Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Assault At Atmore Hotel
July 6, 2026
An Alabama, man is behind bars after a welfare check at an Atmore hotel uncovered a brutal assault late last week.
Robert Heath Walker, of Leroy, was charged with attempted murder following an investigation by the Atmore Police Department.
According to authorities, the incident began late on the evening of Thursday, July 2, 2026, when Atmore police officers responded to the Hampton Inn near I-65 in Atmore to conduct a welfare check on an individual at the request of a family member.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered circumstances that prompted them to make immediate entry into one of the hotel rooms. Inside, police discovered an adult female unconscious and suffering from severe, traumatic injuries.
Emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. The unidentified victim was rushed to a regional trauma center, where officials say she continues to receive medical treatment.
The Atmore Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigations Division launched an extensive, round-the-clock probe into the assault. Their findings quickly led to warrants being issued for Walker.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, Walker was tracked down and taken into custody without further incident. The arrest was executed through a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Hot And Humid Week, Chance Of Daily Afternoon Thunderstorms
July 6, 2026
The heat index will hover in the 100 to 107 degree range each afternoon this week, with a chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms each afternoon. Locally heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning can be expected with any storms.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Pensacola Symphony Musicians Perform At Century Library (Gallery)
July 6, 2026
Musicians from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performed live last week at the Century Branch Library.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Student Places In Top 10 At National History Day
July 6, 2026
An Ernest Ward Middle School student has earned an elite national distinction on the academic stage.
Dillon Seaman claimed a spot in the Top 10 in the nation at the National History Day national competition held June 14-18 at the University of Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
The annual event served as the prestigious culmination of months of rigorous local, regional, and state-level competitions. More than 3,000 students in grades 6-12 from across the country and around the globe arrived to share their intensive research presentations.
This year’s overarching National History Day theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Seamans competed against elite peers in the ultra-competitive Junior Individual Exhibit Category. His project, titled “Potato Blight; British Blame and Irish Change,” meticulously analyzed the historical ramifications, political decisions, and long-standing societal reforms surrounding the Irish Potato Famine.
His deep research and compelling visual display resonated strongly with the judges, propelling him into the final top tier of students nationwide.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Looking Back: The Local Photos And Stories From The Past Week
July 6, 2026
This photo gallery highlights some of the most interesting and meaningful images and stories as we look back at last week in North Escambia.
Tate High School reached a historic milestone, earning its first-ever “A” school grade from the Florida Department of Education. This achievement marked not only the first “A” in the school’s history, but also the first time a traditional high school in Escambia County Public Schools has earned the state’s highest accountability rating. (Story) Northscambia.com photo.
West Bogia Road repairs were completed the the road reopened at Highway 29, just a few weeks after a culvert collapse in flooding rainfall. (Story | Gallery) Northscambia.com photo.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6 billion state budget. (Story)
Century and Flomaton teamed up for an America 250 Celebration with a flyover, fireworks, and big community fun. (Story | Gallery) NorthEscambia.com photo.
Florida school grades were announced, with Escambia County Public Schools earning an “A” grade for the first time. (Story)
Escambia County Veterans Services Office held an outreach event at the Molino Community Center. (Story | Gallery) Photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Straight-line winds from a powerful afternoon thunderstorm cut power to about one-third of all Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers. (Story | Gallery) Northscambia.com photo.
These Are This Week’s Construction Delay Spots
July 6, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, June 28 through Thursday, July 2, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, Sunday, June 28 through Wednesday, July 1, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, June 28, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, June 28 through Thursday, July 2, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between the Perdido River Bridge and west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), Sunday June 28 through Wednesday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions, Sunday, June 28 through Wednesday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange (Exit 5).
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers may encounter the following lane closures on Sunday, June 28 through Thursday, July 2, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent inside lane closures on the I-10 westbound off-ramp to access U.S. 29 southbound (Exit 10). The outside lane will remain open.
- Intermittent lane closures on U.S. 29, between Diamond Dairy Road and Broad Street.
Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
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- Intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane closures on Highway 97 fore resurfacing operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, June 28 through Thursday, July 2, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing, from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, June 28 through Thursday, July 2, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Dishmey Flirts with Perfecto As Wahoos Win Chippy Rocket City Finale
July 6, 2026
Eliazar Dishmey took a perfect game through 5.2 innings, allowed just three hits over 6.1 scoreless frames, and led the Pensacola Blue Wahoos through four ejections to an eventful 5-2 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Wahoos took an early lead against Rocket City starter Eybersson Polanco (L, 3-5) with a Juan Matheus RBI single in the third inning. They added another in the fourth when Fenwick Trimble doubled and scampered home from third base while Brandon Compton was caught in a rundown between first and second in a double steal.
Staked to a 2-0 lead, Dishmey (W, 1-1) was nearly flawless. He worked 5.0 perfect innings on only 57 pitches, and didn’t allow a baserunner until Mac McCroskey softly lined a single to center field with two outs in the sixth. He ultimately tied a career high with 6.1 scoreless, three-hit innings to earn his first Double-A win.
In the top of the seventh, Cam Cannarella was hit by a pitch from Rocket City reliever Leonard Garcia. Cannarella tossed his bat in frustration, shared sharp words with Garcia, and prompted a benches-clearing altercation. In a fracas that saw four flare-ups but little physical contact over the span of 15 minutes, both Cannarella and Garcia were ejected. Blue Wahoos third baseman Ian Lewis Jr., reserve outfielder Emaarion Boyd and injured outfielder Dillon Lewis were also ejected for their role in the altercation.
After some lineup shuffling that saw the Blue Wahoos use all of their possible bench options and place Matheus in left field for the first time in his professional career, the game resumed. Compton added a two-run single in the seventh, and relievers Colby Martin and Kade Bragg each allowed a run but successfully protected the Pensacola lead for a 5-2 final.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos return to action Tuesday as they begin a six-game home series against the Montgomery Biscuits.
written by Erik Bremer
One Dead, Six Others Injured In Downtown Pensacola Shooting
July 5, 2026
One person was killed and six others were injured in a downtown Pensacola shooting early on Sunday morning.
Pensacola Police said a 19-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene following the 1:20 a.m. incident on Intendencia Street between Jefferson and Palafox streets. Six other victims, ranging in age from 16 to 26, were transported to area hospitals and all are expected to survive.
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said investigators believe it was a targeted shooting, but they are not sure if any of the seven people struck by gunfire were the intended victims.
“We believe that it was targeted; I don’t think that this was a random act all,” the chief said.
He said a crowd of unaccompanied young people had gathered in the area following the downtown fireworks.
“Kids as young as middle school I saw out there,” Winstrom said, “by themselves engaging in some frightening behavior.” He said five arrests were made earlier in the evening for offenses that included disorderly conduct and throwing fireworks at people. One had a firearm in his waistband.
That escalated into gunfire, which numerous officers heard at 1:20 a.m. and ran to the scene.
“We saw numerous people on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began providing first aid,” Winstrom said during a morning news briefing.
As of a morning press conference, no suspect was identified or arrested in connection with the shooting.
Man Airlifted In Serious Condition After Reported Walnut Hill ATV Crash
July 5, 2026
A man was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition following a reported ATV crash in Walnut Hill on Saturday evening.
The crash was reported around 6:20 p.m. at Arthur Brown Road and North Cypress Street. First responders arrived to find a man lying in the intersection, but no ATV. Investigators believe someone removed the vehicle immediately following the incident, though authorities noted finding evidence of a crash at the scene.
The adult male was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation.
The Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Drivers Get Break From Road Construction For The Rest Of The 4th Weekend
July 5, 2026
Drivers in Florida are getting a break from road construction lane closures for the remainder of the Fourth of July weekend.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there will be no contraction-related lane closures on Florida state roads through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 6.
While there will be no active construction closures, existing work zones and reduced speed limits will remain in place.
File photo.