Woman Sentenced To Life In Prison For 2022 Escambia County Murder
October 10, 2025
An Escambia County woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for a murder almost three years ago.
Alyssa Marie Blackburn was sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Judge Amy Brodersen following her conviction for principal to second degree murder by an Escambia County jury in August 15, 2025.
On the afternoon of October 29, 2023, Jesse Geoghagen was shot and killed by Jacob Colville at a home on Medford Avenue in Escambia County. On that day, Blackburn, Colville and Lawrence Bonner, Jr. came to the house looking for Geoghagen. Blackburn went inside and confirmed he was there, after which Colville and Bonner entered with guns and began searching the house for Geoghagen. Colville found Geoghagen hiding in a closet in the back of the house and proceeded to shoot him several times with three different guns. The murder was captured on a home video surveillance system.
The evidence at trial showed that Blackburn was Geoghagen’s girlfriend but that she also was in a relationship with Colville. Text messages showed there was discord between Blackburn, Geoghagen and Colville relating to their relationships, and there was an earlier statement by Blackburn where she intimated she wanted Colville to “make” Geoghagen leave her alone. Further, nine minutes before the murder, Blackburn messaged another friend that Colville was going to kill Geoghagen. Blackburn left the house just prior to the shooting.
Jacob Colville was convicted of first degree premeditated murder on June 13, 2024, and was sentenced to life in state prison by Circuit Judge Coleman Lee Robinson.
Bonner pleaded no contest to principal to second degree murder and was sentenced to five years in prison with credit for 1,046 days served while awaiting trial. Testimony indicated Bonner had lesser involvement and was not aware of the plot to kill Geoghage..
A security system in the residence captured the murder, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Walnut Hill Heritage Festival Will Be Held Saturday
October 10, 2025
The fifth annual Walnut Hill Heritage Festival will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The event will take place at the Walnut Hill Community Center at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the Walnut Hill Fire Department.
The day, sponsored by the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, will feature vendors, live music, food, hay rides, antique vendors, arts and crafts, bounce houses, face painting, family magic show and much more.
Admission is free.
Pictured: The 2024 Walnut Hill Heritage Festival. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Big District Matchups Tonight For Tate And Northview
October 10, 2025
Both the Tate Aggies and Northview have big district matchups scheduled this Friday night.
Pace at Tate
The District 1-6A lead is up for grabs tonight when the Pace Patriots visit the Tate Aggies in Pete Gindl Stadium. Both teams are entering the contest at 5-1 overall, 1-0 in the district.
Tate has an extra week to prepare after a bye last Friday night, while Pace is coming off a close 20-18 win over Madison County last week.
Both teams are entering the game with key injuries. Patriots’ running back Makael Williams sprained his ankle two weeks ago against Crestview, and Tate starting quarterback Miles Delarosa suffered a season-ending ACL tear against West Florida back on September 19. In their last outing, September 26, Tate was behind 20-0 before powering back for a 29-26 win over Navarre.
Jay at Northview
The Jay Royals will travel across the river for the Battle of Highway 4 tonight against the Northview Chiefs.
Both teams are entering the game even at 1-2 in the Rural District during what has been a down season.
Northview is at 1-5 overall, coming off a 3-point loss last week to the undefeated Baker Gators in Baker’s house that left head coach Doug Vickery proud of his team’s improvement and the strong showing, even with the loss.
Both teams had significant wins over Central this year — Jay 47-7 last week and Northview 46-8 on September 12. Jay’s other win was a shutout of Lighthouse Private Christian School.
Jay beat Northview last year for the first time in seven years, and they have never defeated the Chiefs in Bratt since they began district play in 2009.
Fans know that the game may go either way, but the post-game winner will be the Whataburger in Century when both sides gather when it’s all over.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Schedule
October 10, 2025
Here is the Friday night football schedule from around the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Pace at Tate
- Jay at Northview
- Bay at West Florida
- Pine Forest at Washington
- Pensacola High at Escambia
- Pensacola Catholic at Walton
- Gulf Breeze at Milton
- Central: Bye week
ALABAMA
- W.S. Neal at Escambia County (Atmore)
- Cornerstone Christian at Escambia Academy
- T.R. Miller at Excel
- Flomaton: Bye week
Pictured: Northview’s Caleb Levins gains yardage for the Chiefs last Friday night in Baker. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Frankie Lee Lewis, Jr.
