Curiosity Caught The Cat Owner: Atmore Man Searching For Pet Arrested On Meth Charge
January 20, 2026
An Atmore man who was looking for his missing cat was arrested on drug charges, according to the Atmore Police Department.
An Atmore Police Department officer on routine patrol found a vehicle parked at the gate of a locked business on Robinsonville Road. That’s where they found a woman lying down in the backseat. She informed the officer that her boyfriend, 46-year-old Dennis Sothman, had climbed over the gate looking for their cat.
APD deployed a drone, locating Sothman hiding behind some bushes. He was detained, and officers found “several” grams of methamphetamine on his person along with items used to package narcotics, police said.
Sothman was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude an officer.
Three Injured In Highway 168 Rollover Crash
January 20, 2026
Three people were injured in a single-vehicle crash Monday afternoon near Byrneville.
A Ford Expedition was westbound on Highway 168 between the two intersections with Wawbeek Road when the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason, struck a ditch and culvert, and became airborne. The vehicle came to rest on its side on the shoulder of the road.
One person wasapped in the vehicle for an extended period of time while firefighters worked to extricate her, removing the windshield and cutting off the roof. The woman and a 17-year-old female were transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS. Another passenger, also a 17-year-old female, was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details.
The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Convicted Felons Charged With Trafficking Fentanyl
January 20, 2026
Two Escambia County convicted felons have been indicted on federal fentanyl trafficking charges.
Ke Anthony Javon Blackmon, 29, and Averee Kathryn Savage, 27, were indicted by a federal grand jury. Each was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
If convicted, as charged, they each face a minimum mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment on the drug charges and a maximum of 15 years imprisonment on the gun charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Today
January 20, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution Tuesday, January 20, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification. The distribution will operate on a first come, first served basis as supplies last. Only one bag or box per person with an ID.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Giant Xylophone, Wind Chimes: Ascend Cares Volunteers Complete Work On New Roy Hyatt Sensory Trail
January 20, 2026
Volunteers from Ascend Cares returned for another work day on Friday at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment to complete work on the new Roy Hyatt Sensory Trail.
They include “Windows to the Wind,” a “Whirling Wind Station,” a “Crunch Trail,” a huge xylophone, a human-sized bamboo wind chime, and a natural wood binocular station.
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is owned by the Escambia County School District and utilized for school field trips. RHEC is not open to the public; however, there are several annual special events that are open to the public. Those events are usually posted in advance on NorthEscambia.com.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Carole Jo Bayne Brouillette
January 20, 2026
Carole Jo Bayne Brouillette transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on January 1, 2026. Born in Chicago on September 6, 1942, Carole spent most of her life in Florida, where she built a life filled with love, resilience, and service to others.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Bayne and Frances Whedon, sisters Zoet and Cynthia, brother Seth; and Evelyn Brouillette, who lovingly adopted Carole years ago. She is survived by children: John (Tina) Jenkins of Lake City, FL; Terri Jenkins of Pensacola, FL; and Tracy (Kelly) Duckett of Lake City, FL. She also leaves behind a sister Edna Brouillette and her newly discovered sister, Paula Petrakovic of Utah, and a circle of dear friends spanning multiple states, who cherished her deeply.
Carole’s greatest joy was her family. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren (of which one is on the way). Her grandchildren include Leah (Nate), Aleah; Daniel (Amanda); Whitney (Dustin); Aaron (Lauren); Caitlin, Ryan (Amanda); and Brantley (Serenity), along with a host of beloved great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.
Great grandchildren include Skyla, Ava, Peyton, Zack, Jackson, Kasen, Ashlynn, Aria, Pearl, Hannah, Hudson, Ryker, Aspen, Maverick and Wilder.
Great-great grandchildren include Jace and Meadow (who is on the way).
Carole’s life was a testament to perseverance and unconditional love. She faced challenges with courage and determination, always striving to protect and nurture her children—even when life required her to do so from afar. Her heart never wavered in its devotion.
Professionally, Carole was a long-time employee at Reynolds Hardware in Pensacola, where her enthusiasm, professionalism, and radiant smile earned her a loyal clientele. Beyond her work, Carole quietly embodied the spirit of humanitarianism. She helped countless young families in her Cantonment community, never seeking recognition—an unsung heroine who lived by the motto, “help thy neighbor.”
Carole often reflected on life’s meaning and requested this poem be shared:
“What will they say about me, those whom I hold so dear? What will they best remember when I’m no longer here? Will they recall mistakes I’ve made, battles I never won? Moments of pain I’ve caused them, things I have left undone. Will they censor my human failings and wish I’d been noble and strong? Will they scoff at the hopes I nurtured, the dreams that somehow went wrong? … Or will they be moved by compassion, directed by Heaven above To temper their judgment with kindness and soften their memories with LOVE?”
Those who loved Carole did exactly that—they saw her strength, shared her hopes, and embraced her heart without judgment. Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and love.
Rest easy, Carole. You will always be missed and loved.
In lieu of a service, donations may be made in Carole’s memory to Teen Challenge Thrift Store (40 W 9 Mile Rd), Allen Memorial Methodist Church Food Pantry Program, and the American Red Cross, Northwest Florida Chapter.
Water Leak Causes Traffic Delays On North Century Boulevard
January 20, 2026
A water leak under North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in Century caused traffic delays on Tuesday.
The leak was in the northbound 8800 block of North Highway 29, just south of the Mexican restaurant.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control.
Contractors assisted the Town of Century with the repair. A town official said the line never lost enough pressure to require a boil water notice.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kathleen Patricia Gilchrist Findley
January 20, 2026
Kathleen Patricia Gilchrist Findley, 76, of Wawbeek, AL., passed away on January 19, 2026. Kathleen was born on July 18, 1949, in New Orleans, LA., to Wilson Gilchrist Sr. and Avis Ammons.
She was a retired registered nurse, and it was her passion to help and care for others. She was a member of Vision Church in Flomaton, AL.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ted Findley, Sr.; two brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by her son, Teddy (Heather) Findley, Jr., of Mobile, AL; her daughter, Tara (David) Carter of Wawbeek, AL; her grandchildren, Shelby Carter, Scarlett Carter, Wyatt Findley, Secily Carter, Rhett Findley; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ricky Hart officiating. Interment will follow at Canoe Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Canoe, AL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Held In Century (With Photo Gallery)
January 19, 2026
A crowd headed out on a cold Monday in Century to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association (CFIA) held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Century Ag Building Monday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The program and celebration featured guest speaker Rev. Clara Clark of Wesley Chapel C.M.E. Church in Century and special music. A motorcade around Century followed lunch.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
East KingsField Road Resurfacing Begins Today
January 19, 2026
A $875,000 resurfacing project will begin today, January 19 on East Kingsfield Road.
East Kingsfield will be resurfaced between Highway 29 and Highway 297A. Traffic on East Kingsfield Road will be reduced to a single lane during the construction period.
The paving project is expected to be completed by Friday, February 13.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
Editor’s note: Escambia County said that even though Monday, January 19, is a holiday, the project is set to begin.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.