Cantonment Woman Charged With Allegedly Cashing Business Checks Meant To Pay Sales Tax
February 25, 2026
A Cantonment woman was charged with fraud and grand theft for allegedly cashing checks from her employer that were meant to pay business taxes.
Wendy Joan Moye, 48, was charged with one count of felony grand theft and three felony counts of uttering a forged instrument.
The owner of Franklin Antiques reported that Moye, her employee, wrote a total of six checks from a Regions Bank business checking account for $8,095 and cashed them. The business owner told deputies that Moye had permission to fill out the checks, but did not have permission to sign her name to them. She stated that six fraudulent checks were written for business taxes; however, her sales taxes were never paid.
Through a subpoena, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained video surveillance and still photographs of female identified as Moye cashing or depositing checks on October 17, 2025, October 31, 2025, and November 13, 2025 at two separate Regions Bank locations, according to an arrest report.
The business owner was shown images from video surveillance of three transactions and positively indemnified Moye as the person in the images, according to the ECSO.
The ECSO investigators set a January 13, 2026, interview meeting with Moye at the main Sheriff’s Office.
“I subsequently received a phone call from a male slating he was Moye’s legal counsel and that she would not attend the meeting,” the deputy wrote in the report.
After a warrant was signed by a judge, Moye was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail with bond set at $9,000.
Jay Lady Royals Advance To Rural State Championship Game
February 25, 2026
The Jay Lady Royals are headed to the FHSAA Rural Class girls state championship.
On Tuesday, the Lady Royals beat Hilliard 53-39.
Jay will face Williston on Friday at 6 p.m. EST at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Breezy And Warm Wednesday, Rain Chance Returns Tomorrow
February 25, 2026
The next few days will bring a transition from pleasant, sunny conditions to a more active and breezy weather pattern. While Wednesday remains mostly sunny with highs in the lower 70s, moisture returns Wednesday night, leading to increasing rain chances through Thursday and Friday. Gusty southwest winds up to 30 mph are expected Thursday, followed by a high probability of showers and possible thunderstorms Friday morning as a front moves through. Conditions will clear out just in time for a beautiful, sunny weekend with temperatures climbing back into the upper 70s by Sunday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Showers, mainly after midnight. Low around 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: Showers likely before 9am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 9am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tate Aggies Cheerleader Lillian Abner Signs With Morehead State
February 25, 2026
On Tuesday, Tate High School cheerleader Lillian Abner signed to continue her academic and athletic career in cheerleading at Morehead State University
“Lilly Abner is an elite talent when it comes to cheerleading, and she is one of the top recruits in her position this year. Lilly possesses the extreme discipline and tenacious work ethic necessary to be successful in the winningest collegiate cheer in the world, and I am confident that she will make an immediate impact on our MSU All-Girl team,” Morehead State University head coach Mark Coleman said. “I’m excited to see Lilly’s journey over the next four years, and Morehead State University Cheer couldn’t be happier that she is joining our Doan Dynasty Family!”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Big Inning Lifts Pace Past Northview in Battle of State Runners-Up (With Gallery)
February 25, 2026
Pace 4, Northview 0
One inning on a cold Tuesday night made all the difference between two of the state’s top softball teams in Bratt.
In the battle between two state runners-up from last year, the 6A Pace Lady Patriots defeated Rural Division runner-up Northview Lady Chiefs 4-0.
The game sat scoreless until the top of the fifth inning when the Patriots’ Gracie Ueberroth knocked a two-run home run over the center field fence, and Haley Olivet singled to score two more runs.
Mikayla McAnally pitched a complete game for the Lady Chiefs, allowing five hits and four runs (two earned) while walking two and striking out seven.
McAnally, Avery Stuckey, and Bailey Burkette each had one hit for Northview.
Pace 6, Northview 3 (JV)
Brooklyn Allen was in the circle for four innings, allowing six hits and six runs (one earned), while walking two and striking out one.
Kinley White and Katie Jones each had one hit for the JV Chiefs. White and Natalia Morales each had one RBI.
NorthEscambia.com photos click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To Federal Prison On Methamphetamine And Firearm Charges
February 25, 2026
An Escambia County man has been sentenced on federal methamphetamine and firearm charges.
Geoffery Bartee Dale, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of our local and federal law enforcement partners, this drug trafficker’s scheme has been dismantled and he’ll spend the next 15 years in federal prison,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “My office will continue to deliver successful prosecutions like this one to keep violent drug traffickers in prison where they belong and give our residents the safe and drug-free streets they deserve.”
According to court records, in February and March of 2024, Dale was a target of a joint law enforcement investigation. On March 8, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, during which investigators located over 3,100 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a large amount of marijuana, four firearms, ammunition, over $129,000 in United States currency, and other drug distribution related items. Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for Dale’s storage unit, where they found more than 4,400 grams of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, three firearms, and ammunition. Dale has two prior felony convictions.
