Two Arrested In Connection With Downtown Pensacola Shooting That Killed One, Injured Six Others
July 8, 2026
Two people have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in downtown Pensacola that claimed one life and injured six others.
Nicholas Lilane Safford, 26, of Daphne, Alabama, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a weapon in public. Lillian Myllicen Meyers, 25, of Pensacola has been charged with tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact. Pensacola Police say a shooter gave her one of the weapons used after she removed it from the scene. Both are being held without bond.
Pensacola Police have not yet made an arrest for homicide, and that at least three shooters were involved in the incident. The investigation is continuing.
The shooting during the early morning hours of July 5 claimed the life of 19-year-old Phillip Devon Monte Sheppard Jr., and all but one of the six other victims have been released from the hospital. Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Monday that an ongoing feud led to the shooting.
New ‘I Voted’ Stickers, New Ballot Tracking, Polling Changes, For 2026
July 8, 2026
With a critical primary election next month, Escambia County is rolling out voter-experience and tech upgrades designed to boost turnout and secure the vote. Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender unveiled a suite of new initiatives on Tuesday, putting a spotlight on a major overhaul to vote-by-mail transparency and a highly anticipated, patriotic redesign of the iconic “I Voted” sticker.
The sweeping changes come at a vital time. Bender emphasized that during the last primary, a staggering 75% of registered voters stayed home. He is pushing hard to reverse that trend for the August 18, 2026 primary, noting that critical, final decisions will be made that day—including a countywide referendum on whether the school superintendent should be elected or appointed, key school board races, and the City of Pensacola mayor’s race, which could be decided outright.
Knowing Where Your Ballot Is: Next-Level Vote-by-Mail Tracking
In a major victory for voter peace of mind, Escambia County has spent the last 15 months completely revamping its vote-by-mail system. The county has officially become only the fourth in Florida to implement intelligent mail barcode tracking for both outbound and inbound ballots.
Unlike previous cycles where the office could only verify if a ballot was mailed, this new system allows staff and voters to track the exact location of the envelope through the USPS network. To maximize the impact of this tech, every vote-by-mail voter will now be automatically enrolled in Ballot Track, a text and email notification service that gives real-time delivery updates.
Visually, the ballots are getting a makeover, too. A bright yellow coating has been added to the back of the vote-by-mail envelope to contrast with its green front. This ensures the ballot stands out in a pile of mail and draws immediate attention to the critical voter signature area.
The office already has more than 22,000 vote-by-mail requests on file—roughly half of the total requests from the historic 2024 general election. Voters are reminded that requests must be renewed every cycle, though anyone who submitted a request for the 2025 special elections is already covered through November 2026. Bender strictly clarified that the barcode only tracks the paper envelope to secure its journey, not the vote itself.
The America 250 “I Voted” Sticker
To celebrate the upcoming national milestone, the elections office is tying its 2026 branding to the America 250 celebration.
A newly redesigned “I Voted” sticker for 2026 features a historic tall ship representing 1776 alongside a sleek, modern sailboat representing 2026, set against a backdrop of celebratory fireworks. In an exciting shift from past protocols, these limited-edition stickers won’t just be handed out at physical polling places; they will also be packed directly into every single vote-by-mail packet so that every voter can wear their pride. The office plans to use this exclusive design through the November election before returning to its standard sticker in 2028.
Honoring Veteran Poll Workers
Bender noted the county expects to deploy more than 600 election workers to keep things running smoothly. In partnership with the Vet the Vote initiative, the office surveyed its workforce and discovered that roughly 45% of its poll workers identify as veterans or come from military families.
To honor this dedication, these specific workers will be given a special commemorative pin featuring the Vet the Vote 250th anniversary logo and the office’s 2026 motto: “Honoring service through service.”
Polling Place Location Changes
While the infrastructure is gearing up for high efficiency, voters should also prepare for minor polling place shifts. The elections office confirmed that 10 polling locations are changing across the county this cycle due to a mix of construction, permanent realignments, and temporary relocations.
