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Need Sand For Flood Prep? It’s Available Free In Escambia County

With a tropical storm watch in effect for the Northwest Florida coastline, Escambia County  has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas

The sand is available on a first come, first served basis 24 hours a day at the following locations:

• Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 Highway 4, Bratt
• Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
• Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
• Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola (NW cornerschool property on Parazine Street)
• Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
• Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola

Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are typically available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.

Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Latest Updates: Tropical Storm Bertha

Tropical Storm Bertha continues move west across the Gulf. The latest information is in the graphics on this page.

Two Escambia County Tax Preparers Plead Guilty In Fraudulent Tax Return Scheme

Two Escambia County tax preparers have pleaded guilty to federal charges for an alleged fraudulent tax return scheme.

D’ontrinique K. Johnson, formerly known as D’ontrinique K. Wilkerson, 30, and Tequilla D. Nairn, formerly known as Tequilla D. Robinson, 37, both of Pensacola, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to aid or assist in preparation of false tax returns and to stealing government money and filing false tax returns and three counts of filing a false tax return. Nairn additionally pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud.

Court documents reflect that Johnson worked as a tax preparer for Nairn, who owned and operated First Premium Solutions, a tax return preparation business in Escambia County. Between 2021 and 2023, Nairn and Johnson conspired to routinely prepare fraudulent federal income tax returns for their clients as well as fraudulent personal returns, collectively preventing the payment of more than $192,000 in federal taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service. Nairn and Johnson knew the returns they prepared contained materially false items, such as fraudulent credits or business information, which were never provided to them by their clients. In 2020 and 2021, Nairn also fraudulently filed for and obtained unemployment insurance benefits from both Florida and Virginia by falsely claiming she was not working due to the COVID pandemic and had not applied for benefits from other states, all while working as a tax preparer and not reporting the additional benefits on her tax returns.

Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. and Nairn’s sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Johnson and Nairn face up to five years imprisonment for the conspiracy count and up to three years imprisonment for each filing a false tax return count. Nairn additionally faces a mandatory consecutive two years imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count and up to 20 years imprisonment for the wire fraud count.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Escambia Master Deputy Christopher Echele Receives Sheriff’s Award

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Christopher Echele has received the Sheriff’s Medal Award from Sheriff Chip Simmons. the award recognizes his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Escambia County Sheriffs’ Office. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

James ‘Buddy’ Edward Hall

James “Buddy” Edward Hall, 90, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026.

Buddy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by his love for family, the outdoors, and the simple joys that made life meaningful. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

An avid outdoorsman, Buddy found great joy in hunting and treasured the quiet beauty of nature. He was a lifelong, loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and could often be found cheering on his favorite team while sharing stories and laughter with family and friends. At home, he took great pride in cultivating his beautiful gardens, especially his beloved daylilies, which reflected the patience, care, and appreciation for beauty that he carried throughout his life.

Above all else, Buddy cherished his family. His greatest happiness came from the time he spent with those he loved, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, steady guidance, warm smile, and the unconditional love he shared so freely. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Ronnie (Bonita) Hall; his grandchildren, Shaun (Jennifer) Hall, Kristi Hall, Timmy Hall, Rayna Hall, Ariel Hall, and Kayla (Jeff) DeVore; his 15 beloved great-grandchildren; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Laura Hall; his son, James E. Hall II; his daughter, Andrea Hall Couch; his father, Vernon L. Hall; his mother, Annie E. Hall; and his siblings, William L. Hall, Gloria “Monkey” Dau, Charles “CB” Hall, Annie Kate Hall Clarke, Permelia “Jane” Watts, and Robert “RV” Hall.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Interment will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery in Chumuckla, Florida.

Buddy’s family finds comfort in knowing that the values he lived by—love of family, appreciation for God’s creation, hard work, and kindness—will continue through those whose lives he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever bloom like the daylilies he so lovingly tended, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Tropical Storm Bertha Forms

Tropical Storm Bertha formed Monday afternoon about 190 miles southeast of Mobile with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

A tropical storm watch includes the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama coastlines to Louisiana. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch
area in the Florida Panhandle by late tonight into Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the remainder of the watch area by late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The primary threat for Escambia County is storm surge at the coast. A high surf warning will be in effect from Tuesday afternoon into early evening. Inland, the tropical storm is capable of producing several inches of rainfall.

