An Escambia County rapper has been convicted on a federal drug trafficking related crime.
Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was convicted by a jury in federal court on one count of discharging a handgun in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and a separate count of possessing firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Prior to the jury being selected in Pensacola, Booker pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and five counts of money laundering through high end jewelry purchase.
At trial, the jury received evidence that Booker ran a multi-million dollar interstate drug trafficking network wherein he transported hundreds of kilograms of highly potent marijuana from the Seattle area into Pensacola between 2020 – 2025. Booker used the proceeds of his crimes to purchase vehicles, such as a Lamborghini Urus, as well as diamond encrusted jewelry and Cartier and Patek Philippe watches. The jury heard evidence that Booker did not report a single dollar of legitimate income to the government during this timeframe. During the course of his drug trafficking conspiracy, on May 12, 2024, at the Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge in Pensacola, Booker shot one of his own co-conspirators at point-blank range in an attempt to murder him over a drug debt owed to Booker. At a later date, in July 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a federal search warrant at Booker’s residence and located a loaded assault rifle he possessed to protect all the controlled substances in the house. The jury received all of this evidence and found Booker guilty as charged.
Booker is scheduled for sentencing before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola in early November.
Booker faces and mandatory minimum 20 years up to life imprisonment on the charges. In addition, law enforcement seized over $500,000 of jewelry, vehicles, firearms, and United States currency from Booker that will all be forfeited to the government.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
There is a chance of isolated to scattered showers and storm through Sunday. Otherwise, it will be mostly sunny and hot.
Here is your official North Escambia area weather forecast:
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive
A Leon County judge this week determined the summary of property tax cut ballot measure passed by the Legislature is filled with political rhetoric and misleading.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response was essentially to say ‘fine, we won’t appeal’ and Attorney General James Uthmeier, who he appointed to the job, is already on the rewrite.
In a technical win for a trio of groups that challenged Amendment 3 on the November ballot, Leon Circuit Court David Frank on Monday ordered the title and ballot summary to be redrafted.
“Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination,” Frank wrote in his 18-page ruling. “The present ballot language would deprive the voters of the opportunity to make a meaningful decision.”
Amendment 3 calls for the non-school homestead exemption to be increased from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and raises it to $250,000 in 2028. Another provision reduces the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent.
In his ruling, Frank detailed specific changes that should be made to the ballot summary.
For example, after stating “this amendment benefits Florida taxpayers by:” the ballot summary uses the phrases “exempting homestead properties from taxation,” “ensuring funding for core services,” “protecting small businesses” and “ensuring fairness for Florida residents.”
Those opposed to the measure argued that if approved by 60 percent of voters in November cities and counties could lose up to $12 billion annually. They also said tax burdens will be shifted to renters and businesses, which isn’t reflected in the ballot language that is under the amendment’s title of “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes.”
DeSantis said Thursday that Uthmeier, his former chief of staff, was already working on the new language.
“I’ve actually seen some of the draft. It’s a great draft. It is going to be very good. (It will) be very clear for voters what’s on there,” DeSantis said during an education event in Lehigh Acres.
DeSantis added that he and Uthmeier didn’t “necessarily agree” with the ruling, but that the revision will be more than acceptable.
“It’s fine. It’s going to be a very good summary, very straightforward,” DeSantis continued. “People are going to know they’re going to get tax relief. You’re going to get an increased homestead exemption if you’re for it. So that’s going to happen.”
Florida’s law banning children from drag shows was deemed constitutional by a federal appeals court, overruling an earlier decision that found it violated the First Amendment.
A ruling was a victory for Gov. DeSantis, who pushed for the measure in 2023, passing through the Republican-controlled Legislature.
“This shouldn’t even be controversial, yet our law protecting kids required us to fend off lawsuits and win a case before a divided appellate court,” DeSantis posted on X.
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals initially knocked the law down, but DeSantis appealed, asking for the full court to review the decision.
