Slow Speed Walmart Parking Lot Chase Leads To Meth Trafficking Arrest For Cantonment Man
July 28, 2026
What began as erratic driving on West Nine Mile Road escalated into a lights-and-siren pursuit through a Walmart parking lot and a meth trafficking arrest for a Cantonment man recenthly.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 55, was arrested after allegedly refusing to stop for law enforcement and leaving a trail of narcotics in his wake during an attempted evasion. He was charged with trafficking methamphetamine (14 grams or over), tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding, possession of marijuana, and driving with a suspended or revoked license, third or subsequent offense. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $108,500 bond.
According to the arrest report, the incident began when a marked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit observed a white pickup truck crossing the center line multiple times and improperly stopping at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pensacola Boulevard. A deputy followed the vehicle into the Walmart parking lot at 8970 Pensacola Boulevard and activated their emergency lights and siren.
Instead of yielding, Davis reportedly slowed down but continued to drive north through the parking lot. During the slow-speed pursuit, the deputy observed Davis frantically reaching around the passenger seat, causing the truck to make sudden, jerky movements. With the truck’s passenger window open, Davis executed an abrupt U-turn in the Walmart lot before finally pulling into the adjacent Murphy USA gas station and coming to a stop.
Even after halting the truck, Davis continued reaching into the passenger area before finally exiting the vehicle and surrendering to verbal commands, the report states.
A responding ECSO K-9 unit indicated probable cause to search the vehicle. Deputies reported finding:
- Inside the Cab: Deputies found 17.9 grams of shattered white crystalline shards scattered throughout the interior, heavily coating the passenger side door panel next to the open window.
- In the Parking Lot: Near the entrance to the gas station where Davis made his abrupt U-turn, investigators recovered an additional 4 grams of the white crystalline substance on the ground.
- In the Bushes: A clear plastic bag containing 12.8 grams of marijuana was found discarded in a bush immediately to the right of the parked truck.
Deputies said the white substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, bringing the total amount recovered to 21.9 grams.
When questioned, Davis reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana but denied ownership of the bag found in the bush right next to his truck. Regarding the methamphetamine, Davis claimed he was “clean” and no longer smoked the drug.
A subsequent records check revealed a lengthy history of driving infractions. Davis has 10 prior convictions for driving with a suspended license, and his license has been actively revoked since 1994. Notably, his most recent suspension stemmed from a November 2024 conviction for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
Volunteers Needed: Century To Kick Off AARP Walkability Grant Study At Thursday Meeting
July 28, 2026
Thursday, the Town of Century will begin the process of implementing a $2,500 grant through the nationwide AARP Community Challenge program to study community walkability.
The kickoff meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Century Town Hall. It will be a planning meeting for volunteers to help identify and plan a walk audit route. Thursday’s meeting will be entirely inside with air-conditioned comfort; the actual walk audit will be held later this year once the weather cools.
The grant funds a community walk audit designed to assess sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and lighting along key town corridors. The initiative aims to identify barriers to mobility and highlight opportunities for future infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly those aged 55 and older.
Kleinhaus Consulting Group, LLC has been selected to lead the project. The group will manage community engagement activities, facilitate the audit process, and prepare a final report of findings and recommendations for the Town’s consideration.
“Creating a community where residents can safely walk, stay active, and remain connected is important for people of all ages,” Century Mayor Benjamin Boutwell said. “We appreciate AARP’s investment in Century and look forward to working with residents and our partners to identify ways we can make our town even more welcoming and accessible.”
Community meetings will also be held to share the results and help guide future planning efforts.
Stock image.
Muggy Tonight, Low In The Upper 70s; Back Near 100 Tomorrow
July 28, 2026
Heat advisories are in effect.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 78. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 111. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 77. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. High near 84. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Reno’s Reptiles Visiting The Century And Molino Libraries This Week
July 28, 2026
Reno’s Reptiles will present a reptile show and tell this week at the Molino and Century libraries.
Alligators, tortoises, and other other animals will visit both libraries.
Reno’s Reptiles will be at the Century Branch Library on Thursday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m., and again at the Molino Branch Library on Saturday, August 1 at 1 p.m.
Here is the complete list of Reno’s Reptiles visits to West Florida Libraries this week:
- Wednesday at 4 p.m. – Bellview Library
- Thursday at 10:30 a.m. – Century Library
- Thursday at 2 p.m. – Westside Library
- Thursday at 5:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Friday at 1 p.m. – Big Lagoon State Park
- Friday at 4:30 p.m. – Tryon Library
- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. – Brownsville Library
- Saturday at 1 p.m. – Molino Library
Pictured: Reno’s Reptiles last year the Century Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former School Employee Gets 10 Years On Federal Child Sex Crime Charges
July 28, 2026
A former school employee has been sentenced on federal charges for attempted sex trafficking of a minor in Escambia County.
Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Semmes, Alabama, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents, Glover communicated with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female and offered to pay her hundreds of dollars in return for sexual acts in October 2025. Glover then traveled from Alabama, where he worked for the Baldwin County School District, to Pensacola to meet with the minor. The purported minor, however, was an undercover law enforcement officer. When Glover reached Pensacola to engage in the sexual acts with the child, he was taken into custody. He possessed over $200 in cash in order to pay for the illicit sexual acts.
Glover’s prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Glover will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“This case demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our investigators, whose meticulous undercover work helped secure a 10‑year federal prison sentence and protect future victims,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Their steadfast determination is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when law enforcement works tirelessly to pursue justice, making our communities safer and uphold the values we stand for every day.”
