Cantonment Shed Shooting Suspect Arrested On Attempted Homicide Charge
September 1, 2026
A homeless woman wanted in connection with an August shooting from inside a Cantonment shed is now behind bars.
Lisa Ann Elliott, 36, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of attempted second-degree murder and shooting into a building. She was being held with no bond.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report and a previous report published on NorthEscambia com, deputies responded to a shots-fired disturbance on Woodbury Place on the night of August 16.
A man reported that he had allowed Elliott to stay in a live-in shed in his yard at a residence on Woodbury Circle for several days. When the man returned to the property shortly before 9 p.m. and knocked on the shed door to announce himself, he told deputies he saw the silver tip of a handgun, saw a flash of fire, and heard a gunshot.
The man ran from the yard to a home on Woodbury Place to seek shelter. Deputies noted he had singed holes in his shirt and a small laceration near his collarbone. Escambia County EMS evaluated him at the scene, but he refused transport to a hospital.
Witnesses told deputies that Elliott approached nearby homes immediately following the gunfire, asking a neighbor if she could borrow a gun because “there was gonna be some trouble tonight”. When the neighbor refused, Elliott asked to use a phone and made a call while hiding behind a vehicle. As emergency sirens approached, Elliott fled on foot. A phone she had borrowed was later recovered behind a neighboring home with a smashed screen and the battery removed.
Deputies searching the shed found a bullet hole in the door and recovered a loaded JC Higgins .22-caliber chrome revolver sitting near travel bags. A records check revealed the firearm had been reported stolen in 2008.
A short time later, deputies received information that Elliott was seen near the Valero gas station on Highway 29. A witness in the parking lot of the neighboring Black Diamond Nightclub on Highway 29 reported seeing a woman matching her description run toward the railroad tracks behind the gas station.
ECSO K-9 units and drones established perimeters at both scenes that night, but Elliott initially eluded capture. She was located and taken into custody on an outstanding warrant on August 29 on Junction Drive.
Slight Chance Of A Shower Today; Increasing Rain Chance Into Friday
September 1, 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:
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: A 40 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 89.
DeSantis Administration Shutters Flock Cameras on State Roads Across Florida
September 1, 2026
Amid a growing backlash to license plate reader (LPR) cameras and citing concerns over privacy, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Monday moved to shut down the newly ubiquitous technology on state roads.
The cameras, made by Flock Safety and other companies, use artificial intelligence to track suspects and flag speeders. But reports of abuse by police in Florida and around the country have sparked a bipartisan push to rethink their use.
A memo from the Florida Department of Transportation to local law enforcement agencies stated the authority to use the cameras on state roads is being withdrawn.
“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,” the memo from FDOT chief operating officer Will Watts states.
DeSantis himself has soured on the cameras.
“No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals,” DeSantis told reporters at an event in Jacksonville on Monday. “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 also raised the specter of the COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns as another reason to block the cameras from creating a “surveillance state.”
“I don’t think it’s their intent to do general surveillance, but I will tell you, if we had all this around the country when covid happened you absolutely would have saw those turned on people who were outside of lockdown orders in California,” DeSantis said.
He added that while local sheriffs likely have used the technology effectively, the potential for abuse is too great.
“You also have to say how can this be misused,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think we have really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
According to the memo, local law enforcement agencies that previously received a permit to use the cameras to take them down within 30 days. The memo also states there aren’t going to be any more permits given going forward.
“Further, as of the date of this memorandum, the Department will use its discretionary authority to cease the issuance of all future requests for LPR systems within its jurisdictional authority,” Watts wrote.
by Gray Rohrer, The News Service of Florida
Photos courtesy Flock for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Felon Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun, Meth Charges
September 1, 2026
An Escambia County felon has entered a guilty plea to federal drug and gun charges.
Travis W. Carroll, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Law enforcement responded to an armed robbery at a Beacon Food Store and observed Carroll, who matched the description given of the armed robbery suspect, riding an electric bicycle nearby. After he was pulled over, law enforcement located a loaded firearm, methamphetamine, a scale, and more than $600 in cash on his person, according to court documents.
Carroll faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine count; up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon count; and a minimum mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
K-9 Sniff Leads To Fentanyl Bust At I-10 Ag Station In Escambia County
September 1, 2026
A routine agricultural inspection in Escambia County led to the arrest of a New York truck driver after officers intercepted an estimated $5,000 worth of suspected fentanyl at the state line.
Ac
cording to the Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), Officer Sonia Soroka flagged a commercial tractor-trailer hauling produce as it entered Florida on Interstate 10 and directed the vehicle into Agricultural Inspection Station for a closer look.
During the inspection, K-9 Officer Austin Thomas deployed his partner, K-9 Mojo, to conduct an exterior free-air sniff of the vehicle. Mojo alerted to the scent of narcotics inside the truck’s cab.