In an 8-5 ruling, the court found Hamburger Mary’s, an Orlando-area restaurant that frequently features drag performances and brought the lawsuit, “failed to establish a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.”
The law defines “adult live performance” as a live show that “depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or specific sexual activities,” as defined under state law, as well as “lewd conduct” or the “lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.”
Hamburger Mary’s argued the law was too broad and infringed on its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, but the majority of the court disagreed.
“The Supreme Court of Florida’s definition of ‘lewd’ eliminates any overbreadth, and the use of the phrase ‘age of the child present’ does not render the Act unconstitutionally vague. Accordingly, we vacate the district court’s preliminary injunction in its entirety,” wrote Judge Andrew Brasher.
Brasher was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2020.
In response to the ruling, Qommittee, a national group formed in 2024 to support drag performers facing censorship and threats, updated its guide for Florida.
“Florida’s anti-drag law is in effect but drag is NOT banned in Florida. Even if your show is legal (and most are), you could be wrongfully targeted,” the guide states. “Don’t stop performing, but protect yourself.”
THE COST OF COLLEGE SPORTS
The state university system’s Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics agreed Tuesday that Congress must pass an anti-trust exemption for the NCAA to establish a salary cap, along with transfer and eligibility regulations on student athletic programs.
Barring that, the Florida Legislature needs to get involved, with members of the task force backing seven of 19 proposals intended to address the evolving world of college athletics.
Measures that found support Tuesday included the need to expand state law that provides legal protections for universities regarding student-athlete name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, regulations on agents, financial literacy training and advisors for student-athletes, and for the state to seek multi-state agreements on student pay, eligibility, and caps on student-athlete agent compensation.
“What we’re seeing in intercollegiate athletics today is not really a free market,” said state university system Board of Trustees Chairman Alan Levine. “A free market is where you have a buyer and a seller and the government is not setting prices. But you got states like Louisiana that are passing taxes and using public dollars to basically subsidize their athletic programs, and you have other states, like Florida, that are loathe to do that.”
Among the proposals not put up for a recommendation on Tuesday were measures to allow schools to increase fees on tickets, concessions, and sports betting, along with apparel and other branding deals.
“My goal would be not to raise taxes in any form to pay for college athletics,” said Task Force Chairman Ken Jones during the meeting at the University of Central Florida.
The state was ordered to rewrite the title and summary of a property tax cut ballot measure championed by DeSantis and passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature because they were misleading and filled with political rhetoric, a Leon County judge ruled.
“This amendment, frankly, was not ready for prime time. I think that’s what the court found. I think that’s what, as voters read more and more about what this amendment does, that’s what they are going to find.” — former state Senator Jeff Brandes, a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Amendment 3.
written by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
A domestic disturbance call on Old Fannie Road near Flomaton recently led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of drugs and firearms
Flomaton Police Department officers responded to a residence following reports of a male subject threatening a family member and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and learned the suspect, Travis Salter, was hiding inside. Authorities also confirmed Salter had active warrants through the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting deputies and officers conducted a sweep of the home, discovering Travis Salter hiding in a concealed space accessible through a downstairs bathroom. He was taken into custody without incident.
Following the arrest, police secured a search warrant for the residence, ultimately seizing suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms.
Two individuals face charges in connection with the incident. Travis Salter is charged with second-degree bail jumping, possession of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol. Larry Salter is charged with obstructing government operations, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol.
The Flomaton Police Department credited the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Pictured: Larry Salter (left) , Travis Salter (right).
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos needed just three runs to earn their third-straight victory over the Montgomery Biscuits, defeating them 3-0 on Saturday night.
Though not quite as dramatic as Friday’s night’s 13-11 win in extra innings, strong pitching and hits into the gap earned the Blue Wahoos (59-48, 23-15) their seventh shutout of the season and their first over Montgomery. With the victory, Pensacola tied the Biscuits (54-53, 19-19) 10-10 in the season series and took a 3-2 edge over the visiting side in the homestand.