The current forecast takes Bertha into Louisiana Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Couple Charged With Felony Aggravated Child Abuse For Alleged Physical Abuse, Severe Neglect Of Young Girl

Several felony charges against a local couple following allegations of physical abuse, confinement, and food deprivation involving their elementary-school-aged daughter.

Justin Patrick Redd, 33, and his wife, Brittney Michelle Redd, 28, have both been charged with identical offenses, including felony aggravated child abuse (domestic violence), felony neglect of a child with great bodily harm, and a misdemeanor charge of a parent failing to require school attendance. At the time of their arrests, both suspects provided residential addresses located in Jay though the offenses are documented by law enforcement as occurring within Escambia County. Detention records indicate that both individuals remain in the county jail on Monday morning with bond set at $201,000 each.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, the allegations involve a single elementary-school-aged child who lived in the home. Court records clarified that Justin Patrick Redd is the child’s biological father, while Brittney Michelle Redd is her stepmother.

Medical Evaluation and Chronological History of Physical Decline

Sheriff’s investigators compiled extensive medical records from multiple Northwest Florida healthcare facilities, establishing a documented timeline of physical decline and weight fluctuations while under the suspects’ care, contrasted with immediate recoveries under hospital supervision:

• Initial Baseline Weight: Prior to the father obtaining full custody, records show the child had a stable medical baseline. On December 11, 2022, she was evaluated at HCA Florida West Hospital for an ankle injury and weighed 60.62 pounds. On January 27, 2023, clinic documentation records her weight at 63.1 pounds.
• Custody and Early Deterioration (Late 2023): Law enforcement notes indicate Justin Redd obtained physical custody in May 2023 and official court custody in December 2023. In October 2023, hospital staff treated the child for vomiting, headaches, and constipation, recording her weight at 65.03 pounds. By December 2023, medical charts show her weight had begun to slip to 64.59 pounds.
• Rapid Deterioration and Self-Harm (Summer 2024): Medical records show that on June 29, 2024, the child was admitted to Baptist Hospital after she stopped eating, was scratching her skin until it bled, and suffered from severe skin conditions, with her weight recorded at 53.60 pounds. Hospital staff admitted her for inpatient treatment; records show that in four days under direct medical supervision, she gained 8.79 pounds, discharging at 62.39 pounds.
• The Push for a Feeding Tube: By late August 2024, clinical tracking shows her weight collapsed again to 50.21 pounds. On August 21, 2024, she was taken to Community Health Northwest Florida to discuss surgical placement of a gastric feeding tube. That same day, she was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital for inpatient psychiatric care, where records show that while removed from the household environment, she gained 8.16 pounds in 13 days under hospital care, discharging at 58.86 pounds.
• Failure to Thrive and Final Collapse (Fall/Winter 2024): In late September 2024, she was evaluated at HCA Florida West Hospital specifically for “failure to thrive”. On October 4, 2024, she was seen for a check-up regarding the pending feeding tube surgery. By December 26, 2024, her weight had plummeted to 47 pounds during a clinic visit where medical staff noted she was urinating blood.
• Emergency Transfer for Kidney Failure: On December 27, 2024, she was admitted to HCA Florida West Hospital weighing 45.19 pounds. Doctors diagnosed her with hematuria, nausea, vomiting, a kidney stone, and thyrotoxicosis. Because of her critical state, hospital personnel immediately transferred her to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for intensive care.

Upon admission to Shands Hospital, the child’s severe physical state was documented by medical personnel:

• Severe Cachexia and Atrophy: Hospital records describe the child as extremely malnourished, presenting with temporal wasting, prominent cheekbones, and noticeable muscle atrophy of both her upper and lower extremities.
• Systemic Dermatological Damage: Medical exams documented that her entire body was covered in thick, white, scaly, and patchy skin, which was later clinically linked directly to the profound level of malnutrition she experienced. She also had dry, chapped lips.
• Physical Trauma and Abrasions: The physical exam documented multiple abrasions and bruises over her bilateral anterior lateral bony prominences of the pelvis, knees, and tailbone, which investigators noted were consistent with reports of sleeping on a hard floor without blankets or bedding.
• Rapid Weight Recovery Under Hospital Care: Highlighting that her physical state was tied to external food deprivation rather than an organic medical condition, hospital records show the child’s weight rapidly improved as soon as she was removed from her father and stepmother’s care. During her 14-day stay at Shands Hospital, she met 100% of her daily caloric needs and gained 19 pounds, rising from 47 pounds at admission to 66 pounds at discharge.

