Escambia County Deputy Involved Shooting Under Investigation
May 26, 2025
A deputy-involved shooting occurred Sunday night in Escambia County.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s office deputy responded to a reported trespassing call in the 7200 block of Plantation Road about 7:30 p.m. While on the call, the deputy was notified of a disturbance and heard multiple gunshots at 850 Fusion, across from Cat Country 98.7.
When the deputy arrived on the scene of the shooting, a suspect armed with a firearm confronted the deputy, forcing the deputy to fire towards the suspect, according to the ECSO.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“He was transported to a local hospital for treatment,” the ECSO said in a statement Sunday night. “At this time, it is unknown if the suspect’s injuries are from a shot fired by the deputy or the previous gunshots that were fired. No officers were injured.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has been notified and is actively investigating the incident, as is standard procedure in all deputy-involved shootings.
Memorial Day: North Escambia Monuments Honor Those That Served
May 26, 2025
On Memorial Day, people across North Escambia and the country remember the brave men and women that have served and sacrificed all.
In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military. Below, we are highlighting some of the outdoor memorials that residents can visit today.
Continue scrolling; the article continues below the photos.
LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park
The LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park was dedicated in Bratt on November 8, 2011, in honor of the local Marine killed in action in August 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.
The park features a memorial in Nelson’s honor. It is located on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
Century Veterans Wall of Honor
About four dozen of those that served from the Century area are honored on the Century Veterans Wall of Honor at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2008 and also honors local soldiers killed in action.
The Century Veterans Wall of Honor is located in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) and Hecker Road.
Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veterans Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are about 300 names on the wall, including names of just over a dozen soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
The late Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veterans Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
Many of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veterans Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Molino Residents Frustrated Over Damaged Mailboxes
May 26, 2025
Molino residents are expressing frustration after multiple mailboxes were destroyed over the weekend.
They estimate that 15-25 mailboxes were damaged or destroyed in the area of Sunshine Hill Road, Crabtree Church Road, Gibson Road, and Chestnut Road.
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.
Blue Wahoos Fall To Barons, Suffer Rare Home Sweep
May 26, 2025
Sunday’s 6-2 loss marked the first six-game sweep of the Blue Wahoos at Blue Wahoos Stadium in franchise history.
After taking four of six from the Rocket City Trash Pandas in the first half of their 12-game homestand, the Blue Wahoos dropped six in a row to the Birmingham Barons.
Trailing 4-2 in the seventh with one out, the bases were loaded for the heart of the Blue Wahoos lineup. After enduring a week of offensive struggles, the Blue Wahoos were staring at one of their best opportunities all week. A foul out and popout later, Barons reliever Tyler Davis escaped without giving up a run after walking two and allowing one hit in the frame.
The squandered opportunity was one of many this week for the Blue Wahoos as they dropped six straight at home, and have now fallen to 23-22 with the race to the end of the first half heating up.
Birmingham’s bats jumped ahead in the top of the third against starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, as centerfielder Jacob Burke sent a fly ball out to left for a solo home run, his second round-tripper of the year.
The offense came alive for the Blue Wahoos in the fourth inning as they got their second look at Birmingham starter Riley Gowens (5-0) this week.
Designated Hitter Nathan Martorella led off with a double to left-center and scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Mark Coley II. Dalvy Rosario picked up an RBI of his own with a single up the middle, his second hit of the day, to put the Wahoos ahead 2-1.
The runs for the Blue Wahoos broke a 15-inning streak of being shut out by the Barons’ pitching staff, dating back to the seventh inning of Friday night’s game.
After the Blue Wahoos took the lead in the fourth, the Barons rattled off one run in each of the next three innings to take a 4-2 lead. Rikuu Nishida tied it in the fifth with an RBI single, Jacob Gonzalez took the lead in the sixth with a solo home run to right and Adam Hackenberg hit a solo home run of his own in the seventh.
All three runs were charged to left-hander Luis Palacios (1-2), who was saddled with the loss on Sunday.
The Barons added some insurance in the eighth, as they added two unearned runs against right-hander Jesse Bergin to push their lead to 6-2.