A subsequent search of the cab uncovered a clear plastic bag containing individually wrapped powder and unmarked pressed pills. Field tests confirmed the substance was approximately 25 grams of suspected fentanyl, carrying an estimated street value of $5,000.
The driver, 30-year-old Joginder Singh of Bellerose, New York, was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail on felony drug trafficking charges.
Commerce Chief Kelly Named Sole Finalist for Pensacola State College President
September 1, 2026
Pensacola State College is poised to tap J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce, as the school’s next president.
The school’s board of trustees made its recommendation Friday for Kelly to be the sole finalist after a national search.
“We believe he brings the experience, character and leadership needed to guide PSC into its next chapter and strengthen the college’s role in preparing students for the workforce needs of our region and to become productive citizens,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Zack Smith, who also chaired the search committee.
Kelly is in line to replace Edward Meadows, who has been president of PSC since 2008. This spring, Meadows announced he would retire at the end of 2026.
In his last year as president, Meadows made a base salary of $353,558.
DeSantis appointed Kelly as secretary in 2023, after the state folded and rebranded the Department of Economic Opportunity as the Department of Commerce.
As secretary, he currently earns a yearly salary of $185,996.64.
For the previous two years, Kelly worked in DeSantis’ office as his deputy chief of staff. Before that, he was chief of staff at the Florida Department of Education to then-Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran.
PSC’s presidential search included 109 applicants from across the country, according to the school. The search committee then selected nine candidates for interviews and four candidates for in-person interviews in Pensacola.
Kelly will visit campus in late September for meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff and community members.
“I am incredibly grateful to be selected as the recommended finalist to lead Pensacola State College,” Kelly said. “I have gained a tremendous appreciation for the College, the dedication and thoroughness of the board of trustees, the opportunities PSC creates for students and the important role the college plays throughout Northwest Florida.”
Kelly joins a number of DeSantis administration members who have taken prominent educational leadership roles the past couple of years.
Most recently this summer, former Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas was selected the next president of Polk State College.
Kamoutsas was also DeSantis’ deputy chief of staff prior to becoming education commissioner in 2025.
by Ana Goñi-Lessan, The News Service of Florida
Northview Sweeps J.U. Blacksher, Undefeated Tate Blanks Washington
September 1, 2026
Northview Chiefs
The Northview High School Chiefs swept the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs from Uriah, Alabama, in straight sets across both junior varsity and varsity volleyball matches Monday evening in Bratt.
The varsity Lady Chiefs earned a decisive 3-0 victory over the Bulldogs. Northview set the pace early with back-to-back 25-20 wins in the opening frames before closing out the sweep with a 25-15 finish in the third set.
For more photos from Northview varsity on Monday, click here.
Up next, Northview will travel to Baker on Tuesday and Jay on Thursday.
In the preliminary matchup, the Northview junior varsity squad also took care of business at home, defeating J.U. Blacksher 2-0. Individual set scores for the JV contest were not available.
Tate Aggies
The Tate High School Aggies remained undefeated on the season Monday evening, sweeping the Booker T. Washington Wildcats 3-0 in Cantonment.
The varsity Lady Aggies improved to 6-0 overall, controlling the match in straight sets with scores of 25-13, 25-16, and 25-20.
Through six matches, the Aggies have been powered at the net by Torrie Garrett with 77 kills and Myla Manoso with 12 blocks. Bailie Merritt has anchored the offense and serving game with 136 assists and 13 aces, while Harper Leopard leads the back row with 50 digs and 50 receptions.
In junior varsity action, Tate also earned a clean sweep over Washington, defeating the Wildcats 2-0.
Tate will host Choctaw on Tuesday and Gulf Breeze on Thursday.
Pictured: Northview varsity defeated J.U. Blacksher 3-0 on Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
James Ray Ramey
September 1, 2026
James Ray Ramey, 66, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 25, 2026. He was born on May 18, 1960, in Albuquerque, NM, where he spent most of his working life.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Ray Ramey, whose death came far too soon. After a lifetime of working hard and caring for those he loved, he had only recently begun retirement and a new chapter of life in Atmore, Alabama.
James was a true family man who showed his love through the things he did for others. He loved taking care of his family and found great joy in cooking, grilling, and smoking large meals for everyone to enjoy. Some of the best times were gathered around a meal he had prepared, with plenty of food and plenty of family.
He was, in every sense of the word, a man’s man. He believed that any job, whether big or small, personal or business, should be done right, with no shortcuts. If something needed to be fixed, built, or taken care of, he was determined to do it himself whenever possible. His work ethic, knowledge, and pride in a job well done were a defining part of who he was.
