Molino Woman Charged With Alleged Amusement Park Burglary
February 24, 2026
A Molino woman was charged with recenthly with burglarizing a local waterpark and amusement park where she was formerly employed.
Madison Lee Galle, 19, is charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure and criminal mischief, both felonies.
According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office records, deputies responded to Splash City Adventures on Pensacola Boulevard on December 23, 2025, after a manager reported seeing intruders on surveillance video.
Investigators found a warehouse door had been pried open, causing approximately $800 in damage. Galle, who was identified as a former employee of the business who had been terminated, was allegedly seen on camera inside the warehouse during the incident.
Galle was booked into the Escambia County Jail and later released on a $6,000 bond.
According to its website, the park closed on September 14.
Man Claims Fantasy 5 Prize From Davisville Retailer; Third Winner For Shop This Year
February 24, 2026
We now know who purchased a winning Fantasy 5 lottery ticket sold in Davisville — the third winning ticket sold this year by the retailer.
The ticket sold to Willie Newton Bradley, Jr. of Frisco City, Alabama, was one of two top-prize winning tickets sold for the Thursday, February 12, evening drawing and was worth $55,609.50 each. The other winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Pompano Beach.
He purchased the ticket at the State Line Gift Shop, on Highway 97 just south of Atmore. The winning numbers were 3-5-10-20-27.
The State Line Gift Shop sold a $55,328.49 winning ticket for the February 8 midday drawing to a Mobile woman, and a $55,272.07 winning ticket for the January 15 drawing to a Grande, Alabama, man.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Pine Meadow Elementary Hosts ‘Donuts With Dad’
February 24, 2026
Pine Meadow Elementary School recently hosted “Donuts With Dads”.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 1,800 High Schoolers Attend Northwest Florida Construction Career Days
February 24, 2026
More than 1,800 high school students got an interactive, hands-on look at the transportation industry during the 6th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days (CCD) last week at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds.
Students had the opportunity to operate heavy equipment and learn about bridge inspections, paving, concrete, traffic control, engineering, and more. The event highlights the wide range of career paths available within the transportation, structural, engineering, and building industries. Participants were also engaged directly with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), engineering firms, and contractors actively seeking to hire in the Northwest Florida region.
The event also allowed FDOT and its industry partners to connect with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Students who are 18 years or older may complete job applications with participating companies during the event.
For a photo gallery including Northview and Tate High School students at the event, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Members Honored During 2026 Medal Day
February 24, 2026
Escambia County Fire Rescue hosted the 2026 ECFR Medal Day awards ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 21. The ceremony served as a celebration of all achievements accomplished by the hardworking men and women in ECFR during 2025.
Escambia County Fire Rescue annually recognizes individual firefighters and fire officers for their contributions to the department. The following personnel received ECFR’s most distinguished individual awards:
Career Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Jeffery C. Rohrer
Career Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Angel Santana
Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Christianne Barry
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Joshua Bazinet
Lieutenant Terrell Jackson Award
- Firefighter Eli Jackson
District Chief Dwain Bradshaw Award
- Lt. James Shaw
Pinning of New Firefighters
The following firefighters completed their mandatory one-year probationary service period:
- Jalen Abner
- Kenneth Daley
- Avery Carter
- Carson Deferrari
- Ryan Frank
- Evan Gourley
- Danny Hand
- David Hart
- Brandon Haygens
- Jacob Hughes
- Trevor Isakson
- Dustin Meyer
- Levi Penfold
- Sean Philson
- Michael Pousson
- Robert Rumley
- Travis Stephens
- Shamane Walker
- Ryan Walsh
- Coleman Young
Promotions
The following firefighters and fire officers received promotions during 2025:
Battalion Chief
- Chief Dimitri Jansen
Safety 4 Training and Safety Lieutenant (Lateral Transfer Promotion)
- Lt. Reiner Crabtree
Lieutenant
- Lt. Geoffrey Carmichael
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Lt. Geric Fatheree
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Lt. Connor Wood
Retirement
The following firefighters have dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Escambia County and retired from service in 2025:
- Firefighter Paul McCleary
- Retired in February 2025 after 40 years of service
- Chief Mark Butler
- Retired in September 2025 after 30 years of service
- Lt. Jason Menda
- Retired in July 2025 after 25 years of service
- Firefighter Brian Kraatz
- Retired in December 2025 after 24 years of service
Service Recognition Medal
Awarded to those firefighters in acknowledgement of their long and faithful service:
- District Chief Brandon Stevens
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
Final Alarm Medal
In 2025, Escambia County Fire Rescue lost a beloved volunteer deputy chief, who faithfully served the Beulah community:
- Deputy Chief Beau Rodrique
- Final Alarm – Jan. 5, 2025
Medal of Courage
Awarded to a firefighter who was involved in an act of true bravery that resulted in the rescue or saving of a life.
