Escambia County Veterans Services Office To Hold Outreach In Molino
June 27, 2026
The Escambia County Veterans Services Office will hold an outreach event in Molino.
The event will take place Thursday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Molino Community Center, located at 6450 Highway 95A.
Veterans Services Office staff members will be available to help with topics including reviewing VA benefits, filing a VA claim, and re-evaluating VA disability. Additional vendors include:
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Council on Aging of West Florida
- Legal Services of North Florida
- Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging
- Pensacola Vet Center
- United Way of West Florida
Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. No appointment is required.
Sunshine, Summertime Heat Return
June 27, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Food Giveaway Saturday Morning In Walnut Hill
June 27, 2026
A food giveaway will be held Saturday morning at a Walnut Hill church.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. until noon, or while supplies last, at New Life Assembly, 8450 Highway 97, just south of Highway 164.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Escambia Man Indicted On Federal Gun Charges
June 27, 2026
An Escambia County man has been indicted on federal drug charges.
James Christopher Bradford, 34, was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of distribution of Ketamine and MDMA.
If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke Lindsay.
Blue Wahoos Score 12 Unanswered Runs In Wild Comeback Win
June 27, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos pulled off the comeback of the season on Friday night, winning 12-7 over the Chattanooga Lookouts after trailing 7-0.
Things started out about as poorly as possible for the Wahoos. With Orlando Ortiz-Mayr on the mound, the Lookouts put up three runs in the 2nd inning on a 2-run double from Julio Cerreras and an RBI single from Carlos Jorge. Then, two innings later, four more runs came around to score when the first 6 batters reached, officially ending Ortiz-Mayr’s day at 3.1 innings, with 9 hits, and 7 runs allowed.
Trailing 7-0 and with only one hit through the first five innings, Pensacola had some work to do. And they slowly started chipping away in the 6th. A solo homer from Aiva Arquette got the scoring started. Juan Matheus followed with a walk and Fenwick Trimble followed that with a double. With two men in scoring position, Brendan Jones slapped a double down the third baseline to cut the deficit to 4 and make it a 7-3 game.
When the top of the 7th inning rolled around, Pensacola kept their momentum rolling. Following a leadoff single from Ian Lewis Jr., Cam Cannarella ripped a two-run opposite field homer, his 4th of the year. With the score now 7-5, Juan Matheus singled with two down to bring Fenwick Trimble to the plate representing the tying run. And Fenwick took full advantage, sending his 9th home run of the year over the left field wall and tying the game up at 7-7.
The Wahoos bullpen, which consisted of Holt Jones, Livan Reinoso, and Jack Sellinger (W, 1-2) would go on to pitch the next 6.2 innings scoreless and hitless after the 4th to send the game to extras.
Emaarion Boyd pinch-ran for Connor Caskenette to begin the 10th. Following an Ian Lewis Jr. sacrifice bunt that moved Boyd to third, Jay Beshears sent a high chopper over the first baseman to give Pensacola their first lead of the night at 8-7. But that was just the beginning. Jay Beshears stole second to get into scoring position, just in time for Aiva Arquette to bloop a single into center to score Beshears and make the lead 9-7.
Juan Matheus then drew a walk to put two men on with two outs for Fenwick Trimble. And Trimble pounced. Fenwick crushed a ball well over the left field fence for a three-run dinger, his second homer of the game, and, after once trailing 7-0, gave the Wahoos a 12-7 lead. Jack Sellinger would set the Lookouts down in order to complete the comeback and send Pensacola to victory.
Taylor Floyd (L, 2-2) was charged with the loss. The Blue Wahoos improved to 38-35 while the Lookouts fell to 39-34.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Lookouts on Saturday night.
written by Charlie Hobert
Gordon Wayne Cofield
June 27, 2026
, age 69, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, on March 21, 1957, to Charles Harvey Cofield and Catherine Mae Patrick Cofield. He was preceded in death by his parents; his precious daughter, Ashley Jenea Cofield; and his wife, Desta Kay Jones Cofield.
Gordon was a resident of the Beulah community and Pensacola for most of his life. After serving in the U.S. Navy for three years, he worked at Pensacola Naval Air Station as an aircraft bearing inspector until the facility closed. He later worked as a truck driver for the remainder of his career.
