Molino Man Charged With Trafficking Meth After Traffic Stop
May 31, 2025
A Molino man was arrested this week after a traffic stop escalated into a drug trafficking investigation.
Jeffery Gene Brown, 44, was charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine. He was later released from jail on a $30,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Brown’s vehicle was observed traveling northbound on Pensacola Boulevard with inoperable tag lights. A traffic stop was initiated in the parking lot of a Circle K at the corner of Pensacola Boulevard and Broad Street.
During the stop, a clear plastic baggie, consistent with narcotics transportation, was observed protruding from underneath the armrest, according to an arrest report. Brown was asked to exit the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted.
Deputies said the baggie was found to contain a white crystalline substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Behind the driver’s seat where Brown had been sitting, deputies reported finding a black bag containing a large quantity of methamphetamine, a plastic bag containing large “shards” of meth and a large digital scale. They also located a “multicolored smoking device” a box of clear sandwich gags and a pair of brass knuckles, the arrest report states.
Perfect Saturday, High In The 80s
May 31, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.
New Medical Director Brings Experience And Innovation to Escambia County Public Safety
May 31, 2025
From a young age, Dr. Ben Abo knew he wanted to help people.
He worked his first shift as an EMT the day after his 16th birthday, became a paramedic in college, and worked as a medic for several years before ultimately deciding to go to medical school.
Dr. Abo’s career has taken him all over the world, from starting a nonprofit for motorcycle ambulance service in Africa, to working as a paramedic in Ireland, to hurricane deployments in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas – just to name a few.
Dr. Abo has made a name for himself as an internationally-renowned EMS physician for his practice and engagement in EMS medical direction, disaster response, toxinology, and emergency medicine.
Now, his career in medical service is continuing in Escambia County as the new Interim Medical Director for Escambia County Public Safety, overseeing emergency medical care for all of Public Safety including Escambia County EMS, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, Escambia County Fire Rescue, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, and the Pensacola Fire Department.
Dr. Abo has big ideas for the future of Escambia County Public Safety, and he is already working on new initiatives to take emergency medical care to the next level in Escambia County.
Within his first month on the job, Dr. Abo has taken more than 200 complex or high-risk medical phone consultations to assist EMTs and paramedics on emergency calls, added new lifesaving medications including cyanide antidote kits, and responded to several dozen major calls, including several cardiac arrests where he was able to restore the patient’s pulse.
Dr. Abo said he’s already impressed with the leadership and staff at Escambia County Public Safety, especially their willingness to make changes for the sake of doing good – not just for the sake of making changes.
“The reception has been almost overwhelmingly amazing,” Dr. Abo said. “It’s been such a welcome from everybody, from Fire Rescue and EMS to law enforcement and the lifeguards. The excitement is palpable. And I don’t think it’s they’re excited just for me – I think they’re excited for growth, for someone who trusts them, someone to want to help them grow and expand care.”
Dr. Abo’s overall goal is always to provide “top notch care anywhere,” whether it’s responding to an emergency call at someone’s home or treating a patient while suspended from the side of a building after a disaster.
“We used to always say we want to provide ICU-level care in the emergency department, and now we’re bringing ICU-level and emergency department care out to the streets, to your home,” Dr. Abo said. “I don’t call it pre-hospital medicine, because if we can treat you and you don’t even have to go to the hospital – even better. For a lot of calls, we are providing the same level of care as the emergency department, right there on scene.”
One major change Dr. Abo is working on is making whole blood available to EMS crews, which can be the difference between life and death when a patient experiences significant blood loss. Currently, blood products like plasma and red blood cells are more commonly used, but some counties in Florida including Broward County and Palm Beach County have now made whole blood available for patients.
Dr. Abo said it can sometimes take agencies years to implement this change, but he is aiming high and hoping to have whole blood available for Escambia County EMS by the end of the year.
“Whether it’s a medical cause or traumatic injury, the biggest killer is lack of blood,” Dr. Abo said. “It’s been proven time and time again, if you can just give them what they’re missing, that is the best thing for the patient. We’re replacing what they’ve lost immediately and giving them a better chance to make it to the trauma center.”