October 10, 2025
Frankie Lee Lewis, Jr., 80, was bon in Enon, Florida on July 18, 1945 to Frankie Lewis, Sr. and Ruby King Lewis, and passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025 in Pensacola, Florida.
Frankie is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rodger Dale Lewis.
Frankie was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving four years during the Vietnam War. Following his military service he worked and retired from Escambia County Utilities Authority. He enjoyed the outdoors while hunting and fishing for many years.
Frankie met Prather Ann Foster on a blind date and they were married within a month on April 29, 1978. They were married for over 47 years when the Lord called him home. Frankie accepted the Lord as his Savior as a teenager and after he and Ann married, they were members at Pine Haven Baptist Church. He helped with the youth there and went on several trips to summer youth camp, which he enjoyed very much. Through the Masonic Lodge, Frankie worked with the DeMolay organization, mentoring boys to become men of character. For the last twelve years Frankie and Ann were faithful members of Highland Baptist Church. Even through sickness, Frankie longed to be in church every Sunday.
Frankie is survived by his wife, Ann, son, Brandon Lewis and his wife Lucinda, daughter Courtney Lewis and her fiancé Eddie Akaba, grandson, Ross Ashworth, sisters Elisabeth Faulk and her husband, Ronnie, Sarah Figureid and her husband Eddie, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to especially thank Sarah Owens, Robert Kennedy, Jerry Mcgaughey, and Scott Richardson that helped in our time of need.
Funeral Services for Frankie will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Saturday, October 11th with visitation for friends at 1:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 p.m. Graveside will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Bro. Josh Helton of Highland Baptist Church will officiate the service.
Serving as pallbearers are Brandon and Lucinda Lewis, Eddie Akaba, Tyler Ashworth, David Kerns, Jerry Mcgaughey, and Scott Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude or Ronald McDonald House in memory of Frankie.
Frankie Lee Lewis, Jr.
October 10, 2025
Frankie Lee Lewis, Jr., 80, was bon in Enon, Florida on July 18, 1945 to Frankie Lewis, Sr. and Ruby King Lewis, and passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025 in Pensacola, Florida.
Frankie is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rodger Dale Lewis.
Frankie was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving four years during the Vietnam War. Following his military service he worked and retired from Escambia County Utilities Authority. He enjoyed the outdoors while hunting and fishing for many years.
Frankie met Prather Ann Foster on a blind date and they were married within a month on April 29, 1978. They were married for over 47 years when the Lord called him home. Frankie accepted the Lord as his Savior as a teenager and after he and Ann married, they were members at Pine Haven Baptist Church. He helped with the youth there and went on several trips to summer youth camp, which he enjoyed very much. Through the Masonic Lodge, Frankie worked with the DeMolay organization, mentoring boys to become men of character. For the last twelve years Frankie and Ann were faithful members of Highland Baptist Church. Even through sickness, Frankie longed to be in church every Sunday.
Frankie is survived by his wife, Ann, son, Brandon Lewis and his wife Lucinda, daughter Courtney Lewis and her fiancé Eddie Akaba, grandson, Ross Ashworth, sisters Elisabeth Faulk and her husband, Ronnie, Sarah Figureid and her husband Eddie, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to especially thank Sarah Owens, Robert Kennedy, Jerry Mcgaughey, and Scott Richardson that helped in our time of need.
Funeral Services for Frankie will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Saturday, October 11th with visitation for friends at 1:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 p.m. Graveside will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Bro. Josh Helton of Highland Baptist Church will officiate the service.
Serving as pallbearers are Brandon and Lucinda Lewis, Eddie Akaba, Tyler Ashworth, David Kerns, Jerry Mcgaughey, and Scott Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude or Ronald McDonald House in memory of Frankie.
Four Arrested, Stolen Property Recovered In Cantonment Raid
October 9, 2025
Four people were arrested when a months-long Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant Wednesday in Cantonment.
“Over the past several months, investigators have been working a series of cases involving grand theft, vehicle thefts, and dealing in stolen property,” Sgt. Melony Peterson said. During the search, deputies located stolen property and narcotics in the residence, she said.
