Escambia County Man Charged With Threatening President Donald Trump
March 3, 2026
An Escambia County man has been charged for making criminal threats against President Donald Trump.
Markus Edward Hamlett, 46, was indicted in federal court on one count of threatening the president of the United States.
According to federal court documents, Hamlett made threats to the life of President Donald Trump via emails, phone calls, and in person.
The U.S. Secret Service said those emails included statements such as “I’m planning on murdering Donald trump,” and “He’s VERY dangerous and I’ll stop at nothing to stop him”.
He was first detained by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Lakeview Center under the Baker Act for evaluation. At Lakeview, he reportedly made numerous verbal statements to the intake staff at the facility, threatening to take the life of President Trump.
When Secret Service agents arrived at Lakeview the following day, Hamlett “stated he had been waiting a long time to speak with us. He stated, ‘I have been sending emails and making phone calls for a year trying to get arrested.’,” according to court documents.
Records show he was also arrested in October 2025 in California for threats against the president after allegedly making a 911 call and advising that he had “a great plan to assassinate Donald Trump.”
If convicted, Hamlett faces up to five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. His trial is set for April 6.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.
Pictured: According to a U.S. Secret Service affidavit obtained by NorthEscambia.com, Markus Edward Hamlett sent the emails (above) in regards to President Donald Trump, and submitted an additional threat one the CIA website (below).
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Escambia Commission To Consider Ballot Referendum
March 3, 2026
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week to potentially place a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
The Escambia County School board voted 3-2 on February 18, 2025, to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed. The school board then sent the referendum to the county commission for approval.
The county commission will vote Thursday on scheduling a public hearing for 5:32 p.m. on April 1 to consider an ordinance authorizing the countywide referendum to determine if the Superintendent of Schools of Escambia County, should be an elected position to be placed on the statewide primary election ballot on August 18, 2026, as requested by the school board.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said last February. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
A final vote from the commission will come at a later date.
Wednesday: Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market In Molino
March 3, 2026
The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino two days this month with a variety of fresh produce.
Millie will be at the Molino Community Center (Molino Library) at 6450 North Highway 95A from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and again on Wednesday, March 18.
During the Molino visits, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices. Items available will include apples, cucumbers, oranges, sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and more. The selection varies each visit and is based upon availability. The current menu is below.
Millie travels routes throughout Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Florida service area, addressing pockets of low food access (food deserts) where supermarkets are scarce, to provide community members the opportunity to buy affordable fresh produce and other nutritious foods at a significantly discounted rate. Feeding the Gulf Coast collaborates with local farmers to purchase produce when available specifically for the Millie Mobile Market.
Only debit or credit cards (including tap-to-pay) are accepted at Millie; no cash.
Pictured: A previous Millie Mobile Market visit at the Molino Library. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trash Fire Reignites, Destroys Flomaton Workshop And Tractors
March 3, 2026
Fire destroyed a freestanding workshop near Flomaton on Monday afternoon.
The fire was reported just before 1:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Twin Bridges Road, just off Highway 31 east of the Flomaton town limits.
According to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, the fire destroyed the workshop, two tractors and a zero turn mower. He said the blaze was believed to be caused by a Sunday trash fire that smoldered, reignited and spread on Monday.
There were no injuries.
The Flomaton Fire Department, McCall Volunteer Fire Department and the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with Newman’s Ambulance.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Barth, Molino Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Wednesday
March 3, 2026
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in a portion of Barth and Molino will take place Wednesday, March 4. All items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. Residents who live in the targeted area will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
- Yard debris (tree cuttings, branches, etc.)
Items not eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Contact the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency at 850-595-3217 or cra@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.
Upcoming North Escambia area cleanups will be Wednesday, March 18 in Quintette, Wednesday, April 15 in Cottage Hill
Sunny, Highs Around 80
March 3, 2026
A stretch of warm, spring-like weather continues across the region this week as high temperatures climb into the lower 80s. While most of the week remains dry with occasional patchy overnight and early morning fog, small rain chances return by Friday afternoon and persist through early next week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog between midnight and 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
It’s Book Fair Week At Bratt Elementary; Every Student Able TO Shop With PTA Support
March 3, 2026
t’s Scholastic Book Fair week at Bratt Elementary School, and every student will have a chance to shop thanks to the Bratt PTA.
Family shopping time is available Tuesday during scheduled grade-level times, and Wednesday after school from 2:15 until 3:15 p.m. All students will be able to shop thanks to the Bratt PTA providing $5 Bratt Bulldog Bucks.
Families are encouraged to set up a Scholastic Book Fair eWallet.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Minnie Gray Van Ling
March 3, 2026
Minnie Gray Van Ling, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 92. She lived a long and beautiful life defined by Faith, Love and generosity, she was devoted to her family.
As a proud mother of Nine children, grandmother of eighteen grandchildren, and great grandmother to ten children, her family was her greatest joy and accomplishment. Nothing brought her more happiness than gathering her children and grandchildren close, sharing stories, laughter, and meals. Her grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart, and she loved them beyond measure.
