Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Escambia County Crash
May 9, 2025
An Orange Beach man has been charged with DUI manslaughter after a fatal crash early Friday morning in Escambia County.
Wyatt Cole Watson, 20, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Watson was traveling east on Highway 98 around 1:35 a.m. when he failed to maintain his lane and traveled the wrong way into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the second vehicle was pronounced deceased.
Watson was airlifted to a local hospital and later booked into the Escambia County Jail where he is being held without bond.
One Charged As ECSO Closes Cantonment Drug House
May 9, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says they have closed a Cantonment drug house.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Cayden Way, in the Graystone subdivision just east of Nowak Road. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs and firearms.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducting the search located approximately 64 grams of cocaine, over 800 grams of marijuana, and 34 grams of an substance identified as spice. In addition to the narcotics, two firearms and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. Over $500 in cash was also found at the location.
Following the search, Bruce Lamar Gibbs, 46, was charged with trafficking in cocaine; possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver; possession of synthetic cannabinoids; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies Slip To Horizon In Regional Quarterfinals
May 9, 2025
In the 6A FHSAA Softball Regional Quarterfinals, the Tate Lady Aggies slipped 8-6 to the Horizon Hawks Thursday night in Winter Garden.
In three and one-third innings, Jordan Smith surrendered eight runs (half earned) on six hits, walking one and striking out four. Peyton Womack went two and two-thirds innings, surrendering one hit and no runs while striking out four and walking one.
Mykamia Padgett had three RBIs for the Lady Aggie as she went 1-3 for the night. Kara Wine, Kaylie Mitchell, Kinzlee Biggs, and Amburleigh Laird each added one hit.
The Aggies ended their season at 8-15. Horizon will advance to the semifinals to take on Navarre next week.
In other local area action, Pace shut out Fletcher 11-0 and will host Oakleaf on May 13 in the semis.
Pictured: The Tate Lady Aggies Thursday night in Winter Park, Florida. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Set To Begin $1.3 Million In Water Meter Upgrade Project
May 9, 2025
The Town of Century is about to undertake a $1.3 million water meter and service line project.
Thursday morning, the town’s engineering firm held a pre-construction conference meeting with the contractor and town staff to review the project prior to a tentative start day of May 27. Competition is expected by late March 2026.
A $1,301,892 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant will be used to replace all of Century’s approximately 825 existing commercial and residential water meters, moving from a manual read system to a radio reporting system.
Customers may experience a water outage of about 30 minutes when their meter is replaced; the town aims to notify customers before their replacement date. No work will be done on the customers’ side of the meter, other than the actual connection.
The existing meters were installed as a radio read system in 2011, but the system has long since failed and the meters are read manually each month.
The project will include replacement of all commercial and residential water service lines from the main to the customer connection. This includes connection to the water main, new service lines under the road (if required), and replacement of the meter box and all its contents including a new water meter.
Through an interlocal agreement, the Escambia County will use the state grant to reimburse Century for the project.
Pictured: A pre-construction meeting was held Thursday morning in Century for an upcoming water meter and service line replacement project. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Appeals Court Upholds 30-Year Sentence For Armed Century Drug Trafficker
May 9, 2025
The Florida First District Court of Appeal this week rejected a Century man’s claim that his 30-year state prison sentence was illegal.
In 2023, it took an Escambia County jury less than an hour to find Kendrick Jamar Washington guilty of trafficking in cocaine, carrying an unlicensed concealed firearm and carrying a concealed firearm while trafficking in cocaine.
Prosecuting attorney Christopher Patterson argued, “Armed drug traffickers must be held accountable for profiting from the pain and misery they inflict upon our community.”
In his appeal, Washington claimed his sentence was illegal because he was sentenced as a habitual offender rather than under sentencing guidelines for the amount of cocaine he had. He asserted that offenders can’t be sentenced as a repeat offender for possessing drugs.
On June 24, 2022, Washington allegedly pointed “an assault rifle” at his sister and threatened to kill her, according to an arrest report. She headed to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Century Precinct to file a report.
During the investigation, deputies were alerted of an armed disturbance on Ashford Alley off Jefferson Avenue and detained Washington. A .38 Special revolver and a Del-Ton rifle were recovered from Washington, along with a .223 round in the chamber, 13 rounds in the magazine of the rifle and five rounds in his pocket, according to an arrest report.
Deputies located over 98 grams of cocaine in Washington’s right pocket and a loaded .38 caliber revolver in his left pocket, according to court documents. A total of $4,642 in currency was found on Washington’s person, deputies said.
