Bicycling Walnut Hill Woman Charged With Felony Fentanyl Possession
September 29, 2025
A Walnut Hill woman on a bicycle was arrested and charged fentanyl possession after a routine traffic stop on Plantation Road led to discovery of Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
While on patrol a deputy observed a woman, later identified as 47-year-old Donnie Joe Taylor, riding a bicycle that lacked the required red light on the rear. After initiating a stop near the Margarita Fusion bar, the officer requested identification.
According to the arrest report, Taylor initially declined to provide information but eventually cooperated. She was then asked for permission to search a white bag she was wearing, but she admitted to recent Fentanyl use and instead granted permission to search a small black pouch hanging from a lanyard around her neck.
Inside the black pouch, the officer located a piece of tin foil with burn marks, two blue cotton swabs, a used syringe, and a white powdered substance. Taylor admitted the tin foil was drug paraphernalia, and the powdered substance later field-tested positive for fentanyl, the report states.
Taylor was charged with third degree felony possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl). She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set $2,500.
Warm And Sunny Days, Nights In The 60s
September 29, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Ransom Middle Names Students Of The Month
September 29, 2025
Ransom Middle School recently named its August Students of the Month. They are Rodderrick Purifoy and Neve Barrow-Wade, both eighth graders. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Charged With Child Abuse After DUI Crash Injures Two Children In Escambia County
September 29, 2025
An Escambia County man is facing multiple felony charges, include child abuse, after a DUI crash in Escambia County.
About 9:50 p.m. Saturday, as Terry J’Juan McGhee drove his 2019 Kia sedan off Olive Road near Briese Lane and struck a large tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said McGhee had two passengers — children ages 3 and 7 — and no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt or was properly restrained.
FHP said the 7-year-old child was propelled into the windshield and suffered serious injuries. The 3-year old-child suffered minor injuries, both were transported to a local hospital by ambulance for medical treatment.
McGhee fled the scene on foot after being approached by witnesses. McGhee later returned to scene, with minor injuries, agitated, combative and showing obvious signs of impairment, troopers said.
McGhee was subsequently arrested and transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. He was ultimately charged by FHP with DUI traffic crash with serious bodily injury: hit and run, failure to remain at the scene of a crash with serious Injuries; aggravated child abuse; child abuse, and resisting arrest without violence.
Woman Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash On I-10 In Escambia County
September 29, 2025
A woman was killed in a crash on I-10 in Escambia County.
A 36-year-old Whistler, Alabama, woman died in the crash Friday morning on Interstate 10 between Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road, according to a report released Sunday by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said she ran off the roadway and collided with the tree line. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Northview Lady Chiefs Diamond Club Fall Softball Tourney Is Oct. 4-5, Register By Oct. 1
September 29, 2025
The NHS Lady Chiefs Diamond Club is set to host its annual Fall Softball Tournament next weekend, Oct. 4-5, at the Don Sutton Ballpark (Molino Ballpark), promising a full weekend of action for young players across the region.
This tournament is a key fundraiser for the Northview High School (NHS) Lady Chiefs Softball program and will feature age divisions ranging from T-Ball up to 16U. Registration is open, but teams must sign up by the Oct. 1 deadline.
Play will begin on Saturday, Oct. 4, with a 2 Pool Play format to ensure every team gets quality field time. Sunday, Oct. 5, will transition to a Single-Elimination Bracket using a blind draw, where teams will battle for the championship titles.
A $100 registration fee per team is due upon sign-up, which can be completed online at tiny.cc/ladychiefsfalltourney or via Venmo to @ladychiefs-01. Teams will also participate in a Pay-at-the-Plate (PAP) arrangement of $25 per team per game, with the exception of the T-Ball and 8U divisions, which will use volunteer umpires.
The tournament is held at the Don Sutton Ball Park, located at 2340 Crabtree Church Rd in Molino. The Gate Fee is set at $10 for spectators, with ages 10 and under receiving free entry. Two coaches per registered team will also receive free entry.
In addition to the softball action, the tournament will feature food trucks and a bounce house to provide entertainment and refreshments for players and fans alike.
For more information, team registration, or any questions, interested parties should contact Adam Bolen at (850) 777-4238 or via email at cbolen@yahoo.com. The tournament is held in partnership with Hometown Team Sports and the Molino Recreational Association.
Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
September 29, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- State Road (S.R.) 196 (Bayfront Parkway) Pensacola Seafood Festival – Drivers may encounter intermittent road closure from Tarragona Street to 9th Avenue from 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 for the Pensacola Seafood Festival.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 2, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – The week of Sunday, Sept. 28, drivers will encounter an outside lane closure on the I-10 westbound ramp to access I-110 southbound (Exit 12). Crews will be performing drainage improvements on I-110 southbound near mile marker 6.
