Practice Makes Perfect: Blues Wow Crowds At Practice Show
July 17, 2026
Thousands of people got a sneak peak of the the action of Pensacola’s hometown Blue Angels during a full practice show on Thursday afternoon.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Three People Injured In Highway 97, Greenland Road Crash
July 17, 2026
Three people were injured in a T-bone collision on Friday in Davisville.
The crash happened at Highway 97 and Greenland Road. The driver of a Buick Century apparently T-boned a Chevrolet Equinox with both vehicles coming to a stop on Greenland Road.
Three people, all in their middle 70s, were transported to area hospitals by Escambia County EMS.
Members of the Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released additional details.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blues Angels From Traffic To Heat And Safety: What You Need To Know
July 17, 2026
With the Blue Angels ready to take to the skies for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, Escambia County encourages the public to follow these tips for a safe and fun air show experience:
Traffic
- Leave early. Traffic will be heavy, and parking is limited on Pensacola Beach. To view live traffic cameras, visit MyEscambia.com/pensacolabeach.
- The Casino Beach and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk parking lots will close once they reach capacity.
- If parking is full in the core areas, take advantage of the free Pensacola Beach Trolleys offered by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Buses and trolleys will transport passengers between Park East, Park West and Casino Beach, the air show’s show center. Click here for more information about Pensacola Beach trolley service.
- Remember that access into and exiting the Casino Beach parking lot along Via De Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road functions in a circular configuration, with one way in and one way out. The only entrance into the parking lot is along Via De Luna Drive next to Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant and across the street from Flounder’s Chowder House. The only exit from the parking lot is along Fort Pickens Road near the public restrooms/Public Safety Building.
- Parking is not allowed along Fort Pickens Road.
Pedestrian Safety
- Pedestrians should cross the street at marked crosswalks and always watch for traffic when crossing.
- Follow pedestrian signs and signals. Pedestrians should yield right of way to vehicles if the crosswalk signal is red or “Don’t Walk.”
- Drivers should use extra caution and be mindful of pedestrians in the area.
Drone Restrictions
- Flying drones or kites during the air show is strictly prohibited.
- Please help keep everyone safe and the show running smoothly by following all drone rules and guidelines.
- Once aircraft demonstrations begin, all drones and kites must be grounded until the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have completed their performance. This also includes the civilian flight demonstrations. Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate pause of the air show until the airspace is clear.
- Click here for more information about drone regulations and restrictions.
Water Safety
- Swim in lifeguarded areas, and be sure to follow all lifeguard instructions. Swimmers will not be allowed in the Gulf during the air show.
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
- Rip currents are the leading water hazard and account for more than 80% of lifeguard rescues. Even on green flag days, rip currents can be present. If you are caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm.
- Swim parallel to shore.
- If you are unable to swim out immediately, float with the current until it weakens, then swim back to shore at an angle.
Heat Safety
- Wear and reapply sunscreen often.
- Avoid strenuous activities and wear light clothing.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a vehicle.
Weather Safety
- Escambia County Emergency Management will be closely monitoring the weather and sharing updates with the public throughout the air show.
- Air show attendees are reminded to heed any warnings about severe weather and lightning in the area, and to follow any announcements and instructions regarding potential weather delays.
Pensacola Beach Rules
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
- The west side of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is an alcohol-free zone.
- Open containers are not allowed off the boardwalk or outside any establishment.
- No alcohol can be consumed in any parking lot on Santa Rosa Island.
- No grills are allowed on the beach.
- Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on the any of the beaches except in designated dog parks.
- Remember to “leave no trace” and keep Pensacola Beach sea turtle friendly. Properly dispose of trash, fill in any holes in the sand and remove belongings from the beach at the end of the day. This includes not leaving any personal property unattended on the sandy Gulf beach from sunset until sunrise like umbrellas, tents, beach toys and chairs.
Water and First Aid Stations
- A water station will be available at the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center, located in the Casino Beach parking lot near the corner of Via de Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road.
