Escambia Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of Machine Gun, Drugs
June 26, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for trafficking in large amounts of marijuana and possessing a loaded machine gun.
Antoine Booker, Jr., 21, received the sentence this week, according to John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The public should rest assured that law enforcement will not stand for armed drug traffickers endangering citizens in our streets. If you possess a machine gun to protect your drug trafficking operations, you should know that federal prison awaits you,” Heekin said.
Court documents state that on December 6, 2023, a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper was stopped at a red traffic light on Pensacola Boulevard at W Street when he observed a newer model Nissan Altima directly in front of him with dark tinted windows. He attempted a traffic stop for the tint violation.
The driver, later identified as Booker, rapidly accelerated and swerved left towards a K9 Trooper’s vehicle who just arrived to assist with the traffic stop. The driver then swerved right into a Circle K gas station located at 7950 Pensacola Blvd. As the vehicle entered the parking lot, the trooper observed what appeared to be a Ziploc-type bag with a light-colored powdery substance being tossed out of the window, and a pursuit followed.
The driver continued traveling through the Circle K parking lot northbound at speeds reaching 100 mph towards Broad Street. By this time, the K-9 Trooper became primary in the pursuit as the vehicle turned onto Pittman Ave from Broad Street. The driver continued south on Pittman Ave then east on Hope Drive. Troopers said Booker then ran a posted stop sign and turned right to continue south on Palafox St. The driver continued southbound at speeds reaching 100 mph, passed other innocent motorists in a no-passing zone and drove on the wrong side of the roadway multiple times. Booker then continued south and attempted to turn right into the Taco Rock 29 parking lot (5454 Pensacola Blvd) where he collided with a curb, and the vehicle overturned.
Booker crawled out and was caught in possession of the firearm. The firearm was a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, which was modified with a “conversion device” that rendered it an automatic firing machine gun. The machine gun contained 32 rounds of ammunition in its chamber and an extended high-capacity magazine. Law enforcement also located a large amount of marijuana, multiple digital scales for weighing and distributing the marijuana, and other illicit substances.
“Had it not been for law enforcement’s training and determination, this armed suspect would have undoubtedly wreaked havoc in Northwest Florida,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “We are proud of the partnerships we’ve built with Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal prosecutors.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Florida Highway Patrol; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Tee Off In Chattanooga, Beat Lookouts 9-5
June 26, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored early and often on Wednesday night, beating the Chattanooga Lookouts 9-5 for their third consecutive win.
Kemp Alderman and Dalvy Rosario went deep, Johnny Olmstead finished a homer shy of the cycle, and Robby Snelling (W, 3-5) twirled 7.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball as the Blue Wahoos improved to 2-0 in the second half of the Southern League season.
Alderman’s homer in the first inning against Lookouts starter Jose Acuña (L, 6-5) set the tone for the rest of the night. Rosario extended the lead to 3-0 in the second inning with a two-run shot, and Olmstead sent a two-run triple high off the wall in left field for a 5-0 lead in the third inning. The five earned runs over 3.0 innings marked a season high for Acuña, whose 2.73 ERA entering the night had been the second-best in the league.
The Blue Wahoos added more against the Chattanooga bullpen, scoring a run in the fourth inning on a missed catch error from catcher Mat Nelson and extending their lead to 8-0 in the fifth inning on sacrifice flies from Shane Sasaki and Kemp Alderman. Nathan Martorella brought home another on an RBI fielder’s choice in the seventh inning to extend the Pensacola lead to 9-0.
Snelling scattered three singles over his dominant night, striking out seven men over 7.0 quiet frames without issuing a walk. It was more than enough for Pensacola’s Opening Day starter to earn a winning decision for the first time since April 16, and tied for the longest start of the 21-year-old lefty’s professional career.
Handed a 9-0 lead in the ninth, Luarbert Arias ran into trouble in his Blue Wahoos season debut. The righty allowed five runs in just 0.1 innings before Jesse Bergin (S, 4) came on to get the final two outs and secure a 9-5 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Thursday night. First pitch from AT&T Field in Chattanooga is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. CT
John William Milner, Jr.
June 26, 2025
John William Milner, Jr., 89, of Pensacola, Florida passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of June 16, 2025, at DeLuna Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 22, 1936, to his parents John William Milner Sr. and Mary Dorothy Barton.
He was married to Dorothy (Dot) Bryan Moore for 36 years. John had worked as a Chief Broadcast Engineer at WEAR-TV, WSRE-TV and also for several various radio stations in the Southeast. He and his wife Dot owned, operated and managed the successful business of Sight and Sound Service Center in Pensacola for many years. John was a member of the Gonzalez Methodist Church in Cantonment, Florida. His longtime passion and hobby was amateur radio, or ham radio, operations. His call sign was K4VZS. His skill at repairing and rebuilding amateur radios and many other electronics was well-known and well-respected in the South and Southeast.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Milner, Sr., and Mary Dorothy Barton Milner; his sister, Judith Milner Fitzpatrick; his beloved wife, Dorothy Bryan Moore Milner, and his son John L. Moore.
He is survived by his children, James “Jim” (Sarah) Moore, Jr., Micheal (Cindy) Milner, David Milner, and Donna M. Milner (Nall); nephews, Tad Fitzpatrick and Tod Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Amanda Moore (Lee) Braswell, Kendall Milner (Joshua) Olsen, Alexia Milner (Eric) Thompson, and Victor Joseph Nall; and great-grandchildren, Maddox Braswell, Keaton Braswell, Isaac Milner and Tyler Olsen.
