Disaster Recovery Residents can soon apply for help with housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs, but the federal application portal is not yet live. Escambia County has received a FEMA Disaster…
Category: Escambia County
Escambia Children’s Trust Awards $3.6 Million to 11 Early Childhood Programs
Escambia’s Children’s Trust backed all 11 early learning programs in a 4–1 vote, overriding its own scoring panel, as kindergarten readiness sinks to just 36%.
PNJ’s Paid Print Distribution Down 86% Since 2018
On Oct. 1, the Pensacola News Journal published its United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation. According to the statement, the News Journal’s average paid distribution of print editions—mail…
Patronis says Trump Signed Disaster Declaration
Trump signed the Isaias disaster declaration, but it covers only Public Assistance. Individual aid for Panhandle families is still under review. See details
Escambia Voting Up Over 2022 Figures
Escambia voters are showing up: 5,330 more ballots than 2022, with early voting leading the way. See the numbers and the races to watch
Panhandle Remains in Federal Disaster Declaration Limbo
Michael got a disaster declaration in 1 day. Sally in 7. Isaias? Nearly 3 weeks and still waiting on Trump’s signature. Northwest Florida deserves answers now.
Region’s Infant Mortality Down; Fetal Mortality Up Significantly
Region 1 fetal deaths jumped from 41 to 54 while the state rate stayed lower. Tuesday, a $3.5M early childhood grants goes before Children’s Trust for a vote.
Hofberger Doubles Down on Religion Scapegoating
Hofberger says Joe Vinson should answer for his church. Second mailer says he has no public service. His record says otherwise. She showed no service in ’24.
Library Governance Meets Today, First Time Since April
After six months of canceled meetings, the library board meets today. The agenda skips what will be board’s role in picking the next library director?
The KKK Playbook Resurrected for Hofberger’s Campaign
A century ago, Pensacola’s Klan used fear of Catholics to win votes. A 2026 mailer targets Joe Vinson’s church. Know this playbook before you vote.
Mudslinging Returns: Hofberger Attacks Vinson’s Church
Early voting underway. A mailer photoshops Joe Vinson with Kamala Harris and AOC and targets his church. Same PAC also did the same to help Hofberger in 2024.
Long Play Sees Florida in Play for Democrats
Politics Jennifer Palmieri, the former White House communications director for President Obama, did not plan to put Florida in her new YouTube series. Then she watched what was happening in Tallahassee. Palmieri…
Eric Gilmore: Escambia County’s Hurricane Recovery
Escambia’s public safety chief reveals how a week of planning shaped the hurricane response and why internet is now a priority utility.
Escambia School Board Pulls 256 Books Without Discussion, Including a Holocaust Novel Taught Under State Law
Escambia schools pulled 256 books with no discussion, including a Holocaust novel taught under Florida law. A teacher pleaded. A plumber pushed back.
ECUA’s Lois Benson: Yarborough Was “Not a Good Fit
ECUA will pay Jason Yarborough 4 months after just 102 days on the job. Board member Lois Benson says he was “not a good fit” but won’t say why.
Bear’s Farewell to the TDC: Childers “Continues to Bully” Tourism Industry
Bear’s farewell to the TDC: Clerk Childers “continues to bully” tourism. Reeves wants lawyers. The chair wants patience. Hofberger said nothing.
Education Commission Mack’s Memo Snares ‘Harriet the Spy’
Florida’s education chief warns school districts: pull risky library books before parents find them, or risk state funds. Escambia is named in the memo.
Escambia County School Board to Vote on Removing 256 More Books
Escambia County schools may pull 256 books tonight, and a federal court just ruled board members must testify on why. Read more at ricksblog.biz
Hurricane Recover Updates—Tuesday a.m.
Hurricane Isaias cleanup: $16M and climbing. 1M cubic yards of debris hauled in Pensacola. Parks, meals, ECAT and aid updates at ricksblog.biz
ECUA’s Jason Yarborough Gets Four Months of Pay After Barely Three Months on the Job
ECUA’s director worked 102 days but will be paid for 123 more. Inside the $100K separation deal, the outside-job clause and the questions the board must answer.
