Continuance Granted In Federal Trial For Walnut Hill Man With Alleged Manifesto, Killing Spree Target List
November 13, 2025
A continuance was granted this week in federal court for a Walnut Hill man who accidentally shot himself near Walnut Hill in July.
Joshua Dean Hardy, 26, was indicted in federal court for two counts of unlawful possession of firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA), namely two unregistered and unserialized silencers and a destructive device, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Local charges against Hardy were dropped after the federal charges were filed.
He was set for trial on Monday at the federal courthouse in Pensacola, but a motion to continue was granted. Hardy is now set for trial on December 15.
Hardy’s attorney, Randall Lockhart, requested the continuance to “review and finalize plea documentation with Mr. Hardy”, according to court documents.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho ordered Hardy held without bond until trial because there are “no conditions of release that would reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community.” He remains in the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Federal court documents state that investigators found documents including a multipage document titled ‘Manifesto’ on his laptop.
“This is it, this is my final words of this whole ordeal,” is how the document begins, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, along with a list of names, some of which are names of known family members.
The document then says “All of these [expletive] pukes seek to destroy my ass in my prime then i’ll give them what they want, it isn’t the so called hidden names like they want but a tombstone like i told them**”**, according to investigators.
“Later in the document, it goes on to explain that he is going to begin his killing spree and identifies the ‘targets’,” court records state.
He had been charged locally with three counts of making and/or possession of a destructive device, use of a firearm during a felony, and possession of a firearm with the serial number removed.
Hardy accidentally shot himself shortly after 3 a.m. on July 23 while walking in the woods on family property at 5000 Sandy Hollow Road, just off West Highway 4. His grandmother told deputies that she received a call about 3:15 a.m. from Hardy**, stating he** had tripped while walking on their property with his rifle and he had shot himself in the leg. She picked him up and drove him to Atmore Community Hospital.
At the emergency room in Atmore, Hardy told deputies that he often walks their 22-acre property because he does not like people there, the report states. He said he stepped in a hole and dropped his rifle, accidentally grabbing it as it fell by the trigger and shot himself. He was adamant that he was not shooting at anyone and had no intent of harming himself.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Hardy suffered a serious gunshot wound that shattered his tibia and fibula and nearly took his left big toe.
New Traffic Center Will Manage 380 Signalized Intersections In Escambia, Santa Rosa
November 13, 2025
A groundbreaking was held on Wednesday in Escambia County for a new Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) that will serve the Florida–Alabama TPO region.
The new center will enhance regional safety and reliability by enabling real-time traffic management, faster incident detection, coordinated responses with law enforcement and emergency services, and on-the-fly signal timing optimization across more than 380 signalized intersections in the Escambia and Santa Rosa County area.
For more photos, click here.
The goal is a safer, smoother, and smarter trip for the traveling public across the region.
The facility will include operator workstations and a large-scale video wall for situational awareness and traveler information, improving traffic congestion management across the roadway network in the region.
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner and TPO Chairman Steven Barry gave remarks at the event, highling the benefit of improved traffic management across the region for efficiency and safety.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with operations beginning in 2026-2027. The center, located on W Street behind the Escambia County Public Safety building, will cost about $20 million, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Pictured top: Escambia County District 5 Commissioner and TPO Chairman Steven Barry at the groundbreaking of a new traffic management center in Escambia County on Wednesday. Also pictured: More photos from the groundbreaking ceremony. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For Double Stabbing
November 13, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison for attempted murder of two people.
Circuit Court Judge Amy Brodersen sentenced Jacobia Ladraina Newberry to 25 years in state prison for two counts of attempted second degree murder with a weapon.
On the morning of August 3, 2024, two victims with life threatening stab wounds arrived at Baptist Hospital.
Investigators located Newberry with a cut finger, and he stated that he stabbed one victim in self-defense.
The injuries suffered by the victims were horrific, and the trauma surgeon stated both were lucky to be alive given the severity of the injuries and amount of blood loss suffered by both, according to prosecutors. One victim suffered slashes and stabs to the neck. The female victim was stabbed near the carotid artery and lost nearly 40% of her blood before going into surgery.
Based on the evidence presented at trial, the defendant’s assertion that he nearly killed one victim in self-defense was refuted. Prosecutors said the victims were not armed, and the defendant was suspected of being under the influence of drugs when he attacked both victims.
SEC Recognizes Five Escambia County Teachers
November 13, 2025
The Southeastern Conference recognized five Escambia County teachers during the championship game of the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament at Ashton-Brosnaham Park.
