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Becoming Sunny, Low 80s For Friday Ahead Of A Dry Weekend

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast: Friday: Gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.  Read More →

Mason, Nowling Named First EREC Trade/Vocational Scholarship Winners

Escambia River Electric Cooperative has awarded their first ever EREC Trade/Vocational Scholarship. The awardees Lelia Mason from Northview High School and  Tucker Nowling from Jay High School.  The scholarships will be formally presented at the EREC annual meeting at 10 a.m. on April 27 at Ernest Ward Middle School. The scholarships are in addition to the 2024 Escambia River Electric Cooperative Herman D. Johnson Scholarship Awards that were recently announced. In the past, capital credits issued by EREC that were unclaimed had to be turned over to the state. But state legislation now allows such funds to be deposited into a qualified, educational charity fund. The EREC membership voted to use these funds in the form of scholarships. Courtesy photos.  Read More →

Casino Beach Fishing Pier On Pensacola Beach Reopens Today After $4.2 Million In Repairs

The Casino Beach Fishing Pier on Pensacola Beach will reopen to the public Friday at noon after over $4 million in repairs. Work to the pier began in December 2023 and included replacing pier signage, lighting, water lines, and the entrance gate, and repairs to timber railing and blow-out deck panels. New additions to the pier include benches, trash cans and ADA fishing rails placed throughout the pier. Minor work will still need to be completed once the pier is open, including installing lighting and repairs to blow-out deck panels. “I’m thrilled that we’re able to open the pier in time for summer,” said Director of Engineering and County Engineer Joy Blackmon, P.E. “I’m very thankful for all of the hard work from our Construction Management Division and the collaboration with the Public Works Department to help us get the pier open as quickly as possible. The pier is a tremendous asset to Pensacola Beach and we look forward to opening it up to the public.” The pier will be open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Battle Of Number Ones: 1A Northview Beats 5A Gulf Breeze 14-51A Northview Beats 5A Gulf Breeze 14-5

The 1A Northview Chiefs easily beat the 5A powerhouse Gulf Breeze Dolphins 15-5 Tuesday night in Bratt. It was a battle of the number ones in their respective districts before district tournaments next week. Gulf Breeze is number one in 5A, and Northview is number one in 1A. For a photo gallery, click here. Jamison Gilman earned the win for the Lady Chiefs, allowing 10 hits and five runs (two earned) in five innings, striking out six and walking one. Mikayla McAnally took the save, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out three and walking one over two innings. Gulf Breeze was first on the board with two singles in the top of the first inning. Northview took the lead 3-2 in the bottom of the first, powered by a Chloe Ragsdale solo home run over the right field fence in her first at bat and a single from Riley Brooks. Brooks, Ragsdale, McAnally, and Daviona Randolph each had multiple hits for Northview. Avery Stuckey shined at the plate for Northview, going 3-4 with three RBIs. Sitting at the top of 1A-District 1 Northview (20-3) will have a bye Monday in the quarter finals. Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Chiefs will host the winner of Monday’s game between Paxton and Central. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Jay Defeats Northview 7-2 (With Gallery)

The Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 7-2 Thursday night in Jay to end the regular season for both teams. For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here. Jackson Bridges was first on the mound for Northview, giving up seven hits and four runs in three innings, striking out none and walking two. For Jay, Ethan McDonald surrendered three hits and two runs in four innings, striking out three and walking two. Jax Lowery went for three on the hill, giving up one run while striking out one and recording no hits and no walks. Jax Lowery led Jay at the plate going 3-4, while Hayden Morris and Nick Baxley were 2-4. At the top of the lineup, Grayden Sheffield was 3-3 to lead the Chiefs, and Bodiford was 1-3. Both teams head into the 1A-District 1 tournament next week. No. 2 seed Jay (13-10) will sit out Monday with a bye, while No. 4 Northview (9-14) will host No. 5 Laurel Hill (8-11). NorthEscambia.com photos, click here.  Read More →