Permanent Changes
Voters in the following precincts will be mailed a notice of Permanent Polling Location Change and a new Voter Information Card for the following locations:
- Precinct 5 (Former Location – Wilde Lake Church): New Location – Klondike Church of Pensacola, 7201 Klondike Road, Pensacola
- Precinct 49 (Former Location – Grace Lutheran/CareerSource Escarosa): New Location – Asbury Place, 5725 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola
- Precinct 77 (Former Location – Pensacola State College, Warrington): New Location – Lexington Terrace Community Center, 700 South Old Corry Field Road, Pensacola
- Precinct 98 (Former Location – St. John Divine Baptist Church): New Location – Bethel AME Church, 511 Woodland Drive, Pensacola
- Precinct 101 (Former Location – Plainview Baptist Church): New Location – Hadji Temple, 800 Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Precinct 106 (Former Location – Grace Lutheran/CareerSource Escarosa): New Location – Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola
Temporary Changes for 2026
Voters will be mailed a notice of Temporary Polling Location Change at least 14 days before each election for the following locations:
- Precinct 14 (Permanent Location – Fricker Resource Center): Temporary Location – Main Library, 239 North Spring Street, Pensacola
- Precinct 70 (Permanent Location – Burgess Road Baptist Church): Temporary Location – Pensacola Christian College, 115 St. John, Pensacola
Changes from 2025 Special Election
A reminder that the following precincts were permanently changed during the 2025 Special Election:
- Precinct 22 (Former Location – Century Town Hall): New Location – Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd., Century
- Precinct 24 (Former Location – Warrington Church): New Location – St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 Live Oak Ave., Pensacola
Returning to Precinct
After being at the Main Library for the 2024 and 2025 Elections, Precinct 31 is returning to its permanent location at Christ Church.
- Precinct 31: Christ Church Pensacola, 18 W. Wright St., Pensacola
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Inmate Arrested After Allegedly Flying Contraband Drone Toward Holman Prison
July 8, 2026
A former inmate is back behind bars after allegedly attempting to fly a contraband-laden drone into Holman Correctional Facility last weekend.
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Southern K-9 unit received a tip regarding an individual operating a drone from Interstate 65 toward the prison.
ADOC K-9 units, with assistance from the Atmore Police Department, responded to the area and apprehended the suspect, identified as former inmate Edward Knight. Knight, 42, was taken into custody without incident.
According to officials, the drone was carrying an attached package. Authorities were able to land the drone safely and confiscate the unauthorized cargo. Following an interview with ADOC agents, Knight was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and two counts of illegal drone operation.
The investigation quickly expanded beyond South Alabama. Agents discovered that Knight allegedly housed additional contraband at his residence on Springville Road in Birmingham. ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division, Narcotics unit, and K-9 officers subsequently executed a search warrant at the Birmingham apartment, gathering further evidence tied to the drone operation.
ADOC officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be pending against Knight.
Trimble’s Walk-Off Elevates Wahoos To Victory
July 8, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos topped the Montgomery Biscuits by a final score of 6-5 in a 10-inning contest on Tuesday night
Some shaky defense behind Wahoos starter Jacob Miller allowed the Biscuits to jump out to an early lead, when a two-out error committed by Dylan Jasso in the second inning came around to score on an Austin Overn single to shortstop. An inning later, Jadher Arienamo cranked a homer to left, his second off of Miller this season, and Xavier Isaac ripped an RBI single to give Montgomery a 3-0 lead.
Through the first 4.0 innings, Montgomery’s starter Garrett Edwards kept Pensacola off the board. He had allowed just five baserunners on four singles and a walk. But that changed in the 5th, when Payton Green smashed his 6th home run of the year to get the Blue Wahoos in the run column. Two more basehits to follow would see the end of Edwards day before Chris Clark came in and stranded the Wahoo runners.
The Biscuits would keep applying pressure in the 6th when a throwing error from Ryan Ignoffo allowed Émilien Pitre to score from 3rd and make it a 4-1 game. But a solo bomb from Brandon Compton, his fourth homer in seven games, cut the lead in half. A scoreless 7th from Nigel Belgrave brought the Wahoos to the plate with a 4-2 deficit. With one out, Dylan Jasso sent his second single of the night into center field to make Cam Cannarella the tying-run. Well, Cannarella took that role to heart and sent his 9th home run of the year out to right field to tie things up at four.