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Confinement and Daily Conditions

During interviews with medical staff, social workers, and forensic investigators, the child described her living conditions within the home. She stated she was restricted to a diet consisting of one to two bowls of oatmeal per day, which her father spoon-fed to her, and that on limited occasions, she was given cold canned kidney beans.

The victim reported to investigators that she was locked inside her bedroom for extended periods by a golden metal lock installed on the exterior of her door. Because she was denied regular access to the bathroom, she experienced frequent toileting accidents. She stated to forensic interviewers that following these accidents, she was placed in hot or cold showers and instructed to “shake off like a dog” because she was told they had lost her towel.

Investigators noted that the child’s bedroom dresser had been turned around to face the wall to block her access to clothing, and she was forced to wear a pull-up diaper. The room was monitored by security cameras, and the child stated she was ordered by her parents to stand for long periods and was forbidden from sitting or touching the furniture. She also disclosed to interviewers that she was excluded from celebrating holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, and her birthday.

Digital Search and Facebook Evidence

As part of the multi-month investigation, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office utilized digital forensics to examine online activity surrounding the household. Investigative files show that a formal preservation request was initially sent to Meta Platforms, Inc. for Brittney Redd’s Facebook account.

On May 14, 2025, an investigator secured a formal search warrant for the account, which was reviewed and signed by Honorable Judge Jennifer Frydrychowicz. On May 20, 2025, a search warrant return and a Non-Disclosure Order signed by Judge Frydrychowicz were processed through the Clerk of Court and served to Meta Platforms, Inc. According to the final narrative, the data downloaded from the Meta return did not yield items of direct evidentiary value, but the digital records were compiled onto a USB drive and submitted into the agency’s official evidence repository.

Separate from the official platform return, family members provided investigators with screenshots of past public Facebook activity from the account. Witnesses stated that a photo of the child in soiled underwear had previously been posted to the page in what they believed was an attempt to shame her. Another family witness noted utilizing a separate profile to monitor the child’s condition online, observing a photograph dated November 7, 2024, in which the child appeared noticeably thin. These screenshots were successfully uploaded to the Sheriff’s Office tracking system.

School History and Discrepancies in Suspect Statements

School district records obtained via subpoena by the State Attorney’s Office showed the child was enrolled in an elementary school on January 8, 2024, but was withdrawn by her father on May 10, 2024. Investigators found she was not re-enrolled in any online curriculum or formal education program during the subsequent months.

When interviewed by Sheriff’s Office investigators, Justin and Brittney Redd denied the allegations of abuse, attributing the child’s weight loss and behavior to psychiatric issues, auditory hallucinations, and a self-imposed calorie obsession linked to past trauma. Justin Redd claimed to deputies that medical staff at Baptist Hospital had previously advised them the child was a danger to herself and others.

However, investigators reviewed medical and counseling files from Lakeview Center and Baptist Hospital, stating they did not contain records labeling the child a danger to others or validating a self-imposed calorie obsession. The documentation revealed the parents had missed 14 scheduled medical appointments.

Current Status

Following her medical discharge on January 10, 2025, child welfare files indicate the child was placed in the care of her maternal grandfather.

By March 2025, reports from investigators indicated the child had reached a weight of 80 pounds, and her laboratory blood work had returned to normal parameters. Records state she was enrolled in a physical third-grade classroom, where her teacher described her as sweet and shy, noting she exhibited regular eating habits, normal peer interactions, and no behavioral or restroom issues. School is currently out for the summer, and the legal proceedings against Justin Patrick Redd and Brittney Michelle Redd remain active.

Florida’s Month-Long Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Began Monday

Florida’s month-long Back to School Sales Tax Holiday began on Monday.

The discount holiday, first offered as a seven-day period in 1998 when sales taxes were lifted on only certain clothing valued $50 or less, was firmly put into state statutes last year as a recurring event to run throughout August.

Previously, the discount period was annually approved at varying lengths from three to 14-days, and some years, most recently 2009, the holiday wasn’t offered.