She had a remarkable gift for nurturing both people and passions. She expressed her creativity through quilting, stitching love into every quilt she made. She found quiet joy in growing orchids, tending to them with patience and care. In the kitchen, she was a wonderful cook whose meals became cherished family traditions. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and filled with the comforting aroma of something delicious.
Above all, she had a giving heart. She consistently put others before herself and taught her children from a young age to be mindful of those who had less. Through her example, she instilled compassion, generosity, and gratitude – Values that continue to live on through her family.
Her legacy is one of faith, love, and kindness and she drew her strength from her Lord Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the lives she shaped, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely.
She was preceded in death by her husband of seventeen years, Charles O. Van Ling: her grandsons, Bobby J. Campbell, Ernest B. Brown and Devan A. Brown and her parents William Thomas, and Julia Inez Lindsey.
She is survived by her nine children, Ronald R (Debra) Smith, Libbie D. Robinson, Darlene (Jim) Chavers, Shelia F. Henley, Gene (Renee) Brown, Lynn (Larry) Springer, A. Wayne Brown, Willard E Brown, Shawn L. (Amy) Brown; eighteen grandchildren ; ten great grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Nonie’s Place by Covenant Care, 1901 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501
A Celebration of life will be held March 14, at 12:00 pm at Hamiltons Pond, 243 South Pine Barren Road, McDavid, Fl 32568
Hubert Ellis Howard
March 3, 2026
Hubert Ellis Howard, age 90, of Gonzalez, Florida, passed away March 1, 2026 in Pensacola. He was born in Apalachicola, Florida, on June 27, 1935 to Houston Howard and Elizabeth Lisco Howard. He was married to Peggy Courtney Howard for 65 years.
Mr. Howard worked for Air Products and Chemicals for 34 years and Wesco Gas and Welding for 27 years. He was a member of Gonzalez Methodist Church. In his spare time, Mr. Howard enjoyed playing softball, golfing, bowling, car racing and working in his yard. Mr. Howard served his country in both the US Marine Corps and the US Navy.
He was preceded in death by his parents Houston and Elizabeth Howard; sisters Gladys Howard, Marie Weber and Essie Woodworth and his brothers J.R. Howard, Joe Howard and Randall Howard.
Mr. Howard is survived by his wife Peggy Howard; his children Tony Howard and his wife Deanna, Tim Howard, Kelly Trowbridge and Shelly and husband Wayne McArthur; grandchildren Rachael and husband Matt Smith, Kaylen Thomas, Kyle McArthur, Molly McArthur, Wesley Howard, Diandra Howard and Christopher Trowbridge; great grandchildren Paisley Thomas, Emberlyn Smith and Hendric Smith; his brothers Billy Howard and Ronnie Howard; his sister Grace Paulchek and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Gonzalez Methodist Church in Cantonment at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Andy Perry officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from 11:00 AM until Noon. Burial will be in Gonzales Methodist Church Cemetery. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Century CRA Eyes Plan To Tackle Blighted Areas
March 3, 2026
The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met Monday night to plot a course forward for improving a blighted area of the town.
The five members of the Century Town Council sit as the CRA board, with the board deciding to accept applications for the volunteer position and add two additional citizen members before its next meeting on June 23. The board elected member John Bass as president and Sparkie Harrison as vice president.
The board is expected to meet quarterly but held its first meeting in years just last month. The CRA has $191,151.89 in the bank, but held no discussion Monday night about finances.
In October 2018, the council approved a Tax Increment Financing plan for their redevelopment area, allowing the CRA to receive property tax revenues each year in excess of an established base rate. The appraised value of the property within the designated district was “frozen” in 2018, with that amount of tax revenue generated still designated for the town’s general fund, the county, and other taxing authorities.
The redevelopment area receives 95% of the property tax generated in excess of the frozen base value as property values rise. Along with small interest earnings, the CRA has spent nothing on improving the area to date, as far as we know from financial reports that were last published nearly three years ago.
The CRA funds can be used to improve conditions in the 510 acres bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King (see map below).
Tax Increment Financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activities in the targeted redevelopment area. Property owners in the CRA pay the same tax rate as those in the remainder of the town.
TIF revenue can be used on a “pay as you go” basis, where the annual stream of revenue is used to fund small projects, or used to pay debt service costs over the life of a project lasting 10 or more years. Historically in Florida, TIF has been effective at generating large amounts of funding for capital investments for roadway improvements, flood control programs, water and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks, street and sidewalk tree plantings, signs and building construction.
After a February 2016 tornado damaged or destroyed 40 homes and businesses, the town looked to address the long-term effects on the community of a downturn in economic development. That led to the redevelopment area.
The CRA plan sets a roadmap for future development and spending to eliminate existing conditions of blight and to encourage continued private investment. The plan also provides a framework for coordinating and facilitating public and private redevelopment within the area.
Future CRA meetings are set for 5:30 p.m., before the regular 6:15 council meetings, June 23, September 15, and November 17.
NorthEscambia.com photo and graphic, click to enlarge.