After Gonzalez reached on a throwing error by Jared Serna, Caden Connor picked up an RBI after sneaking a ball just past the reach of Serna, while Mario Camiletti knocked in Gonzalez on a single to right.
After going 4-8 over their 12-game homestand, the Blue Wahoos will turn their attention to a six-game set in Montgomery, Alabama, against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (June 1).
WHERE: Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery, Alabama.
GAMETIMES: The games on Tuesday through Friday will start at 6:35 p.m., Saturday’s game starts at 6:05 p.m. and Sunday’s game starts at 3:33 p.m.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder After High-Speed Chase And Shooting
May 25, 2025
An Atmore man is facing attempted murder and felony fleeing charges after a shooting incident followed by a high-speed pursuit.
James Antonio Johnson, 24, of Atmore, turned himself in to authorities.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, Atmore Police Officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired in the area of Sowell Avenue and Trout Street. The victim and witnesses provided dispatch with a description of a vehicle fleeing the scene.
An Atmore Police Officer en route to the shooting location observed a vehicle matching the description leaving the area. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop and made eye contact with the driver, whom he recognized as James Antonio Johnson. Johnson then dramatically accelerated, reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour on Carver Avenue as he attempted to evade the officer. The officer briefly lost sight of Johnson’s vehicle before locating it abandoned at a nearby residence.
Upon interviewing the victim of the shooting, Johnson was positively identified as the individual who had fired shots at their vehicle. Investigators processed the scene, recovering 27 spent shell casings from two different caliber firearms.
Johnson was charged with attempted murder and felony fleeing a law enforcement officer. Johnson was subsequently transported to the Escambia County, AL Detention Center.
Authorities have indicated that another person of interest has been identified in connection with the shooting, and arrest warrants for that suspect are expected to be obtained. The investigation into the incident remains open.
Search For Felony Suspect Turns Up Empty In Dogwood Park
May 25, 2025
The search for a suspect turned up empty Saturday night in Dogwood Park after several hours.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect abandoned a stolen vehicle in the area of Highway 97 and Holly Park Lane, not far from the Dogwood Park Baptist Church. Thanks to OnStar tracking, deputies located the truck after it was reported stolen.
Deputies set up a perimeter and searched for the suspect using a drone and K-9. The search was called off after several hours.
The only available description was a shorter white male possible in his 30s.
The truck was recovered.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Book Drop Is Back At The Molino Library
May 25, 2025
The ribbon has been “cut” on a new book drop at the Molino Library.
The previous book drop (pictured below) had been out of service and was replaced.
The Molini Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A, in the Molino Community Center. The book drop is located out front on the right (south) end of the building, closest to the tax collector and property appraiser offices.
Pictured top: The ribbon cutting for the new book return (courtesy photo). Pictured below: The former book drop had been out of service (NorthEscambia.com photo). Click to enlarge.
Two Escambia County Ambulances Involved In Three-Vehicle Crash
May 25, 2025
Two Escambia County EMS ambulances were involved in a crash Saturday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the two ambulances were traveling east on Blue Angel Parkway and approached stopped traffic near Longleaf Creek Drive. The first ambulance stopped, as did a Nissan SUV. The second ambulance driver, a 23-year-old male failed to observe the stopped traffic and collided with the SUV. The collision pushed the SUV into the first ambulance. The driver of the SUV, a 51-year-old Escambia County man was transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.
The FHP indicated that each ambulance had a passenger, but the report did not indicate if the passengers were EMS staff or patients.
Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Memorial Day Tips From Escambia County
May 25, 2025
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Escambia County is offering a few simple tips for a safe, fun Memorial Day:
Traffic
- Be patient and leave early. Traffic will be heavy, and parking will be limited.
- If parking is full in the core areas of Pensacola Beach, take advantage of the free trolleys offered by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. The trolleys are operated by Escambia County Area Transit and will run daily from 4 p.m. to midnight through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1.
- Please note that the toll plaza across Bob Sikes Bridge is an electronic toll. No cash or coins can be collected. The county encourages motorists to plan ahead and use electronic toll collection devices (i.e. SunPass®, E-Pass, Annual Pass, NC Quick Pass, Peach Pass, E-ZPass) or TOLL-BY-PLATE from SunPass.
