Alabama Sex Offender Charged Traveling To Escambia, FL, To Entice A Minor For Sex
February 1, 2026
An Alabama sex offender has been indicted on a federal charge for allegedly attempting to entice a minor for sex in Escambia County, Florida.
David A. Girard, 70, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was indicted on a charge of attempted enticement of a minor and traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The indictment also charges enhanced penalty provisions because Girard is a registered sexual offender based upon prior sex offense convictions in 2009. If convicted, Girard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’, and up to life, imprisonment.
Girard is scheduled for trial before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on March 2.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, US Customs and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Christopher C. Patterson.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
EREC Crew Members Continue To Help Restore Power In North Mississippi
February 1, 2026
The crews from the Escambia River Electric Cooperative are continuing to work in North Mississippi to help restore power after an ice storm over a week ago.
EREC is among the cooperatives providing mutual aid to other electric cooperatives in the area. Crews have been working in temperatures in the teens and subzero wind chills.
For additional photos, click here.
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Ice Flyers Bounce Back To Beat Marksmen (With Gallery)
February 1, 2026
The Ice Flyers bounced back in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, defeating the Fayetteville Marksmen 4-3 in front of a roaring crowd of 7,090 at the Hangar for Mardi Gras Night.
The Marksmen struck first when former Ice Flyer Sam Dabrowski opened the scoring. Captain Ethan Price responded midway through the first period, tying the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission. Marcus Fechko gave Fayetteville the lead with the lone goal of the second period, putting the Ice Flyers in a 2-1 hole entering the final frame.
The third period belonged to Pensacola. Mike Moran, Zack Bross, and Tim Faulkner each found the back of the net, propelling the Ice Flyers to a 4-2 lead. Trey Fechko brought the Marksmen within one at 4-3, but the Ice Flyers held strong to secure the victory and avenge Friday night’s loss.
The Ice Flyers return to action next week for Adult Jersey Giveaway Night.
Thomas Elton ‘Buddy’ Byrd
February 1, 2026
Mr. Thomas Elton “Buddy” Byrd, who was 80 years old, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Atmore, Alabama, the town where he was born on December 14, 1945. He spent his entire life in Atmore and Davisville, Florida. He was a devoted member of Atmore Baptist Temple. Buddy will be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his family and community.
He had a true passion for old cars, enjoying the challenge of restoring them and perfecting their paint and bodywork. He cherished spending time with his family, especially taking his grandchildren for rides on the golf cart. He dedicated countless hours to judging car shows and coaching youth baseball, sharing his love for the game with young players. A proud member of Cruisers’ Unlimited, he looked forward to events like Cruising the Coast, where he spent many happy hours at car shows, earning various awards throughout the years for his impressive vehicles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Talton and Velma Morrow Byrd; sister, Bobby Freeman.
Mr. Byrd is survived by his devoted wife of forty-four years, Gayle Byrd, residing in Davisville, Florida. He leaves behind three sons: Ken Milstead and his wife Sandra, of Bay Minette, Alabama; Scott Milstead and his wife Debbie of Mobile, Alabama; and Trent Milstead and partner Karen Metts of Robinsonville, Alabama. Mr. Byrd’s legacy is further enriched by the presence of eight grandchildren: Amiee Milstead, Kyndall Crane (Clayton Crane), Caitlin Cook (Bradley Cook), Erica Dillard (Temple Dillard), Scotty Milstead, Hannah Milstead, Preston Milstead, and Jaden Gregson (Austin Gregson), as well as nineteen great-grandchildren: Haylin Milstead, Ethan Thomas, Aubrey Thomas, Caston Crane, Cale Crane, Tully Crane, Noah Lins, Bristol Cook, Aiden Dillard, Liam Dillard, Brynna Dillard, Sadie Milstead, Emberly Milstead, James Milstead, Adalynn Milstead, Malachi Carroll, Kamreigh Milstead, Paxton Milstead, and Wren Gregson, all of whom will cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC, with Reverend Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Sharpless, Steve Johnson, Mark Dorriety, Butch McDaniels, Danny Brooks, and Brian Shivers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Shepherd and Billy Franklin
The Byrd Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice and the Atmore Community Hospital ER staff as well as to the dedicated nurses on the 2nd floor. Your compassionate care made a world of difference during this time. We also appreciate the support from Atmore Baptist Temple, our wonderful neighbors, and the entire community. Your kindness and generosity have brought comfort to our family, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being there for us.
Howard L. Nal
February 1, 2026
Howard L. Nall, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida. Born on May 24, 1943, in the same city, Howard’s life was a testament to dedication, love, and service. Howard’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his family, his work, and his faith. He shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife, Glinda Nall, who, along with their son Steve Nall, grandsons Fisher Nall and River Dempsey, and great-granddaughter Willow Dempsey, survives him. Howard’s legacy of love and leadership will continue to live on through them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard E. Nall, his mother, Bessie Ruth Nall, his brothers Thomas Raymond Nall and W.C. Nall, and his sister Faye Kliensmith. Professionally, Howard was a captain on an oil ship, working for Edison Chouest Offshore. Howard’s love for the outdoors was unparalleled. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. His passion for country music often served as the soundtrack for his outdoor adventures and family gatherings, creating a legacy of cherished memories.
As a proud member of the Cantonment Masonic Lodge No. 322, Howard exemplified the values of brotherhood, truth, and charity. His involvement in the lodge was not just a pastime but a significant part of his life’s work, contributing to various community initiatives and fostering bonds that would last a lifetime.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Howard’s strength and character will be honored by his pallbearers: Steve Nall, Fisher Nall, River Dempsey, and Brad Lowe. Together, they will carry Howard to his final resting place, just as he carried them through life’s challenges and joys. Howard’s life story is one of unwavering commitment to the things he held dear. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever. As we say goodbye to Howard L. Nall, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed, and a soul that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on this world.
Visitation will take place from 11 a.m until noon at Faith Chapel Funeral Home-North, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Funeral services will begin at noon. Interment will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Molino.
Barbara Ann Creel
February 1, 2026
Ms. Barbara Ann Creel, age 77, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
Ms. Creel was born in Robertsdale, AL and resided in Cantonment, FL for most of her life. She was well traveled and had moved around the country and the world. She was a proud mother and Nana, always happy to make a new friend. She had worked various jobs in customer service and always treated any stranger as if they were a friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Sadie Barlow; brother, Edward Barlow; and two sisters, Eloise Carlton and Eva Loyce Kersey; and grandson Joshua Huckaba.
She is survived by her three sons, Stephen Huckaba of Defuniak Springs, FL, Sherman (Christy) Huckaba of Paxton, and Johnnie (Melissa) Creel of Cantonment, FL; two daughters, Stephanie White of Crestview, FL, Jodie (Shawn) Pritchard of Lake Stevens, WA and two brothers Charles (Noreen) Barlow of Cantonment, FL and Robert (Lisa) Barlow of Ponce De Leon, Florida; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 1545 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, Fl. 32504 (cancer.org) or your favorite charity.