Washington is currently incarcerated at Gulf Correctional Institution in Wewahitchka.
Rotary Academic All-Stars Named From Northview, ECHS, Escambia Academy, Atmore Christian
May 9, 2025
The Atmore Rotary Club has named 190 area high school students as Academic All-Stars during their 40th annual program on Thursday night.
Over $30,000 in scholarships were awarded to high school seniors based on the number of years they have been an Academic All-Star.
In addition, the Rotary Club presented merit scholarships to three seniors:
- Little John Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) — Madison Freeman, Escambia Academy
- William and Mary Grissett Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) — Ana Chesley Robinson, Escambia Academy
- Randolph B Luttrell, Sr. Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) — Colton Cristwell, Northview High School
Those honored as Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Stars were:
(Four-Year Academic All-Stars are denoted with asterisks.)
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Freshmen
Aadan Glen Adams
Jaxon Cole Anderson
Kayde Roy Boettger
Addysen Hope Bolen
Madelyn Grace Calloway
Hailey Rae Carrillo
Kenley Denise Clayton
Logan Michael Diller
Santiago Espinoza Jr.
Parker Wilson Ganey
Carmen Isabela Garcia
Nicole Natalie Garcia
Sawyer Evan Gilmore
William Richard Gilmore
Emma Claire Godwin
Michael Thomas Greenwell
Brody Stephen Hall
Camden Brody Jacobson
Meeyah Rebekah Lassitter
Richard Warner Maxwell
John Tyler McAnally
Mason Neil McKinnon
Hunter Jamal Parker
Allison Kenleigh Penton
Bentley Isaiah Wesley Reeme
Emma Brooke Reynolds
Makinzi Layne Roley
Jackson Wade Salter
Katelyn Nicole Sanchez
Isabella Dawn Sanspree
Tucker Cade Scully
Avery Kate Trawick
Asiria Viera
Kaylee Nichole Wilson
Sophomores
Aunaleah Noel Arredondo
Jayden Luis Arredondo
Camden Reed Borelli
Alvia Lynne Brinkman
Christian Noelle Caraway
William Scott Classen
James Lee Connors II
Asher Lin Creighton
Caley Tristine Daharsh
Morgan Elizabeth Driver
Annberly Grace Dunn
Hallie Christine Emmons
Kobi Drake Fiorenti
Maria Valeria Franco
Brielle Tiffany Garcia
Hayden Ally Gipson
Ashley Marie Gleason
Micheal David Griffis
Lori Madelyn Hall
Olivia Delaney Hall
Cara Danielle Johnson
Presley Malese Johnson
Wesley Ryan Lambeth
Kylee Emerson Langham
Caleb Alton Levins
Kaylee Brett Long
Derreanna Monae Lyons
Mikayla Grace McAnally
Ryan Matthew Neal
Grace Abigail Oliver
Makayla Plato
Daviona Leeshay Randolph
Dakota Wayne Richardson
Lexi Elizabeth Smallwood
Alexis Jacqueline Strength
Julianna Elise Tidwell
Raleigh Cheryl Warr
Allison Kate Yoder
Juniors
Lauren Gabrielle Abbott
Claire Marie Amerson
Wade Allen Bailey
Kathryn Abagail Beasley
Cameron Edward Bodiford
Jackson Baker Bridges
Alyssa Danielle Brooks
Leah Riley Brooks
Cinseirr Rain Burgess
Tyler Benjamin Carach
Kenselee Savannah Chavira
Addison Alaina Classen
Mileigh Elizabeth Clifford
Stevi Nicole Cofield
Elizabeth Faith Coleman
Ayden Brice Crabtree
Talaysha Sherry Curry
Aakira Nichelle Davis
Olivia Evelyn Doyle
Addison Faith Eicher
Lucas Wade Godwin
Shelby Lynn Greenwell
Fallon Christina Hubbard
Keeli Victoria Knighten
Kinley Michelle Knowles
Anna Kunkel
Makenzie Lynn Levins
Julinna Paige Little
Macy McKayla Miller
Carley Ruth Moore
Braylan Hope Shelly
Jackson Cade Simmons
Liam Patrick Simonson
Ona Lee Spinks
Maggie Suzanne Stewart
Grecia Viera
Seniors
Ayden William Atallah
Destiny Alexis Burt
Ashton Connor Covan *
Colton Ray Criswell *
Benjamin Luke Diamond
JaCee Leigh Dortch
Maddie Mae Driskell *
Alysia Renee Enfinger
Delina Jolie Garcia
Cody Allen Geneux
Tyler Matthew Gilmore
Noah Webster Goslee