Blue Wahoos Power Past Shuckers For Third Straight Win

written by Bill Vilona Much to his delight, Joe Mack has now impacted two teams before April is even complete. Still in his first week with the Blue Wahoos, the 21-year-old catcher drove in three runs, highlighted by a two-run homer to straightaway center in the seventh inning, which proved decisive in Pensacola’s 6-5 victory Thursday night against the Biloxi Shuckers. Taking on their alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets, complete with uniforms and fan fun, it was a third straight win in as many games this week against the Shuckers (10-8), who started the week tied for the best start in the Southern League. Mack, drafted by the Miami Marlins in the competitive balance portion of the 2021 MLB draft out of high school in New York, joined the Blue Wahoos (9-9) on Sunday from the Beloit Sky Carp – the Marlins’ High-A affiliate in Beloit, Wisconsin. He was batting .347 with 13 RBI and two homers, helping Beloit to a solid start. This week, as members of the Marlins’ executive staff led by baseball operations president Peter Bendix were in town to check on the Blue Wahoos, they’ve seen Mack attack with offensive skills. Rated No. 25 among the Marlins’ top organizational prospects, Mack now has five hits in the series with a homer and five RBI. The towering, two-run homer that exited his bat at 106 mph and traveled 413 feet proved pivotal. The Shuckers dented Pensacola reliever Raffi Vizcaino for three consecutive hits and three runs in the ninth before Lincoln Henzman was summoned to get the final out and his first save. But even that one was a loud out. The Shuckers’ Carlos Rodriguez laced a first pitch that third baseman Jacob Berry turned into a sensational game-ending grab to seal the win. It was part of another big game for Berry, who has shown encouraging signs this week both with his bat and his glove. Berry hit a solo home run – a no doubt blast that traveled 447 feet out of the ball park and just inside the right field foul pole in the sixth inning. He also singled in the third inning. The Mullets got their first three runs in the first inning. Tanner Allen led off with a double and scored when Paul McIntosh followed with a double. Mack then followed with a run-scoring single and scored on an error to give the Mullets at 3-0 lead. Pensacola starter Valente Bellozo had a solid outing, working five innings, allowing four hits and two runs with seven strikeouts. The series now shifts to the weekend on where the Blue Wahoos will try to get a series win with Evan Fitterer on the mound. GAME NOTABLES Peter Bendix, who was hired by the Marlins in November as president of baseball operations, reporting to team owner Bruce Sherman, visited with Blue Wahoos season ticket holders in the first base lounge. Bendix addressed a variety of topics and took questions from season ticket holders in a 30-minute session. Several Blue Wahoos players worked Thursday morning on a community outreach project with Feeding The Gulf Coast at the non-profit organization warehouse location in East Milton. WANT TO GO? WHAT: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos WHEN: Friday, 6:05 p.m. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium  Read More →

Bratt, Byrneville Elementary Students Create Winning EREC Meeting Promo Posters

Fifth graders at local elementary schools in North Escambia took part in a poster contest to promote Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting. The winning students received a cash award, and their posters were displayed at the meeting this Saturday, April 27, at Ernest Ward Middle School. Winners from Bratt Elementary School were (pictured above L-R) Klaire Bealey, first; Zinaleah Moreno, third place; and Marshall Nall, second. Winners from Byrneville Elementary School were (pictured below (L-R) with CEO Ryan Campbell) Gracie Levins, second; Kaison Robbins, first; and Antonia Hayes, third place. For Saturday’s 85th annual meeting, activities will be from 8 to 10 am., and the business meeting will begin at 10 a.m. The winning posters will be displayed at the meeting. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Make-A-Wish Grants Wish For Girl, 4, With A Barbie Camper

In honor of World Wish Month, Make-A-Wish Alabama celebrated with a very special wish reveal in Atmore. Ana-Lois Mercer is a four-year-old wish kid who has been battling leukemia. She wished for a camper which was personalized with custom pink finishes in honor of her favorite toy, her Barbies. And thanks to Bama RV in Dothan, her wish came true Wednesday at Wind Creek Atmore. The reveal was the culmination of World Wish Month, a celebration throughout April that honors the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ana-Lois’ family is a part of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians community, and many local children and families were in attendance to celebrate the surprise wish reveal. And today will be an even bigger day for Ana-Lois as she rings the bell to celebrate the end of her chemotherapy treatment. Photos courtesy Make-A-Wish Alabama for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Missing Child Alert Issued For Alabama Teen

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has issued a missing child alert for a 17-year-old last seen in Monroe County, Alabama Jayda Hammonds was last seen in the Burnt Corn, Alabama, area northeast of Monroeville on April 21. ALEA said she may be traveling to an unknown location in Texas. According to her mother, she is from Flomaton and was living with a relative in Burnt Corn. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and red sweatpants. She is described as a 5-foot 3-inch tall, 180-pound white female with brown eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 575-2963 or their local law enforcement agency.  Read More →