- A first aid medical tent will be located in the parking lot of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office substation at Casino Beach to provide assistance to any air show attendees in need of medical care.
- An emergency cooling station will also be available next to the medical tent.
Vessel Exclusion Zone
- Escambia County Emergency Management has deployed buoys and signage in the sound side of Pensacola Beach to create a vessel exclusion zone for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, which will provide an access point for first responders entering and exiting the water when responding to calls.
- The vessel exclusion zone will begin from the shoreline between the Santa Rosa Island Authority Administrative Building and the ferry channel.
- Boaters are prohibited from anchoring their boats within the vessel exclusion zone, which is marked by red buoys. However, boaters may cross through the vessel exclusion zone while traveling to their destination.
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach last year as seen from onboard a Coast Guard ship in the Gulf. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Century Waste Need To Know: ‘Black Can’ Removal; Yard and Bulk Collection Dates
July 17, 2026
After outcry from residents and town officials, Waste Pro has made changes to yard waste and bulk collections in Century.
The town is currently removing all “black cans.” It’s a green can with a black lid intended for yard waste, and they said it was not practical to fit several tree limbs and other yard debris in the can. Residents that still have a black can are asked to play it by the curve as soon as possible for removal.
Waste Pro will now use a grapple truck (like the one pictured) to collect organic debris smaller than 6 feet in diameter or 6 feet in length, placed in an area no larger than 6 x 6 feet square and 6 feet high. The collection will be on third and fourth Tuesday, every other month, with the next collections on July 21 on the west side of Highway 29 (“town hall side”) and July 28 on the east side of Highway 29 (“Whataburger side”).
Bulk pick up for household items (furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large items) that will not fit inside the regular blue can will also begin in July. Areas on the west side of Highway 29, the “town hall side,” will be collected on September 1. The areas on the east side, the “Whataburger side”, of Highway 29 will be collected on September 8. Bulk items should be placed in an area no larger than 6 x 6 feet square and 6 feet high.
Bulk items, such as furniture and appliances, should be placed in a separate pile from organic material (such as limbs, leaves and grass clippings). Household waste is not allowed in a bulk or yard waste pile.
For additional details, click here to download a printable pdf.
For other questions, call Century Town Hall at (850) 256-3208.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Downtown Pensacola Shooting Suspect Dies From Self-Inflicted Wound As U.S. Marshals Attempt Arrest
July 17, 2026
The suspected gunman who fired the fatal shot in a Fourth of July weekend mass shooting in downtown Pensacola died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday as law enforcement officers attempted to serve a warrant.
The Pensacola Police Department announced they were attempting to serve a manslaughter warrant on 20-year-old Trevon Bradley for the shooting death of Philip Deon Monte Shepard Jr..
U.S. Marshals knocked on the door of a local apartment and announced they had a warrant for Bradley. A female and a child who were inside the apartment were allowed to exit safely, leaving Bradley alone inside. Law enforcement ordered Bradley to come out and surrender, but he refused to comply. Shortly after, gunshots were heard coming from inside the residence.
Officers deployed a remote-controlled camera into the apartment, where they discovered that Bradley had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pensacola Police noted the investigation into the case is ongoing.
The tragic update follows a complex investigation into the July 5 melee that left Shepard dead and six others injured.
Prior to Thursday’s events, police made two other adult arrests in connection with the gunfire. Nicholas Safford, 26, of Daphne, Alabama, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, firing a weapon in public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Surveillance video from the scene captured Safford running toward Shepard multiple times and arguing with him before firing a weapon in Shepard’s direction. Ten shell casings recovered at the scene were linked to Safford’s gun. While Safford is accused of firing toward the victims, autopsy results indicated the fatal shot that killed Shepard came from a different angle.
Lillian Meyers, 25, was also arrested in connection with the incident. Surveillance footage showed Meyers taking the handgun from Safford while he was being treated for injuries after the shooting. Meyers later turned the 9mm handgun over to officers at her apartment and was charged with tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact.