Mary Catherine Hughes
Matthew Daniel Hunter
Kelan Davis Jurey
Laura Hope Laborde
Kamryn Elizabeth Langham
Madison Ann Levins
Kaitlin Rena Lloyd
Brandon Latrell Odom
Ally Bama Richardson *
Naoki Cassandra Rogers
Lilly Grace Smallwood *
Mallory Kaitlyn Smith
Bryce Rolhings Stabler
Kate Ashley Stinson
Lauren Ashley Stinson *
Jayden Kenneth White *
Brian James Yoder *
ATMORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Freshmen
Jenna Kennell
Elizabeth Landis
Sophomores
Ricardo Ixmatlahua
Jordan Overton
Jordan Salter
Juniors
Jovanny Ixmatlahua
Tyson Kennell
Senior
Daniel Overton
ESCAMBIA ACADEMY
Freshmen
Leah Elizabeth Baggett
Kimorah Patrice Goldsmith
Izabella Hadley
Cleria Lanice McCants
Jackson Bennett Sellers
Jett Tillery
Sophomores
Asher Covington
Kate Davis
Marshall Gandy
Traegan James
Aleah Livingston
Elizabeth Madden
Clinton Grant Sasser
Hayden Sheets
Aidan Thomas
Juniors
Brilee Handley
Raelynn Manac
Ronta Watson
Seniors
Madison Elizabeth Freeman
Cade Leachman
Logan Madden
Eli McElhaney
Jamison Keith McGhee
Reiley Morgan
Ana Chesley Robinson *
Daygen Slate
Bryce Anthony Stevens
ESCAMBIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Freshmen
Jaliyah KingJyshaviah Knight
LaRodshia Lee
Omari McCorvey
Timothy Melvin
Sophomore
Zyneria McNeal
Khloe Sanders
Juniors
Sara Embley
Zyriah Finklea
Amarion Lemon
Imari Lemon
Demyia Munlyn
Seniors
Enaf Almatari
Keegan Davis
Chloe Dawson *
Labrice Johnson
Jacob PageAshley Parra Cerritos *
52 Escambia County Student Heros Honored
May 9, 2025
Fifty-two Escambia County students who have overcome significant hardships were honored at the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards and ECCPTAs/PTSAs Students of the Year Awards.
“Cox is proud to recognize these remarkable students and celebrate their inspirational impact on their peers and school staff,” said David Deliman, vice president of Cox’s Gulf Coast market. “Despite facing numerous challenges in their young lives, they continue to maintain a positive outlook. They’re true heroes who deserve to be celebrated.”
The students were selected by a committee of school leaders to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issues, difficult family situations, or other hardships, they have done so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them.
“The Escambia County Council on PTAs and PTSAs is humbled to honor these 52 outstanding students from across Escambia County,” said Melanie Gambill, president of the ECCPTAs/PTSAs. “Their resilience in the face of adversity and continued success in school reflect a remarkable strength of character. They truly are an inspiration to us all.”
“We’re honored to once again collaborate with Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTAs to acknowledge these outstanding students,” stated Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard. “Escambia County Public Schools greatly values this ongoing partnership, and we appreciate the positive impact on our students.”
During the event, Cox presented the students with personalized engraved medallions and certificates of honor, while the ECCPTAs/PTSAs awarded certificates, and medallions.
Additionally, the students received certificates of accomplishment from United States Senator Rick Scott, United States Senator Ashley Moody, Florida State Senator Don Gaetz, and Florida State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Alex Andrade. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners also presented a proclamation at the event, congratulating all the student honorees and proclaiming May 2025 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero month in Escambia County.