- Brandi Ziglar, Lipscomb Elementary, fourth year of teaching
- Amanda Byers, McArthur Elementary, 13th year of teaching
- Jazmine Benson, Ferry Pass Elementary, 8th year of teaching
- Kenneth Atklinson, Beulah Middle School, 21st year of teaching
- Gena Keszthelyi, Longleaf Elementary, 40th year of teaching
Each teacher will receive a $500 DonorsChoose gift card to fund projects, to assist them with teaching and benefit their students.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Mostly Sunny And Warmer, Highs In The Mid 70s
November 13, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tate Aggies To Host First Coast Tonight In First Round Of The FIT
November 13, 2025
The Tate Aggies move into postseason play tonight in the first round of the FHSAA 4A-7A FIT.
The No. 2 Tate Aggies will host the No. 7 First Coast Buccaneers from Jacksonville with a 7 p.m. kickoff Thursday at Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Tate Aggies enter the regional semifinals at 7-3, while First Coast is 5-5.
Tickets are available on GoFan. General admission is $10 (plus a $1.50 GoFan fee). Season passes are not valid for this postseason tournament game.
The Quarterback Club will be selling concessions to benefit the football program.
Concessions will include:
- Hamburger
- Cheeseburger
- Nachos
- Hot dog
- Pulled pork sandwich
- Pulled pork nachos
- Drinks
- Hot chocolate
Annual High School All-Star Volleyball Game Is Tonight
November 13, 2025
The annual High School All-Star Volleyball Game is Thursday night.
The match begins at 6:30 p.m. at Hartsell Arena on the Pensacola State College campus. Tickets are available on GoFan.
The event brings together top-performing senior athletes from schools across Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, selected for their skill, leadership and commitment to the game.
The All-Star Volleyball Game is part of Pensacola Sports’ High School All-Star Series, which recognizes student-athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams and schools. Players are nominated by coaches and selected by a panel of area athletic directors and sports professionals.
“This event is a great way to celebrate these athletes and everything they’ve accomplished during their high school careers,” said Ray Palmer, CEO of Pensacola Sports. “It gives families, fans and coaches a chance to cheer them on once more — and gives the players one more night of high-level competition in a fun and energetic setting.”
WEST ROSTER
Head Coach: Sean Flynn – Escambia High School
Assistant Coach: Julie Madison – Pine Forest High School
- Gianna Smart — Tate — libero (No. 8 pictured above)
- McKenna Lister — Tate — outside hitter (No. 4 on right, pictured above)
- Julianna Little — Northview — outside hitter (No. 4 on left, pictured above)
- Sophia Adkins — Northview — outside hitter (No. 11, pictured above)
- Ava Galinis — Catholic — outside hitter
- Madison Walker — Catholic — setter
- Savannah Conklin — Catholic — middle blocker
- Avrie Hines — Escambia — left hitter
- Ella Pittenger — Escambia — setter
- Claire Gorton — Pensacola — middle hitter
- Violet Salter — Pensacola — right hitter
- Nikari Taylor — Pine Forest — setter
- Za’Khiya Shaw-Rease — Pine Forest — middle blocker
- Emma Ward — Washington — setter
- Sarah Quarells — Washington — middle blocker
- Aliyah Salgado — West Florida — libero
- Emma Bradford — West Florida — middle hitter/blocker
- Emree Long — West Florida — setter
- Julieta Arreola — West Florida — right hitter
EAST ROSTER
Head Coach: James Kerrell – Crestview High School
Assistant Coach: Carey Locklin – Jay High School
- Kaylee Gilbreath — Jay , libero
- Carleigh Krumnow — Baker , left hitter
- Katerina Price — Baker , middle hitter
- Callie Posey — Central , outside hitter
- Tori Walczak — Choctaw , outside hitter
- Aubrey Sheffield — Crestview , setter
- Kaeden Foxx — Crestview , outside hitter
- Sophia Strobel — Ft. Walton Beach , right hitter
- Allie Hepworth — Gulf Breeze , setter
- Bella Ciolino — Gulf Breeze , libero
- Sydney Sutter — Gulf Breeze , outside hitter
- Aiyana Dixon — Laurel Hill , middle
- Ashley Cauley — Milton , outside hitter
- Katelyn Weller — Navarre , outside hitter
- Keira Bess — Niceville , middle blocker
- Cambree Klein — Pace , outside hitter
- Marley Manning — Pace , outside hitter
- Lily Stevenson — Rocky Bayou , setter
Pictured above: (L-R) No. 4 Julianna Little and No. 11 Sophia Adkins from Northview, and No. 4 McKenna Lister and No. 8 Gianna Smart from Tate at their respective Senior Nights. NorthEscambi.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate, PHS, Central Begin FIT Play Thursday Night. What Is The FIT?