With years of experience in disaster response and urban search and rescue, Dr. Abo is also passionate about improving community resiliency through prevention, education and outreach. As the coordinating Medical Team Manager for FEMA’s Florida Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue, Dr. Abo has responded to numerous major natural disasters worldwide since 2016, seeing firsthand the importance of community resiliency.
“There is so much that happens here in Escambia County and has the potential of happening here, that I truly feel that I’m going to be able to help strengthen our resiliency,” Dr. Abo said. “Education and prevention are very important. Things are going to happen, but education can help prevent a large number, and then the outcomes won’t be as bad. I look forward to working with our team and community partners to expand what we’re doing for community health and education.”
Dr. Abo continues to remain active in the EMS community at a national and international level, including research, education, speaking engagements, consulting, committees and more, along with active field response. He has also earned numerous awards throughout his career, including EMS Provider of the Year for Heroism and Valor from the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation, Touro University’s Inaugural Alumni Lamplighter Award, and multiple citations for various rescues and disaster deployments.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Abo’s experience, passion, and wealth of knowledge here in Escambia County,” Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said. “We have an amazing team of professionals who are passionate about providing the highest level of care to our residents, and I am confident that he will empower our team and help elevate our emergency medical care to the next level. Dr. Abo is already proving to be a valuable asset and forward-thinking leader for our team, and I am very excited to see what’s in store for the future of Escambia County Public Safety under his leadership.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Woman Fraudulently Purchased Truck From Dealership, Then Posed For Picture
May 31, 2025
An Escambia County woman fraudulently purchased a truck from a local dealership and even posed for a photo, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Brandi Michelle Neal, 51, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and six counts of fraud. She remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
“That’s not your name, and that’s not your truck,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post about the May 8 incident at Sandy Sansing Chevrolet on Pensacola Boulevard.
Here’s how the ECSO described what happened:
Brandi Michelle Neal didn’t have a car. And, she had her eye on a particular truck. She concocted quite a plan. She would steal another’s identity and try to buy that truck in that innocent person’s name without their knowledge. She entered a local dealership and, using the name that’s not her own, purchased a bright red Chevrolet Silverado. She even had the audacity to pose with the truck, which was adorned with a large red bow celebrating the new, if not legal, ownership (thank you for that).
She took possession of the truck. At one point, the truck came into possession of an acquaintance of hers (information is sketchy on this part). On the very next day, a private landowner contacted a tow-truck company to tow the abandoned truck from their property. Ultimately, the truck was reported stolen by fraud and returned to the dealership.
Meanwhile, Brandi Neal, still in character, discovered that the truck had been recovered and contacted the Sheriff’s Office about having the truck returned to her. Yep, the same truck that she had used another’s identity to purchase. And yes, she tried to re-acquire the truck from the Sheriff’s Office while still pretending to be the legal owner.
Obviously, the truck was not returned to her even though it contained a lot of her belongings. And yes, she was locked up under what we believe to be her real name, Brandi Michelle Neal.
By the way, it looks like she also goes by Chyna White (Chyna Whyt) on Facebook – just in case she looks to buy a car from you…that’s all for now, but we are still investigating.
ECSO Develops Two Persons Of Interest In Molino Mailbox Vandalism Case
May 31, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says they have identified two persons of interest in the destruction of multiple mailboxes last weekend in Molino. But there have yet been arrests, ECSO said Friday afternoon.
About two dozen mailboxes were damaged or destroyed in the area of Sunshine Hill Road, Crabtree Church Road, Gibson Road, and Chestnut Road. Not all of the property owners filed a reported with the sheriff’s office.
Several residents reported that the mailboxes that were damaged by someone one a four-wheeler.
Any that may have video is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Plan Ahead: Salzman To Host Constituents Day With Local, State And Federal Officials
May 31, 2025
Make your calendar — Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with local, state, and federal officials will host in-person mobile office hours to assist constituents with casework issues. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of the district offices a more convenient way to receive county, state, and federal casework assistance.
Expected to attend are:
- Representative Michelle Salzman’s Office
- Senator Rick Scott’s Office
- Congressman Jimmy Patronis’ Office
- County Commissioner Lumon May’s office
- County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger’s office
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Hope Florida
- Department of Health
- Florida Division of Blind Services
- Center for Independent Living
- Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division
The event will take place from noon until 2 p.m. on June 13 at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office – Brentwood at 5046 North Palafox Street.
