Atmore Area Schools Are Closed Monday Due To Flooding Conditions
April 7, 2025
Escambia County (Alabama) Schools in the Atmore area were closed Monday due to flooding and road conditions. Escambia County schools in Florida area open.
Escambia Academy in Canoe is also closed.
From the Escambia County (Alabama) district:
Due to flooding and hazardous road conditions in downtown Atmore, the following Atmore-area schools will be closed today, Monday, April 7:
• Escambia County High School
• Escambia County Middle School
• Rachel Patterson Elementary
• A.C. Moore Primary
• Escambia County Alternative School
Walking Path, Parking Expanded At Cantonment’s Recently Opened Paper Park
April 7, 2025
Less than three months after it opened, the parking area and walking path at the new Paper Park in Cantonment have been expanded.
The official ribbon cutting was held January 30 for Escambia County’s new Paper Park on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment.
When the park was opened, the walking path was 0.81 miles. Now, work has been completed an addition to extend the walking path to 1.25 miles, according to Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes.
“We also freed up some additional parking space there because we expect the volume of crowds to be high this summer,” he added.
The park is a cooperative effort of Escambia County and International Paper, with the county leasing the property from IP and years of planning.
The park also includes playgrounds, a complete 18-hole “Timber Toss Disc Golf” course, and a 704 square feet covered pavilion with picnic tables. The park at the corner of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road is open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset. The parking area is off Mintz Lane at the southwest corner of the property.
For a photo gallery from the January grand opening of Paper Park, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Dropping Into The 40s Monday Night
April 7, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 46. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 45.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 52.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Pilot Program Seeks To Put Trade Certified Century Prison Releasees To Work
April 7, 2025
A pilot program at the Century Correctional Institution is aiming to get inmates into jobs when they get out of prison.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted an employment partner showcase last week at CCI to introduce prospective employers to the program.
About a year ago, a facility was established inside the prison to construct time homes which are later sold.
Inmates receive certifications in HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and more, according to FDC Region 1 Community Transition Coordinator Alicia “Lee” Warren.
“When the inmates are released, they have their certifications, and employers need employees that have their certifications,” Warren said. “We work to match with employers.”
“We can match employers with inmates, so that when they are released, they can get to work,” she added. “The employers are very interested because they can put the qualified releasees into entry level positions and teach them.”
Employers can specify criteria for which type inmates will be acceptable, and even arrange a virtual, phone or in-person interview with inmates before their release.
The program is also available to employers outside the construction trades.
For more information, employers can email Warren at alicia.warren@FDC.myflorida.com.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Corrections Officer Trainee Charged With Smuggling Contraband Into Fountain Prison
April 7, 2025
A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) trainee was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore.
ADC said Tommy Middleton was found in possession of approximately 212 grams of marijuana and two cell phones during a search conducted by ADOC K-9 officers. The discovery was made as part of a joint investigation involving the ADOC’s K-9, Narcotics, and Law Enforcement Services Divisions.
Middleton was taken into custody and transported to the Escambia County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including possession of marijuana 1st, promoting prison contraband 2nd, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental operations.
Crude Oil Prices Fall To 4-Year Lows
April 7, 2025
Florida gas prices shot up early last week, but were back on the downward trend through the weekend.
The state average rose 15 cents per gallon last week, reaching $3.22 per gallon, before drifting lower again. Sunday’s state average was $3.19 per gallon. That’s 8 cents more than a week ago, 6 cents more than last month, and 29 cents less than a year ago.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was a quarter below the state average s $2.94. A low price of $2.73 was available Sunday night at a station on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the lowest available price was $2.79 at a station of South Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Oil prices plummeted last week, which should contribute to lower prices at the gas pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The oil price plunge is reportedly attributed to concerns that tariffs could cause a global economic slowdown, potentially resulting in a reduction in fuel demand. The market is also now worried about an over abundance of global oil supplies. This comes after OPEC+ announced plans to raise oil production in May by about three times more than previously planned.”