Authorities previously arrested a 16-year-old juvenile, Kanye Walker, who is accused of handling the firearm that escalated the confrontation. Surveillance video allegedly showed Walker handing the handgun to Safford during the argument. Walker has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom previously stated that at least three firearms were discharged during the mass shooting. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to piece together the events of the incident.
Pictured: Safford and Meyers.
Officials Warn: No Drones Or Kites Allowed During Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 17, 2026
Escambia County is reminding hose attending the Pensacola Beach Air Show July 15-18 that flying drones or kites during the air show is strictly prohibited.
Once aircraft demonstrations begin, all drones and kites must be grounded until the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have completed their performance. This also includes the civilian flight demonstrations. Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate pause of the air show until the airspace is clear, according to the county.
Drone operators are also reminded to comply with all Federal Aviation Administration requirements outlined in Part 107 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Individuals violating any of these rules, and/or operating in a dangerous manner, may be subject to FAA enforcement action and/or criminal penalties of up to a third-degree felony for certain violations.
Registration
- Failure to register an unmanned aircraft system or drone that is required to be registered may result in regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.
Operating Over People
- Per FAA guidelines, drones are generally not allowed to be flown over people or crowds. Significant injuries could occur in the event of a drone crashing into a crowd.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Century Seeking Attorney General Opinion To Help To Untangle ‘Copy-Paste’ Charter Mix-Up
July 16, 2026
The Town of Century is reaching out to the state’s top legal officer to resolve a confusing contradiction in its town rules. This week, the Town Council authorized its attorney to request an informal legal opinion from the Florida Attorney General on how to fix an accidental drafting error in the town charter without having to run a costly public election.
Here is a breakdown of what happened, why it matters, a seemingly ignored conundrum, and how the town hopes to resolve the issue.
The Conflicting Rules: How Century Got Here
The confusion stems from a mix-up between three different eras of the town’s charter:
- The 1979 Charter: Originally, Century held its local elections in odd-numbered years, with officials serving two-year terms.
- The 2014 Amendment: To save money and boost voter turnout, the town voted in June 2014 to align its local elections with federal, state, and county elections, which take place in even-numbered years. Since then, all local elections have successfully run on this even-year schedule.
- The 2024 Amendment: In November 2024, voters approved a charter change to extend the terms of the mayor and council members to four years.
- The Oversight: When drafting the 2024 paperwork, organizers accidentally reused outdated language from the 1979 charter. Because of this “scrivener’s error,” the updated charter now says the mayor and council seats one and two must be elected in odd-numbered years — directly contradicting the 2014 rule keeping them in even-numbered years.
Why the Town is Asking the Attorney General for Help
The Town Council wants to clarify that all municipal elections will officially remain in even-numbered years. However, they need to know how they are legally allowed to correct the mistake.
- Option A (The Simple Route): Pass a local town ordinance to correct the text. Under Florida law, cities are generally allowed to change election dates and transition terms by ordinance without asking voters for permission.
- Option B (The Complex Route): Hold a public referendum. If state law requires a voter referendum to fix this specific drafting error, the town will have to put the question on a ballot.
An Additional Conundrum
There is an additional conundrum that was not addressed by the council.
The town charter states that it can only be changed by voter-approved amendments. But the 2014 amendment that created the even and odd year mistake was never presented to voters. It was only approved by the town council.
The town chartre states: “A charter amendment to be voted on by the town shall be presented for voting by ballot title. The ballot title of a measure may differ from its legal title and shall be a clear, concise statement describing the substance of the measure without argument or prejudice. Below the ballot title shall appear the following question: ‘Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?’ Immediately below such question shall appear, in the following order, the words ‘for approval’ and also the words ‘against approval’.”
What’s Next?
Town Attorney Matt Dannheisser has submitted the request to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for an informal opinion.
If the Attorney General agrees that a simple ordinance is enough, the Town Council can clean up the charter’s language quickly at an upcoming meeting. If the state rules that voters must weigh in, town officials will have to move quickly to get the correction on the ballot in time for the November 2026 general election.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Moped Rider Dies After Colliding With Motorcycle In Escambia County
July 16, 2026
A moped rider was killed and two others were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving a motorcycle on New Warrington Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred at approximately 5:13 p.m just south of Twin Oaks Drive in Escambia County.