Water Safety Tips
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Watch the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page. The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards introduced a daily text message service updating surf conditions. To sign up, text “PBFLAGS” to 888-777.
- Regardless of swimming level, never swim alone, and always swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguards staff six Gulf-front towers, a tower at Quietwater public use areas on Pensacola Beach, at the Gulf Islands National Seashore areas of Fort Pickens, Opal Beach and Johnson Beach, and, beginning Saturday, May 24, Public Beach Access #2 in Perdido Key.
- If in doubt, don’t go out.
- Remember: Alcohol, sun and swimming do not mix.
- Break the Rip: Know how to escape a rip current. The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards demonstrate how to break the grip of a rip current, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
Pensacola Beach Flag System The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards fly surf warning flags in several locations along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The colored flag system measures the following surf risks:
- Green flag – Low Hazard: Generally calm surf and currents
- Yellow flag – Medium Hazard: Moderate surf and/or currents
- Red flag – High Hazard: High surf and/or dangerous currents; beach patrons 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
Beach patrons are advised that the absence of a beach flag in their location does not assure water safety. Heat Safety Tips
- Be sure to wear and reapply sunscreen often.
- Avoid strenuous activities and wear light clothing.
- Check on elderly family members and neighbors.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Hot Car Safety Tips
- “Look before you lock!” When traveling with companions, double-check to ensure everyone is out before locking the vehicle.
- Place a reminder item, such as a stuffed animal, in your vehicle’s passenger seat to ensure remembering to assist all passengers in exiting the vehicle.
- Keep the vehicle locked and keys out of reach. Children can potentially lock themselves inside hot vehicles on accident.
- Do not assume passengers are capable of exiting a vehicle alone. Check in with all passengers and assist in exiting the vehicle when necessary.
Pet Safety Tips for Warm Weather
- Pets can overheat quickly in warm weather. Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water and access to shade to avoid overheating.
- Be able to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion in a pet, such as difficulty breathing, excessive panting, weakness or increased drooling. If you notice these symptoms, take your pet to a cool area.
- Never leave a pet in an unattended vehicle. When driving with a pet, leave an item such as a purse or cell phone in the backseat to ensure remembering to retrieve the pet.
- Limit the time a pet spends on hot asphalt. Hot asphalt can increase the chance of overheating in pets and can burn the pet’s paws.
Leave No Trace
- Remember to “leave no trace” and keep Pensacola Beach sea turtle-friendly. Properly dispose of trash, fill in any holes in the sand and remove belongings from the beach at the end of the day. This includes not leaving any personal property unattended on the sandy gulf beach from sunset until sunrise like umbrellas, tents, beach toys and chairs.
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
- Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on any of the beaches except in the two designated dog parks on Pensacola Beach. East: Lot E on Via De Luna Drive, beach walkover 28B. West: Lot B on Fort Pickens Road, beach walkover 21E.
Pool Safety While not everyone plans to head to the beach during Memorial Day weekend, several will choose to enjoy the weekend in or near a swimming pool. Along with enjoying a day at the pool, grilling is a common activity enjoyed during Memorial Day weekend. Escambia County offers the following swimming pool and grilling safety tips:
- Always watch children and never leave them unattended.
- If a child is missing, check the pool first.
- Learn to swim and make sure the children do, too.
- Always designate a watcher by the pool.
- Have life-saving equipment such as life rings or reaching poles available for use.
- Make sure children who are in the water stay away from drains.
- Do not run in the pool area to avoid slipping and causing injury.
- Avoid diving into the shallow end of a pool.
Grilling Safety
- Only use your grill outside.
- Keep your grill at least three feet away from any siding, rails or eaves.
- Keep a three-foot zone around your grill. This will keep children and pets safe.
- If using a gas grill, open the top before lighting the grill.
- Keep an eye on the grill at all times.
- Clean the grill after each use. Remove any grease to avoid any grease fires.
- If using charcoal, remove the coals once they have cooled and place them into a metal garbage can with a lid.
Slight Chance Of Sunday Rain; High In The Low 90s
May 25, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Memorial Day: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.