Connor Caskenette, coming off of a four-hit outing on Friday night, kept the ball rolling with an RBI single to score Adrian Santana in the first inning for the early lead. Their second run came a few innings later in the fourth, as Friday’s walk-off hero Jay Beshears sent Ethan O’Donnell flying home from first base with a double into the right-center gap.
Jacob Kisting (W, 1-0) made his Double-A debut on Saturday, putting on a show for the packed ballpark. He delivered 5.0 scoreless innings in his first start with Pensacola, striking out an impressive eight batters while relenting four hits. He struck out four consecutive batters from the first into the second inning.
The Blue Wahoos picked up their third run later in the eighth thanks to none other than Caskenette, who punched an RBI single into left to score Brandon Compton from third base. The knock was Caskenette’s 10th in the last four contests, and he extended his hit streak to a career-best eight games.
Jack Sellinger (H, 5) and Holt Jones (S, 4) combined for an electric closeout from the mound, combining to allow only four hits from the Biscuits while striking out four through the remaining four innings.
Pensacola scored their three runs on six hits, drawing four walks. Five different Blue Wahoos earned a hit, with Caskenette leading the way with a 2-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday.
written by Maddy Branning
Michael Jon Colucci, 88, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away August 3, 2026. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on July 3, 1938 to Michael and Juliette Colucci. He was married to Adria M. Colucci for nearly 54 years. Michael served his nation in the Korean War, had a varied professional life before retiring, and having surrendered his life to His Lord Jesus Christ in 1986, he wrote the closing chapter of his life in layman’s ministry.
He served in the U. S. Army, the CIA, and retired from IBM. His service and work were all punctuated by his ministry efforts. He founded and operated Layman’s Walk Ministries focused in Cuba, served his church dutifully, and cared for his family sacrificially.
He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and had a passion for Missions, supporting several missionaries and works worldwide. He loved Children’s Ministry, travel, and art, producing a large portfolio of paintings, sculptures, and literary works. Before his earthly departure, he expressed that having written his “last book,” he would commit himself to mastering music.
Michael touched countless lives and left a lasting impression, due to his being a man of tremendous character, dedication, commitment, boundless energy, exuberance, and humor. He loved bringing joy and laughter to others. These traits were all reinforced by his relationship to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as seen through his commitment to his church and his sacrificial care for his family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fannie Brown Colucci; infant son, Michael Colucci; father, Michael Colucci; mother, Juliette Denault Colucci; stepfather, Walter Boulé; brother, Kenneth Colucci; and sister, Carol Colucci Largay.
He is survived by his wife, Adria De Armas Colucci; daughter, Juliann Colucci; son, Michael L. Colucci; daughter, Roxanne D. Colucci Carroll; granddaughters, Nataniah E. Colucci McCart, Trinity D. DeVries, Xarisia P. Colucci; grandson, Michael-Orazio A. Colucci; and granddaughter, Zaria-Milan S. Colucci.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 800 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida 32514 with Pastor Brian Barlow officiating. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m., and the family will receive friends starting at 1:00 p.m. The burial will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries
Susan Elizabeth Wiscombe, 67, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on August 5, 2026. She was born on September 17, 1958, in Pensacola, where she lived her entire life.
She attended Little Flower Catholic School and graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1976.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lyle Wiscombe; her parents, Bruce Merritt, Sr. and Marjorie Bledsoe Merritt; and her brother, Bryan Eric Merritt.
She is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Matthew) Waite and Heather (Christopher) Schultz; her beloved grandchildren, Mason Waite, Emerson Waite, Grayson Waite, Colton Schultz, and Cooper Schultz; and her siblings, Bruce Merritt, Jr., Bert Merritt, Ginger Goldbach, and Edye Lau.
Susan dedicated many years to caring for her home and family as a stay-at-home wife and mother. She had a quick sense of humor, a determined spirit, and was never afraid to do things her own way. In later years, some of her happiest moments were spent sitting on her porch, watching the birds and enjoying the peacefulness of home.