In lieu of funeral and grave site services, a Celebration of Life will be held at Gonzalez Methodist Church on June 28, 2025, from 2-4 p.m.
Travis Berry
June 26, 2025
Travis Berry, 67, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away peacefully in Pensacola, F,L on June 24, 2025, with his family by his side. Travis was born on July 20, 1957, in Atmore, AL, to Colon Berry and Gwnette Wilkins Berry. Travis retired from International Paper Company, and later worked for Escambia County Road Department. Travis was an active member of Oak Grove Church of Christ where he also served as a church elder. Travis loved his time spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren whom he was lovingly known as “Pappy.”
Travis is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers; Ervin Berry, and Everett Berry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patsy Godwin Berry, his son; Richard Keith (Julia) Berry of Lake Mary, FL, his daughters; Stacey (Travis) Harrison of Jay, FL, and Lisa (Frank) Smarr of Jay, FL, his brother; Sammy (Laura) Berry of Bratt, FL, and his eleven grandchildren; Ava Berry, Katelyn Harrison, Cooper Harrison, Kendal Harrison, Nathan Smarr, Justin Smarr, Tyson Smarr, Tenley Smarr, Clayton Smarr, Coach Smarr, and Paxton Smarr.
Memorial services for Travis will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Brad Sullivan officiating.
Family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, 2025,at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Travis’ memory.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Atmore Police Make Arrest In Double Shooting That Claimed Teen
June 25, 2025
A 22-year-old Evergreen man has been charged with murder and attempted murder for an early Tuesday morning shooting in Atmore.
Tyler Hall is being held without bond in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center, and Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMinn said additional arrests are forthcoming.
Around 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, the Atmore Police Department responded to Atmore Community Hospital for reported gunshot victims. They discovered 17-year-old Gabriel Elijah Hooks of Atmore had passed away due to his injuries, and a second victim was flown to a trauma center with injuries that appeared to be non-life threatening. Police have not released the name or age of the second victim.
Officers determined the shooting occurred on Carver Avenue near 18th Avenue during a drag race, and they recovered “dozens” of spent shell casings. The investigation is continuing.
Escambia County High School in Atmore is offering counseling services Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fighting Hunger: Donut Strike For Manna Begins Today: Here’s Where To Donate
June 25, 2025
Area first responders will take part in the Donut Strike for Manna for the next three days to fight hunger.
Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations.
In the North Escambia area, first responders will be at:
- Winn Dixie — 1550 South Highway 29, Cantonment
- Publix — 2180 West Nine Mile Road (Nine Mile at Pine Forest)
- Publix — 9251 University Parkway (Nine Mile at University)
“Because the cost of food and other essentials is rising, Manna is experiencing even greater demand than is typical in the summer months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna. “At the same time, food donations are down, as everybody feels the pinch on their budgets. Every day, our first responders see children and families who are struggling — and we are so grateful for their efforts to impact change.”
Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, Pensacola Police Department, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: Escambia County Fire Rescue collecting for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna at the Winn Dixie in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Charges Escambia Woman With DUI Manslaughter For Crash That Killed An Unrestrained Infant
June 25, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol has charged 23-year-old Mi’Chaela Aaliyah Thomas of Pensacola with an at-fault DUI crash that claimed the life of an unrestrained infant in her vehicle.
FHP, with support from the U.S. Marshals, located and arrested Thomas on an active warrant stemming from a crash that occurred on April 23 in Escambia County. FHP stated Thomas was the at-fault driver in a fatal crash that involved the death of a 2-month-old child who was not restrained in the vehicle.
FHP said a 21-year old woman was backing out of a driveway as Thomas was traveling on Jackson Street with an unrestrained two-month-old girl. Thomas was intoxicated when she hit the other vehicle, troopers said.
Thomas was charged with DUI manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
New 11-Home ‘Betmark Place’ Subdivision Proposed For East Ten Mile Road
June 25, 2025
A new 11-home single family residential subdivision is planned for East 10 Mile Road.
The Betmark Place III Subdivision is proposed for a 2.835 acre lot at 200 East 10 Mile Road, at the corner of Ten Mile and Betmark roads.
There is currently a house on the property that was heavily damaged by fire on May 15 and a secondary structure. Plans show that both will remain. The new proposed lots will face the existing Betmark Road or Millbrook Drive.
According to documents filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee, the engineer for the project want to discusss using an existing retention pond at Ashton Brosnaham for the stormwater runoff.
Candidate Qualifying Ends Wednesday For Century Council; Only One Candidate So Far
June 25, 2025
Candidate qualify ends Wednesday for an vacant seat on the Century Town Council, and only candidate has qualified so far.
Seat 5 on the five-member council was left vacant when Councilmember Sandra McMurray-Jackson resigned citing personal reasons.
Candidates can still qualify at the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office through 5 p.m. Wednesday. The total cost to qualify is $50.
Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison qualified on Monday is the only candidate as of close of business on Tuesday. The special election is July 29.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Strong Storms Possible This Afternoon
June 25, 2025
Isolated severe storms as possible Wednesday afternoon through early evening. Damaging wind and hail are the potential threats.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4am, then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 90. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 88. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 80%.