- 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, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 2, 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.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Sept. 28, 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 paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Sept. 28, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road (C.R.) 292A east) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration will be implemented on S.R. 292, between Mills Avenue and Patton Drive, all lanes will shift south. Signage will be in place to guide drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of 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, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 2, 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.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, Sept. 28, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- 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, for stormwater management upgrades. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- 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.
- Beulah 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, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 2 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete work and shoulder stabilization operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – The week of Monday, Sept. 29, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Interstate Circle at Eight Mile Creek, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for construction activities. Traffic flaggers will be on site to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 2, 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, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 3, 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, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 3:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction. In addition, nightly single lane closures are planned on I-10 east and westbound between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for utility improvements.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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, Sept. 29 through Friday, Oct. 3, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
o Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
o Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 3.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Max Allen Smith
September 29, 2025
Max Allen Smith, 67, of Jay, Florida left his earthly home Sunday, September 21, 2025. Max Allen was born in Century, Florida on December 9, 1957 to Max Ray and Billie Faye (Cannon) Smith. He was later blessed with a sister, Kelly R. Smith.
He was a lifelong resident of Jay, graduating from Jay High School in 1975. At 15 he started working along side his father at Big “M” Tire Center, Inc. He worked there for 53 years. He was very loyal and well known for his role at the shop.
Max Allen was blessed with three girls Julie Adkinson, Holly (Trent) Ledbetter, and Janna (Bryan) Ellis. Our favorite memories with daddy were staying in Destin, Florida every summer, all the camping trips, and late night catfishing.
Our daddy was set in his ways. You could find him at J&J in the early mornings making the first pot of coffee, sitting around talking with friends and learning the local news. In the afternoons you would find him at Williams Lake with Little Bit, his side kick. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Daddy also loved Florida Gators and Nascar.
He is proceeded in death by his mother Billie Faye Cannon Smith.
Survivors include his father Max Ray Smith; sister Kelly Smith; daughter Julie Adkinson, Holly (Trent) Ledbetter, Janna (Bryan) Ellis; grandchildren Annasyn and Olivia Adkinson, Bella, Blane, and Boone Ledbetter, and Hydie and Harper Ellis, all of Jay, Florida.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon), at Jay Funeral Chapel. Pastor Larry Pearson will be officiating. Visitation will be from 11AM until time of service.
Pallbearers will be Timmy Roberts, Jeffrey Patterson, Doyle Marshall, Josh Lloyd, Jarrett Lloyd, Steve Farish, Pete Smith, and Joey Golden.
The family asked that you dress casual or wear Florida Gator attire.
Early Sunday Morning Highway 29 Crash Claims Life
September 28, 2025
An early morning crash claimed the life of a 35-year-old Pensacola man early Sunday morning in Molino.
The crash happened about 2:25 a.m. on Highway 29 at Highway 196.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the man failed to stop his pickup truck at a stop sign on eastbound Highway 196 and pulled into the path of a southbound semi truck.
The man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The truck driver, a 54-year-old man from a Pensacola, suffered minor injuries.
File photo.
Wrong-Way Crash Leads To Felony DUI Charge: Cantonment Man Faces Third Offense in Four Years
September 28, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing a felony DUI charge — his third — following a head-on collision last week where his blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be nearly four times the legal limit.
James Reber Holder, 59, was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol after a crash on East Olive Road near North Old Palafox Road. According to the FHP arrest report, Holder was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when his white Honda CR-V struck a white Honda Pilot driven by 40-year-old woman.
Witnesses at the scene identified Holder as the driver of the wrong-way vehicle.
While in the ambulance, the trooper noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Holder, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an open container of 4 Loko (13.9% alcohol) in the center console.
Holder’s blood alcohol content measured 0.310 at Sacred Heart Hospital— nearly four times higher than Florida’s legal limit of 0.08, according to FHP.
Holder was charged with felony driving under the influence third violation within 10 years, driving on the wrong side the road, tampering with an interlock device, and an open container violation.
The felony charge stemmed directly from Holder’s history of intoxicated driving. An FHP check of his driving record revealed two prior DUI convictions, one in June 2021 and another in August 2022. Under Florida law, a third DUI conviction within 10 years is classified as a third degree felony.
Holder’s driver’s license was already restricted to “business purposes only” and required a court-ordered ignition interlock device due to his previous offenses. The arrest report confirms that the Honda CR-V he was operating did not have the mandated interlock device installed.
Upon being informed that the crash investigation was transitioning to a criminal DUI investigation, Holder reportedly attempted to evade questioning by pretending not to understand English. The officer, a native Spanish speaker and certified in the language for law enforcement, offered to read the rights in Spanish, to which Holder immediately responded in “perfect English,” asking, “what was that.” FHP said he then refused a lawful request for a blood test.
Holder was released on a $5,000 bond.
The traffic crash victim’s injuries and condition were not detailed in the report.