Single Ticket Sold In California Wins $1.22 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot
December 28, 2024
One ticket matched all the numbers in the $1.22 billion Mega Millions drawing Friday night. The ticket was sold in California, the first jackpot winner since September 10.
A lump sum payout for the drawing is estimated at $549.7 million.
The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida in August 2023.
The winning numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, with Mega Ball 6.
The December 31 drawing will be worth as estimated $20 million.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Local Food Pantry
December 28, 2024
The Tate High School Alumni group recently made a donation to the community food pantry ministry at the Back to the Rack Thrift Store to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek presented the food on behalf of the alumni association Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Free Dog, Cat Adoptions At Escambia Shelter Continue Through Monday
December 28, 2024
Free adoptions for all dogs and cats one year or older continue through Monday, December 30 during the “Home for the Paw-lidays” adoption event at the Escambia County animal shelter.
Puppies are available for $50 and kittens are $25. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12 – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The shelter will be closed December 31, and January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Here’s The College Football TV Schedule Through New Year’s Day
December 28, 2024
Here is the college football schedule through New Year’s Day and where to watch the games.
All times are Central.
Saturday, Dec. 28
- UConn vs. North Carolina (Fenway Bowl) | 10 a.m. | ESPN
- Boston College vs. Nebraska (Pinstripe Bowl) | 11 a.m. | ABC
- TCU vs. Louisiana (New Mexico Bowl) | 1:15 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 13 Miami (Fla.) vs. No. 18 Iowa State (Pop-Tarts Bowl) | 2:30 p.m. | ABC
- Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio) (Arizona Bowl) | 3:30 p.m. | CW Network
- NC State vs. East Carolina (Military Bowl) | 4:45 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (Alamo Bowl) | 6:30 p.m. | ABC
- No. 22 Army vs. Louisiana Tech (Independence Bowl) | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN
Monday, Dec. 30
- No. 19 Missouri vs. Iowa (Music City Bowl) | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN
Tuesday, Dec. 31
- No. 11 Alabama vs. Michigan (ReliaQuest Bowl) | 11 a.m. | ESPN
- Louisville vs. Washington (Sun Bowl) | 1 p.m. | CBS
- No. 15 South Carolina vs. No. 20 Illinois (Citrus Bowl) | 2 p.m. | ABC
- LSU vs. Baylor (Texas Bowl) | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 4 Penn State vs. No. 9 Boise State (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Fiesta Bowl) | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN
Wednesday, Jan. 1
- No. 3 Texas vs. No. 12 Arizona State (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Peach Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 6 Ohio State (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Rose Bowl) | 4 p.m. | ESPN
- No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 5 Notre Dame (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Sugar Bowl) | 7:45 p.m. | ESPN
Ernestine M. Hudson
December 28, 2024
Ernestine M. Hudson 90 of Oak Grove, Fl. passed away December 22,2024 in Pensacola, Fl. She was born July 4, 1934 in Oak Grove, Fl. to the late Ernie and Annie Ofarrell Milstead. She was a 20 year employee at Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill, Fl. where her family grew expeditiously as she grew closer and closer to students and teachers alike. In retirement she loved traveling with her husband, A.J. as they wore out three motorhomes seeing the beauty of God’s creation throughout the United States and Canada. Her love of family and friends was only bested by her love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who she worshipped as a member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and numerous uncles and aunts.
She is survived by her three sons Paul (Merry) Hudson of Pensacola, Fl., Robert Hudson of Oak Grove, Fl., and Edward (Sharon) Hudson of Oak Grove, Fl. Grandchildren Kim (Jamie) Brown, Joshua (Deanna) Hudson. Brandy (Steven) White, Neil (Phuong) Hudson, Ashley Hudson, Ryan Hudson and nine great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Robert Milstead, Bob Stone, Jerry Poulsen, Jamie Brown, Neil Hudson and Michael Milstead.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
One Injured In Highway 29 Crash Near Roberts Road
December 27, 2024
At least one person was reportedly injured in a crash Friday afternoon on Highway 29 north of Roberts Road.
