideas and how the town and chamber could work on a joint program. Two other town council members were in attendance at the publicly noticed meeting — chamber President Shelisa Abraham and Sparkie Harrison.
“There are a lot of people from Century that have done wonderful things,” Bass said at the chamber meeting. “I want to honor them.”
Bass added that he wants the program to pay homage to local military members, athletes, educators, and other notable citizens.
Discussion and planning of the Centurion event, likely to be held early next year, are expected to continue.
Pictured top: Century council member John Bass discusses his ideas for a “Centurion” honors program during a recent Century Chamber of Commerce meeting. Pictured below: Chamber President Shelisa Abraham (behind computer), who is also a council member, discusses the program with council member Sparkie Harrison (foreground). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
August 11, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 14, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete work. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Aug. 10, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for utility valve adjustments.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Aug. 10, drivers will encounter:
- Travel lanes between Mills Avenue and Patton Drive will be reduced from 12-foot to 10-foot in width and delineated by channelizing devices while crews perform drainage, curb and gutter work in the shoulder area.
- Nightly lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, between County Road (C.R.) 292A and Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 14, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 14 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, Aug. 10, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, Aug. 10 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 14, 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, Aug. 10 through Friday, Aug. 15, 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.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, Aug. 10 through Friday, Aug. 15:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- 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.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations near Mohawk Trail – Motorists may encounter intermittent inside westbound lane closures Sunday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 14 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to construct a new turn lane.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, Aug. 11 through Friday, Aug. 15, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete work and paving operations.
- 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, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 15 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Florida Gas Prices Up 10 Cents Over Last Week On Average
August 11, 2025
Florida gas prices rose over the past week. Sunday’s state average was $3.05 per gallon. That’s a 10-cent increase from a week ago.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.89, unchanged from a week ago. Sunday, a low price of $2.75 was available at several stations or a few cents less at the warehouse clubs. The low price in North Escambia was $2.84 on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
“Florida gas prices have fluctuated within the same 26-cent range for almost a year now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Prices at the pump will continue to move in that range until there’s a significant change in oil prices or a major disruption – like a hurricane – impacts the supply chain.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Dealt Series-Closing Loss In Montgomery
August 11, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (56-51) fell in their series finale against the Montgomery Biscuits (58-50) by a final score of 3-2.
The Wahoos sprung on top immediately in the top of the first. After a single and two walks loaded the bases against Montgomery starter Owen Wild, second baseman Yiddi Cappe bounced an RBI infield single to the left side to drive in his first Double-A run.
The Biscuits responded in the home half with a run of their own. With two on and two out against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller, second baseman Brayden Taylor drove home third baseman Cooper Kinney with a single to tie the game 1-1.
Neither team scored again until the top of the fifth inning. Facing new Montgomery righthander Ryan Shreve (W, 4-3), right fielder Kemp Alderman doubled and center fielder Fenwick Trimble walked to put two Wahoos aboard with nobody out. Left fielder Colby Shade then sacrificed to move both runners up before Yiddi Cappe drove in his second run of the game with a sacrifice fly. After five innings, Pensacola led 2-1.
Montgomery battled back with a rally in the sixth inning. Facing lefthander Luis Palacios (L, 3-3) in his second inning of relief, the Biscuits put a pair aboard with a walk and a hit batter. A double steal then placed runners at second and third with one out before Palacios struck out Biscuit designated hitter Colton Ledbetter. Righthander Nigel Belgrave (BS, 2) then entered and allowed a two-out, two-run single to center fielder Homer Bush Jr. that gave Montgomery a 3-2 lead.
Bush’s go-ahead hit proved to be the difference as Montgomery shut down the Blue Wahoos to close out the series. The Biscuits’ staff retired the final 13 Blue Wahoo batters of the game in order en route to a 3-2 victory.
With the defeat, the Wahoos’ lead over the Biscuits in the Southern League’s South Division stands at 2.5 games with 31 games remaining.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, August 12 when they begin a six-game series versus the Birmingham Barons
Man Found Deceased Along The Railroad Tracks In Cantonment
August 10, 2025
A man was found deceased along the railroad tracks in Cantonment Saturday afternoon.
The man was discovered by a CSX crew around 2:25 p.m. near Highway 95A, just south of Tate School Road.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the man may have acturally been struck by a train sometime Friday. A train engineer had reported that an engineer had observed something along the tracks on Friday in the immediate area.
A bicycle was reportedly found near the man.
The incident remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s name has not been released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com. Click to enlarge.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Pair for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking
August 10, 2025
Two Escambia County men were federally charged with drug trafficking.
Calvin D. Thomas, Jr., 30, and Satori Ashanti Keys, 45, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. Both men were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, and marijuana; one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, and marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both will be arraigned next week before a U.S. magistrate in Pensacola.
If convicted, as charged, they face up to life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.