Escambia County Is Safer Today: FDLE Arrests 15 In Drug Trafficking Operation, Seizes 15 Pounds Of Fentanyl
November 24, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 15 individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization operating in Escambia County an recovered nearly 15 pounds of fentanyl.
“This is about fentanyl,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said Monday morning in Pensacola Monday morning. “this product has come in an has infested our state, and it’s killing people left and right in our state.”
“This is a weapon of mass destruction.,” Glass added. “The amount of people it can kill is unreal.”
FDLE’s investigation began in April 2025 when agents identified a drug trafficking organization operating in Northwest Florida. The investigation revealed the organization was trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and other narcotics. Michael Perry Robinson was identified as the leader of the organization.
On November 19 and November 20, search warrants in Escambia County, Tallahassee and Jacksonville, resulting in 15 arrests. FDLE said more results are forthcoming.
Throughout the investigation, agents conducted several undercover operations. During those undercover operations and the search warrants, agents seized a total of 14.6 pounds of fentanyl, 58 pounds of methamphetamine, 35 pounds of marijuana, 23 pounds of MDMA, 2.5 pounds of cocaine, 30 firearms and more than $60,800 in cash.
“Escambia County is safer today than it was last week,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
Those arrested to date were:
Michael Perry Robinson, 43, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine and money laundering, the sale, manufacture and delivery of marijuana and the use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, both are third degree felonies
Gretchen Suzanne Duplechain, 46, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, use of two-way communication device to commit a felony and money laundering
John Christopher Porterfield, 65, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Courtney Donnell Killette, 40, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Anthony James Saulsberry, 43, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering and operating a drug house
Donterious Marquis Evans, 37, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.
Colton Carneil Sims, 35, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana and the use of two-way communication device to commit a felony
Billy Dewayne Johnson, 39, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, conspiracy to sell, manufacture, or delivery a Schedule II controlled substance and use of a two-way communication device
Antonie Miguel Jones, 30, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony and money laundering
Anthony Ladarren Kimble, 44, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Rhondell Grandison, 34, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charge: warrant for violation of probation
Johnny Dewayne Stallworth, 50, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charge: trafficking cocaine
Ivory Ambrose Fogan, 37, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: racketeering, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Jashu Rodriguez Bonner, 32, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Cordarious Ladell Wheeler, 38, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver a schedule II controlled substance and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
FHP: Log Truck Driver, 83, Failed To Yield Causing Serious Injury Rollover Crash
November 24, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol said an 83-year-old log truck driver failed to yield at a stop sign, causing a serious roll-over crash Monday morning in the Quintette Community.
The crash happened about 8 a.m. on Highway 95A at East Quintette Road when the log truck driver made a left turn entering the roadway in front of an SUV driven by a 53-year-old Pensacola woman. The truck came to a controlled stop on the shoulder of the roadway, while the SUV came to a stop upside down in the southbound lane of Highway 95A.
RELATED: Escambia Hires Firm To Align Quintette Road At Highway 95A, Add Traffic Signal
The SUV driver was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. The truck driver was not injured.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Former Deputy Jailed On Vehicular Homicide Charges For Double Fatal Perdido Key Crash
November 24, 2025
UPDATE: Former Deputy Released On Bond After Vehicular Homicide Arrest
A former Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy has is now jailed on felony charges for a double fatal crash that claimed the lives of two pedestrians in July.
Gregory NeSmith, 58, was booked into the Escambia County Jail over the weekend on two counts of vehicular homicide and held without bond. The Florida Highway Patrol announced Friday morning that the agency has completed its investigation into the crash and issued warrants for Nesmith.
The crash happened around 3 a.m. on July 5 on Perdido Key as Nesmith was working a security detail as an off-duty deputy at the Flora-Bama. FHP said he struck two pedestrians in a crosswalk on Perdido Key Drive. The pedestrians, Nicole Moore and Jackson Cunningham, both 20 and from the Birmingham area, were killed.
Both families have filed civil lawsuits against Nesmith. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim he was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.
Nesmith, who has since resigned, had worked for the ECSO for more than 30 years.
Tate FFA And Student Volunteers Package Over 63,000 Meals For The Community
November 24, 2025
On Friday, Tate High School’s FFA, along with other clubs, organizations, athletic teams, and volunteers, joined together to package 63,808 meals for the community through Meals of Hope
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” said Melissa Gibbs, agricultural educator and FFA advisor. “It’s important to FFA and other local organizations to partner together and help fight food insecurity for many within the Pensacola region. This gives our students hands-on experience while encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of our community.”
They exceeded their goal of feeding 60,000 with the Meals of Hope project by packaging these meals in under three hours.
All packaged meals will be distributed to families throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Top-tier sponsors include the Escambia County Florida Farm Bureau, Big John’s Heating and Air, Richard and Marie Gibbs, Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, and Tate FFA Alumni.
Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “It’s gratifying to see our students giving back, helping to fight hunger, and supporting local families in need. Tate FFA continues to focus on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Together, with Tate FFA, we’re strengthening the heart of our community and growing a legacy.”
Volunteers included current students from Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Tate Student Council, Tate Yearbook, Tate FFA Alumni, and Ransom Middle School FFA/Ag programs. Special guests were Isabelle Jenkins, Florida FFA state secretary, and Steve Harrell, Escambia County Public Schools’ director of workforce education.
Meals of Hope is a nonprofit organization that is committed to bringing people together to fight the hunger epidemic.
Photos by Tate High Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ICYMI: It Was A Dangerous and Deadly Weekend On Highway 29
November 24, 2025
It was a dangerous and deadly weekend on Highway 29 in the North Escambia area.
Highway 29, Cantonment, Near IP
A 17-year-old teen was killed in two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Highway 29 near the Valero convenience store, across from International Paper. At 12:37 a.m., the 17-year-old attempted to make a left turn from the store onto HIghway 29 when his Toyota was struck on the driver’s side by a northbound red Dodge driven by a 26-year-old male. Tbe 17-year-old was wearing a seat belt but was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol said any charges are pending the outcome of their traffic homicide investigation. [Read more...]
Highway 29, Molino, Near Mathison
(pictured below)
An 18-year-old Cantonment man was standing over a dead dog that was hit by a vehicle on Highway 29 near Mathison Road about 8 p.m. on Saturday. An approaching driver was unable to see him in time to avoid hitting the teen, FHP said. He was airlifted in serious condition. [Read more...]
Highway 29, Molino, Near Highway 97
(pictured above)
An adult male was in the outside northbound lane of Highway 29 for an unknown reason when he was hit by an SUV about 12:20 a.m. Sunday. FHP has not provided further information on why the man was in the roadway. [Read more...]
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For 2023 Murder
November 24, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison a 2023 murder.
Darryl Jerome Walker, Sr., was sentenced by Circuit Judge John Simon following his conviction for second degree murder with a firearm by an Escambia County jury.
In the early morning hours of November 22, 2023, Walker shot and killed his wife, Sheena Marie Levine, in her home. Immediately after the shooting, Walker called his children and said, “I f—-d up” and “she grabbed the gun.” Walker took the firearm from the scene and fled to Marianna where he was arrested the following day.
During the trial, the children testified about finding their mother on the floor in the hallway of the home and the statements made by Walker. The firearm used was Walker’s .45 caliber handgun. After his arrest, Walker gave an interview to law enforcement, which was played at trial. While claiming the shooting was an accident, physical evidence located on the scene conflicted with his story. The most significant conflict came from his claim that the gun went off while he had his arms around the victim. The autopsy showed the entry and exits wounds on the top of the victim’s head.
Walker has eight prior felony convictions and had been released from prison on May 29, 2022, just shy of 18 months prior to the murder. Consequently, he was sentenced to life in state prison as a prison releasee reoffender.
Still A Few Appointments Left To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 24, 2025
With rows of timers and a command center, a small army of volunteers will be ready to fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
The annual Miracle League of Pensacola Turkey Fry Fundraiser will be Wednesday, November 26.
Last year, the Miracle League fried about 350 turkeys to golden brown perfection, with the help of volunteers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cadets and American Legion Post 340.
The turkey fry will take place from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving at the Miracle League fields at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive (the east end of the John R. Jones Sports Complex).
To make an appointment or for more information, call (850) 490-7035 (leave a message if no answer). Time slots are limited; walkups are welcome, but appointments take priority.
To have your turkey fried by the Miracle League, you must do the following before arriving at the park:
- Completely defrost and clean the turkey and remove the inside packing. If this is not done prior to arriving at the park, they will not be able to fry your turkey.
- Be on time for your appointment made at the number above.
- A minimum donation of $35 per turkey is needed to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League.
For a photo gallery from last year, click here.
The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field – just like other kids. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity that these children would not otherwise have. It is a place where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Rise Ahead Of Thanksgiving
November 24, 2025
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Florida gas prices rose 20 cents per gallon last week, according to AAA.
“Florida gas prices jumped 20 cents last week, following a familiar trend of rising after a series of declines,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If that pattern holds, drivers could see prices ease as they hit the road for Thanksgiving. With pump prices matching last year’s holiday, even a small drop would give travelers extra savings compared to 2024.”
On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.10 per gallon, which is:
- 18 cents more than last week
- 15 cents more than last month
- 2 cents more than last year
- The same price as Thanksgiving Day 2024
Sunday night, the average in Escambia County was $2.73 per gallon.
Byrneville Elementary Students, Families Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast
November 24, 2025
Byrneville Elementary fourth and fifth grade students enjoyed a Thanksgiving Feast with their families.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Warm Today; Chance Of Rain Tuesday
November 24, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a slight chance of showers between 9am and noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 10 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.