The crash happened about 12:30 p.m. near Ronny’s Car Wash, backup up traffic on Highway 29 southbound.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details.
For additional photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Softball Team Remembers Teammate Killed In Pace Wreck
December 27, 2024
Tuesday night, December 17, Sofia Bennett-Tidwell of Molino threw her last pitch ever at a 2030 Show Stoppers practice. That pitch is pictured above.
The following morning, Sofia died in a horrific four-vehicle crash on Quintette Road in Pace.
Yesterday, her teammates placed a cross in your memory along Quintette Road at Tunnel Road.
“Her smile, her drive, her commitment, her athleticism, her heart, her attitude and her effort earned her a roster position on the team and in our hearts forever,” the Showstoppers said in a social media post. “As a teammate, she was second to none! She was the best cheerleader any team could ask for and she was the fiercest competitor. As a player she set the bar for anyone to want to follow.”
Show Stoppers players place the cross, topped by a helmet, Thursday. It’s surrounded by Christmas flowers and stuffed animals. While Sofia joined the team just over two years ago, about 10 of the players have played softball together for years.
Sofia’s teammates and coaches signed the back of the cross with personal messages.
“Flight high sweet girl.” “We will miss you so much sweet girl.” “Best smile ever.” — are just a few of the messages.
“This team is like nothing I’ve ever known as far as how close the players and parents are. We’re truly a family,” Stephani Pryon, a mom from the team told us. “They’re literally all our kids.”
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released a cause of the four-vehicle crash. FHP Traffic Homicide and FHP Commercial Vehicle units are continuing their investigation.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wanted Flomaton Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Allegedly Breaking Into Home While Fleeing Police
December 27, 2024
A wanted suspect fleeing from police was arrested on drug charges after allegedly breaking into a home in the Wawbeek community east of Atmore.
On December 23, Atmore Police Department officers responded to a residence in Canoe to assist an Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office deputy.
The deputy was investigating a domestic violence incident and had identified 25-year-old Hunter Leino of Flomaton as the offender. Leino also had multiple active misdemeanor warrants with the Atmore Police Department.
An Atmore Police investigator in an unmarked vehicle observed Leino as he was walking along Highway 31 in the Wawbeek area. Leino fled on foot when officers in marked vehicles started approaching him.
During an ensuing pursuit, Leino entered a residence and was taken into custody without further incident, APD said. Officers reported finding a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue when Leino was searched.
Leino was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. Additional charges are pending from sheriff’s office for the original incident Canoe and burglary for allegedly entering the home in Wawbeek.
It’s Easy To Recycle Your Wrapping Paper And Boxes
December 27, 2024
You can “go green” with those piles of Christmas wrapping paper and boxes by recycling them in your weekly ECUA pickup.
Christmas wrapping paper, along with other household paper, plastics, steel and aluminum can be placed in your recycling container on your normal ECUA pickup day. Keep glitter, ribbons, and foil wrapping out of the recycling bin.
For complete details on which items are accepted — and which are not — try the Recycle Coach app.
ECUA offers curbside recycling for customers in the unincorporated areas of Escambia County. In addition, ECUA is offering free Christmas tree collections. ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties may place real wreaths and Christmas trees at the curb for pick-up with their regular yard waste collection. Customers are asked to remove all tinsel and decorations from their trees before placing them at the curb and to ensure that trees, or portions of trees, are no more than 6 feet in length. Trees can be placed at the curb with other yard trash and should not be placed in the recycling cans or green garbage containers.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Deputies Seek Christmas Day Attempted Homicide Suspect
December 27, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an attempted homicide suspect.
Terrance James Franklin, 45, is wanted for an attempted homicide that occurred after an argument on Christmas Day in the 3000 block of Michael Drive. He allegedly shot someone in the chest and leg with a shotgun. The victim is expected to survive.
Franklin was last seen on foot, wearing a black shirt and purple shorts. ECSO said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.