Man Found Deceased Along The Railroad Tracks In Cantonment
August 10, 2025
A man was found deceased along the railroad tracks in Cantonment Saturday afternoon.
The man was discovered by a CSX crew around 2:25 p.m. near Highway 95A, just south of Tate School Road.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the man may have acturally been struck by a train sometime Friday. A train engineer had reported that an engineer had observed something along the tracks on Friday in the immediate area.
A bicycle was reportedly found near the man.
The incident remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s name has not been released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com. Click to enlarge.
Back To School Shopping? Here’s The Big List Of What Is Tax Free.
August 10, 2025
The first day of school in Escambia County is Monday, and there’s a chance to save the sales tax on everything in needed.
Florida’s month-long back to school Sales Tax Holiday continues through Sunday, August 31, on essential school supplies and more.
Below you can find a short snapshot list of included items, followed by a more complete detailed list.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:
School supplies selling for $50 or less
- Binders
- Notebooks
- Pens and pencils
- Lunch boxes
Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less
- Backpacks
- Pants
- Shoes
- Shirts
- Sweaters
Learning aids selling for $30 or less
- Interactive Books
- Puzzles
- Flashcards
Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use)
- Laptops
- Flash drives
- Printers
- Headphones
COMPLETE LIST
- Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use having a sales price of $1,500 or less
- Personal computers* include:
- Calculators
- Desktops
- Electronic book readers
- Handhelds
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Tower computers
*The term does not include cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data.
- Personal computer-related accessories*+ include:
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Modems
- Monitors
- Nonrecreational software
- Other peripheral devices
- Personal digital assistants
- Routers
*The listed accessories are tax-exempt regardless of whether they are used in association with a personal computer base unit.
+ The term does not include furniture or systems, devices, software, monitors with a television tuner, or peripherals that are designed or intended primarily for recreational use.
- Wallets and bags* having a sales price of $100 or less per item, including:
- Backpacks
- Diaper bags
- Fanny packs
- Handbags
*Briefcases, suitcases, and other garment bags are excluded.
- School supplies having a sales price of $50 or less per item, including:
- Binders
- Cellophane tape
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Computer disks
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders
- Glue or paste
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Notebook filler paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- Poster board
- Poster paper
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Staplers and staples used to secure paper products
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles having a sales price of $30 or less:
- Flashcards or other learning cards
- Interactive or electronic books and toys intended to teach reading or math skills
- Matching or other memory games
- Puzzle books and search-and-find books
- Stacking or nesting blocks or sets
- Clothing, footwear, and accessories having a sales price of $100 or less per item, including:
- Shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, and other apparel
- Shoes, boots, sandals, and other footwear
- Accessories such as belts, hats, gloves, and scarves
The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Pair for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking
August 10, 2025
Two Escambia County men were federally charged with drug trafficking.
Calvin D. Thomas, Jr., 30, and Satori Ashanti Keys, 45, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. Both men were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, and marijuana; one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of cocaine, and marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both will be arraigned next week before a U.S. magistrate in Pensacola.
If convicted, as charged, they face up to life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
A Few Scattered Showers And Storms Sunday
August 10, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Truth For Youth School Supply Giveaway Today In Century, Cantonment, Pensacola, Milton
August 10, 2025
Truth for Youth will present a Back-2-School Supply Giveaway today, August 10, at four locations, including Century and Cantonment.
The outreach will take place from 3:30 p.m. until supplies last, at the following locations:
- Cantonment: Carver Park, 208 Webb Street
- Century: Business Center, 150 East Pond Street
- Pensacola: Belmont Cultural Center, 401 North Reus Street
- Milton: Living God’s Standard Community Outreach, 3731 Old Highway 90
Hundreds Of Families Received A Back To School Helping Hand
August 10, 2025
Hundreds of families received a little extra boost with the big distribution Saturday morning at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Families received food from Farm Share and backpacks filled with school supplies.
The distribution was held by Rep. Michelle Salzman and a coalition of community sponsors and partners, including the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Many other groups volunteered, including Tate High School baseball.
“Today’s food distribution and back to school backpack giveaway was a beautiful reminder that when we set aside the background noise and focus on what truly matters, we can make a real difference,” Salzman said. “Moments like these show the power of coming together to support our neighbors, lift each other up, and make the world a better place one act of kindness at a time.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dominant White Earns First Double-A Win in 6-1 Wahoos Victory
August 10, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
Thomas White took a no-hitter through 5.2 innings, struck out nine Montgomery Biscuits batters over a career-high 6.0 frames, and earned his first Double-A win as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos snapped a four-game losing skid with a 6-1 win on Saturday night.
White (W, 1-1), the top prospect in the Miami Marlins organization, allowed only two harmless walks before Homer Bush Jr. broke up his no-hit bid with a soft single into center field with two outs in the sixth inning. White has now struck out 30 batters over 15.2 innings in his last three starts, allowing only two total earned runs in the process.