For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through August 20.

The retail lobbying organization credits the change of dates with helping consumers facing affordability issues tie in the state holiday with annual back-to-school discounts offered by businesses.

During the upcoming holiday, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.

Legislative staff this year didn’t estimate the savings when the tax package was introduced in the regular session and later revived and approved in the special session in May.

In 2025, with the same discount benchmarks, legislative economists projected the savings would hit around $217 million.

The next tax holiday offered under the tax package (HB 7031E) is on hunting, fishing and camping equipment, beginning September 1 and continuing until the end of the year.

Legislative staff projected that discount period will cut revenue to the state by $31.2 million and local governments collectively by $8.8 million.

July 20-August 20 back-to-school “holiday” savings:

Exempt clothing valued at $100 or less:

• Aerobic and fitness clothing
• Aprons and clothing shields
• Athletic supporters
• Backpacks and book bags
• Bandanas
• Baseball cleats
• Bathing suits, caps, and cover-ups
• Belts
• Bibs
• Blouses
• Non-ski or fishing boots
• Bowling shoes
• Bras
• Cleated and spiked shoes
• Coats
• Coin purses
• Dresses
• Fanny packs
• Graduation caps and gowns
• Gym suits and uniforms
• Hosiery and pantyhose (including support hosiery)
• Hunting vests
• Jackets
• Jeans
• Lab coats
• Leggings, tights, and leg warmers
• Leotards
• Lingerie
• Martial arts attire
• Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos
• Scout uniforms
• Shoe inserts and insoles
• Shorts
• Ski suits (snow)
• Skirts
• Slippers
• Slips
• Socks
• Suits, slacks, and jackets
• Sweaters

Exempt computers and computer-related accessories valued $1,500 or less:

• Cables (for computers)
• Calculators
• Central processing units (CPU)
• Compact disk drives
• Computers for noncommercial home or personal use – Desktop – Laptop – Tablet
• Computer batteries
• Computer towers consisting of a central processing unit, random-access memory, and a storage drive
• Data storage
• Docking stations (for computers)
• Electronic book readers
• Hard drives
• Headphones (including “earbuds”)
• Ink cartridges (for computer printers)
• Keyboards (for computers)
• Mice (mouse devices)
• Microphones (for computers)
• Modems
• Monitors (except devices that include a television tuner)
• Motherboards
• Personal digital assistant devices (except cellular telephones)
• Port replicators
• Printer cartridges
• Printers (including “all-in-one” models)
• RAM (random access memory)
• Routers
• Scanners
• Software (nonrecreational) – Antivirus – Database – Educational – Financial – Word processing
• Speakers (for computers)
• Storage drives (for computers)
• Tablets
• Web camera

The “holiday” doesn’t cover:

• Briefcases, suitcases, or garment bags
• Watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs
• Skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates
• Clothing items with a sales price of more than $100
• Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50
• Books that are not otherwise exempt
• Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500
• Cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data
• Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes
• Rentals of any eligible items
• Repairs or alterations of any eligible items
• Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport

Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

written by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida

Deadline Is Monday To Update Voter Registration For Florida Primary

Florida residents face a Monday deadline to register for next month’s primary election.

The ballot for the August 18 primary, which is already being delivered to those requesting mail ballots, includes partisan primary races for governor, state cabinet offices, U.S. Senate and many Congressional and legislative races.

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender is hard to register voters for the primary, noting that critical, final decisions will be made that day—including a countywide referendum on whether the school superintendent should be elected or appointed, key school board races, and the City of Pensacola mayor’s race, which could be decided outright.

In addition to new Florida voters, those who wish to switch their political party affiliation must also make changes by Monday for the update to take effect.

Florida is a closed primary state, meaning partisan primaries can only be voted in by voters registered with that party.

As of June 30, there were more than 13.4 million registered voters in Florida.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this NorthEscambia.com report.

Look Back: Blue Angels, Pensacola Beach Airshow Photos

Thousands upon thousands of people were thrilled by the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show last week.

Here’s your chance to look back at the show, and the Blue Angels, from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in our photo galleries:

• For a photo gallery from Thursday and behind the scenes at the flight line at NAS Pensacola before the show, click here.
• For a photo gallery from Friday, click here.
• For a photo gallery from Saturday, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.

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