Century Man With 23 Felony Convictions Facing New Trafficking and Weapon Charges
May 8, 2026
A Century man with a lengthy criminal history remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond following an incident involving multiple types of narcotics and a firearm.
Travis Montes Mitchell, 40, is facing several felony charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine (14 grams or over) , trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or over) , possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) with intent to distribute , possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon , and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the incident began around 8:38 AM when EMS personnel observed a blue Chevy Malibu parked in the middle of the roadway at the intersection of Beverly Parkway and North W Street. Medics reported seeing a male, later identified as Mitchell, slumped over the steering wheel.
Mitchell initially complied with a request to enter the ambulance for evaluation. However, upon seeing a law enforcement vehicle arrive, he reportedly jumped out of the ambulance and fled on foot. He was quickly detained by a nearby deputy and transported back to the scene.
Because the vehicle was a rental posing a traffic hazard, an Enterprise rental employee was called to take possession of the car. While conducting a company-mandated inventory of the Malibu, the employee discovered a clear bag containing a crystalline substance in the center console.
A subsequent search of the vehicle by deputies allegedly uncovered a significant cache of illegal items, including 304 grams of methamphetamine , 17 grams of fentanyl , and 25.5 grams of crack cocaine, according to an arrest report. Deputies also reported finding two Oxycodone pills , a silver Detonics .45 caliber handgun with ammunition , digital scales, and plastic baggies.
Mitchell told investigators he had been using the rental for about two weeks after it was rented for him by a friend and claimed he had passed out at the red light. He further stated he kept his clothing and personal items in the vehicle so that he could “always stay ready”, the report states. He told deputies that he jumped out of the ambulance because he did not like the way the EMT was treating him.
Records checks revealed Mitchell has 23 prior felony convictions, including past charges for trafficking in methamphetamines and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Awards Five Scholarships
May 8, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently presented five scholarships.
Recipients were:
Carter Hayden was the recipient of a $1,000 Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship. He will attend Mississippi State University.
Austin Jackson was the recipient of a $1,000 Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship. He will attend the University of West Florida.
Ava Jacobi was awarded a $1,000 Lynda Minchew scholarship. She will attend the University of West Florida.
Sa Dayveon “Davy” Bradley was alwarded a $500 Mildred Haupert scholarship. He will attend Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
Ayden Crabtree was awarded the $500 Louis Crabtree, Jr. scholarship. He will attend the University of West Florida.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Likely Through The Weekend
May 8, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. High near 77. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Is Saturday
May 8, 2026
Letter carriers to pick up tons of much-needed food donations at mailboxes across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this Saturday, May 9, as part of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, the largest one-day food drive in the nation.
Simply fill the bag left in your mailbox —or any bag— with nonperishable food items and leave it beside your mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will collect donations along their routes and deliver them directly to local food pantries. If you do not have a traditional mailbox, can leave their donations near where they typically receive mail or drop off nonperishable food items at a local USPS post office on or before May 9. Letter carriers will collect donations along their routes and deliver them directly to local food pantries.
Residents are encouraged to leave a bag of healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned fruit in 100% juice, canned mixed vegetables, canned chicken, canned tuna, dry breakfast items (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal), peanut butter, and/or dry beans. Residents should NOT donate items in glass containers or items that have been opened or homemade.
Local food donations will benefit individuals and families served by Manna Food Pantries, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries, and Warrington Emergency Aid Center.
“Stamp Out Hunger plays a vital role in helping us keep our shelves stocked during a time when many families are facing increased financial pressure,” said Kerri Smayda, associate executive director of Manna. “Every bag of food collected represents hope for someone in our community, and the generosity of our neighbors makes it possible for us to continue serving those who need it most.”
In 2025, local letter carriers collected more than 150,000 pounds of food across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. With demand for food assistance continuing to rise, organizers are hopeful the community will once again step up in a big way.
“This is one of the simplest ways our community can come together to make a real difference,” said Laura Gilliam, president and CEO of United Way of West Florida. “For many of our neighbors, especially ALICE households who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet, access to food is not guaranteed. Stamp Out Hunger gives everyone an easy opportunity to help ensure families don’t have to choose between groceries and other basic needs.”