Two batters later, Juan Matheus replicated Cannarella’s success with a solo shot to right-center field to give the Wahoos their first lead of the game at 5-4. Blegrave pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning to give Jack Sellinger (BS, 4) a chance to close it out and earn the save in the 9th. But Sellinger faltered. After a leadoff walk and an infield single, Sellinger induced two popouts to bring Pensacola one out away from victory. What followed was Sellinger’s 2nd and 3rd walks of the inning to walk in a run and tie the game at 5-5. Manager Nelson Prada went to Colby Martin (W, 3-4) to work out of the bases loaded jam with a huge strikeout.
Martin got through the 10th inning, thanks in part to Juan Matheus gunning down Rays top prospect Theo Gillen at home to keep the score tied. Then, in the bottom of the 10th with one down and Cristian Hernández on second, Fenwick Trimble ripped a game-winning walk-off single into left-center to give the Wahoos a 6-5 victory and their second walk-off of the year.
Hayden Snelsire (L, 3-3), who surrendered the game-winning run in the 10th, took his third loss of the year. The Wahoos moved up to 43-49 and 7-6 in the second half while the Biscuits fell to 39-44 and 4-9 in the second half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Wednesday.
witten by Charlie Hobert
No Charges To Be Filed After 2-Year-Old Rescued From Escambia County Septic Tank
July 7, 2026
We are learning more about a tragic event last Thursday in which a 2-year-old was rescued from a septic tank at a trailer park just north of East 10 Mile Road.
The incident occurred at a trailer park on Motley Court.
On Monday, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the child was playing outside as the mother was watering flowers. The mother turned around to discover the child missing, searched frantically, noticed the uncovered tank, and called the sheriff’s office to report the child missing. The sheriff’s office noted that the mother could not see inside the dark tank.
According to investigators, the tank was covered with a green plastic lid that was made of a lightweight plastic material—light enough that a 2-year-old child could lift it.
The toddler was flown to an area hospital after being rescued. On Monday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said the child remained in the hospital.
The incident has been ruled accidental, and no charges have been filed.
Pictured: A 2-year-old child was rescued after apparently moving this lightweight plastic septic tank lid, seen in this photo obtained by NorthEscambia.com. The photo was taken after the incident and after the investigation was completed, and after the chairs and caution tape were placed. Click to enlarge.
Local First Responders Donut Strike Raises Nearly 48,000 Meals To Fight Hunger
July 7, 2026
Local law enforcement and firefighters recently swapped their typical treats for a cause, raising the equivalent of 47,895 healthy meals for neighbors in need during the 9th annual Donut Strike for Manna.
From Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, first responders across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties went on a strike against donuts to inspire community donations. The food and funds collected will directly support Manna, a local grassroots non-profit dedicated to fighting hunger in the two counties.
The multi-day campaign brought the total contributions from local emergency agencies to more than 297,700 meals since the initiative first began in 2017.
Escambia County Fire Rescue claimed the top donor spot for the 2026 campaign, contributing the equivalent of 7,497 healthy meals.
Participating agencies included:
- Escambia County Fire Rescue
- Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue
- Gulf Breeze Police Department
- Midway Fire District
- Pace Fire Rescue District
- Pensacola Fire Department
- Pensacola Police Department
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
To celebrate surpassing their goal and ending their donut deprivation, the participating first responders gathered for a wrap party on Tuesday, June 30.
Manna operates an emergency food distribution pantry and 18 food security programs alongside 25 community partners, providing critical food assistance to tens of thousands of local residents each year.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Survey: What Did You Think About The Century Independence Day Celebration And Fireworks?
July 7, 2026
What did you think about the Independence Day celebration and fireworks in Century?
