Escambia County Company To Pay Federal Fines, Dissolve For Selling Pesticides To ‘Fight’ COVID
August 19, 2025
An Escambia County company has been fined and ordered to dissolve for a conspiracy to sell pesticides to fight coronavirus during the COVID pandemic, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
ServisMed, LLC pleaded guilty and was sentenced to engaging in a conspiracy to violate the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”)
“This company broke the law by exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich itself through the deceptive distribution of a chemical agent that had not been registered or approved for use on humans. This conviction and sentence holds this company accountable for its corporate criminal conduct, and should serve as a deterrent against future criminal schemes that endanger our community,” John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida said.
Court documents reveal that ServisMed, LLC was a distribution company licensed to market and sell products that included disinfectant pesticides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, between March and December 2020, ServisMed, LLC conspired with others to distribute a pesticide product – in this instance purporting to fight COVID-19 – without it being registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required. This included ServisMed, LLC, distributing such product to a local law enforcement agency as well as attempting to export the product to the foreign countries of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Registration and proper labeling of pesticide products to be used on humans are intended, in part, to protect citizens of the United States against potential harms in using such pesticides and against potential danger when such pesticides are traveling on American soil during the distribution process for foreign export. Law enforcement was able to stop foreign exports by ServisMed, LLC and others valued at over $250,000.
Following the guilty plea, ServisMed, LLC will pay restitution to the local law enforcement agency in the amount of $13,330; pay a $40,000 fine; forfeit the foreign export products valued at over $250,000; and dissolve as a company.
“The defendant in this case sold unregistered pesticides in the midst of a global pandemic and sought to profit from people’s fears of contracting the coronavirus,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Martel of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “The sentencing demonstrates that corporations will be held criminally responsible for placing the public at risk by failing to ensure the integrity and safety of their products.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
NWE Football Needs More 6U Players; Registration Is Free
August 19, 2025
NWE Football in Walnut Hill needs three to five more players to join the Chiefs 6U football team. Registration is free.
“Let your kids be part of a great team, learn the game, make friends, and have fun,” Wesley Morris, NWE Football president, said.
For more information and to sign up today, contact Wesley at (850) 418-2767.
Did Nine Mile Road Crossing Gates Malfunction? FHP Investigates After Train Vs. Truck Crash
August 18, 2025
UPDATED AUG 18 1 P.M. — An investigation is underway to determine if warning lights and crossing gates were working properly Sunday morning when a train struck a pickup truck on Nine Mile Road.
About 7:25 Sunday morning, A GMC pickup truck driven by a 33-year-old Milton man was traveling east East Nile Mile Road, just east of Highway 29 and North Palafox Street, as a freight train was traveling north across Nine Mile Road. The train collided with the passenger side of the pickup, which came to rest in the center median.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the train’s emergency systems were activated, and it stopped north of the area.
“A witness on the scene stated the warning lights and crossing gate arms did not activate until the train was at the crossing,” FHP said Monday afternoon. “CSX investigators have been contacted, and the investigation is ongoing.”
The pickup driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Driver Arrested After Crashing Into FHP Trooper Investigating Previous Wreck On Highway 29
August 18, 2025
An Escambia County man was jailed Sunday after rear-ending a Florida Highway Patrol trooper working a previous crash on Highway 29 on Sunday morning.
The 27-year-old male trooper had responded to a crash on Highway 29 just south of West Roberts Road around 5:15 a.m. As the trooper was completing that previous crash investigation, his cruiser was rear-ended around just over an hour later by a SUV driven by 36-year old Deondrez Dequan White.
Both the trooper and White were transported to the hospital for treatment.
White was charged with driving while license suspended as habitual offender and booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $7,500. Court records show he was convicted of knowingly driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident for a December 2023 crash, and was convicted with knowingly driving with a suspended license in November 2019, convicted of driving with a suspended license in March 2017, convicted of driving with a suspended license in January 2017, convicted of driving with a suspended license in November 2014, and convicted of no valid drivers license twice in 2013.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Woman Charged With Using Grandparent’s Debit Card At Florida Lottery Retailer
August 18, 2025
An Atmore woman is facing felony charges after allegedly using her grandparents’ debit card to make hundreds of dollars in purchases from a Florida Lottery retailer just across the state line in Davisville.
Whitney Savannah McGhee, 25, was charged with fraudulent use of a debit card and grand theft from an individual over 65 years old, both felonies. The victim had reported the Regions debit card stolen to the Atmore Police Department.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, McGhee was captured on video surveillance using the debit card on July 3 for $241.88 at State Line Lotto on Highway 97 before returning to make another purchase for $242.98 on July 6 for a total of $484.82. The victim told Florida deputies that he had not given any permission for McGhee to use the debit card.
McGhee was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
George Stone Technical College Offering GED Classes In Molino
August 18, 2025
George Stone Technical College GED classes begin August 20 at the Molino Community Center, 6450 North Highway 95A.
Classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Students may start at anytime as there is an open enrollment policy.
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at (850) 786-6515 or email pharrison@ecsdfl.us.
New 7 Brew Coffee Shop Approved At Nine Mile And Chemstrand
August 18, 2025
A new 7 Brew coffee shop has been approved for the northeast corner of Nine Mile and Chemstrand Road.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) recently approved the application that was filed earlier this year for 300 East Nine Mile Road. It will replace a former auto sales business that will be demolished or removed.
It will be located next to an existing Dunkin’ Donuts and near Aldi and Tesla.
A DRC application is pending for another new 7 Brew about 2.5 miles away at the corner of Nine Mile Road and University Parkway.
A 7 Brew is currently open in Escambia County at 5305 North Davis Highway.
Century Town Hall Is Closed This Week
August 18, 2025
he Century Town Hall will be closed this week for HVAC work.
Utility payments may be placed in the exterior drop box, which will be checked daily by staff.
The regular town council meeting on the second Tuesday of the month will be held at the Century Community Center (Ag Building) on West Highway 4 at Industrial Boulevard with a bill list review meeting at 6:15 followed by the council meeting at 6:40 p.m.
The entire HVAC system will be replaced, including ductwork, necessitating the closure.
The work should be completed by on Friday. (We will post any update.)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Hot Monday With Spotty Afternoon Showers And Storms
August 18, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Spots
August 18, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 98 – The week of Monday, Aug. 18, drivers will encounter intermittent outside lane closures near the I-10 at I-110 interchange, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Crews will be placing barrier wall from the I-10 westbound ramp to access I-110 southbound (Exit 12) to I-110 southbound at mile marker 6.
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 21, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete work. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Aug. 17, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for utility valve adjustments.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Aug. 17, drivers will encounter:
- Travel lanes between Mills Avenue and Patton Drive will be reduced from 12-foot to 10-foot in width and delineated by channelizing devices while crews perform drainage, curb and gutter work in the shoulder area.
- Nightly lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, between County Road (C.R.) 292A and Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 21, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 21 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, Aug. 17, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 22:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Coring Operations over White River Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 18 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations near Mohawk Trail – Motorists may encounter intermittent inside westbound lane closures Sunday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 21 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to construct a new turn lane.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, Aug. 18 through Friday, Aug. 22, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete work and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 22 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.