Florida Man Executed 50 Years After Killing Girl
September 2, 2026
Harold Gene Lucas was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison, 50 years after killing 16-year-old Jill Piper at her home in Bonita Springs.
Lucas, 74, waived his remaining appeals and elected not to contest his execution. He was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. by the state Department of Corrections.
According to court records, Lucas went to the home of 16-year-old Jill Piper on Aug. 13, 1976, after an altercation at a gas station with Piper and some friends. A week earlier Lucas had been arrested for criminal trespassing at Piper’s residence.
Armed with a rifle, Lucas, 24 at the time, shot at Piper and two friends while they were in the yard. Piper was hit and her friends ran inside. Piper was shot several more times as she begged for her life, including a fatal shot to the head. Lucas was able to get into the house and shot Piper’s friends. Both survived.
Lucas was arrested the next day. He testified he remembered getting high on the night of the murders, lost consciousness and woke up in the woods.
He was found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in 1977, with a jury unanimously recommending a sentence of death.
The sentence has been revisited four times, including after an 11-1 jury recommendation in 1987 for the death penalty, but it was never altered.
Lucas is the 14th inmate put to death by the state this year. Gov. Ron DeSantis has also signed warrants for Daniel O. Conahan Jr. to be executed on Sept. 10 and for Curtis W. Beasley to be put to death on Sept. 29.
Conahan, 72, awaits execution for the 1996 murder of 21-year-old Richard Allen Montgomery in Charlotte County.
Beasley, 74, is sentenced to die for the 1995 murder of 62-year-old Carolyn Monfort of Dundee.
The group Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, which held vigils outside the prison and Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, described Lucas’ execution as part of an “unprecedented execution spree.”
“The people sent to Florida’s execution chamber are not people who had every advantage and chose violence anyway,” said Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty spokeswoman Bridget Maloney. “Again and again, they are people whose lives were shaped by poverty, abuse, addiction, mental illness, and profound neglect. Poverty and trauma do not excuse violence. But a system that ignores both — and then claims death is a carefully reserved punishment — is not telling the truth about how the death penalty works.”
DeSantis has defended his approach to the death penalty as carrying out the sentence of juries and courts, as well as helping victims’ families see justice done.
In 2025, when the state set a modern-era record of 19 executions in a single calendar year, the 14th inmate put to death by the state — 72-year-old Samuel Smithers — occurred on Oct. 14.
Smithers, whose attorneys unsuccessfully argued that executing the senior citizen would violate the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, was executed for the 1996 murders of two women in Hillsborough County.
The average age of inmates put to death this year is nearly 64 years. Dominick Anthony Occhicone, who was put to death July 28 for killing his former girlfriend’s parents in Pasco County in 1986, was 80.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Triple-Digit Heat Index Wednesday Ahead Of Rising Rain Chances
September 2, 2026
There is a slight chance of a Tuesday show, but rain chances will increase into Friday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. High near 89. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Labor Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Cat Country 98.7 Earns Two CMA Award Nominations
September 2, 2026
Pensacola’s locally owned and operated WYCT – Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show have both been nominated for prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
Both the station and morning show were named as one of just five nationwide finalists in their respective categories: 2026 CMA Radio Station of the Year and Broadcast Personality of the Year. The dual recognition honors the station and morning crew for their programming, listener connection, and community service across Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
WYCT previously won CMA Radio Station of the Year honors in 2017, 2019, and 2024. The Cat Pak Morning Show previously took home Broadcast Personality of the Year honors in 2022.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by the Country Music Association for these awards. I could not be more proud of our Cat Country team!” said Mary Hoxeng, owner and general manager of WYCT.
“To have both Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show recognized by the CMA is incredibly special,” added Brent Lane, Cat Pak host and WYCT program director. “These nominations belong to our team, our community partners, and our listener family.”
The winners of the 60th Annual CMA Awards will be honored during the November 19 ABC telecast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Pictured: Previous CMA Station of the Year awards from 2017, 2019, and 202 in the Cat Country trophy case. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Aaron Tuttle
September 2, 2026
Aaron Tuttle, age 44, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026.
Aaron’s greatest joy in life was his family. His wife, Danielle, and his children, Kimber, Kendal, Bailee, Braelyn, and Jaxon, were his whole world. He loved them deeply and was happiest when he was with them. His family was at the center of everything he did.