The U.S. price for crude oil settled at $61.99 per barrel on Friday. That’s the lowest daily closing price since April 2021.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
April 7, 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:
- State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway) Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Race – Motorists will encounter a road closure of S.R. 196 from East Chase Street to South Palafox Street on Saturday, April 5 from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Race.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from South of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, April 6 through Thursday, April 10, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 Ramp – 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. A detour route has been established using Pace Boulevard, Cervantes Street and A Street. Directional signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 6 through Thursday, April 10, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) – The week of Sunday, April 6, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing, from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, April 6, 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 milling and paving operations.
- 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, April 6 through Thursday, April 10, 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, April 6 through Friday, April 11, 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 – The week of Sunday, April 6, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely 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.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – The week of Sunday, April 6, drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and construction activities. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Maintenance North of East Olive Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 form 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from West of Avalon Boulevard to East of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, April 6 through Thursday, April 10 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, April 6 through Thursday, April 10, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- 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, April 6, through Friday, April 11, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Coring Operations on White River Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures east of the county line Monday, April 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Praytor’s Homer In Debut Pushes Wahoos To Series Sweep
April 7, 2025
The Blue Wahoos have begun a new season in a most desired way.
After an early lead Sunday was erased in the middle innings, the Blue Wahoos’ bats reignited to power an 8-4 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers and complete a three-game sweep at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 4,004 on the first Military and Family Sunday watched a different kind of win. This time, the Blue Wahoos overcame four errors and used four pitchers to grind their way into a satisfying finish to their season-opening series.
“We’re relentless. We always feel like we’re in a good spot to win the game and think we showed that (Sunday),” said catcher Sam Praytor, a former Alabama Crimson Tide star, who smashed a game-changing two-run homer in the fourth inning to regain the lead.
All the better, it was Praytor’s first start in Double-A. In his second at-bat, his first hit was a towering blast over the left field wall off a 97-mph fastball.
“It was awesome,” said Praytor, who celebrated his 26th birthday Friday. “It is one of those things you think about it, and then once you get it out of the way, you’re like, oh thank God.
“Once I rounded first, I saw that it had cleared the wall,” he said. “It was a great feeling. I honestly wasn’t thinking that I had just put us ahead. I was just trying to have a good at-bat and something good happened.”
A lot of good things happened in Praytor’s collegiate career at Alabama. He led the team in home runs in his final two seasons and was first-team All-Southeastern Conference catcher in 2021. That season he played all 58 games.
It led to being a sixth-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2021. He climbed two levels last season and was elevated to Double-A following spring training.
Praytor understands his role to start this season as the Blue Wahoos’ No. 2 catcher behind returning Joe Mack, the Marlins’ Double-A Player of the Year in 2024.
“Joe is an absolute stud,” Praytor said. “He’s a great player and a great teammate, so I am glad I get to play with Joe, but also whenever I get the opportunity just make the most of it and something good will happen.”
The win Sunday matched how the Blue Wahoos started last season – sweeping the Mississippi Braves in what became their lone series sweep.
“It’s great. I think we have a special ballclub here,” Praytor said. “We have a great locker room and everybody loves to play with everybody, so I think it’s going to be a really fun year.”
The fun times continued following Sunday’s game. This was the first Family and Military Sunday game of the year. Children 12 and under were able to run the bases, and families tossed soft baseballs in the outfield for 30 minutes.
Each Sunday home game, the first 100 active or retired military members can receive a free general admission ticket by showing a military ID at the stadium box office.
The Blue Wahoos wasted little time jumping to a lead.
Jared Serna led off the first with a single. Jake Thompson walked. Kemp Alderman reached on an infield single to load the bases. A wild pitch scored Serna. Josh Zamora’s fielder’s choice grounder scored Thompson. Shane Sasaki had a two-out single to score Alderman for a 3-0 lead.
Sasaki had a big day. He went 2-for-3 at the plate, reached on a walk in another at-bat, drove in two runs, scored a run, and made a great catch of a deep fly ball.
Serna was the team’s other multiple-hit batter, beginning the season with a .333 average.
On the mound, Dax Fulton made his first start in nearly two years. He’s battled back from injury issues that began following his previous start way back on May 11, 2023.
After missing last season while recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, this was a moment Fulton had long awaited.