Escambia County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes/ECCPTAs/PTSAs Students of the Year for 2025 are:
- A.K. Suter Elementary School – Ainsley Cochran
- Bellview Elementary School – Beyonce Bargaineer
- Bellview Middle School – LaTrell Jackson
- Beulah Elementary School – Tre’Niyah Jones
- Beulah Middle School – Kaden McKahand
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Otto Cohee
- Bratt Elementary School – Faith Miller
- Brentwood Elementary School – Robinson Choc
- Brown Barge Middle School – Marquise Gary
- Byrneville Elementary School – Jaxon Sparks
- C.A. Weis Elementary School – Ny’Asia McClain
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Barrett Lee
- Ensley Elementary School – George Young
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Kameron Brown
- Escambia High School – Hayden Boyd
- Escambia Westgate Center – Dominic DiChristopher
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Pablo Llanquileo
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Winter Rose Tirado
- Global Learning Academy – Jaden Crayton
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Abigail “Abby” Randall
- Holm Elementary School – Davieon Reid
- Hope Horizon – Elementary – Waylon Booher
- Hope Horizon – Secondary – Kaden McWhite
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Brycen Sigler
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Summer Smith
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Tevin Lane
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Zaydisen Vasquez
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Layla James
- Longleaf Elementary School – Logan Kling
- McArthur Elementary School – James Craig
- Molino Park Elementary – Gemma Phillips
- Montclair Elementary School – K’Jawn Washington
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Cameron Cruikshank
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Breana “Bre” Wilson
- Navy Point Elementary School – Caylee Deleo
- Northview High School – Brandon Odom
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Emilio Garcia
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Princeton Wright
- Pensacola High School – Jaden Johnson
- Pine Forest High School – Tristan Johnson
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Zoey Shoemaker
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Boonsita Sangpinich
- Ransom Middle School – Dominic Gill
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Lakelyn Corcoran
- Sherwood Elementary School – Tre’dale Wiggins
- Success Academy – Shamar Montgomery
- Tate High School – Ellen Rigby
- Warrington Elementary School – Iilove Morris
- Washington High School – James Boswell
- West Florida High School – McKenzie Fuqua
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Jayda Gaston
- Workman Middle School – Aiden Renaud
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Movie Night Canceled Due To Weather
May 9, 2025
UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation, will host a community “Sheriff’s Movie Night” on this evening at Molino Park Elementary. The event, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., will offer areal families a fun evening out, complete with food and a popular animated film.
The evening will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with the serving of hotdogs and hamburgers before the main feature.
As dusk settles, the focus will shift to the big screen for the featured presentation: DreamWorks and Aardman’s stop-motion animated comedy, “Chicken Run.” The film tells the story of a group of chickens on a 1950s British egg farm, led by the determined hen Ginger. Their lives are under threat when the cruel farmer, Mrs. Tweedy, decides to turn the farm into a chicken pot pie factory. Desperate to avoid this fate, Ginger and her fellow chickens plot an elaborate escape, enlisting the help of Rocky Rhodes, a roguish American rooster who claims he can fly. Together, they face numerous hilarious and nail-biting challenges as they work together to achieve their dream of freedom.
The family-friendly movie is sure to provide entertainment for all ages, with its blend of humor, adventure, and themes of teamwork and perseverance.
Sheriff Chip W. Simmons and the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation encourage all local families to attend this free community event for an evening of food, fun, and film.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
May 9, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. High near 78. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 10pm. Low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Wahoos Swept By Biloxi Shuckers In Twin Bill
May 9, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost back-to-back games for the first time in the 2025 season, falling 10-0 and 5-2 in a doubleheader at the hands of the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
In game one, Pensacola starter Robby Snelling (L, 2-2) had an uncharacteristically shaky outing. The Blue Wahoos had allowed only two first-inning runs through their first 28 games of the season, but the Shuckers ambushed Snelling with a five-run frame thanks to a two-run double from Luis Lara and three-run homer from Zavier Warren.
The Shuckers added two more unearned runs in the second inning, leaving Snelling with seven runs allowed in two frames. A Brock Wilken solo homer in the fourth and two more Biloxi runs in the sixth would provide more than enough offense for Biloxi starter Coleman Crow, who pitched 4.2 scoreless innings in his longest start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Relievers Brian Fitzpatrick (W, 4-0) and Tyler Bryant finished off the combined three-hit shutout.
In game two, the Blue Wahoos took a quick 1-0 lead on a Jared Serna leadoff single and bloop RBI double from Nathan Martorella. But Evan Fitterer (L, 2-2) struggled in the home half of the first inning, allowing three runs on three hits and a pair of walks before departing with only two outs recorded and 41 pitches thrown.
Shuckers starter Abdiel Mendoza (W, 1-2) settled into a groove after his rocky first inning, completing 5.0 innings of one-run ball to earn his first win. Biloxi added on with a pair of solo homers off reliever Nigel Belgrave, as Garrett Spain went deep in the fourth and Ethan Murray went deep in the fifth, extending the lead to 5-1. Will Childers allowed two walks and a run in 2.0 innings of relief, but finished off the nightcap to send the Blue Wahoos to their first consecutive losses of the year with a 5-2 final.
Nelson Prada was ejected for the first time as Pensacola’s manager after arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Jamal Allen in the fifth inning of game two.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series Friday against the Shuckers. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.