November 13, 2025
The Tate Aggies and the Central Jaguars will host FIT regional semifinals on Thursday, while the Pensacola High Tigers will travel. But what is the FIT?
FIT — Florida Invitational Tournament
In addition to the traditional playoff path to a state championship, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Florida Invitational Tournament (FIT) will see additional teams continue play.
FIT stated last year as an experiment in the rural class. The Northview Chiefs made the cut to take part in the FIT last year, but the school opted out because it might have meant the Chiefs would travel 800 miles to near Key West to take on Marathon High School — a trip the program just could not afford.
With the FIT, teams that do not make the traditional playoffs receive an invitation to the tournament and a chance to continue postseason.
FHSAA expanded the FIT to two 16-team brackets for high school classes 1A-7A. One bracket is for Class 1A-3A, and the other bracket is for Class 4A-7A. The third FIT bracket is 12 teams in the Rural Class.
Rural FIT – Northview, Central
In the 2025 Rural FIT, the Northview Chiefs were seeded at No. 5 with a first round bye in the regional semifinals on November 13. The FHSAA scheduled Northview to travel to No. 4 Moore Haven, about 600 miles and over nine hours away, for the November 20 regional finals, but we are told that Northview will not participate in the FIT this season.
Thursday night, No. 7 Central will host No. 10 Wewahitchka at 7 p.m. in the Rural FIT semifinals.
4A-7A FIT Regional Semifinals – Tate
In the 4A-7A FIT, the No. 2 Tate Aggies will host No. 7 First Coast at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pete Gindl Stadium.
1A-3A FIT Regional Semifinals – PHS
The No. 8 Pensacola High School Tigers will travel Thursday night to No. 1 Dunnellon High School, just outside Ocala for the 1A-3A FIT regional semifinals
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat the Pensacola High Tigers 41-0 in early September. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
High School Football Playoff Schedule
November 13, 2025
Here is the high school football playoff schedule for this week from the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
Region 1-6A Quarterfinals
No. 6 Evans (8-2) at No. 3 Pace (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. CST
Region 1-5A Quarterfinals
No. 5 Milton (7-3) at No. 4 Beachside (7-3), Friday 6 p.m. CST
Region 1-4A Quarterfinals
No. 5 Pine Forest (3-6) at No. 4 Ed White (8-2), Friday 5:30 p.m. CST
No. 7 Booker T. Washington (5-4) at No. 2 Choctawhatchee (9-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. CST
Region 1-3A Quarterfinals
No. 5 West Florida (6-4) at No. 4 Yulee (8-2). Friday 6:30 p.m. CST
Region 1-2A Quarterfinals
No. 7 Bozeman (6-4) at No. 2 Pensacola Catholic (9-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. CST
Rural Regional Semifinals
No. 16 Jay (6-4) at No. 1 Blountstown (9-0), Friday 7 p.m. CST, Friday 7 p.m. CST
4A-7A FIT Regional Semifinals
No. 7 First Coast (5-5) at No. 2 Tate (7-3)
1A-3A FIT Regional Semifinals
No. 8 Pensacola (2-8) at No. 1 Dunnellon (4-6), Thursday 6 p.m. CST
Rural FIT Regional Semifinals
No. 10 Wewahitchka (2-7) at No. 7 Central (3-6), Thursday 7 p.m. CST
ALABAMA
AISA Semifinals
Cornerstone Christian (9-2) at Escambia Academy (10-1), Thursday 7 p.m. CST
AHSAA 4A Second Round
American Christian Academy (7-4) at W.S. Neal (8-3), Friday 7 p.m. CST
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat West Florida 27-7 in later September. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cottage Hill Water Works: Boil Water Notice For Williams Ditch Road
November 12, 2025
UPDATE: This boil water notice was rescinded Friday afternoon, November 14.
Cottage Hill Water Works has issued a boil water notice for 24-625 Williams Ditch Road due to a water main break.
There was a water main break at 230 Williams Ditch Road on Wednesday. Neighboring streets may experience low water pressure. Crews were working as quickly as possible to make the necessary repairs.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water in the area that is used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
For more information, contact the utility’s office at at (850) 968-5485
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is rescinded.