Escambia County Man Arrested On Federal Child Porn Charge
February 6, 2026
An Escambia County man was arrested Monday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on a federal child porn charge.
Jordan Quinones, 29, was arrested on a federal charge of possession of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children. He remains in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
FDLE’s investigation into Quinones’ crimes revealed he had failed to report four email addresses and five online accounts. Following an interview with FDLE, Quinones reported those accounts to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators conducted a forensic analysis of Quinones’ electronic device, which revealed hundreds of files of computer-generated child sexual abuse material.
On January 21, a grand jury returned an indictment in Quinones’ case. FDLE, with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service, arrested Quinones on February 2 on the federal warrant and transported him to the Santa Rosa County Jail where he is being held without bond. He will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida.
RELATED: FDLE Charges McDavid Man With 14 Sex Offender Violations After Search Warrant
The arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals targeting children and sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Tate Aggies Win District Semi, Head To Finals Saturday Night
February 6, 2026
The Tate Aggies beat the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 66-54 Thursday night in the 6A District 1 semifinals at Tate High School.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Also on Thursday night, the Milton Panthers defeated the Niceville Eagles 68-42.
The No. 2 seed Aggies will travel to No. 1 Milton on Saturday at 7 p.m. for the district championship.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs To Host Garnet And Gold Softball Tonight
February 6, 2026
Northview High School softball will hold a Garnet and Gold game tonight in Bratt.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. as the school in Bratt.
Last season, the Chiefs reached the FHSAA Rural Softball State Championship game for the first time in school history, bringing home the state runner-up trophy. The young team with just one senior also won the first regional title ever for the school as they went 22-7 under the leadership of head coach Amy Holland.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sheppard James Calhoun
February 6, 2026
Sheppard James Calhoun, the son of Micah and Morgan Calhoun, passed away in their home on February 4th, 2026. Sheppard was born on October 13th, 2025, and after a 53-day NICU stay, between Sacred Heart Pensacola and Nemour’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Sheppard was able to come home on December 5th, 2025. Sheppard was the first-born son of Micah and Morgan Calhoun and was loved by so many.
Sheppard’s story is one of resilience, fervent prayer, and steadfast friendships. Those who knew Sheppard were able to see the obvious fingerprint of God’s faithfulness towards His people. Though short, Sheppard’s life prompted much prayer and fruitfulness from the body of Christians that surrounded the Calhouns during his time on earth. Sheppard James truly lived up to his namesake without ever saying a word, by reminding those around him of the importance of prayer and diligent Christian devotion, as well as how we ought to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” [James 1:2-3 ESV]
May Sheppard’s life and legacy perennially remind those within the body of Christ of God’s steadfast love and merciful goodness towards us.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 13th at Hillcrest Baptist Church followed by an 11a.m. funeral service; Pastor Brian Calhoun will be officiating. Graveside service to follow at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Honorary pall bearers are to be: Taylor Brown, Austin Collier, Peter Kreuser, Gill Phillips, Tucker Hubbell, Ben Nelson and Brandon White. Flowers may be sent to Hillcrest Baptist Church at 800 E Nine Mile Road; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ronald McDonald House Pensacola, FL in Sheppard’s name.
Jay Man Charged With 15 Counts Of Animal Cruelty; 53 Animals Seized (((((((( UNBLUR )))))
February 5, 2026
A Jay man has been charged with animal cruelty after dozens of animals were seized from his farm, at least one of which was euthanized.
Charles Robert Higbee, age 54 of Bell Creek Road, was charged with 10 counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty and five additional misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) and Santa Rosa County Animal Control investigated severe neglect on a farm owned by Higbee.
OALE said investigators discovered emaciated cattle and goats without food or water, poultry starving in filthy pens, and a longhorn cow trapped in a hole. The longhorn was later euthanized due to extreme suffering.
In total, 53 animals were seized:
- 12 cattle
- 31 poultry
- 6 goats
- 1 sheep
- 3 equine
Five poultry carcasses were also located.
Veterinary exams confirmed severe malnutrition and dehydration, investigators said.
Higbee was released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $55,000 bond.
Jay Man Charged With 15 Counts Of Animal Cruelty; 53 Animals Seized
February 5, 2026
A Jay man has been charged with animal cruelty after dozens of animals were seized from his farm, at least one of which was euthanized.
Charles Robert Higbee, age 54 of Bell Creek Road, was charged with 10 counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty and five additional misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) and Santa Rosa County Animal Control investigated severe neglect on a farm owned by Higbee.
OALE said investigators discovered emaciated cattle and goats without food or water, poultry starving in filthy pens, and a longhorn cow trapped in a hole. The longhorn was later euthanized due to extreme suffering.
In total, 53 animals were seized:
- 12 cattle
- 31 poultry
- 6 goats
- 1 sheep
- 3 equine
Five poultry carcasses were also located.
Veterinary exams confirmed severe malnutrition and dehydration, investigators said.