“This operation is part of ECSO’s continued effort to investigate and address property crimes throughout Escambia County,” Peterson added.
Colby Chase Myrick, 34, was charged with dealing or trafficking in stolen property, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and resisting. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail late Wednesday afternoon without bond.
Three other people at the residence were arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Escambia County Jail:
- Tyrel James Disney, 41, felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, no bond
- Justin Michael Odom, 31, parole violation, no bond
- Shelby Danielle Totty, 30, felony dealing or trafficking in stolen property, $15,000 bond
Pictured above: Colby Myrick. Pictured below: (L-R) Tyrel Disney, Justin Odom, and Shelby Totty.
Scattered Showers Thursday, Fall-Like Period Begins Friday
October 9, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Columbus Day: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Pictured: Sunset over East Nine Mile Road Wednesday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
New Partnership, New Tech Improve Friday Night Football Experience For Tate Aggie Nation
October 9, 2025
Friday night football in Tate High School’s Pete Gindl Stadium, but this season the experience is even brighter, louder and more exciting for everyone in Aggie Nation.
Tate High School has announced a new partnership between the Tate Quarterback Club and alumni Paul and Karen Bowers, who have generously provided Tate High School with new technology that will transform both the student learning experience and the Friday night football atmosphere.
Through their support, Tate High School has received production communication headsets, video cameras, wireless transmitters, system switches, and Daktronics instructional software for the TV & Multimedia Academy. This cutting-edge equipment will allow students to gain real-world, hands-on experience in live production.
This football season, the Multimedia Academy students have taken charge of running the video board on game nights. Fans are seeing an upgraded experience similar to what you would find at large sporting events and concerts, with student-led camera work, instant replays, and enhanced production.
“I am thrilled for our students to have this opportunity. Not only will our fans enjoy a professional-level game day environment, but our students will also be preparing for future careers in broadcasting, media, and production,” Principal Laura Touchstone said. “We are deeply grateful to the Tate Quarterback Club and to Paul and Karen Bowers for their vision and commitment to our school. Their generosity ensures that Aggie traditions continue to grow while also providing invaluable educational opportunities for our students.”
Pictured top: (L-R) Tate football coach Rhett Summerford, Multimedia Academy teacher Melissa Armstrong, Principal Laura Touchstone, and Matt Power, president of the football boosters. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
David Stafford Named Pensacola City Administrator
October 9, 2025
Former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford has been appointed as Pensacola city administrator. Stafford, a Pensacola native with over 30 years of experience in government management and public leadership, will lead the city’s administrative operations and work closely with Mayor D.C. Reeves to advance the city’s strategic priorities.
“We are fortunate to have a person of David’s caliber leading our team at the City of Pensacola,” Reeves said. “David’s deep knowledge of our city, his credibility with our constituents, his leadership acumen, and his sterling reputation nationally for public service will continue to push Pensacola to new heights. It’s an honor to get to work with him, and I’m excited to get going.”
I am honored and humbled to serve as Pensacola’s City Administrator,” Stafford said. “Pensacola is a city with incredible momentum, and I’m excited to work alongside Mayor Reeves and the talented team he has assembled to build on that success. My career has been dedicated to public service and bringing people together to solve problems. I look forward to applying that experience to help move our city forward. This is a special place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has given so much to my family and me.”
Stafford served as Escambia County Supervisor of Elections for nearly two decades from 2005 to 2024. As a constitutional officer, he was responsible for voter registration, election administration, and candidate qualifying for more than 300,000 citizens. In that capacity, Stafford managed a multimillion-dollar budget and oversaw staff recruitment and training, including more than 600 election workers. He led the adoption of new voting systems, innovative technology, and cybersecurity protocols, while also providing national leadership on election administration through service on multiple advisory boards, committees, and working groups.
Following his tenure as Supervisor of Elections, Stafford was appointed as Election Security Advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where he directed operational risk management and cybersecurity initiatives across eight southeastern states.
Most recently, Stafford served as Vice President of Accounts at Enhanced Voting, leading client success efforts and driving innovative solutions for election officials.
David Stafford’s first day with the City of Pensacola will be October 27.