Northview Beats Chipley; Tate Falls To Gulf Breeze
February 25, 2026
Northview 17, Chipley 3
The Northview Chiefs beat the Chipley Tigers 17-3 Tuesday night in Chipley.
Jase Portwood went 3-3 to drive in six runs on three hits to lead the Chiefs with a two-run double in the first and fifth innings, along with a two-run single in the sixth.
Jackson Bridges, Bryant Mason, and Grayden Sheffield each scored two runs for the Chiefs.
Gayson Burns earned the win on the mound for Northview, surrendering two hits and three runs (two earned) while walking three and striking out nine in five and one-third innings. Mason threw two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit and no runs, striking out two.
Northview will host Holmes County on Thursday before traveling to Destin on Friday.
Gulf Breeze 3, Tate 0
The Tate Aggies fell to Gulf Breeze 3-0 on Tuesday night in Gulf Breeze.
Beasley took the loss for the Aggies. He went three and one-third innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out one and walking four. In two and two-thirds innings, Hunter Clayton allowed one hit and no runs, striking out two and walking none.
Nathan Connors, Cade McNair, Cooper Halfacre, and Cal Foxworth each contributed one Tate hit.
The Aggies will take on Fort Walton on Thursday and Escambia on Friday at Wahoos Stadium.
Tate 9, Gulf Breeze 9 (JV) — tie
Tate 7, Gulf Breeze 3 (Freshmen)
Charles Floyd Winters
February 25, 2026
Charles Floyd Winters, 87, of McDavid, Florida, passed away on February 21, 2026. Born on July 23, 1938, in Byng, Oklahoma, Charles—affectionately known as Charlie—was a steadfast and principled man, cherished for his loving and caring nature.
He dedicated 25 years of his career to Brown & Root in Houston, Texas, before contributing significantly to various enterprises in Florida after receiving his State of Florida General Contractor’s License. Some of the companies he worked with included Deep South Cranes, Grundy Marine, Oden-Hardy Construction, and John Fayard, Inc.
Charlie was deeply rooted in his family and faith and was a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in McDavid, Florida. His passions included building construction and maintaining his yard—activities that reflected his no-nonsense, hands-on approach to life. A man of strong faith, Charlie lived out his beliefs through his actions. His hobbies reflected his enduring work ethic, his love for practical creativity, and his appreciation for the outdoors.
Charlie met his beloved wife, Susan Milstead Winters, in 1986 while working at the Champion Paper Mill in Cantonment, Florida. They were married in Cantonment on August 8, 1988, by Susan’s grandfather, Reverend Thomas E. Givens. His legacy continues through his children: Donna (Chris) Hansen, Deacon (Laura) Winters, LeeAnne (Steve) Brown, Weston Winters, Travis Winters, Kayla Winters, Luke Winters, and Elise (Chase) Helton; his siblings, Sue (Craig) Hoppe and Johnny Winters; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, Carl Milstead. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Geneva Winters; his sister and brother-in-law, John and Joyce Purcell; his niece, Megan Hoppe; and his mother-in-law, Betty Lou Milstead.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home – North on March 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Farm Hill United Methodist Church (1251 Muscogee Road). Immediately following the graveside committal, a celebration honoring Charlie will be held at Harvest Christian Center (1095 Muscogee Road) with food and fellowship.
Charlie will be remembered as a cornerstone of his family—a God-fearing man whom many looked up to. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and brother, always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge.
Milford L Dees
February 25, 2026
Milford L Dees went home to be with his Lord on February 20, 2026 after a brief, aggressive battle with cancer. Born in Jay, Florida, he was a lifelong resident on Northwest Florida; he did travel a little, but was happiest when he was home.
He graduated from Tate High School in 1957, and joined the United States Army Reserves, serving for 8 years. He worked at Chemstrand/Monsanto for 35 years, retiring in 1992.
In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart Carol (Miller) Dees, and they were happily married for 47 years, until Cookie’s death in 2008.
In 2013, he married Patricia (Arnette)Dees, and was a faithful husband until her death in 2024.
He is survived by his two daughters – Denise (Keith) and Carolyn (David); two grandchildren, Ben and Rachel; a beloved sister-in-law, Frances; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, Florida, on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that the money be donated to your favorite charity.
Kathryn V. Mondrone
February 25, 2026
Kathryn V. Mondrone, age 98, entered into eternal rest on February 17, 2026. Kathryn was born on May 6, 1927, a beloved daughter of Ida Smith and Alvin Lawson. She was a devoted sister to Alvin, Frances, Vernie, Walter, and Raymond.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Daniel A. Mondrone, and her son, Daniel Mondrone.
Kathryn leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Donna Godfrey (Bob), Denise Vasilenko (Greg), and Kathryn Samuel; her son, Kurt Mondrone (Diane); twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Kathryn’s life was a testament to faith, dedication to family, and quiet strength. Her love and guidance will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” ~ Proverbs 31:28
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.