Update: Flomaton Parents Now Charged With Attempted Murder After Child Hospitalized In Critical Condition
September 2, 2026
Attempted murder charges have now been filed against two Flomaton parents previously arrested on child torture charges after their 15-year-old child was taken to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition, authorities announced Wednesday.
Eric Douglas McClure, 41, and Cynthia Danielle Tedder, 36, are now charged with attempted murder. They were originally charged with torture and willful abuse of a child under 18 years of age by a responsible person.
According to Flomaton Police Chief Justin Hetrick, the department continues to work closely with the Escambia County (AL) District Attorney’s Office. Hetrick stated the upgraded charges were filed based on newly obtained evidence and developments uncovered as the investigation progressed.
The Flomaton Police Department was initially alerted to the situation around 5:13 a.m. on September 1, 2026, when Florida authorities reported that a juvenile from Flomaton had been transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in critical condition.
Information gathered led Flomaton officers to obtain and execute a search warrant at the home where the juvenile lived, resulting in initial arrest warrants for both parents. McClure and Tedder were taken into custody in Pensacola and were held awaiting extradition back to Alabama to be booked into the Escambia County Jail in Brewton.
FPD has not detailed the allegations against McClure and Tedder.
Police said the case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Lt. Thaihee Staples at the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811.
Century Approves Half Million Dollar Repayment Note For Highway 29 Utility Relocation
September 2, 2026
In a short agenda council meeting that only lasted only about eight minutes, the Century Town Council on Tuesday night approved a revised promissory note for over a half million dollars with the Florida Department of Transportation.
The note locks in a zero-interest repayment schedule for utility relocation expenses totaling $522,555.71.
The revised agreement replaces and cancels a previous promissory note executed last year. The debt stems from utility relocation work completed within the state right-of-way along Highway 29. While the Highway 29 work was a state project, the Town of Century was required to relocate water, sewer and natural gas lines at the town’s expense.
According to Town Manager Dave Murzin, the town has made two payments of jut over $67,0000 to date, hoping for a savings under a gubernatorial designation as “Rural Area of Opportundity” RAO, which never materialized.
Under the terms of new updated note, the town will repay the remaining balance over 13 annual payments without interest or prepayment penalties. Repayment will begin on September 1, 2028, with 12 consecutive annual installments of $40,197.00, followed by a final payment of $40,191.71 to satisfy the full $522,555.71 balance.
The 3-0 council vote authorized Mayor Benjamin Boutwell to execute the revised promissory note on behalf of the town. Council members Dynette Lewis and Shelisa Abraham were absent.
Pictured top:: Work on Highway 29 utility location in Century as seen in March 2024. Pictured inset: Century Town Manager Dave Murzan explains a promissory note over a half million to town council members (pictured below) on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
ECSO, PPD Suspend Automated License Plate Readers Following State Directive
September 2, 2026
On Tuesday, both the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Pensacola Police Department announced they are suspending their use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera networks.
The local announcements follow sweeping state action taken Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. In a statewide directive, the Florida Department of Transportation moved to shutter the rapidly expanding camera systems on state roadways.
A memorandum issued Monday by FDOT Chief Operating Officer Will Watts revoked all active permits previously granted to local law enforcement agencies allowing ALPR systems—including those manufactured by Flock Safety—to operate within state highway rights of way.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” Watts wrote.
Under the FDOT order, law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove the devices from state rights of way, after which FDOT will remove any remaining units. The state also announced it is exercising its discretionary authority to immediately cease issuing any future ALPR permits within its jurisdiction.
Speaking in Jacksonville on Monday, DeSantis voiced sharp concerns about mass surveillance and privacy risks.
“No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals,” DeSantis said. “If they can create a dossier on your movements they would be able to make a fortune in selling that to companies for advertising and product placement.”
