Over 500 Student Athletes Compete In 18th Annual Special Olympics At Tate High
March 12, 2026
The 18th annual Escambia County Special Olympics Spring Games were held at Tate High School on Wednesday with schools from across the county taking part.
The day included the Special Olympics Torch Relay around Carl Madison Field in Pete Gindl Stadium, along with numerous Olympic events.
For a photo gallery, click here.
There were 578 Tate High students who volunteered as “buddies”, paired with 534 student athletes.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Hero’s Homecoming: Cantonment Veteran Injured In Operation Epic Fury To Be Honored On Saturday
March 12, 2026
A Cantonment veteran injured during Operation Epic Fury will be welcomed home Saturday evening at the University of West Florida.
Medically retired former serviceman Hunter Girdner joined a contract crew with four other men, answering the call once again alongside the U.S. Army in Operation Epic Fury.
During this deployment, his team was located in a targeted area and was attacked. While relocating, the Cantonment veteran noticed one of his squad members was left behind. While running back to rescue his teammate, he was hit by shrapnel and critically wounded.
He underwent several operations to include removal of a kidney, spleen repair**,** and more at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“He is heading back home now and I am asking for YOU to spread the word and come line the streets, fill the room and simply share a prayer as we welcome him back to Northwest Florida,” Rep. Michelle Salzman said.
Salzman will join Lt. Governor Collins, Sen. Don Gaetz, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, and others will be there to welcome him home along with prayer from U.S. Marine Corps League Chaplain Tim Chandler.
The welcome home event will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday at UWF. More details on the event will be posted here on NorthEscambia.com as they become available.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
