No Serious Injuries In Saturday Afternoon Highway 95A Wreck
December 21, 2025
There were no serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on Highway 95A in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 3:20 p.m. just north of Highway 29. At least one person was transported by Escambia EMA with minor injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Win Niceville Christmas Tournament
December 21, 2025
The Tate Aggies won the Niceville Christmas Tournament.
The Aggies beat Cumberland County 83-72, d Charles Henderson 67-62, an claimed the tournament title with an 86-56 championship win over Niceville.
Marcus Cooper was named Tate’s MVP of the game, and Kade Calderon was named MVP of the Niceville Christmas Tournament.
After the Christmas break, the Tate Aggies will be back in action January 6 at the Washington Wildcats.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: ‘Holiday With The Horses’ (And Santa) At Cantonment Horse Rescue
December 21, 2025
Santa Claus made a special appearance Saturday for “Holidays with Horses” at Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The free event took place at the non-profit horse rescue on East Chipper Road. Photos with Santa were available for a donation, and attendees were invited to visit with the rescue’s full-sized and miniature horses.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP: Traffic Stop On Pine Forest Road Leads To DUI, Drug And Weapon Charges
December 21, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man for DUI, drug, and firearm charges Saturday on Pine Forest Road.
Troopers were conducting a speed enforcement operation when they stopped 28-year-old Kordell DeShawn Johnson for doing 60 mph in his Jeep in a 45 mph zone. Johnson told troopers that he had marijuana and a firearm in his vehicle.
He exited the vehicle, and a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine was removed from his waistband, according to FHP. A book bag in the vehicle was located and searched; troopers reported finding 98 grams of marijuana, a scale, baggies, and rolling papers. Johnson also had a “large amount” of cash in small denominations on his person.
He was taken into custody after a DUI investigation.
Johnson was charged with DUI, no driver’s license, carrying a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, and trafficking in marijuana. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Ice Flyers Fall To Huntsville On Star Wars Night At The Hangar (With Gallery)
December 21, 2025
The Huntsville Havoc defeated the Pensacola Ice Flyers 5-1 Saturday night during Star Wars Night at the Hanger.
The Havoc came out flying and controlled much of the play through the opening period, testing the Ice Flyers’ resolve early.
The first period belonged to Huntsville, with Connor Galloway finding the back of the net for the game’s opening goal. The Havoc extended their lead shortly after, and the Ice Flyers headed into the first intermission down 2-0.
The second period saw a more evenly matched contest, with both teams battling hard but neither able to break through. The Havoc registered 7 shots on goal while the Ice Flyers generated 10 shots, but the scoreboard remained unchanged heading into the final frame.
The third period saw the Ice Flyers battle back, but it wouldn’t be enough. Huntsville’s Cole Reginato extended the lead to 3-0 early in the final frame. Tyler German finally put the Ice Flyers on the board later in the period, but the team couldn’t find the momentum needed to complete the comeback. Huntsville’s Giovanna Procopio added another goal shortly after, and Cole Reginato sealed the deal with an empty net goal to secure the victory for the Havoc.
The Ice Flyers will look to regroup Sunday as they take on the Macon Mayhem.
Brenda Gail Findley Jernigan
December 21, 2025
Mrs. Brenda Gail Findley Jernigan sadly passed away in Pensacola, Florida, on December 20, 2025. She was originally from Century, Florida, where she spent most of her life. Brenda was a valued member of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, reflecting her strong ties to her community and her faith. She will be remembered for her kindness and the warm spirit she brought to those around her.
She had a heart full of love for many things in life. Fishing by the water brought her peace, while crocheting kept her hands busy and creative. A true Elvis Presley fan, she enjoyed listening to his music, often humming along as she cooked delicious meals for her family. Spending time with them was what she cherished most, whether it was cheering for Alabama football or enjoying episodes of Gunsmoke. She also loved testing her knowledge on Jeopardy and playing Wheel of Fortune with a smile. Traveling to the mountains, relaxing at the beach, and visiting Graceland filled her soul with joy, all while her faith in the Lord guided her every step.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Sarah Quimby Findley.
Mrs. Jernigan is survived by her only daughter, Natasha and husband Eric Dortch of Century, Florida; sister, Cathy Findley and husband Jacky Smith of Flomaton, Alabama; granddaughter, Sarah Dortch; nephew, Jaden Simmons; God grandchildren, Baleigh Lincoln and Roland Lincoln.
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Petty Funeral Homes with the Reverend Mitch Herring and Reverend Bill Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 2025, between 6-8 p.m. at the Petty Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Eric Dortch, Xzavier Taylor, Kevin Lincoln, Steve Stanton, Chris Dortch, and Rodney Dortch.
Two Seriously Injured In Kingsfield Road Crash (With Gallery)
December 20, 2025
Two people were seriously injured in a crash Friday afternoon on East Kingsfield Road.
An adult female driver lost control and struck a utility pole and privacy fence near Zane Grey Lane, about a mile east of Highway 29.
A young girl and an adult woman were seriously injured. An extended extrication was required to free the woman from the vehicle, with firefighters and special operations squads using multiple sets of the Jaws of Life and hydraulic rams to remove the roof and doors from the vehicle and push the dashboard.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not yet released details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
‘He’s Got A Gun’ — Man Charged With Ensley Homicide
December 20, 2025
An Escambia County man has been charged with homicide for a fatal shooting last week in Ensley.
Alex Leon Hines, 44, was arrested early Friday morning and booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on charges of homicide negligent manslaughter and a felony weapons offense.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a report on December 13 of an armed disturbance in the area of Briese Lane and Jeffery Lane. Deputies located Ivan Frolov Murray with a gunshot wound to the head.
Murray had called 911 and told FHP, “…there is some dude here ramming my camper with his truck, he is drunk as hell, he’s in a Bronco…He’s got a gun and he’s a [expletive] maniac…”
Deputies later obtained video of the Bronco (image top) and traced it to Hines on Jeffrey Lane. The Bronco was also in a still-image from a security camera (pictured below) on the victim’s camper just 37 seconds before the murder, according to Sheriff Chip Simmons.
Simmons said the investigation is continuing.
CIC To Host Christmas In The Park Today In Cantonment
December 20, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host Christmas In The Park on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
The event will include free toys, hot chocolate, the Grinch, and a possible special visit from Santa Claus, according to organizers.
All school-age children are welcome to attend for a fun time.
File photos.
Pickup Truck Reported Stolen 19 Years Ago Found In North Escambia Lake
December 20, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office dive team has recovered a pickup truck from a local lake that was reported stolen 19 years ago.
According to Sheriff Chip Simmons, a fisherman on Cotton Lake, north of Molino, spotted what he believed was a vehicle in the water.
The ECSO Dive Team responded and recovered the 2001 Toyota Tundra, which was reported stolen in 2006, the sheriff said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.