63 New Members Inducted Into Northview High Beta Club

Wednesday afternoon, 63 students were inducted into the National Beta Club at Northview High School. Addison Classen Addison Eicher Addison Miller Allison Yoder Amanda Fernandez Amberly Dunn Amy Floyd Andrew Brown Asher Creighton Ashley Gleason Ashton Covan Ayden Crabtree Braden Glick Brielle Garcia Bryce Stabler Caley Deharsh Cameron Bodiford Camden Borelli Camryn Langham Christian Caraway Claire Amerson Cody Geneux Crimson Davis Daviona Randolph Evin Matlock Hallie Emmons Hayden Gipson Jackson Bridges Kaitlin Lloyd Kate Stinson Kathryn Beasley Kaylee Long Kinley Knowles Kira Reed Keeli Knighten Kelan Jurey Kylie Langham Lacie Kittrell Laura Laborde Lexi Smallwood Lilly Smallwood Lori Hall Luke Chavers Maddie Driskell Macy Miller Madeleine Atallah Maggie Stewart Makayla Plato Makenzie Levins Maria Valeria Franco Mary Catherine Hughes Mary Elizabeth Oliver Mikayla McAnally Morgan Driver Olivia Doyle Olivia Hall Payton Daw Presley Johnson Samantha Minchew Stevi Cofield Tierany White Tyler Gilmore Xyria Martin The National Beta Club’s purpose is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and service among elementary and secondary school students”. Pictured: New Beta Club members at Northview High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Blue Wahoos School Shuckers On Education Day

The Blue Wahoos created a textbook win Wednesday on Education Day. With lefthander Luis Palacios delivering a turnaround performance, working six scoreless innings and allowing just two hits, the Blue Wahoos got enough timely hits and stellar relief pitching in a crisp 5-0 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers. A crowd of 3,002, comprised mostly of elementary school students from schools across the region, enjoyed a special matinee game as the school calendar year winds down. “With so many kids there, you want to make sure they have a good time and you do the best with yourself so they have a good experience,” said Palacios, 23, a Venezuela native, who is working to complete his own high school degree while learning English through the Miami Marlins education program for international players. He spoke with aid from the Marlins’ Colleen Mitchell, the team’s director of player care and service. “I’ve also returned to my high school studies with the goal of graduating by the end of year,” said Palacios, acquired by the Marlins as an International free agent in 2016. “So it was really special having all those kids (Wednesday) and having them enjoy watching what we do.” After Biloxi’s second batter in the game, Mike Boeve, drove a pitch to the base of the right field wall that bounced free from right fielder Tanner Allen for a triple, Palacios settled into a groove. He retired the next 14 batters he faced in order and the Blue Wahoos built a 3-0 lead. It was a far different outing for Palacios from his previous two starts, in which he allowed a combined 17 hits and 11 runs while being unable to get into the sixth inning. “I feel really good,” he said afterward. “We worked and prepared for this and it’s always great when you’re able to execute the way you planned for. “I think for me it’s always about maintaining a positive attitude and going out there and ready to attack batters and that is what I did today.” At the plate, the Blue Wahoos (8-9) quickly got the schoolkids excited. Tanner Allen led off the first inning with a single. Paul McIntosh followed with a run- scoring double. Joe Mack, who just joined the team Sunday, delivered a run-scoring single. In the third inning, Zach Zubia wowed the crowd with a booming home run over the left field wall. The ball traveled an estimated 407 feet and excited his bat at 104 mph. In the eighth inning, Jacob Berry continued his progression with a leadoff double. Shane Sasaki walked and Cody Morissette hit a two-out, two-run single. Three Blue Wahoos relievers followed Palacios as Matt Pushard, Adam Laskey and Austin Roberts followed with scoreless innings. The series will now shift back to evening games as the Blue Wahoos take a 2-0 series lead against the Shuckers (10-8) into Thursday night’s game. WANT TO GO? WHAT: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos WHEN: Thursday, 6:05 p.m. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium PROMOTION: Mullet Thursday. The Blue Wahoos will wear the Pensacola Mullets uniforms, taking on their alternate identity.  Read More →