Above all, Susan loved her grandchildren. She cherished the time she spent caring for them when they were young, and being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. They will carry with them the memories of the time they shared together and the love she had for them.
Susan will be remembered with love by her family, who will miss her deeply and hold her memory close in their hearts.
Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, Florida. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with interment immediately following in Cottage Hill Community Cemetery.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries
Early voting opens today for the August 18 primary election.
Early voting will be available from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily through August 15 at 10 locations in Escambia County:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street, Pensacola
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W De Soto Street, Pensacola
Polls will be open on election day, Tuesday, November 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office hosted a ceremony on Friday to observe Purple Heart Day and recognize local service members who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington in 1782, is the nation’s oldest military decoration.
Although U.S. Senator Ashley Moody was unable to attend in person as planned, she joined via Zoom to open the ceremony and express gratitude to Sheriff Chip Simmons for hosting on her behalf. During the event, Senator Moody introduced a congressional resolution recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day and entered the achievements of four Floridian Purple Heart recipients into the Congressional Record.
Reflecting on the gathering, Sheriff Simmons shared, “This may be the greatest collection of heroes in one room that we’ve ever had at the Sheriff’s Office.”
Senator Moody emphasized the solemn significance of the award in her statement: “On Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation’s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal, it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn—it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It’s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots’ sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record.”
John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, added, “Concerned Veterans for America is proud to support this effort to honor the brave men and women who defended our nation and our liberty at great personal sacrifice. The Purple Heart is one of our nation’s highest honors, representing extraordinary courage and selfless service in the face of profound hardship. Designating a day to recognize those who have borne the cost of protecting our homeland is the least we can do for them.”
The four veterans distinguished with Congressional Record entries were honored as follows:
- U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Crawford & U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Dustin Tuller: Both served together with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On December 23, 2003, during a combat mission in Baghdad, both were critically wounded. Despite his own severe injuries, Sergeant Crawford instructed medics to “save him [Tuller] first” upon seeing Staff Sergeant Tuller’s condition. Both men survived, continued lives of service, and maintain a close friendship over two decades later.
- U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Peter McKanna: Served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam and volunteered for a second tour. On Christmas Day 1970, while leading Marines on a mission, Sergeant McKanna stepped on an explosive device that resulted in the loss of part of his left leg and took the lives of three fellow Marines. Following a civilian career, he has remained dedicated to serving veterans.
- U.S. Navy Commander (Ret.) Douglas Doughty: Served in Vietnam, where he was wounded by enemy shrapnel to his shoulder and lower body during intense fighting in April 1969. After returning home, Commander Doughty pursued a career in medicine while continuing his service in the Navy Reserve, later answering the call to return to duty during Operation Desert Storm.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
A Century man is facing a criminal charge after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash in a school zone earlier this year while driving under the influence.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol warrant affidavit, Brian Christopher Flowers was driving a 2009 Saturn Aura southbound on Mobile Highway on January 9, 2026, when he sideswiped a 2023 Lincoln Aviator in the school zone at Bellview Middle School. State troopers reported that after causing an estimated $8,000 in damage, Brian Christopher Flowers aggressively fled the scene.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle swerving shortly after and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies reported finding Brian Christopher Flowers sluggish, dazed, and oblivious to his surroundings, with droopy, red-tinted eyes and a bloody mouth.
Due to his condition, paramedics transported Brian Christopher Flowers to Baptist Hospital, where he consented to a voluntary blood draw. Florida Department of Law Enforcement toxicology results later revealed the presence of active, psychoactive THC in his system. Investigators confirmed Brian Christopher Flowers did not possess a valid medical marijuana card or prescription.
Following the investigation, law enforcement charged Brian Christopher Flowers with misdemeanor DUI causing property damage and cited him for failing to maintain a single lane. The arrest warrant was recently served, and Flowers are released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned next week.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
« Previous Page — Next Page »