Higbee was released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $55,000 bond.
Century Residents Lash Out At Town Council Over Garbage Hikes And Service Issues
February 5, 2026
Numerous residents expressed displeasure about the Town of Century’s new solid waste program and other utilities at a town council meeting this week.
The town’s new solid waste provider will collect two cans per week — one for garbage and one for yard waste — at a rate that is $10.47 more than charged by Republic Services, the previous provider.
For additional photos, click here.
“I heard I got to pay another extra $10; I don’t have no garbage,” Sim Brown of Hadley Street said. “I live by myself; I could use a five-gallon bucket to put my stuff in. I ain’t got nothing to throw away but egg shells and coffee grounds. I don’t have no garbage, but I still got to pay that money every month.”
Another resident, Albert Johnson, told the council that he’s 80 years old and can’t get out to pick up yard debris. “Y’all can come get both of them for my part,” he said of his waste cans. “I don’t need them.”
“It’s really pissing me off,” Tangla Ivory of East Pond Street said, “because it’s like how you make me pay for something I am not going to use?”
RELATED: Century Explains $10.47 Per Month Garbage Rate Increase
There were several complaints about new Waste Pro cans being smaller, but Town Clerk Carrie Moore said the cans are in fact the same 90-gallon capacity as used by Republic Services.
Other residents complained about wildly fluctuating water bills and billing periods, and bills that don’t arrive in the mail until right at the due date. Another resident complained about sand in the water system causing problems with dishwashers and plumbing fixtures.
There were additional complaints from residents that feel they are spoken down to, even chastised, by town employees when they call for assistance with utility and billing issues.
“You guys are taking my money and making money with my money,” another resident said, complaining that he made a $180 utility deposit in 2018 and it was refunded by check when he disconnected services recently. He said he wanted cash, like he paid, not a check, and he wanted interest for the time the town held his money.
The council took no official actions after hearing the citizen complaints.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Charged After Allegedly Threatening Child’s Father with Knife
February 5, 2026
A Cantonment woman was arrested following a domestic disturbance involving a knife at a residence on Hicks Street.
Latoya Ann Allen, 54, was taken into custody after a witness reported she was being aggressive and hitting the father of her child. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Allen allegedly threatened the man with a knife while in close proximity, placing him in fear of violence. The victim and Allen have lived together for approximately six months and share a child.
The incident prompted a response from multiple deputies who arrived with lights and sirens because Allen was believed to be armed. Upon arrival, a deputy located the victim in the yard of the home. The victim then granted law enforcement consent to enter the residence, where they found Allen sitting in a chair. While she was unarmed at the time contact was made, she was immediately detained and placed in a patrol car.
Allen was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor battery. Both charges were designated as domestic violence. She remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $7,500.
The victim was not injured and declined medical treatment.
$6.3 Million In Grants Available To Support Florida’s Forests
February 5, 2026
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service has announced a total of $6.3 million is now available to Florida landowners through two cost-share programs. Florida’s Future Forests Program and the Enhancing Gulf Waters Through Forested Watershed Restoration (RESTORE) Program aim to improve forest health and water quality by promoting tree planting and timber stand improvement practices that help ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forestlands. Applications for both programs will be accepted until March 27, 2026.
“Florida’s forests are some of our most valuable natural assets – protecting water quality, supporting wildlife, and fueling an industry that supports thousands of jobs,” said Simpson. “These programs are a significant long-term investment for the state and will help maintain and preserve Florida’s forests and natural resources for future generations.”
Florida’s Future Forests Program is open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. Interested applicants should contact their Florida Forest Service County Forester to initiate the application process. Applicants may request funding for tree establishment practices on a minimum of 10 acres and up to 250 acres. To learn more, visit FDACS.gov/FutureForests. The deadline for application submission is 3 p.m. EST on March 27, 2026.
“Private lands make up the majority of Florida’s forestlands, and these funds will help landowners reestablish forests, improving water quality and enhancing overall forest health,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan.
Since 2021, the Florida Legislature has appropriated approximately $18 million for this program. These funds have already been used to create over 50,000 acres of healthy forests in Florida.
An additional $2.3 million is available through the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program. These funds are available to non-industrial private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations located within specific priority watersheds. This program includes reforestation, prescribed burning, first pulpwood thinning, mechanical underbrush treatment, and chemical underbrush treatment, for practices on a minimum of 10 acres up to 250 acres. For more information, visit FDACS.gov/Restore. The application deadline is 3 p.m. EST on March 27, 2026.
Pictured: The Florida Forest Service’s Molino Forestry Station located on Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Clear Skies and Sunny Days Forecasted Through Sunday
February 5, 2026
Temperatures are set to rebound after a chilly start to the week. A cold morning on Thursday will give way to a significant warming trend, with afternoon highs climbing from the low 50s today to the mid-70s by early next week. Dry and sunny conditions will dominate the weekend, though a slight chance of showers returns by next Wednesday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 65. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.