Escambia County Extends SEC Women’s Soccer, Sun Belt Basketball Championship Agreements
October 18, 2024
Escambia County has approved new agreements to host the Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Championships and the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships through the end of the end of the decade.
The SEC Women’s Soccer Championships were first held at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in 2022, with the first agreement continuing to 2024 for the tournament that begins November 3. Under the new agreement approved Thursday, the SEC Women’s Soccer Championships will continue to be hosted by the county and Pensacola Sports at Ashton Brosnaham off 10 Mile Road in 2025 and 2026 with an option to renew for three on-year periods through 2029.
The 2022 event saw record-breaking attendance numbers and generated $2.5 million in local economic impact, according to Escambia County, with several million more in 2023.
An agreement to host the 2021-2025 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships at the county-owned Pensacola Bay Center was also extended Thursday. Under the new agreement, the Sun Belt tournament will continue at the Bay Center for 2026-2030.
“Thrilled. Absolutely thrilled,” Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer said Thursday afternoon. “One of the things that is so exciting is the reality that when these conferences find a home, and a neutral site home, it really takes years to grow the event they way they want it to grow, and we want it to grow.”
“The fact that they believe in what we are doing…I just think we couldn’t be prouder,” Palmer added.
Pictured: The record-setting SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hofberger Sworn In As Escambia County District 4 Commissioner — For A Month
October 18, 2024
For the first time since January, there are now five members sitting on the Escambia County Commission.
Ashlee Hofberger was sworn in Thursday to the District 4 seat, following her appointment earlier this month by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The District 4 seat had been vacant since Robert Bender was appointed Supervisor of Elections in January.
She will be vice chair of the commission for her term through November 18.
In August, Hofberger won the Republican primary for the seat. She will still face Democratic candidate Ron Helms in November. Helms is a Navy veteran and owner of a Pensacola business.
“I am honored to have received the appointment of District 4 County Commissioner by Governor DeSantis,” Hofberger said. “I have hit the ground running, prioritizing vital initiatives such as enhancing resources for our first responders, streamlining business operations in Escambia County, and ensuring a better investment of taxpayer dollars. Being appointed during the final weeks of my campaign adds an interesting dynamic as I navigate the responsibilities of office while actively seeking the support of voters for the November 5th election. It’s a unique opportunity to learn and engage with the community simultaneously. As I balance my new role and campaign efforts, I remain committed to my vision for Escambia County. My focus is clear: support our first responders, facilitate business growth, and manage taxpayer funds wisely. I believe in a collaborative approach to make a positive impact.”
Hofberger is owner of The Wash Room laundromat and Bogeys Golf Suites. In 2012, she opened the emergency restoration firm Complete DKI and later sold it to the national company First Onsite in 2021. She is the recipient of the 2019 National Association for Industrial and Office Properties Member of the Year. A volunteer of the PACE Center for Girls, Hofberger earned her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of West Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Pine Forest Road Paving Project Near Completion
October 18, 2024
A paving project is nearing completion on Pine Forest Road in Walnut Hill.
The $1.3 million District 5 project includes resurfaceingsix miles of Pine Forest Road from Highway 97 to Arthur Brown Road. Final thermoplastic striping and reflective pavement markings will be completed about 14 days after paving.
Pictured: Paving last week on Pine Forest Road near Walnut Hill late last week. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Bands, Cheerleaders, Fans And More
October 18, 2024
It’s a Friday flashback as we bring you a photo gallery from last week’s Northview at Jay football game.
The gallery includes fans, cheerleaders and bands from the Royals and the Chiefs.
For a look back at last week’s football action, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fields Of Faith: Community Worship Service Held At Northview High
October 17, 2024
Northview High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a spring Fields of Faith on a cool Wednesday night in Northview’s Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Fields of Faith is a national student-led initiative. “Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together,” according to national organizers.
For more images, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Purple Alert Issued For Escambia Man Last Seen Sept. 28
October 17, 2024
A local purple alert has been issued for a missing and endangered Escambia County man last seen September 28.
The alert was issued Monday by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for 69-year-old Vernon “Bubba” Albion Flowers, Jr. He was last seen in the 5500 block of Perkins Street in Bellview. He was described as having grey hair, a white beard, and brown eyes. He is about 250 pounds and is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Deputies said he may need medical attention.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Deputies Investigate Shooting Incident Involving Sheriff’s Speed Trailer In Byrneville
October 17, 2024
An investigation is underway after someone shot an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office speed trailer in Byrneville.
Just before midnight Tuesday, the ECSO received a report of shots fired in the area of Byrneville Road and McBride Road. The caller told dispatchers that they believed someone was night hunting deer.
Deputies arrived and located several shell casings in the area, according to ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis.
“We located one bullet hole in the speed trailer, but it appeared to still be operable,” Lewis said. “Someone may have been hunting a deer, but they hit our trailer instead.”
Wednesday, the speed-checking trailer was still in place on Byrneville Road just south of McBride Road. It appeared to be functionally normally, other than a small piece of evidence tape (pictured below).
The speed trailers went into service after Sheriff Chip Simmons took office. They can be deployed to areas with a known or citizen reported speed problem. The trailers display the speed of passing vehicles, complete with small flashing red and blue LED lights to attract driver attention.
Anyone with information on the speed trailer shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office speed trailer as seen Wednesday afternoon on Byrneville Road near McBride Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Baseball Hits A Home Run With Fall Halloween Costume Game (With Gallery)
October 17, 2024
Tate Aggie Baseball hosted their annual Fall Baseball Halloween Game Wednesday.
The event started with trunk or treat with the players, and an exhibition game with players in full costume.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Chili, hot dogs and more were available.
There were also games and prizes for the kids between innings.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Kara Melendez Named Named Beulah Academy Of Science Teacher of the Year
October 17, 2024
Kara Melendez has been named the Beulah Academy of Science 2024 Teacher of the Year. She will be under consideration for the Escambia County Teacher of the Year to be announced later this school year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Shift to Winter Staffing, Towers Off the Beach
October 17, 2024
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards have shifted to winter staffing levels, and lifeguard towers have been removed from the beach until the 2025 lifeguard season. Lifeguards will maintain a presence on Pensacola Beach throughout the winter at Casino Beach and via patrol vehicles.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present.
Beach condition flag warnings are as follows:
- Green flag – Low Hazard: Generally calms surf and currents
- Yellow flag – Medium Hazard: Moderate surf and/or currents
- Red flag – High Hazard: High surf and/or dangerous currents; beach patrons are encouraged to remain out of the water
- Double red flag – Water Closed: No swimming or wading
- Purple flag – Stinging Marine Life: Flown when jellyfish, Portuguese man o’war or other stinging marine life are present
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