DeSantis added that while sheriffs have used the tools effectively, penalties for misuse remain inadequate. “You also have to say how can this be misused,” he noted. “I don’t think we have really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
On Tuesday, Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons released a statement announcing that ECSO is suspending its ALPR camera network in light of the state’s directive and ongoing legislative discussions.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has used Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology for several years as an investigative tool to help deputies and investigators solve crimes, locate dangerous offenders, and find missing and endangered people. There is no question that this technology has proven its value in keeping our community safe,” Simmons said. “But with any law enforcement tool, especially one involving technology, there must also be accountability, clear rules, and public confidence in how it is being used.”
Simmons noted that while ECSO enforces strict agency guidelines, statewide consistency is needed.
“We believe we have used this technology responsibly. However, we also recognize that individual agency policies are not enough. Floridians should be able to expect consistent standards for how this technology is used, no matter where they live or which law enforcement agency operates the system,” Simmons said. “We are now seeing jurisdictions across Florida suspend or discontinue the use of ALPR cameras, along with recent direction from the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Transportation. With those developments and the broader questions surrounding the future of these programs statewide, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will suspend its use of ALPR camera networks at this time.”
Simmons added that ECSO is actively working with lawmakers to help shape clear statutory boundaries.
“This is not a decision we have made lightly. ALPR technology has helped law enforcement solve serious crimes, identify offenders, and locate people in danger. We know it works. But we also believe that when legitimate concerns are raised about a technology used by government, those concerns deserve to be addressed. A temporary suspension gives us an opportunity to do that the right way,” Simmons said.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is working with our local legislative delegation, state leaders, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and its legislative committee to advocate for thoughtful statewide legislation governing the use of ALPR technology,” Simmons continued. “Our goal is straightforward: establish clear and consistent rules that protect the privacy of law-abiding citizens while preserving an important investigative tool for law enforcement. We do not believe public safety and individual privacy have to be competing interests. Good policy should protect both.”
Simmons concluded: “Until there is greater clarity regarding the future of ALPR programs in Florida and a consistent framework for their use, we believe suspending our use of these networks is the responsible course of action for Escambia County.”
Also on Tuesday, the Pensacola Police Department confirmed it is pausing its ALPR program.
“The Pensacola Police Department is committed to ensuring every law enforcement tool is utilized in an appropriate and Constitutional manner,” PPD said in a brief statement. “Until further legislative steps are taken to ensure all users of automated license plate reader technology comply with these same standards, we are suspending the use of ALPRs in the City of Pensacola.”
Atmore Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Shooting Early Tuesday
September 2, 2026
An Atmore man is behind bars facing attempted murder charges following an early Tuesday morning shooting investigation.
Larry Terrell Taylor, 46, of Atmore, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. According to the Atmore Police Department, Taylor is the only suspect in connection with the incident.
The investigation began at approximately 2:00 a.m. when Atmore Police Department officers responded to Atmore Community Hospital regarding a gunshot victim who had arrived for treatment.
Preliminary information indicated the shooting occurred in or near the Brown Street area of Atmore.
Investigators with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Narcotics/Vice Division, and Crime Scene Unit responded to actively investigate the scene and circumstances surrounding the incident, which culminated in Taylor’s arrest later in the day.
Police have not yet released the identity or medical condition of the victim.
Three Teens Charged In String Of Nine Mile Road Vape Shop Burglaries
September 2, 2026
Three teenagers are facing multiple felony charges after being linked to a string of recent vape shop break-ins along Nine Mile Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Dylan Jeremiah Randall, 18, Bryson Sanders, 19, and Miranda Robinson, 17, were arrested and charged with five counts of burglary, three counts of larceny, and three counts of criminal mischief.
Between August 26 and August 30, deputies responded to five burglaries and attempted burglaries targeting vape stores in the Nine Mile Road area. Investigators obtained surveillance footage that captured images of three suspects involved in the incidents.
A break in the case came on August 30 when deputies were dispatched to a residence on an unrelated call. While there, deputies spotted articles of clothing that matched the garments worn by the suspects seen on the store security recordings.