The Town of Century wants to know, and they are asking you to take a short anonymous survey before Monday, July 13:
https://forms.gle/fbFbZth3zBGbCxy79
The event, a joint celebration presented by the towns of Century and Flomaton, was held at Anthony Pleasant Park and the adjacent Showalter Park on July 3. There were food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks after dark.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Following the national anthem, the Commemorative Air Force performed a vintage aircraft flyover featuring a Soviet-built Yak and a Beechcraft T-34.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tonight’s Century Town Council Meeting Has Been Rescheduled
July 7, 2026
The regular July 7 Century town council meeting that was scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, July 14.
The town council normally meets at 6:15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. This month, the second meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21.
All meetings are held at the Century Town Hall, 7995 North Century Boulevard.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Eight, Including Seven Children, Escape Serious Injury In I-10 Travel Trailer Rollover
July 7, 2026
Eight people from central Florida, including seven children, escaped with only minor injuries after their vehicle and travel trailer overturned on I-10 in Escambia County midday Monday.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:42 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-10 near mile marker 14 and the Davis Highway exit, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release.
State troopers reported that a 42-year-old male from Dade City was driving a sport utility vehicle towing a recreational travel trailer westbound in the outside lane. The SUV ran off the edge of the roadway onto the shoulder. When the driver attempted to regain control, the vehicle traveled farther off the road and began to sway out of control.
The SUV and the attached travel trailer then rolled over, ultimately coming to rest on their rooftops across the shoulder and the outside lane of the interstate.
Among the passengers were seven children ranging in age from 1 to 16 years old.
The FHP confirmed that the driver and all seven children were properly restrained by seatbelts or child restraints at the time of the crash.
Pictured: A traffic camera image shows a rolled over travel trailer midday Monday on I-10 near Davis Highway.
UWF Has A New Logo, Refreshed Branding
July 7, 2026
The University of West Florida has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a new primary logo and updated visual system, designed to better reflect the University’s growth and forward momentum.
The brand refresh comes at a transformative time for UWF as it reaches record enrollment, expands research with an R2 designation, strengthens its regional impact and begins the transition into NCAA Division I athletics. The updated identity provides a more unified and contemporary representation of UWF while honoring the traditions and heritage that have shaped the institution.
“As our University continues to grow and reach new milestones, it is important that our identity reflects who we are today while honoring the legacy that brought us here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This refreshed brand positions us to more clearly tell the UWF story and communicate the impact we have on our students, our region and beyond.”
The brand refresh was informed by a comprehensive brand audit conducted by The Moore Agency, which included stakeholder interviews, focus groups and an evaluation of UWF’s visual identity. The research provided insight into how the University is perceived by prospective and current students, alumni, partners and the broader community, and it identified opportunities to strengthen consistency and recognition across audiences.
The new primary logo builds upon the University’s existing athletic lettermark and features a stylized UWF monogram in the institution’s updated navy and green color palette. The design creates stronger alignment between academic and athletic branding while providing a distinctive and recognizable identity for UWF.
As part of the refresh, UWF’s primary blue and green colors have been updated to Argo Navy and Argo Green. The revised color palette creates a more consistent and cohesive visual identity across the University, while improving accessibility and flexibility across digital, print and environmental applications. The updated primary colors also establish a stronger and more distinctive presence that reflects the University’s growing reputation and institutional prestige.
For nearly 60 years, the Nautilus Shell has served as a defining symbol of UWF, representing progress and the University’s connection to place. While the shell is no longer featured in the primary institutional logo, it remains an important part of UWF’s identity and heritage and will continue to be represented through the academic seal and other institutional brand elements.
“This consolidation of our visual brand comes at a pivotal time as we are on the cusp of so many highly visible endeavors,” said UWF Creative Director Jennifer Peck. “All of our heritage brand icons remain part of our story, but they have evolved and reorganized to help propel us into our next chapter.”
In addition to the visual identity update, UWF has refined its brand messaging framework to ensure greater consistency across communications, marketing and recruitment efforts. The updated brand strategy emphasizes student success, regional impact, innovation and opportunity, and it frames UWF as a place that is bold, authentic, accessible, determined and always advancing.
“All of these updates reflect an important step forward for UWF,” Diaz said. “While our visual identity is evolving, our mission and our commitment to our students, faculty, staff and community remain unchanged.”