Before his years in the trades, he was known as “Jamo” during his days in music and entertainment. Jamo spent those years doing what he loved: lighting and sound. Hitting the road right after High School, traveling with the band “Off The Wall”, running lighting and sound. The guys from his “Off The Wall” days said he had a special talent for creating moods with the lighting system he built. He later continued working in sound and lighting with Quickbeam, which provided production services for big-name entertainers. Johnny Cash and Gloria Estefan were a couple of artists he had great respect for, as they were respectful to him. Those days were an important part of his life and reflected his love of music and the excitement of live entertainment.
When his daughter, Sarah, was born, his priorities shifted toward building a stable career and providing for this growing family. He became an electrical apprentice and entered the trades, beginning a career that would become a major part of his life and identity.
A highly skilled tradesman, James held multiple journeyman licenses and was deeply respected for his work as a boiler technician in New Mexico. Boilers were his true passion. He often said that he had a good understanding of boiler systems and that the short list of things he didn’t do was refrigeration. His knowledge, experience, and reputation earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him and those who relied on his expertise.
Throughout his career, James received many opportunities and offers for lucrative positions which he tried for brief periods. Yet, he chose to return to work for contractors serving schools because he believed the children deserved the very best care and expertise. He took great pride in knowing that his work helped keep the schools and their boiler systems safe and functioning properly for the children who depended on them. To him, the children were worthy of his expertise, and that belief mattered more than pursuing a higher salary. It reflected the kind of man he was, someone who valued doing meaningful work and using his knowledge to take care of others.
Retirement was meant to be a time for James to slow down and enjoy the life he had worked so hard to build. He and his beloved wife, Michelle, moved to Atmore, Alabama, seeking a slower and quieter life.
There, he looked forward to spending his time doing the things he loved most: attending drag races and concerts, camping and fishing. Even in retirement, he was never one to sit still for long; there was always something to repair, improve, or make better.
James was a proud and loving Grandpa to all seven of his grandchildren. He loved his grandbabies dearly and took great pride in each of them. The time he spent with them and the memories they shared will remain a treasured part of the legacy he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Wanda Cannon, and his respected father-in-law, Wynn Schneider.
James leaves behind his loving wife, Michelle Ramey; six children, Sarah, Jessica, Janna, Jared, Daniel and Drysta; seven cherished grandchildren, Sweetye, Kenny, Maxwell, Kashmir, K’zahrius, Braxton, J’Saahni; his beloved Pops, Bobby Cannon; his loved mother-in-law and gardening buddy, Derlie Schneider; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were touched by his kindness, knowledge, strength, and unwavering devotion.
Although his retirement time was far too short, the life he lived was full of purpose. He will be remembered for the meals he prepared, the problems he could solve, the work he took pride in, the knowledge he shared, and, most importantly, the many ways he took care of the people he loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Cantonment Contractor Jesse Wayne LaCoste Sentenced To 30 Years
August 31, 2026
Embattled Cantonment contractor Jesse Wayne LaCoste was sentenced Monday morning to 30 years in state prison following his conviction last week on racketeering and organized fraud charges.
Chief Judge John Simon sentenced LaCoste to 30 years on each count—racketeering and organized fraud over $50,000—with the terms ordered to run concurrently.
A six-person jury deliberated for less than one hour Thursday before finding LaCoste guilty as charged under Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and organized fraud. Jurors heard testimony that LaCoste used his company, LaCoste Construction Group, to defraud dozens of area homeowners out of $2 million between 2018 and 2022.
He was ordered to pay over $2.1 million in restitution.
Sentencing was delayed following the verdict so that victims could be present to speak at Monday morning’s hearing. Several victims provided testimony detailing how they paid LaCoste tens of thousands of dollars—and in some cases hundreds of thousands—for home rebuilds and repairs that were never completed or never started.
Both charges were first-degree felonies carrying a maximum of 30 years each, meaning LaCoste could have faced up to 60 years in prison if the judge had ordered the counts served consecutively.
LaCoste was previously sentenced in 2025 to 10 years in prison for grand theft and contractor fraud.
Driver Cited Following T-Bone Crash With ECSO Deputy In Byrneville
August 31, 2026
A 68-year-old McDavid man was cited by troopers after pulling from a stop sign into the path of an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Monday morning in Byrneville.
The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Raines Road and West Highway 4. The man had stopped at the stop sign on Raines Road, but pulled into the intersection to make a left turn as a deputy was traveling westbound on Highway 4. Following the T-bone-type collision, the driver of the Hyundai Elantra continued west about 600 feet before coming to a stop, while the door of the Elantra remained stuck in the push bumper on the ECSO cruiser back near the intersection.
The 68-year-old driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, and his 10-year-old male passenger was transported by Escambia EMS to Atmore Community Hospital. None of the injuries were considered serious.
The 29-year-old deputy was evaluated on the scene and not transported.
The Florida Highway Patrol cited the Elantra driver for failure to yield to oncoming traffic from a stop sign
The Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and additional ECSO deputies responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