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he entered the water during hazardous conditions with no hesitation, located a victim below the water surface, and brought them to safety, resulting in a life saved.
Medal of Gallantry
Awarded to a firefighter who, at great personal risk, has been instrumental in rescuing and saving another from possible death.
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he served as the jet ski operator, managing to swiftly and safely maneuver hazardous waters to rescue multiple struggling swimmers out of the Gulf.
Company Citations
Presented to members for unequaled team effort in overcoming unusual difficulties and obstacles in the performance of their duties to affect a successful outcome in an emergency incident. A ribbon is given when the team’s effort results in the saving of a human life.
- Jan. 19, 2025 - Cardiac Arrest Call – Engine 17 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Keith Chapman
- Firefighter Channon O’Connor
- Firefighter Zach Aceto
- April 23, 2025 – Water Rescue – Station #13 – 1328
- Lt. Josh Rowe
- Firefighter Mattox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- April 26, 2025 – Multi-Victim Water Rescue – Station #13
- Engine 13
- Lt. Guy Meredith
- Firefighter Niels Frage
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
- Ladder 13
- Acting Lt. Allen Harrison
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Engine 13
- June 13, 2025 – Stabbing Incident – Squad 3 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Daniel Mills
- Firefighter Geoffrey Carmichael
- Firefighter Chase Perdue
- July 22, 2025 – Entrapment Rescue – Squad 3 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Charles McGuffey
- Firefighter Kenny Fehl
- Firefighter Jacob Darr
- Firefighter David Neydlin
- Aug. 12, 2025 – Residential Structure Fire – Station #6 (A-Watch)
- Engine 6
- Lt. Charles Bailey
- Firefighter Robert Vardeman
- Firefighter Allan Beasley
- Firefighter Jaylen Abner
- Ladder 6
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Battalion Chief 3
- Chief Wesley Barnett
- Engine 6
- Sept. 14, 2025 – Medical Emergency Call – Ladder 19 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Steven Service
- Firefighter Adam Wright
- Firefighter Marvin Vazquez
- Sept. 19, 2025 – Heat-Related Illness Call – Engine 8 (B-Watch)
- Lt. Baylen Payne
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Kenneth Daley
- Oct. 27, 2025 – Squad 14 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Kyle Sexton
- Firefighter Wesley Brandt
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Ryan Welsh
- Nov. 3, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 7 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Jeffery Johnson
- Firefighter Chase Boydston
- Nov. 17, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Ladder 19 (B-Watch)
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Firefighter Bruce Durden
- Firefighter Garrett Chandler
- Firefighter Anthony Hendricks
- Nov. 25 & 26, 2025 Multi-Victim High-Risk Water Rescues (Two Separate Incidents)
- Engine 13
- Lt. Brian Diamond
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Michael Register
- Ladder 13
- Lt. Joshua Rowe
- Firefighter Maddox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- Engine 13
- Nov. 27, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Victims – Ladder 6 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Dec. 4, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 4 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jason Felicelli
- Firefighter Tim Nagim
- Firefighter Anthony Stafford
- Firefighter Jacob Hoskins
- Dec. 21, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Squad 14 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Phillip Hoffman
- Firefighter Dale Coulter
- Firefighter Jeremy Warner
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to a firefighter or fire officer who was involved in an act where their extreme proficiency in skill and knowledge resulted in the rescue and/or saving of a life.
- Firefighter/Paramedic Dale Coulter
Civilian Life Saving Award
Presented to members of the public whose personal actions directly and significantly contribute to the saving of a human life.