A subsequent search of the residence revealed additional clothing and property stolen during the break-ins, leading to the trio’s arrest.
Pictured: Suspects Randall (left0 and Sanders (right). A mugshot for Robinson was not immediately available.
Florida Man Executed 50 Years After Killing Girl
September 2, 2026
Harold Gene Lucas was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison, 50 years after killing 16-year-old Jill Piper at her home in Bonita Springs.
Lucas, 74, waived his remaining appeals and elected not to contest his execution. He was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. by the state Department of Corrections.
According to court records, Lucas went to the home of 16-year-old Jill Piper on Aug. 13, 1976, after an altercation at a gas station with Piper and some friends. A week earlier Lucas had been arrested for criminal trespassing at Piper’s residence.
Armed with a rifle, Lucas, 24 at the time, shot at Piper and two friends while they were in the yard. Piper was hit and her friends ran inside. Piper was shot several more times as she begged for her life, including a fatal shot to the head. Lucas was able to get into the house and shot Piper’s friends. Both survived.
Lucas was arrested the next day. He testified he remembered getting high on the night of the murders, lost consciousness and woke up in the woods.
He was found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in 1977, with a jury unanimously recommending a sentence of death.
The sentence has been revisited four times, including after an 11-1 jury recommendation in 1987 for the death penalty, but it was never altered.
Lucas is the 14th inmate put to death by the state this year. Gov. Ron DeSantis has also signed warrants for Daniel O. Conahan Jr. to be executed on Sept. 10 and for Curtis W. Beasley to be put to death on Sept. 29.
Conahan, 72, awaits execution for the 1996 murder of 21-year-old Richard Allen Montgomery in Charlotte County.
Beasley, 74, is sentenced to die for the 1995 murder of 62-year-old Carolyn Monfort of Dundee.
The group Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, which held vigils outside the prison and Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, described Lucas’ execution as part of an “unprecedented execution spree.”
“The people sent to Florida’s execution chamber are not people who had every advantage and chose violence anyway,” said Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty spokeswoman Bridget Maloney. “Again and again, they are people whose lives were shaped by poverty, abuse, addiction, mental illness, and profound neglect. Poverty and trauma do not excuse violence. But a system that ignores both — and then claims death is a carefully reserved punishment — is not telling the truth about how the death penalty works.”
DeSantis has defended his approach to the death penalty as carrying out the sentence of juries and courts, as well as helping victims’ families see justice done.
In 2025, when the state set a modern-era record of 19 executions in a single calendar year, the 14th inmate put to death by the state — 72-year-old Samuel Smithers — occurred on Oct. 14.
Smithers, whose attorneys unsuccessfully argued that executing the senior citizen would violate the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, was executed for the 1996 murders of two women in Hillsborough County.
The average age of inmates put to death this year is nearly 64 years. Dominick Anthony Occhicone, who was put to death July 28 for killing his former girlfriend’s parents in Pasco County in 1986, was 80.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Triple-Digit Heat Index Wednesday Ahead Of Rising Rain Chances
September 2, 2026
There is a slight chance of a Tuesday show, but rain chances will increase into Friday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. High near 89. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Labor Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Cat Country 98.7 Earns Two CMA Award Nominations
September 2, 2026
Pensacola’s locally owned and operated WYCT – Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show have both been nominated for prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
Both the station and morning show were named as one of just five nationwide finalists in their respective categories: 2026 CMA Radio Station of the Year and Broadcast Personality of the Year. The dual recognition honors the station and morning crew for their programming, listener connection, and community service across Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
WYCT previously won CMA Radio Station of the Year honors in 2017, 2019, and 2024. The Cat Pak Morning Show previously took home Broadcast Personality of the Year honors in 2022.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by the Country Music Association for these awards. I could not be more proud of our Cat Country team!” said Mary Hoxeng, owner and general manager of WYCT.
“To have both Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show recognized by the CMA is incredibly special,” added Brent Lane, Cat Pak host and WYCT program director. “These nominations belong to our team, our community partners, and our listener family.”