Tate Aggies Crimson And Gray Game Is Tonight
May 8, 2026
The Tate Aggies Crimson and Gray game is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Tate Quarterback Club will be selling concessions, including pork nachos and sandwiches, hamburgers, drinks, candy, and chips.
Tickets are available on GoFan. Cards are accepted for concessions and at the Aggie Shack.
Mississippi Man Killed In Fiery I-65 Crash North Of Flomaton
May 8, 2026
A Mississippi man was killed in a fiery crash on I-65 in Escambia County, Alabama.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 6 a.m. Monday on I-65 approximately 18 miles north of Flomaton, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said on Thursday.
Brandon G. Wascom, 46, of Carriere, Mississippi, was fatally injured when his 2018 Chevrolet Silverado struck the rear of the 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by Jaron K. Bush, 34, of Mobile. After the initial impact, the pickup caught fire. Wascom was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
Reader submitted photo.
Lewis Jr. Homers In Wahoos 7-3 Loss To Trash Pandas
May 8, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas by a final score of 7-3 on Thursday night.
Pensacola was playing catch up early, when two runs scored on a ground ball that ate up Wahoos shortstop Payton Green off the bat of Rocket City leadoff hitter Wade Meckler, Green’s first error of the year.
The Blue Wahoos would answer back in the fourth inning, when Dillon Lewis walked with one out and Ian Lewis Jr. would send one over the right field wall for a 2-run homer, his third blast of the year. Two batters later, Payton Green would hit his team leading 8th double of the year and would eventually score on a Ryan Ignoffo go ahead RBI single, giving the club a 3-2 lead. Ignoffo had entered the game in the second inning, filling in for an injured Spencer Bramwell.
Pensacola starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr would be taken out of the game in the 5th after allowing back-to-back singles to Kyren Paris and Gustavo Campero. Mason Vinyard would be the first arm called on out of the pen, and while he would retire three consecutive batters, a flyball and a ground out would move Paris to third and home, tying the game at 3-3.
That score would hold until the top of the 7th, when Pensacola reliever Logan Whitaker (L, 2-1) would allow two runs on a two run bomb off the bat of Rocket City’s Matthew Lugo, giving the Pandas a 5-3 lead. They would add to that lead in the top of the 8th, when Nick Rodriguez would send the first pitch he saw into left field for a two out, two run single, making it a 7-3 game.
The offense would threaten in the 8th, but ultimately come up empty before going down quietly in the 9th, finalizing the 7-3 loss. Trash Pandas reliever Camden Minacci (W, 1-2) was credited with his first win of the season and Luke Murphy locked down his third save of the season.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Friday evening.
written by Charlie Hobert
Thousands Attend American Idol Finalist Keyla Richardson Hometown Concert (With Photo Gallery)
May 7, 2026
Thousands turned out Wednesday night for a concert featuring Keyla Richardson, a Top 3 finalist on American Idol.
Keyla Fest was held at the Hunter Amphitheater with overflow seating in Blue Wahoos Stadium. The concert, a hometown parade, and more will be featured in next Monday night’s American Idol finale.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Allie Penton, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Students Among Hundreds Attending Blue Wahoos Education Day Game
May 7, 2026
Students from Jim Allen Elementary School were among hundreds who attended a Pensacola Blue Wahoos Education Day game on Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
American Idol Top 3 finalist Keyla Richardson made a surprise appearance at the game.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
It’s Official. The New Nine Mile Road Costco Is Set To Open In June.
May 7, 2026
It’s official. The Pensacola Costco on Nine Mile Road will open in June.
The wholesale retailer has now listed the store as opening in June on their website, but a specific date has not been finalized.
The 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 830 parking spaces is located at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. It’s on several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
In April, the company listed numerous jobs available at the store. The jobs include tire installers, stockers, cashiers, pharmacy managers, cake decorators, deli clerks, food service, meat wrappers, and many more. Hourly employees begin at $20-$21 an hour, while some positions like pharmacy manager pay much more.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive: $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star: $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Pictured: The Costco store in Montgomery, Alabama. NorthEscambia.com file photo.