Biscuits starter Ty Johnson (L, 5-5) matched White zero for zero in the early innings, allowing only a single and a walk through 5.0 frames. Spencer Bramwell led off the sixth with a single, advanced on a Michael Snyder hit, took third on a Cody Morissette bunt, and scored on a Fenwick Trimble sacrifice fly for a 1-0 Blue Wahoos lead in the sixth.
White, who had never pitched beyond 5.1 innings in his professional career, stranded two in the bottom of the sixth to complete his outing on a high note. The Pensacola offense then tacked on four runs in the top of the seventh with a two-out rally, started by Yiddi Cappe’s first Double-A hit. Eric Rataczak singled Cappe home, and Bramwell capped the inning with a three-run homer to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 5-0.
Though the Biscuits pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh on a Kamren James RBI single, the Blue Wahoos added a run back in the ninth on another Rataczak RBI single before Will Kempner closed out a 6-1 win by getting the final six outs. Kempner has now pitched 19.0 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to June 24, and has not allowed a run in 12 straight appearances.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos gain a game on Montgomery and now lead the Biscuits in the second half South Division race with 32 games to play.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 3:33 p.m.
Frances Godwin Carnley
August 10, 2025
Frances Godwin Carnley, 94, of Lakeland, FL, died peacefully at home with family by her side on August 8, 2025.
She was born and raised in Bratt, FL to James Thomas and Nancy Jane Hulion Godwin and was the youngest of nine siblings. Frances attended Ernest Ward High school before attending Christ Faith Mission in Saugus, CA. There she met and married the love of her life, Jack M. Carnley. They began a lifelong journey of ministry in 1953 that included attending Southeastern University, and pastoring three churches in Virginia (Ewing, Valleyview, and St. Paul Assembly of God). Frances loved family and people and served faithfully in the churches and district where her husband pastored.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Jack, her husband of 56 years, daughter Karen Patrick, grandson Christian Patrick, sisters Ola Peebles, Lillie Stanley, Lizzie Edwards, Claudia Blackmon, and Nellie Trog; brothers Leslie, Wesley, and David Godwin and nephew who was raised as a brother, Lee Godwin. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Thomas and husband Gilbert, her son James Carnley, grandsons Gilbert and wife Andrea Thomas, Jackson and wife Suzie Thomas, Thad Patrick, granddaughter, Keri Bentley, great grandchildren, Chloe, Conner, Mia, Oliver, and Ava.
Services will be in Jay, Florida, but date and time are pending.
Special thanks to Trinity Home Services and Vitas for the compassionate and loving care given. You are angels from above and have become family.
Mallory ‘Bonzie’ Kermit Gibson, Jr.
August 9, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Matt Gibson, a man whose kindness, generosity, and love for others will be remembered forever. Matt left us far too soon, but we find comfort in imagining that God had a special job for him—perhaps touching up the heavens with his painter’s brush, blending the colors of eternity just right.
Matt was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering on his team through every high and low. His passion for football was matched only by his passion for helping others. Known for his big heart, Matt would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need—often without a second thought.
He spent his professional life as a talented painter, taking pride in his craft and in the beauty he left behind in every project. His work was not only a career but an art form, a reflection of his patience and skill.
Matt is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Brunelle; his brothers and sisters, Randall Gibson, James Gibson, Terry Smith, Pamela Sanders, and Annette Franklin; his children, Miranda Gibson, Dalton Gibson, Jesse Gibson, Cody Gibson, Timberly Carey, and Tonya Taylor; and his beloved grandchildren, Elijayah Salter, Rosalina Curry, Adrianna Taylor, Jackson Taylor and Jayce Gibson.
He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Mallory Gibson, Darieon Gibson, Owen Gibson, Brittney Gibson, Tamara Gibson, Amber Gibson, Wesley Gibson, Devon Whitbey, DJ Whitbey, Jason Smith, Brandon Smith, Abby Smith, Gracie Smith, Zachary Smith, Alexis Smith, and Gabby Smith. Each one held a special place in his heart.
Matt’s legacy is one of generosity, laughter, and love. Though our hearts are broken, we know the world is more colorful because he was in it—and heaven is surely brighter now that he’s there with a paintbrush in hand.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on August 16 at 10:00 AM at West Florida Funeral Home at 1200 W Gadsden St. Pensacola, FL 32501 followed by a short graveside service at Whitmire Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to share stories, remember his life, and honor the man who gave so much to everyone around him.
“Perhaps they needed a painter in heaven,
To make the golden streets shine.
God called you home to add your touch,
And left your colors here with mine.”
Tax Collector’s Molino Office To Become Appointment Only
August 9, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Molino and Downtown offices will transition to serving customers by appointment only, beginning Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in an effort to enhance efficiency and reduce wait times.
“We’re committed to providing our community with efficient and accessible services,” said Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford. “Offering appointments at these locations allows us to better manage demand and give residents the quality service they expect. Our goal is to eliminate spikes in traffic and decrease or eliminate long wait times.”
Many tax collector services are available online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com, including:
- Tag renewals
- Electronic title printing
- Property tax payments
- Business tax receipt renewals
In addition, drive-thru services are available at the Molino, Brentwood, and Downtown offices, providing another fast and convenient option for completing transactions. There is no additional fee to pay online using an eCheck.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.