2-Month-Old Passes Away Following Escambia County Wreck

A two-month-old infant critically injured in a crash late Tuesday night in Escambia County has passed away, the Florida Highway Patrol reported lat Wednesday afternoon. FHP said their traffic homicide investigators will take control of the investigation. FHP said two passenger vehicles collided about 10:30 p.m. when one backed out of a driveway on West Jackson Street near Fitzgerald Street. The 2-month-old girl was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. FHP said she was not properly restrained. The adults involved in the collision suffered non-life threatening injuries. File photo.  Read More →

North Escambia Baseball Battle: Tate Gets Senior Night 8-4 Win Over Northview (With Gallery)

In the Baseball Battle for NorthEscambia, the Tate Aggies defeated the Northview Chiefs 8-4 in their first meeting in at least the last 20 years. On senior night, Tate senior had a big day, going 3-3 including a double in the sixth inning. Madox Land was 3-4, and Conner Hassell also had three hits for the Aggies. For a photo gallery, click here. The Tate pitching team of Nate Conners, Hayden St. Amant, Zane Warrington, Land and Neal Croom combined for the Aggies to allow two hits and four runs while striking out six and walking 11. Jayden White took the loss for the Northview Chiefs, going three innings and giving up six runs and five hits while striking out one and walking one Aggie. Dane King and Grayden Sheffield each had one hit and one RBI for Northview. Jase Portwood also drove in one run. Portwood was one the mound for two, allowing no hits, no runs, no strikeouts and walking one; and B Smith pitched one, surrendering three hits and two runs as he recorded no strikeouts and no walks. Up next, Tate will take on Gulf Breeze at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Northview will round out their regular season in a big game at Jay at 6 p.m. Thursday. Both teams were coming in with losses in their last game and have similar records as the regular season winds down this week. Following Tuesday’s game, 1A Northview is 9-13, and the 6A Aggies are 11-12. Tuesday was senior night for the Tate Aggies, and they honored a big Class of 2024 before the game. Tate honored senior players Neal Croom III, Conner Hassell, Cole McNair, Gabe Patterson, Clif “Junebug” Quiggins, Trey Rebber, Hayden St. Amant, Ketch King, and Bray Touchstone. They also recognized senior managers Josh Murph and Jack Wallace. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Inmate Flown To The Hospital After Incident At Century Correctional Institution

An inmate was flown to an area hospital after an incident at Century Correctional Institution early Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. “FDC staff observed an inmate with injuries at Century Correctional Institution. The inmate was transported to an outside hospital for further evaluation.” FDC told NorthEscambia.com in an emailed statement. The inmate was a trauma alert and was airlifted to an area hospital, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Davis Wood. The Department of Corrections stopped short of saying exactly what happened to the inmate. “The Florida Department of Corrections is committed to providing for the safety and wellbeing of all inmates in custody. Inmates who cause harm to others are held accountable for their actions. This includes administrative sanctions, placement in restrictive housing and criminal charges if applicable. This is done for the safety of staff and other inmates,” FDC said. The Office of Inspector General is the lead investigative agency, and further information has not been released as an active investigation continues. The incident was reported about 4:15 a.m. NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

Northview Lady Chiefs Beat Washington 19-2

Jamison Gilman drove in four tuns one four hits as the Northview Chiefs beat Washington 19-2 Tuesday in Pensacola. Mikayla McAnally opened in the circle for the Chie’s, giving up one hit and no runs in two innings while striking out six and recording no walks. Daviona Randolph went two innings in relief, giving up two hits and two runs and she had three strikeouts and no walks. Bailey Burkette and Braylen Shelley had two hits for the Lady Chiefs. Riley Brooks, Avery Stuckey, Kylee Langham, Mary Clayton Dawson and McAnally had one. Northview will host Gulf Breeze Friday at 6 . NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Check Your Tickets: No One Has Claimed $66,000 Winning Lottery Ticket Sold In Davisville

Check your tickets. It’s been two months since someone purchased a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket in Davisville. The Quick Pick ticket sold at the State Line Gift Shop at 11208 Highway 97 was one of two winning tickets in the February 24 evening drawing and is worth $66,372.08. The other winning ticket was sold in Clearwater. The winning numbers were 3-6-22-26-28. Winners have up to 180 days to claim a winning Florida Lottery ticket.  Read More →

Tate Has Tough Time In Loss To Gulf Breeze (With Gallery)