Aaron also had a deep love for the outdoors. He loved to hunt and found peace and joy in those quiet moments in nature. He loved being on the water, where he could relax, enjoy the sunshine, and make memories with the people he loved. He also enjoyed taking long rides in his Bronco, simply enjoying the road, the freedom, and the time spent driving.
Aaron had a special place in his heart for ministry and children. He loved his MP Kids Ministry at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola. Serving and being part of that ministry brought him joy, purpose, and fulfillment, and he cared deeply for the children and families he served there.
Aaron had a heart that was bigger than life. He was the person who was always there when someone needed help and was often the first one to show up. Whether a friend or family member needed a helping hand, Aaron could be counted on. His generosity, loyalty, and willingness to help others touched many lives.
Aaron had a smile and laughter that could light up a room. His presence brought warmth, joy, and life wherever he went. He loved big, laughed big, and gave so much of himself to the people he cared about.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife, Danielle; his children, Kimber, Kendal, Bailee, Braelyn, and Jaxon; his mother, Cyndi Hartzog (Sam & Sophia); his father, Billy Tuttle (Tonya); his sister, Roxanne Brooks; his niece, Camryn Brooks; his nephew, Ian Brooks; and sister, Alex Russell (Harrison); his niece, Sage; step-brother, Taylor Price (Karley); and his aunt, Tammy Shoop (Ron); along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Aaron’s life was a gift to those who knew him. Although his time with us was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Pensacola with Pastor Gordon Godfrey, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.
A Committal Service with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Aaron would love for you to donate to the MP Kids program that he loved and served in whole heartedly.
Checks: payable to MPKids
Or you can go to: pensacolachurch.org
Click on: Give
-other income
-Memo : In Memory of Aaron Tuttle
Wahoos Drop One-Run Duel to Zebrowski, Clingstones
September 2, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos experienced a rare one-run loss on Tuesday evening, falling 3-2 to the Columbus Clingstones in the opener of their final road series of the regular season.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still hold a 6.5-game lead over the Clingstones and a magic number of 5 in the second half race with 11 games to play in the regular season.
Ethan O’Donnell opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning against Clingstones starter Cam Caminiti (W, 1-0), but that would be the only damage done against the top pitching prospect in the Braves organization. The 20-year-old earned his first Double-A win with 6.0 innings of four-hit, one-run ball while striking out eight.
The Clingstones evened the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth against Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller, putting two men aboard before an Owen Carey RBI single. Carey was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double, one of three outs made on the basepaths by the Clingstones on the night.
Gabe Bierman (L, 6-3) worked 3.0 innings of long relief, but was twice victimized by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski. The right-handed slugger hit a go-ahead solo homer in the fifth, and followed up with another shot in the seventh for a 3-1 Clingstones lead.
The Blue Wahoos threatened in the eighth inning against Blane Abeyta, as Dylan Jasso drew a one-out walk and Adrian Santana followed with an RBI double. A wild pitch advanced Santana to third base as the tying run, but Aiva Arquette struck out and Juan Matheus hit a deep flyout to center field to end Pensacola’s last threat. Duncan Davitt (S, 2) struck out the side in the ninth to seal a 3-2 final.
The defeat marked Pensacola’s first time losing back-to-back games since dropping three straight August 2-5, and their first loss in a one-run game since July 29. Brandon Compton’s 22-game on-base streak ended with an 0-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Cantonment Shed Shooting Suspect Arrested On Attempted Homicide Charge
September 1, 2026
A homeless woman wanted in connection with an August shooting from inside a Cantonment shed is now behind bars.
Lisa Ann Elliott, 36, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of attempted second-degree murder and shooting into a building. She was being held with no bond.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report and a previous report published on NorthEscambia com, deputies responded to a shots-fired disturbance on Woodbury Place on the night of August 16.
A man reported that he had allowed Elliott to stay in a live-in shed in his yard at a residence on Woodbury Circle for several days. When the man returned to the property shortly before 9 p.m. and knocked on the shed door to announce himself, he told deputies he saw the silver tip of a handgun, saw a flash of fire, and heard a gunshot.
The man ran from the yard to a home on Woodbury Place to seek shelter. Deputies noted he had singed holes in his shirt and a small laceration near his collarbone. Escambia County EMS evaluated him at the scene, but he refused transport to a hospital.