According to the FHP crash report, a motorcycle was traveling south in the third lane of New Warrington Road. At the same time, a moped was traveling west in the median crossing. Troopers say the moped rider attempted to cross the southbound lanes and failed to yield to the motorcycle, resulting in the collision.
The rider of the moped was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS.
The passenger on the moped—identified in the report as a 34-year-old female from Mobile, Alabama—and the rider of the motorcycle—a 37-year-old male from San Antonio, Texas—were both transported to Baptist Hospital with serious injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
File photo.
FDLE Arrests Escambia Man For Child Sexual Abuse Materials
July 16, 2026
An Escambia County man has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse materials.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Christian Baker, 33, of Pensacola, for possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The arrest is part of FDLE’s statewide initiative to identify and apprehend offenders who target children and share files depicting child sexual abuse.
In June 2026, agents received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, reporting that an unknown user of an AI-powered application uploaded four files containing images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Agents traced the associated IP address to Baker’s residence.
On July 9, agents conducted a residential search warrant at Baker’s address and seized multiple electronic devices for forensic review. Initial review at the scene found one file of CSAM on one of Baker’s devices. The file depicted the lewd, sexual exhibition of an infant female child. Baker also admitted to uploading other CSAM files to his AI-powered assistant.
Baker was arrested on five counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He was booked in the Escambia County Jail on no bond.
Further forensic review of the seized devices recovered thousands of additional CSAM files, many of which depicted female children as young as infants to three years old. Agents obtained an additional arrest warrant on July 14 with 15 additional counts of child sexual abuse materials. In total, Baker faces 20 counts of possession of CSAM and one count of using a two-way communication to commit a felony.
SRIA Expands Trolley Hours And Services For 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 16, 2026
The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) is extending public transportation hours along Pensacola Beach on Friday, July 17, and adding extra buses to the schedule on Saturday, July 18, for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show, which this year celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and America’s 250th birthday. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend one of the nation’s largest air shows, making the free trolley and bus service one of the easiest and most convenient ways to access the event.
On Friday, July 17, the SRIA’s three free open-air trolleys will begin transporting passengers at 7:30 a.m. and extend service to Park East, located approximately one mile east of Portofino Island Resort, until 6 p.m. After that, the regular trolley route will resume until midnight.
On Saturday, July 18, beginning at 6:30 a.m., the SRIA will operate four buses, in addition to the three open-air trolleys, and will extend service to Park East until 6 p.m. Following the air show, the three open-air trolleys will return to their normal operating schedule until midnight.
On both Friday and Saturday, buses and trolleys will transport passengers between Park East, Park West and Casino Beach, the air show’s show center. Passengers will only be picked up and dropped off at designated trolley stops. Each stop will be clearly marked with a bright ECAT feather flag.
Following the air show each day, trolleys serving Portofino Resort/Park East will be staged on Via de Luna Drive in front of Sidelines Sports Bar and the Hampton Inn (facing east). Trolleys serving Park West will be staged on Fort Pickens Road in front of the Surf & Sand Hotel and The Sandshaker (facing west).
Due to the significant traffic congestion expected on Friday and Saturday, trolley service to the access road stops, including The Grand Marlin, Radical Rides/Laguna’s, Quietwater Beach and the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, will be temporarily suspended until 6 p.m. each day. Regular service to those stops will resume afterward and continue until midnight.
Passengers wishing to return to their vehicles as quickly as possible after the air show should board the first available buses immediately following the performance. Because of the traffic congestion that occurs after the show, riders who miss the first departure should expect extended wait times before buses and trolleys are able to return to the show center.
The SRIA also reminds visitors to use only the designated pedestrian crosswalks when crossing roadways throughout Pensacola Beach.
The official 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show, celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and America’s 250th birthday, will begin approximately 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. Free trolley and bus service is provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, with transportation operated by Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT).
File photo.