The winners of the 60th Annual CMA Awards will be honored during the November 19 ABC telecast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Pictured: Previous CMA Station of the Year awards from 2017, 2019, and 202 in the Cat Country trophy case. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Aaron Tuttle
September 2, 2026
Aaron Tuttle, age 44, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026.
Aaron’s greatest joy in life was his family. His wife, Danielle, and his children, Kimber, Kendal, Bailee, Braelyn, and Jaxon, were his whole world. He loved them deeply and was happiest when he was with them. His family was at the center of everything he did.
Aaron also had a deep love for the outdoors. He loved to hunt and found peace and joy in those quiet moments in nature. He loved being on the water, where he could relax, enjoy the sunshine, and make memories with the people he loved. He also enjoyed taking long rides in his Bronco, simply enjoying the road, the freedom, and the time spent driving.
Aaron had a special place in his heart for ministry and children. He loved his MP Kids Ministry at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola. Serving and being part of that ministry brought him joy, purpose, and fulfillment, and he cared deeply for the children and families he served there.
Aaron had a heart that was bigger than life. He was the person who was always there when someone needed help and was often the first one to show up. Whether a friend or family member needed a helping hand, Aaron could be counted on. His generosity, loyalty, and willingness to help others touched many lives.
Aaron had a smile and laughter that could light up a room. His presence brought warmth, joy, and life wherever he went. He loved big, laughed big, and gave so much of himself to the people he cared about.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife, Danielle; his children, Kimber, Kendal, Bailee, Braelyn, and Jaxon; his mother, Cyndi Hartzog (Sam & Sophia); his father, Billy Tuttle (Tonya); his sister, Roxanne Brooks; his niece, Camryn Brooks; his nephew, Ian Brooks; and sister, Alex Russell (Harrison); his niece, Sage; step-brother, Taylor Price (Karley); and his aunt, Tammy Shoop (Ron); along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Aaron’s life was a gift to those who knew him. Although his time with us was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Pensacola with Pastor Gordon Godfrey, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.
A Committal Service with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Aaron would love for you to donate to the MP Kids program that he loved and served in whole heartedly.
Checks: payable to MPKids
Or you can go to: pensacolachurch.org
Click on: Give
-other income
-Memo : In Memory of Aaron Tuttle
Wahoos Drop One-Run Duel to Zebrowski, Clingstones
September 2, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos experienced a rare one-run loss on Tuesday evening, falling 3-2 to the Columbus Clingstones in the opener of their final road series of the regular season.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still hold a 6.5-game lead over the Clingstones and a magic number of 5 in the second half race with 11 games to play in the regular season.
Ethan O’Donnell opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning against Clingstones starter Cam Caminiti (W, 1-0), but that would be the only damage done against the top pitching prospect in the Braves organization. The 20-year-old earned his first Double-A win with 6.0 innings of four-hit, one-run ball while striking out eight.
The Clingstones evened the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth against Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller, putting two men aboard before an Owen Carey RBI single. Carey was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double, one of three outs made on the basepaths by the Clingstones on the night.
Gabe Bierman (L, 6-3) worked 3.0 innings of long relief, but was twice victimized by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski. The right-handed slugger hit a go-ahead solo homer in the fifth, and followed up with another shot in the seventh for a 3-1 Clingstones lead.
The Blue Wahoos threatened in the eighth inning against Blane Abeyta, as Dylan Jasso drew a one-out walk and Adrian Santana followed with an RBI double. A wild pitch advanced Santana to third base as the tying run, but Aiva Arquette struck out and Juan Matheus hit a deep flyout to center field to end Pensacola’s last threat. Duncan Davitt (S, 2) struck out the side in the ninth to seal a 3-2 final.
The defeat marked Pensacola’s first time losing back-to-back games since dropping three straight August 2-5, and their first loss in a one-run game since July 29. Brandon Compton’s 22-game on-base streak ended with an 0-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer