Man Claims Self Defense, Found Not Guilty In Cantonment Murder
September 4, 2022
Jonathon Taylor Hobbs of Cantonment walked out of the Escambia County Jail Saturday a free man, following his acquittal on a first-degree premeditated murder
Hobbs, 29 was accused of the shooting death of 35-year old Danny Blackmon, Jr., on February 1, 2021. He would have faced up to life in prison if the jury had convicted him.
During his trial, Hobbs claimed he shot Blackmon in self defense on Lawson Lane off Jacks Branch Road.
Hobbs was with a female friend who was trying to get her then 18-year old daughter away from Blackmon. The woman believed Blackmon was holding her against her will, but she testified that was not correct.
Hobbs testified that Blackmon approached him in an aggressive manner, threatening to kill him and his female friend.
“He took three steps coming at me, pulling something out of his pocket,” Hobbs said in court. “It was a black object. I thought it was a gun. but it wasn’t. It turned out to be a phone. I raised my gun, and I blacked out. I believe I was in shock, and I just shot. That’s all I did.”
Blackmon was shot five times, including once when he was already on the ground, according to prosecutors.
A jury deliberated several hours before returning the not guilty verdict.
Good Chance Of Scattered Showers And Storms
September 4, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Labor Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 83. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 69. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 83. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Update: Missing, Endangered Woman And Child Located
September 4, 2022
UPDATE: This missing and endangered woman and child have been located.
Previous story:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing and endangered woman missing from Cantonment since early Saturday morning.
Angelica Vanessa Galaviz was last seen about 4:30 a.m. in the 2500 block of Southern Oaks Drive.
According to the ECSO, her 1-year old son King Holder may be with her, and she may be driving a dark green Kia Soul. Additional information about the child was not provided by authorities.
Galaviz currently has black hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Cantonment Man Charged With Choking His Wife
September 4, 2022
A Cantonment man is accused of choking his wife during an argument.
Robin Taboris Richardson, 62, was charged with third degree felony domestic battery by strangulation
Richardson had been drinking earlier in the night and began to argue with his wife when they arrived home, according to an arrest report. When she began to walk out of the room, he kicked her to the floor, put his hands around her neck and choked her, the report continues.
The victim “could not breathe and had to pull his hands away from her neck to breathe,” a deputy wrote. She declined EMS.
Richardson was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100 bond.
Martha Lee Lodge
September 4, 2022
Martha Lee Lodge, 85 of Cantonment, FL passed away on August 1, 2022. She was born in Castleberry, AL on March 15, 1937 to Seth and Emma Brigham. She retired from the Escambia School District as a teacher assistant.
Martha enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling the country. As a proud Nana, she enjoyed her grand and great grandchildren. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Cantonment. She was active in the Merrymakers. As a devoted wife, mother, Nana, friend and servant of the Lord, Martha will be greatly missed.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lodge; son, Keith Andrew Lodge; her parents, Seth and Emma Brigham; sisters, Mabel Hollinhead, Ruth Hagan, Lois Lister; and brother, William Brigham.
She was survived by her daughter, Cindy Hamlett; daughter-in-law, Alissa Lodge; grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, Zoe, Megan and Colbi; ten great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Spiegelhalter; brother-in-law, Daniel Lodge; a beloved niece, Judy (David) Webb; and loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Cantonment, 118 Morris Avenue, Cantonment, FL . A Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Will Stone and Pastor Terry Grey to officiate services.
Blue Wahoos Fall 6-3 Saturday Night To Chattanooga
September 4, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their Saturday night contest to the Chattanooga Lookouts by a score of 6-3, squandering another quality start from A.J. Ladwig.
Ladwig (L, 7-5) pitched into the seventh inning, but the Blue Wahoos offense went just 1-for-16 with men in scoring position. Ladwig has now lost back-to-back starts in which he completed at least six innings with three or fewer earned runs.
Chattanooga scored four runs in the second thanks to back-to-back doubles from Allan Cerda and Brian Rey, followed by a throwing error from Nasim Nuñez that led to three unearned runs.
Pensacola had opportunities against Lookouts starter Connor Phillips (W, 1-4), but left seven men on base over the first five innings. They finally broke through against reliever Spencer Stockton in the sixth on a two-out, two-run double from Demetrius Sims.
The Blue Wahoos got another run back in the seventh, though Cobie Fletcher-Vance’s bases-loaded RBI fielder’s choice could have been more if not for a diving play from Lookouts shortstop Elly De La Cruz to preserve the Chattanooga lead. The Lookouts used that momentum in the bottom of the seventh, getting an RBI triple from De La Cruz and an RBI double from Christian Encarnacion-Strand on back-to-back pitches against Ladwig to stretch their lead to 6-3.
In the ninth, the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with no outs before Connor Curlis (S, 1) retired the next three batters to preserve the Chattanooga win.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Lookouts on Sunday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Bettie Till Webb
September 4, 2022
Bettie Till Webb, age 87 of Pensacola (Cantonment), Florida passed away peacefully on August 30, 2022. She was born in Georgiana, Alabama, but spent the majority of her life in the Pensacola area. Bettie was a corporate secretary at her family-owned business, Webb Electric Company. She has been a member of Liberty Church for many years.