- Andrew Smith
- Utilized a drone to successfully drop a rescue tube flotation device to a distressed swimmer
Tate Aggies Shut Out Choctaw 15-0: Mitchell Drives In Five; Padgett Throws No-Hitter
February 24, 2026
Tate 15, Choctawhatchee 0
The Tate Lady Aggies shut out the Choctawhatchee Indians 15-0 on Monday night.
Kayla Mitchell collected five RBIs on three hits in Fort Walton Beach on Monday. Mitchell accounted for three with a home run to center field in the third inning and added two runs on a double in the second.
Madison Smillie also had three hits for Tate, while Jordyn Banks and Brelynn Morris added two hits each.
Mykamia Padgett pitched a four-inning no-hitter, allowing no runs, walking two and striking out 10.
Next up, the Lady Aggies will travel to Niceville on Thursday.
Tate 14, Choctaw 5 (JV)
In JV action, the Lady Aggies beat Choctaw 14-5.
In the circle, Faith Middleton earned the win for Tate, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) in two innings, walking one and striking out five. In relief, Khloe Gibson pitched one inning, giving up two runs (none earned) while walking two and striking out one.
Middleton and Mikela Foster had two hits each for THS.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Low 40s Tonight
February 24, 2026
The North Escambia area will enjoy a bright and cool Tuesday before a significant warming trend takes hold. As we move into Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures will climb into the 70s, accompanied by increasing cloud cover and brisk southwest winds that could gust up to 30 mph. Rain chances enter the picture late Wednesday night, peaking Thursday night with a high likelihood of showers and potential thunderstorms as a front moves through the region.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
New Nine Mile Road Costco Construction Moving Quickly
February 23, 2026
Construction is underway on a new Costco at 225 East Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee gave final approval in August 2025 for a Costco at 225 East Nine Mile, the previous site of a long-closed Kmart and, later, a Planet Fitness.. The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store, but a target date has not yet been announced.
Since work began late last year, the previous shopping center has been demolished, foundation work has been completed, and workers have erected the steel frame and a few exterior walls.
The 172,580-square-foot Costco retail store will have a freestanding gas station and 830 parking spaces at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. The site is just under 22 acres.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle School FFA Visits Over 900 Elementary Students For Hands-On Agriculture Day
February 23, 2026
Last week, leaders from the Beulah Middle School FFA Chapter visited more than 900 students at Beulah Elementary School for an engaging and interactive agricultural learning experience.
While learning about the five essential elements plants need to grow—water, sunlight, soil, air, and warmth—each student created a necklace containing a cotton seed. Students were especially excited to learn how cotton grows—from seed to harvest—and how it is used in everyday products.
In addition to plant science, FFA members shared information about the Beulah Middle School farm and the many opportunities students have to be involved in agricultural education and FFA. Each class also met one of the farm animals that made the trip, providing a memorable, up-close agricultural experience.
Teachers were provided with follow-up educational materials, including books about growing cotton and peanuts, student worksheets, and FFA-themed coloring sheets to continue the learning in their classrooms.
The newest addition to the Beulah farm—a sweet lamb—also joined the group and greeted every student as they exited the cafeteria, making the day even more special.
“It was an incredible day of leadership, service, and agricultural education, and we are so proud of our Beulah Middle School FFA students for representing our program so well,” FFA sponsor Leanna Jenkins said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Woman Pleads Guilty To Federal Fentanyl Charges Stemming From Nine Mile Traffic Stop
February 23, 2026
A 53-year-old Escambia County woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to trafficking in fentanyl, charges that originated with a traffic stop on Nine Mile Road.
Laurie Ann Chapman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl has had an undeniably devastating, deadly impact on countless communities nationwide,” said United States Attorney John P. Heekin. “Sheriff Chip Simmons and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are doing great work in collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners to attack this threat head-on, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek maximum punishment for anyone who peddles this poison.”
Court records indicate that Chapman was the target of a multi-month joint investigation. During that time, law enforcement conducted surveillance and documented multiple instances of Chapman and her associates distributing fentanyl. The investigation concluded on May 29, 2025, when officers conducted a traffic stop at Nine Mile Road and Old Palafox and found Chapman in possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl intended for a prearranged sale.
Chapman faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, and up to a five-year term of supervised release thereafter.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 7 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.