He is survived by his sisters, Ann Cofield Brooks of Century, Florida; and Cathy Cofield Crawley and her husband, Jeff, of Byrneville, Florida; his brother, Charles Thomas Cofield and his wife, Pansy, of Century, Florida; his sister-in-law, Cindy Kronche of Pensacola, Florida; his goddaughter, Wendy Blankenship of Pensacola, Florida; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Gordon’s life had both easy and difficult chapters, but through it all, he remained part of a family that loved him deeply. We will remember him not only for the major events of his life, but also for the many little things — the sound of his voice, the stories that were told more than once, the childhood memories, the moments of laughter, and the bond that comes from sharing a lifetime as a family.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel North, in Cantonment, Florida, with Rev. Mitch Herring officiating. Family Baptist Church, located at 5454 Mobile Highway in Pensacola, will host a meal following the memorial service.
While Gordon’s absence leaves a place in our hearts that cannot be filled, we find peace in the assurance that one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven.
Kathy Lynn ‘Blackburn’ Goodwin
June 27, 2026
Kathy Lynn “Blackburn” Goodwin, 67, of Molino, Florida, passed away at her home on June 8, 2026. She was born on September 29, 1958, in Pensacola, Florida, to Donald Lee Blackburn and Myrtle Irene (Boyd) Blackburn.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Karen (Blackburn) Valdez; and her brother, Roy Blackburn.
She is survived by her beloved son, Andrew (Andy) Garrett Goodwin; her brother, Rex Blackburn; her beloved nieces and nephews; as well as her special friends Theresa Walters, George Overby, and many others.
Above all else, Kathy’s greatest joy and deepest love in life was her son, Andy. He describes his mother as a strong, independent, and patient woman who worked tirelessly to raise him and guide him into becoming a Christian man. Kathy was known for her strong will, hard work, humor, and her capacity to love deeply and without hesitation.
Faith was the foundation of Kathy’s life. She believed Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior and made it her mission to instill that same faith in her son. She lived by simple but powerful principles: to give her worries to Jesus, to love the Lord with all her heart, to help others whenever possible, to choose to see the best in people, to be forgiving, hardworking, kind, loving, and to laugh often.
Kathy’s life was marked by resilience, devotion, and love for her family and friends. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.” Ecclesiastes 3 NIV
A memorial and interment service will be held at Whitmire Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida in the near future.
Cantonment WWII Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Passes Away At 109
June 26, 2026
One of America’s oldest living World War II veterans has passed away.
Army veteran Duane Brewton of Cantonment was 109 years old.
In February, he celebrated his 109th birthday at the Sodalis Senior Living Facility.
For more photos from Brewton’s 109th birthday celebration, click here.
He served in Europe during World War II. While serving in the Army infantry, Brewton was awarded the Purple Heart after an artillery shell exploded near him and caused critical injuries from multiple shrapnel wounds.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested After $250K Copper Theft Ring From Local Bridges, Highways
June 26, 2026
A joint 10-month investigation into a major copper theft ring has culminated in the arrest of two individuals accused of stealing approximately $250,000 worth of copper wiring from local bridges and highways.
The Pensacola Police Department, in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol, led the extensive operation that began in September 2025. According to officials, the thieves targeted light poles on bridges and along the interstate, stripping an estimated 100,000 total feet of copper wire.
The widespread thefts left several areas in the dark, including the Barrancas bridge over Bayou Chico. Motorists traveling the bridge at night had reported non-functioning lights for months, a direct result of the wiring being completely stripped. Similar thefts were also carried out along local interstate highways.
The investigation led law enforcement to David Nielsen, 37, and Rae Ann Horne, 31.
When authorities moved to execute arrest warrants on a boat owned by Nielsen, which was anchored in Bayou Chico, Nielsen reportedly jumped into the water in an attempt to escape. He was quickly apprehended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Pensacola Police Department SWAT team. Horne was taken into custody without incident.
Nielsen has been charged with theft of copper from utility poles, which is a first-degree felony, alongside felony criminal mischief. Horne faces charges of dealing in stolen property after investigators discovered she allegedly took the stolen copper to local scrap yards to sell.
Pensacola Police PIO Mike Wood indicated that the investigation remains active and fluid, noting that several additional arrests are forthcoming.
The multi-agency operation was supported by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Summer Heat Ahead For The Weekend With Sunny Skies
June 26, 2026
The upcoming week brings classic summer weather to the North Escambia area, featuring plenty of sunshine, high temperatures climbing into the mid-90s, and a daily chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Over the weekend, skies will remain mostly sunny to completely clear with highs pushing past 90 degrees. By early next week, heat and humidity peak on Monday near 94 degrees before a stronger weather system increases rain chances to 50 percent by Tuesday afternoon.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.