Bettie was preceded in death by her mother, Viola McCrory Till; her father, Paul E. Till, Sr.; her brother, Paul E. Till, Jr.; her sisters, Wanda Ruth Till Sumrall and Elizabeth Till; and a grandson, Shawn Wesley Pugh.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 71 years, Jerry T. Webb; her daughters, Renee’ Webb Pugh and Melinda Webb Schwartz (David); her son, Daniel A. Webb (Jackie); granddaughters, Jennifer Pugh Nolan (Michael), Heather Schwartz Johnson (Ernie), Sheryl Schwartz Hanssen (Eric), Stephanie Webb Schwartz, and Kristy Webb Beauchamp (Daniel); grandsons, Justin David Schwartz (Taryn), Jason Webb Schwartz (Kristy), Jaymes Alan Webb (Savannah), and Clinton Thomas Webb (Junieth), step-grandson, Bryan L. Schwartz; 8 great granddaughters; and 7 great grandsons.
A visitation will be held at Liberty Church – Blue Angel Campus on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 10AM-11AM with service beginning at 11AM. A procession to Pensacola Memorial Gardens for the committal service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish please consider making a donation in Bettie’s name to Globe International or Covenant Care Hospice – West Florida Hospital.
Irene Ruth James
September 4, 2022
Irene Ruth James, 78, of Cantonment, FL, died on August 30, 2022, from complications of colon cancer.
Irene was born September 15, 1943, in Potsdam, NY, to Shirley Perry Jopson but was adopted by Charles and Ruth Holden at age 3. Irene graduated from Bay County High School in Panama City, FL, in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, from which she was honorably discharged in December 1962 upon her marriage to first husband, Paul Renaud. Irene and Paul had four daughters: Mary, Paula, Pamela, and Patricia.
Irene’s career included service in school lunch programs in Gulfport, MS, and in Pensacola, FL. She also worked for over 20 years for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2006.
She is predeceased by brothers Donald Perry and Gary “Chet” Jopson; sister Lynne Lavasseur; daughters Mary Renaud and Pamela Coon; and grandson Jeremiah Coon. She is survived by her brother, George Jopson (Lisa); sisters-in-law Gloria Perry and Nadine Jopson; daughters Paula Parker (Michael) and Patricia Barlow; grandchildren Patrick Peatrowsky II, Stephanie Allaire, Michael Peatrowsky, Jason Renaud, Justin Coon, Timothy Adkison II, Emily Haber; 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was an active member of Gonzalez United Methodist Church, and her closest friends were among the congregants. Irene took on projects and challenges with courage and creativity and was a role model of dependability, resilience, and love of country.
The family acknowledges Miguel Gutierrez-Diaz, DO, for over thirty years of primary care and Covenant Hospice for six days of amazing and compassionate end-of-life care. The family will have a private memorial service.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Highway 297A Area
September 3, 2022
UPDATE 12:10 PM MONDAY: THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued by the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority for customers following a 12-inch water main break on Highway 297A Friday night.
The boil water notice is in effect for:
- 2190 – 2524 Highway 297A
- Brookwood Place
- Meander Lane
- Meander Circle
- Ashley RRoad
- Carmondy Hill Road
- Pinebrook Circle
Reader submitted photos showed the water flooding a ditch, part of yards and the shoulder of Highway 297A near Pinebrook Circle shortly after 8:30 p.m. Crews were still working to complete repairs after daybreak Saturday.
ECUA said some customers experienced low or no water pressure as a result of the water main break.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was also called to the area due to the potential traffic hazard as watered entered Highway 297A..
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Tate Homecoming Queen Intends To Sue Following Vote Scandal
September 3, 2022
Emily Grover, who was accused of rigging her election as Tate High School’s 2020 homecoming queen, has filed notice that she intends to sue the Escambia County School District and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Grover claims her civil rights were violated and she suffered emotional distress in a case that made international news.
Grover and her mother, Laura Rosa Carroll, Emily Rose Grover, were charged by FDLE with one count each of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices (a third degree felony), unlawful use of a two-way communications device (a third degree felony), criminal use of personally identifiable information (a third degree felony) and conspiracy to commit these offenses (a first degree misdemeanor).
Grover was expelled from Tate following the incident. In January 2022, Grover successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program that resulted in the charges against her being dismissed in March 2022.
In a letter from her attorney, Grover claims a FDLE investigator did not speak with anyone at the company that ran the election to verify information or establish the chain of evidence to ensure it had not been tampered with or altered.
Grover’s attorney, Marie Mattox, told our news partners at WEAR 3 that Grover did nothing criminal.
“This is a black cloud that is traveling with Emily everywhere she goes,” Mattox said.
Mattox said because of the accusations, Grover’s college acceptance was rescinded, costing her a full ride scholarship.
“She needs to be able to start her life over without this wreckage of the past and be able to live a normal life that she intended to live,” Mattox said.
The investigation began in November 2020 when the Escambia County School District contacted FDLE to report unauthorized access into hundreds of student accounts. Their investigation found that Carroll, an assistant principal at Bellview Elementary School, and her daughter Grover, a student at Tate High School, had accessed student FOCUS accounts. Carroll had district level access to the school board’s FOCUS program which is the school district’s student information system. FOCUS users are required to change their password every 45 days and Carroll’s annual training for the “Staff Responsible Use of Guidelines for Technology” was up to date.
In October 2020, hundreds of votes for Tate High School’s Homecoming Court voting were flagged as fraudulent, with 117 votes originating from the same IP address within a short period of time. FDLE said agents uncovered evidence of unauthorized access to FOCUS linked to Carroll’s cellphone as well as computers associated with their residence, with a total of 246 votes cast for the homecoming court. Multiple students reported that Grover described using her mother’s FOCUS account to cast votes. The investigation also found that beginning August 2019, Carroll’s FOCUS account accessed 372 high school records and 339 of those were of Tate High School students.
NorthEscambia.com photo.