The Tate Lady Aggies had a tough time Tuesday evening keeping up as they lost 13-0 to Gulf Breeze. For a photo gallery, click here. Jordan Smith took the loss for Tate, giving up four runs and six hits while striking out two and walking one. Peyton Womack went four innings in relief, surrendering five hits and nine runs while striking out two and walking seven. The Lady Aggies had no hits and two walks on the evening. Tate will regroup and look for a “W” Thursday at Choctaw, In junior varsity action, Tate beat Gulf Breeze 10-2 Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Berry Delivers Walk-Off Magic For Blue Wahoos With Game-Winning Hit

by Bill Vilona Jacob Berry had reached base twice, albeit without a hit, before stepping to the plate in the ninth-inning with a chance to be the game’s star. He made it happen. With two outs and the crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium cheering in support, Berry connected on a two-strike pitch and laced a single that got past the glove of Biloxi right fielder Carlos Rodriguez for what became a walk-off 5-4 comeback win Tuesday night against the Shuckers. It was the Blue Wahoos’ second walk-off win in 10 home games this season and began the second of consecutive homestands in a jubilant way. They had their first walk-off in the second game of the season. The Shuckers (10-6), who entered with wins in eight of their previous nine games and were tied for the best start in the Southern League, took a 4-3 lead in the ninth when Zavier Warren led off with a single against Blue Wahoos reliever Raffi Vizcaíno. The next batter, Lamar Sparks, walked to put two on with no outs. Ethan Murray then followed with a run-scoring double and Mike Boeve walked to load the bases. And then came the game’s pivotal defensive moment. Shuckers first baseman Ernesto Martinez hit a hard shot down the first base line that Zach Zubia fielded, threw to the plate to get the force out, and Pensacola catcher Joe Mack turned the double play by throwing to Cody Morissette covering first. Vizcaíno then struck out Justin Dirden to end the inning and pump energy into the Blue Wahoos dugout. Dalvy Rosario led off the bottom of the ninth with a single. Tanner Allen had a sacrifice bunt to move him into scoring position. With one out, Mack then tied the game with his first Double-A hit, a double into the left-center gap. Berry, who had reached on an error and walk earlier in the game, stayed patient and got a pitch to make solid contact for the game winner. The Blue Wahoos took a 3-1 lead with a big inning in the fifth. Harrison Spohn and Rosario began with singles. Allen was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Paul McIntosh tied the game with an infield groundout and Mack laced a ball that first baseman Martinez misplayed into a 2-run error. Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez was again solid with his third start, giving up three hits and recording five strikeouts. The teams will have a quick turnaround for game two of this season. They will play at 11 a.m. Wednesday in a special Education Day game – one of two this season. The other will occur in the next Blue Wahoos homestand on May 8. School children from various elementary and middle schools in the three-county area will attend the game with classmates and be treated to lunch and free tickets. WANT TO GO? WHAT: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos WHEN: Wednesday, 11 a.m. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium  Read More →

County To Continue Discussions On Latest Offer For OLF-8 Property

Escambia County will continue discussions with the latest parties to make an offer to make an offer for 290 acres of the county-owned OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road. As we reported yesterday, a Letter of Intent (LOI)  offering $22.5 million for 290 acres was received from a law firm on behalf of local potential buyers Cliff Mowe, land developer, and Ryan Chavers, owner of a construction company. The Mowe and Chavers offer states they will work with the county to develop a modified version of the current master plan. Attorney Matthew Couch said at a Monday morning commission meeting that he did not know if those changes would still include a town center, and Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said that would be a sticking point. “I am kind of hung up on the town center,” he said. “That land was suppose to be for job generation. We had a very, very hard fought, year-long compromise that we came to. My position at this point in the game is sticking to the compromise. That’s what the citizens wanted; that’s what this board voted for.” Bergosh also said that after discussions with a DPZ Design managing members she indicated  that the master plan would likely be needed. “She acknowledged as much there are certain aspects of it that are going to require modification,” Bergosh said “I understand that. Commissioner Lumon May said any future decision for him will be based upon the proceeds to benefit the entire county. “I’ve said I’m not going to vote less than $25 million…unless there some other value that comes to the citizens of Escambia County,” May commented Monday. “It’s a piece of property. We want to get top dollar for it; it’s worth what someone is willing to pay for it,” Bergosh added. The commission instructed County Administrator Wes Moreno and the county attorney’s office to continue discussions with Mowe and Chavers. The offer includes: $22.5 million for 290 acres with cash due at closing following an initial deposit of $250,000. a six month inspection period with closing to following in two months. Working with DPZ Design to develop a modified version of the current master plan. The modified master plan will include a main boulevard, , green space, retail, office, recreation areas and a mix of multi-family residential. Detached single-family homes will not be a part of the Modified Master Plan. “Buyers and Seller agree to cooperate with one another on developing and obtaining approval for the Modified Master Plan, creating a project the Beulah community can be proud of, with the goal of accomplishing approval during the Inspection Period,” the offer states.” The buyers are also promising to try to involve local firms in all development aspects of the property. Escambia County was recently in exclusive negations with Beulah Town Center, LLC on acreage but did not come to terms and proceeds.  Read More →