Witnesses told deputies that Elliott approached nearby homes immediately following the gunfire, asking a neighbor if she could borrow a gun because “there was gonna be some trouble tonight”. When the neighbor refused, Elliott asked to use a phone and made a call while hiding behind a vehicle. As emergency sirens approached, Elliott fled on foot. A phone she had borrowed was later recovered behind a neighboring home with a smashed screen and the battery removed.
Deputies searching the shed found a bullet hole in the door and recovered a loaded JC Higgins .22-caliber chrome revolver sitting near travel bags. A records check revealed the firearm had been reported stolen in 2008.
A short time later, deputies received information that Elliott was seen near the Valero gas station on Highway 29. A witness in the parking lot of the neighboring Black Diamond Nightclub on Highway 29 reported seeing a woman matching her description run toward the railroad tracks behind the gas station.
ECSO K-9 units and drones established perimeters at both scenes that night, but Elliott initially eluded capture. She was located and taken into custody on an outstanding warrant on August 29 on Junction Drive.
Slight Chance Of A Shower Today; Increasing Rain Chance Into Friday
September 1, 2026
There is a slight chance of a Tuesday show, but rain chances will increase into Friday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Labor Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
DeSantis Administration Shutters Flock Cameras on State Roads Across Florida
September 1, 2026
Amid a growing backlash to license plate reader (LPR) cameras and citing concerns over privacy, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Monday moved to shut down the newly ubiquitous technology on state roads.
The cameras, made by Flock Safety and other companies, use artificial intelligence to track suspects and flag speeders. But reports of abuse by police in Florida and around the country have sparked a bipartisan push to rethink their use.
A memo from the Florida Department of Transportation to local law enforcement agencies stated the authority to use the cameras on state roads is being withdrawn.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” the memo from FDOT chief operating officer Will Watts states.
DeSantis himself has soured on the cameras.
“No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals,” DeSantis told reporters at an event in Jacksonville on Monday. “If they can create a dossier on your movements they would be able to make a fortune in selling that to companies for advertising and product placement.”
DeSantis also raised the specter of the COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns as another reason to block the cameras from creating a “surveillance state.”
“I don’t think it’s their intent to do general surveillance, but I will tell you, if we had all this around the country when covid happened you absolutely would have saw those turned on people who were outside of lockdown orders in California,” DeSantis said.
He added that while local sheriffs likely have used the technology effectively, the potential for abuse is too great.
“You also have to say how can this be misused,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think we have really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
According to the memo, local law enforcement agencies that previously received a permit to use the cameras to take them down within 30 days. The memo also states there aren’t going to be any more permits given going forward.
“Further, as of the date of this memorandum, the Department will use its discretionary authority to cease the issuance of all future requests for LPR systems within its jurisdictional authority,” Watts wrote.
by Gray Rohrer, The News Service of Florida
Photos courtesy Flock for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Felon Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun, Meth Charges
September 1, 2026
An Escambia County felon has entered a guilty plea to federal drug and gun charges.
Travis W. Carroll, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Law enforcement responded to an armed robbery at a Beacon Food Store and observed Carroll, who matched the description given of the armed robbery suspect, riding an electric bicycle nearby. After he was pulled over, law enforcement located a loaded firearm, methamphetamine, a scale, and more than $600 in cash on his person, according to court documents.
Carroll faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine count; up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon count; and a minimum mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
K-9 Sniff Leads To Fentanyl Bust At I-10 Ag Station In Escambia County
September 1, 2026
A routine agricultural inspection in Escambia County led to the arrest of a New York truck driver after officers intercepted an estimated $5,000 worth of suspected fentanyl at the state line.
Ac
cording to the Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), Officer Sonia Soroka flagged a commercial tractor-trailer hauling produce as it entered Florida on Interstate 10 and directed the vehicle into Agricultural Inspection Station for a closer look.
During the inspection, K-9 Officer Austin Thomas deployed his partner, K-9 Mojo, to conduct an exterior free-air sniff of the vehicle. Mojo alerted to the scent of narcotics inside the truck’s cab.
A subsequent search of the cab uncovered a clear plastic bag containing individually wrapped powder and unmarked pressed pills. Field tests confirmed the substance was approximately 25 grams of suspected fentanyl, carrying an estimated street value of $5,000.
The driver, 30-year-old Joginder Singh of Bellerose, New York, was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail on felony drug trafficking charges.