“I’m honored to host the upcoming community outreach event. It’s a valuable chance for elected officials to connect with community members and support them in addressing government-related concerns,” Salzman said.
Laskey’s Quality Start Not Enough In 3-1 Wahoos Loss
May 31, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got another solid performance from their pitcher on Friday night, but couldn’t generate enough offense in a 3-1 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Adam Laskey (L, 2-4) allowed just two runs over 6.0 innings, delivering his first professional quality start, but the Pensacola offense went just 1-for-9 with men in scoring position.
The Biscuits jumped ahead right away in the first inning, as Matthew Etzel and Brayden Taylor hit back-to-back RBI doubles with two outs for a 2-0 lead.
Montgomery starter Jackson Baumeister departed in the third inning with an apparent injury, and Jonny Cuevas (W, 1-0) entered in unexpected relief and contributed 3.0 scoreless frames. The Blue Wahoos left runners in scoring position in the first, fourth, fifth and sixth innings in an unsuccessful effort to back up Laskey’s strong start.
Pensacola reliever Justin King walked the bases loaded in the seventh inning and hit Cooper Kinney to force in a run, extending the Montgomery lead to 3-0. Josh Zamora delivered a long-awaited RBI single in the eighth to bring home Cody Morissette and get the Blue Wahoos on the board, but Derrick Edington (S, 1) entered to get the final out of the eighth inning and work a spotless ninth for the save in a 3-1 final.
With the defeat, the Blue Wahoos have lost 10 games in a row for the first time in team history.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Saturday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Boil Water Notice Lifted For Farm Hill Utility Customers
May 31, 2025
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFTED MONDAY MORNING, JUNE 2.
Due to a broken water main at Muscogee Road and County Road 97, Farm Hill Utilities has issued a precautionary boil water notice for a portion of their service rea.
Specifically, the boil water notice includes the area bounded by Jacks Branch Road and adjacent roads, Muscogee Road and Andalusia Road.
Residents located in the area are advised that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used. This “precautionary boil water notice” will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
For more information, contact Farm Hill Utilities at (850) 968-2573 or check their website.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Work Release Inmate Struck By Vehicle
May 30, 2025
An Escambia County work release inmate was struck by a vehicle Friday afternoon in Cantonment.
It happened about 2:45 p.m. on Muscogee Road at Country Road 97.
“An Escambia County inmate was struck by a vehicle while on work release detail. The inmate is being transported by EMS for further evaluation,” Andie Gibson, Escambia County public information officer, said after the incident.
The driver of a Chevrolet Silverado apparently struck the inmate as Escambia County crews were working in the area. Farm Hill Utilities was also working in the area to repair a water main break, but it was not immediately clear if that contributed in any way to the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not yet released further details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged In String Of Vehicle Theft Cases
May 30, 2025
A Cantonment man has been charged in string of vehicle theft cases.
Timothy Garrett was charged with multiple counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft from a posted construction site, dealing in stolen property, resisting, and criminal mischief.
In February, a Kubota RTV was stolen from a posted Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) construction site on Old Chemstrand Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The site’s fence was cut to gain entry, and a side-by-side, valued at $12,700, was taken. Investigators said that Timothy Garrett allegedly offered the stolen Kubota for sale shortly after its disappearance. Two separate witnesses reported Garrett attempting to sell them the vehicle for just $800.
Further investigation linked Garrett to the theft of a Yamaha Warrior 4-wheeler from a residence on Molino Road in March. The victim reported their fence was cut, and the 4-wheeler, valued at $1,500, was stolen. Information gathered during the inquiry suggested Garrett was seen with the stolen 4-wheeler, and its tires were later located at a property on Jacks Branch Road. Garrett claimed to have purchased the 4-wheeler from a teenager, but this account was refuted by another individual.
Most recently, in May, deputies attempted to locate Garrett on Jacks Branch Road in connection with active warrants. Garrett was observed riding a green motorcycle dirt bike and attempted to flee. After a pursuit, he was apprehended. The motorcycle was later identified as stolen from a residence on San Carlos Road.
Garrett remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set $87,500.