How Cute! Beulah Middle Welcomes Three New Kids

Beulah Middle School has welcomed three new kids recently to their farm. FFA members were excited that they made their debut five days early. All were healthy, and mom is doing a fantastic job. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Tate AJROTC Teams Place In Top 10 At State Competition

written by C/1LT Jayce Latzer Four Tate High School Army JROTC teams placed in the Top 10 at the state drill meet in Lakeland. The teams were: Male Unarmed Platoon commanded by Cadet LTC Sappington placed 6th out of 34 teams. Male Armed Platoon commanded by Cadet CPT Stegall placed 6th out of 31 teams. Male Armed Squad commanded by Cadet CPT Davis placed 7th out of 34 teams. Female Armed Platoon commanded by Cadet CSM Allgyer placed 8th out of 21 teams. For the first time in competition history, Tate also took part in individual and a duel exhibition at the state level. They were: Male Individual armed exhibition commanded by Cadet SSG Wells. Male Dual armed exhibition commanded by Cadet 1LT Stringer and performed with Cadet SFC Colston.  Read More →

Preview: Northview At Tate Tonight In The Baseball Battle For North Escambia

Call it the Baseball Battle for North Escambia. Tuesday night is the first meeting between the Tate Aggie and the Northview Chiefs in at least the last 20 years. There will be a little extra motivation for Tate Tuesday night — it’s senior night. Both teams are coming in with losses in their last game and have similar records as the regular season winds down this week. 1A Northview is 9-12, and the 6A Aggies are 10-12. Tate is coming off a 10-5 loss to Fairhope last Friday night. Clif Quiggins had a solo home run to right field in the top of the fourth for Tate and was 2-4 overall. Conner Hassell was also 2-4 with a run. Ketch King, and Madox Land both added one run for the Aggies. Friday night, Northview fell 10-5 to Milton. Robbie Bodiford, Brady Smith, Jackson Bridges, and Jase Portwood had two hits each for the Chiefs. Bodiford and Portwood had two RBIs each. The Aggies have struggled a bit in recent weeks, dropping nine of their last 11 games. Northview has also suffered an “L” six of their last 11 contests. The Tate Aggies have recorded an average of 7.9 strikeouts per game, while Northview has an average of 7. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Northview Lady Chiefs Shut Out J.U. Blacksher

The Northview Lady Chiefs shut out J.U. Blacksher 11-0 Monday in Uriah, Alabama. Jamison Gilman earned the win in the circle for the Chiefs, and was a force at the plate, going 3-4 at bat. She gave up no hits and no runs in a complete game five innings, striking out four and walking none. Gilman, Mary Clayton Dawson, and Riley Brooks drove in two runs each. Northview will be at Washington on Tuesday at 6 p.m. NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

U.S. Marshals Track Down Wanted Atmore Fugitive

A fugitive from Atmore has been tracked down by the U.S. Marshals Service. Marshals located and arrested 22-year-old Isaiah Finney on several active felony warrants stemming from incidents in Atmore during September and November of 2023. The Atmore Police Department develop Finney as their suspect for shooting at an occupied vehicle before fleeing. APD said they recovered firearms from his vehicle along with other evidence. “Finney is also a suspect in other recent shootings that are current investigations and are awaiting the results of ballistic testing to determine if any charges are forthcoming,” Sgt. Darrell McMann said. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on outstanding warrants for discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, certain persons forbidden to possess firearms, attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of marijuana second degree. An additional new charge of possession of a firearm by a violent felon was added at the time of his arrest. Finney was held without bond.  Read More →