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is a reminder that parents need to be aware of the online threats facing our kids from sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of these sick individuals preying upon our kids, and my office will continue to follow through on those investigations and arrests with aggressive prosecutions to keep our children safe online.”
Registration Closes At Noon For Tate Aggie Day For Incoming Freshmen, Transfer Students
July 28, 2026
Registration closes at noon on Tuesday, July 28, for Tate High School Aggie Day 2026 on Wednesday, July 29.
Aggie Day is an exciting opportunity for incoming freshmen and new transfer students to get to know the school and campus before the first day of high school.
The event will take place on Wednesday, July 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-registered students should report to the cafeteria upon arrival. From there, they will break into groups led by Aggie student leaders. These groups will rotate through various classrooms to learn helpful tips, get insider advice, and take a guided tour of our Tate campus.
Students are welcome to bring a bottle of water, as they will be walking the campus. Since this event is led by students, parents are asked not to participate. Parents should plan to drop off students beginning at 8:50 a.m. and pick up their student in front of the Fryman {new) gym by 11 a.m.
To attend Aggie Day, students must pre-register by noon Tuesday, July 28, using the registration form.
Class schedules, teachers, and guidance counselors will not be available during this event.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia County Gas Prices Jump 17 Cents On Average in A Week
July 28, 2026
Florida gas prices continue to climb, inching closer to an average of $4 per gallon.
The average price per gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $3.96 on Monday, up three cents from a week ago, 15 cents from a month ago and 86 cents from one year ago.
In Escambia County, the per gallon average was $3.91, up from $3.74 a week ago and $3.46 from one month ago.
In North Escambia, a low price of $3.77 was available at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while in Pensacola $3.75 was the price at the warehouse clubs.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 15 cents from last week, to $4.09. Most states are now averaging $4 per gallon or higher. Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump, according to AAA. Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the $90 per barrel range and could continue driving up costs during the second half of summer.
Ice Flyers Re-Sign Forward Andrew Poulias For Upcoming Season
July 28, 2026
The Pensacola Ice Flyers have s re-signed forward Andrew Poulias for the 2026-27 season.
Poulias returns to Pensacola after recording 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists in 57 regular-season games during his first season with the Ice Flyers. The Whitby, Ontario, native added an assist in three postseason appearances.
“Andrew is a proven offensive player who has been consistent and plays with great hockey IQ,” Head Coach Jeremy Gates said. “He brings leadership, skill and creativity to our lineup. What really stands out to us is his competitiveness and desire to win. We’re excited to have Andrew back, and we know our fans enjoy watching him play.”
A right-shot center, Poulias joined the Ice Flyers ahead of the 2025-26 season following the conclusion of his collegiate career and an 11-game stint with the Peoria Rivermen. He produced 90 points (44g, 46a) across 117 games at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Known for his speed, intelligence and competitive edge, Poulias established himself as a versatile presence in the Pensacola lineup last season. He returns focused on contributing in every situation and helping the Ice Flyers compete for a championship.
“I want to be a difference-maker night in and night out,” Poulias said. “Whether it’s through physicality, production or leadership, I want to help bring a championship back to Pensacola.”
Poulias grew up playing for the Whitby Wildcats and was introduced to hockey by his father and older brother at an early age. His older brother played goaltender, giving the two plenty of opportunities to compete against one another while growing up.
The 2026-27 campaign will mark Poulias’ second season with the Ice Flyers.
Molino Man Facing Felony, Misdemeanors After Being Caught With Drugs, Dollar General Shopping Basket
July 27, 2026
A Molino man is facing multiple charges, including a felony drug violation and a misdemeanor for possessing a Dollar General shopping basket, following a routine patrol encounter at a Pensacola convenience store early this month.
Matthew Wayne Flores, 50, was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office after a deputy spotted him riding a bicycle through a local parking lot with an unusual accessory.
According to the arrest report, a deputy on uniformed patrol at the Circle K located at 330 Kenmore Road noticed a white male, later identified as Flores, riding a bicycle that had a yellow Dollar General shopping hand basket attached to the front handlebars. The deputy approached Flores on foot, informing him that it is illegal to be in possession of a clearly marked shopping basket off store property.
When asked for identification, Flores reportedly refused to comply. Despite multiple demands from the deputy, who advised Flores that he had a reasonable suspicion a crime had been committed, Flores continued to refuse to identify himself, the report states.
Flores was subsequently detained in handcuffs and placed in a patrol vehicle while law enforcement searched the hand basket, which contained his backpack and personal belongings. Inside the basket, the deputy discovered a green smoking product package containing a green leafy substance. A field test kit yielded a positive result for synthetic cannabinoids, weighing approximately 6 grams.
The incident took place directly across Pensacola Boulevard from a Dollar General location. According to the report, Flores spontaneously claimed that he had been given the shopping basket by the Dollar General in Molino, and alleged that the items found by the deputy would be “thrown out.”
The Dollar General shopping basket was photographed for evidence and returned to the retail store.
Flores was transported to the Escambia County Jail and booked on four charges: felony possession of a synthetic cannabinoid, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence, and misdemeanor illegal possession of a shopping cart. He remained in jail with his bond set at $4,000.
Heat Advisory: Low Upper 70s Tonight; Upper 90s Tuesday
July 27, 2026
A heat advisory is in effect for Tuesday with a heat index up to 115 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.