He got through the first inning while overcoming a walk and a throwing error on a pickoff attempt. But in the second inning, a leadoff walk and two singles led to the Shuckers’ first run. In the third inning, he gave up a leadoff triple that led to a second run when outfielder Mark Coley II was unable to corral a fly ball.
The Shuckers got a third run on a base hit. Fulton was lifted by manager Nelson Prada after a leadoff single in the fourth inning that led to a go-ahead run at the time. He finished throwing 72 pitches, 45 for strikes, while giving up five hits, three walks, and striking out two.
But getting him back on the mound again became a big win.
“Dax is a great pitcher and he’s a great competitor, so it was a lot of fun to be able to catch him (Sunday),” Praytor said.
The Blue Wahoos quickly answered in their half of the fourth inning. Sasaki reached on a one-out walk, raced to third on an errant pickoff attempt, and scored on Harrison Spohn’s single. Then Praytor followed with his blast.
The Blue Wahoos tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning on Sasaki’s RBI double and Johnny Olmstead’s sacrifice fly.
They also got stellar relief efforts from Ricky DeVito and Dale Stanavich, with both throwing two scoreless innings to seal the win.
After having Monday off, the Blue Wahoos will remain at home to begin a six-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAME NOTABLES
Sunday’s game was the first of the season’s “Kazoo’s Reading Program” parades. Five different regional elementary schools, including one from Panama City, had children and parents attend and make a lap on the field during a pregame parade. It will be repeated throughout the early part of the season.
Blue Wahoos group sales executive Jessica Voigt performed the National Anthem.
On Sunday games, the Blue Wahoos storefronts offer a $6 value meal with a hot dog, chips, and soft drink.
The Elberta (Ala.) Youth Baseball organization attended the game with a group of 250.
Tate Softball’s Strike Out Cancer Games Approaches Quarter Million Dollars For Fight Against Cancer
April 6, 2025
Tate Aggie softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer Game is approaching an incredible quarter million dollars raised in the first against cancer.
Friday night’s game was the 15th annual. With $217,000 raised before Friday night, Friday night’s total at over $24,000 and counting early in the game — that’s over $241,000.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Coach Melinda Wyatt will quickly tell you it’s not about her, it’s not about her Tate Aggies, it’s not about the opposing team, and it’s not about anyone.
‘It’s not about y’all,” Wyatt said to the teams Friday night. “We are just providing some entertainment. It’s about all of these survivors that are courageous that have to deal with something that I never want to have to deal with.”
Everything about the game is donated to cancer research. Admission is by donations. There are raffles, concession sales and auctions. Friday night, a chocolate cake topped $200, and a one-of-kind handmade blanket made from 15 years of Aggie Classic t-shirts went for over $1,000. The Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies working the game donate their time.
The umpires not only donate their time — they also bring thousands of dollars in donations.
For several years, the West Florida Jaguars have been the opposing team. But they are always on the same team in the fight against cancer, and Tate is quick to acknowledge that they have been a crucial part of the Aggies’ efforts.
Friday night, the Lady Jags arrived with a check for $8,400.
“That’s why I bring you (WFHS) over here every year is because the other schools around here are cheap,” Wyatt joked.
In previous years, the funds have been donated to the American Cancer Society. Proceeds from Friday night’s game will benefit three local charities — Rally Gulf Coast, the Keeping Abreast Foundation, and the Baptist Healthcare Mammography Program.
“Personally, I believe it’s our obligation. Ours, not just to help one, but all. Not just breast cancer, ovarian cancer. There’re many different types. It’s our obligation,” Wyatt said. “Because cancer is going to find us, whether it’s a friend, neighbor, family member or coworker. Don’t think it’s not going to affect you, because it will.”
As for Friday’s night’s ceremonial opening pitch. It was a “triple” with Tate cancer survivors Kristen Maum, Janice Courson, Sue Hopkins stepping into the circle together.
In game action on Friday night, Tate junior varsity defeated West Florida 8-1, and Tate varsity enjoyed a 5-4 walk-off home run win. [Read more...]
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Showers And Thunderstorms Continue Overnight
April 6, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 56. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. High near 62. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 46.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.