Locals Make New $22.5 Million Offer For OLF-8 Property

Escambia County has received a new offer for a portion of the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road. The Letter of Intent (LOI) was received from a  law firm on behalf of local potential buyers Cliff Mowe, land developer and Ryan Chavers, owner of a construction company. They are offering $22.5 million for 290 acres with cash due at closing following an initial deposit of $250,000. The offer include a six month inspection period with closing to following in two months. Mowe and Chavers’s offer states they will work with the county to develop a modified version of the current master plan. The modified master plan will include a main boulevard, , green space, retail, office, recreation areas and a mix of multi-family residential. Detached single-family homes will not be a part of the Modified Master Plan. “Buyers and Seller agree to cooperate with one another on developing and obtaining approval for the Modified Master Plan, creating a project the Beulah community can be proud of, with the goal of accomplishing approval during the Inspection Period,” the offer states.” The buyser are also promising to try to involve local firms in all development aspects of the property. Escambia County was recently in exclusive negations with Beulah Town Center, LLC on acreage but did not come to terms and proceeds. The Escambia County Commission will discuss the new offer on Monday. Pictured: A portion of the original DPZ Master Plan that was approved in July 2021. NorthEscambia.com graphic.  Read More →

Century Mayor Reports Entire Playground Stolen; ECSO Says It Was Scrapped For $196

Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. reported an entire park playground had been stolen, but the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office determined that no crime was committed. Gomez told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he went to the Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue on April 8 and noticed that the playground equipment, basketball goals and poles, and the handrails from the building were gone. He said the playground was there the prior day because he saw children playing and be believed it was stolen between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Gomez said the metal was removed using a torch, according to an incident report. The town has approved a design for a new $3.255 million community center on the property, and the current building will be demolished first due to advance termite damage and deterioration. The town council recently voted to allow local resident Marilyn Robinson, a former caretaker of sorts of the community center, to remove property she claimed belongs to her from the building prior to demolition. Robinson was at the community center when an ECSO investigator arrived. She told the investigator that she had given Melvin Manuel permission to take an outside air conditioner unit and a portion of chain link fence, but that she did not give permission to take anything else. Another person at the community center told the deputy that she saw a white truck across the street near the back of the building about 11:30 a.m. and a white female with blond hair leaving the community center on a bicycle. While enroute to Manuels home, the investigator said a white female with a blond hair and a male with a hat and red shirt on bicycles near North Century Boulevard and Highway 4. He stopped them and determined that they had been involved in taking metal from the community center, the report states. John Hunter, who has experience as a welder, said he was paid a total of $75 by Manuel to help take the metal. Hunter stated that he believed Manuel had permission since the community center was slated for demolition, the report says. The deputy contacted Manuel at his home, and he stated that he had taken the basketball goals and poles, handrails, and playground equipment, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He provided a receipt where the metal was sold as scrap to Atmore Recycling for $196. Robinson met with the investigator and was asked if there was any chance that Melvin misinterpreted her statements. “Robinson stated that while she did not believe she was unclear, there was a chance that Manuel misinterpreted her statements about the building due to her being in an emotional state over the circumstances that had led to the programs at the building being shut down,” the ECSO incident report states. The investigator determined that no crime was committed. “I do not find probable cause for an arrest. As such, no further law enforcement action is being taken by this deputy at this time,” he wrote.  Read More →

Vehicle Rolls On Kingsfield Road After Hitting Bridge

A vehicle rolled over Sunday morning at a Cantonment bridge. The driver collided with the guardrail on the bridge over Eleven Mile Creek on Kingsfield Road about 10:30 a.m. No serious injuries were reported. The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released details. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Beulah Middle FFA Teams Places 7th In Florida In Meat Identification

The Beulah Middle School FFA team placed as the seventh best team in the state for meat identification. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.  Read More →

Escambia Woman, 20, Gets 15 Years In Prison for 2022 Double Fatal Crash

An Escambia County woman has been sentenced to prison in connection with a double fatal crash that occurred in January 2022. Sara Nicole Huson was sentenced was sentenced to 15 years in state prison, 15 years of probation following her release, and a 20-year driver’s license revocation. for two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of driving with a suspended license and one count of drug possession. The crash on Sorrento Road involved a sedan driving by Hudson which collided with pickup driven by a female from Brierfield, Alabama. Hudson’s sedan crossed the centerline at a high rate of speed, entering the lane with the pickup truck. The driver attempted unsuccessfully to swerve to the right to avoid the collision. The front of the sedan collided with the front of the pickup truck. Hudon’s passenger, her boyfriend, was pronounced deceased on scene. The female driver was transported to Baptist Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. During the investigation, the sedan driven by Hudson was calculated to have been traveling at a speed of near 85 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.  Read More →

Florida Gas Prices Rise 13 Cents; Set New 2024 High

Florida gas prices rose 13 cents early last week. From there, the state average declined 6 cents through the weekend. Sunday’s state average was $3.58 per gallon. On Wednesday, the state average reached a new 2024 high of $3.64 per gallon. Last year’s high was $3.85 per gallon. The Pensacola metro had the lowest average in the state at $3.32 per gallong. A low of $3.16 could be found Sunday night in North Escambia at two stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola. the low price awas $3.07 at a station on west Nine Mile Road. “Volatility in the oil market has greatly contributed to rising prices at the pump in recent weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices have been reacting to rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, and OPEC’s decision to extend production cuts, in effort to crimp global fuel supplies.” About half the price of gasoline is influenced by the price of oil. Higher oil prices contribute to higher gasoline production costs. Through the first quarter of the year, the price of oil averaged around $75 per barrel. Since mid-March, the price of oil has averaged nearly $84 per barrel. During that same time, the state average has mostly remained above $3.50 per gallon. NorthEscambia.com file photo.  Read More →

Blue Angels Thrill, Rocket City Blasts Past Wahoos In Series Finale

by Bill Vilona The Blue Wahoos will have Monday to rest and reset following their first home series loss against the Rocket City Trash Pandas in the matchup’s four-season history. They seek a change in batting fortune. A pair of Trash Pandas pitchers, led by top pitching prospect Caden Dana, checked the Blue Wahoos on just three hits in a 3-0 loss Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium to close out the first half of an extended homestand. The win enabled Rocket City (9-6) to win the series 4-2, after entering the week with a 2-16 record in Pensacola. A crowd of 3,851 had its biggest excitement when the famed Blue Angels buzzed over the stadium under a clear-blue sky during the seventh inning while returning from a weekend air show. That was the loudest roar of the day. In the ninth inning, however, there was some suspense on the field. The first two Blue Wahoos batters, newcomer Joe Mack and catcher Paul McIntosh, drew walks to put multiple runners on base for the only time in the game. Jacob Berry then missed on a game-tying home run when lining a shot foul down the right field line. He then fouled off a couple pitches before reliever Hayden Seig struck him out with a changeup. Shane Sasaki then hit a slow grounder that became a force out. Cody Morissette, who had laced two hard lineouts earlier in the game, grounded out to end the game. After Javier Sanoja led off the Blue Wahoos first inning with a single, Rocket City’s Dana retired the next 15 batters in order. Dana, a 20-year-old righthander from Warwick, New York, entered this season ranked No. 2 overall among the Los Angeles Angels top 30 prospects. The Trash Pandas team has all four of the Angels’ top quartet of prospects on the team to start the season. Rocket City got two first inning runs off Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell, but then Campbell settled into a groove, retiring 12 of the next 16 batters he faced in a what became a rapidly played game that was complete in two hours, 22 minutes. Campbell was solid again in his second start this week, working into the seventh with just three hits allowed and seven strikeouts and just one walk. It continued his comeback attempt after making his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021. The Blue Wahoos (6-9) will now turn attention to the series against the Shuckers (10-4), who entered Sunday’s game with eight consecutive wins and the best start in the Southern League. Lefthander Jonathan Bermúdez (1-1, 1.64 ERA) will start for the Blue Wahoos. He held Rocket City hitless into the sixth inning of the series-opening 1-0 win Tuesday. GAME NOTABLES —- Joe Mack walked into the Blue Wahoos front office at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, after flying into Pensacola from Beloit, Wisconsin, where he was the top hitter (.343, 12 RBI) and biggest force behind the Beloit Sky Carp’s fast start in the Midwest League as the Marlins High-affiliate. He’s the Marlins’ top catcher prospect and will likely see plenty of opportunity in that role in Pensacola. The Blue Anchor Belles, a trio of military wives, whose husbands are stationed at NAS-Pensacola, performed the National Anthem. —- It was West Florida High’s baseball team group outing Sunday. The 6-year-old son of Jaguars’ coach Joe Rieland threw out ta ceremonial first pitch and got a roar when he threw a pitch from the mound to home plate. —- There were two outs in the top of the seventh at 5:43 p.m. when the unmistakable roar of the Blue Angels jets were heard a split- before the jets buzzed over the stadium. WHAT’S NEXT? WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (April 23-28). Gametimes are 6:05 p.m. for all games except Wednesday at 11:05 and Sunday at 4:05. WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.  Read More →