Work Truck Destroyed by Fire Near Walnut Hill; Equipment Saved
December 29, 2025
Fire destroyed a pickup truck on South Highway 99 near Walnut Hill Sunday night.
The driver of the Ford F350 was able to pull to the side of the road on South Highway 99 just south of Lemon Road after the fire reportedly began in the engine compartment. The driver escaped the fire without injury.
The truck was a total loss, but firefighters were able to save a large air compressor and other equipment and tools in the bed of the truck.
The Walnut Hill and Molino Stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Need To Get Rid Of A Christmas Tree? You Can Recycle It With ECUA
December 29, 2025
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) will pick up real Christmas trees from customers for free with the regular collection of yard waste.
Customers are asked to remove all decorations from their trees and cut the trees so that no portion is longer than six feet. Trees can be placed at the curb with other yard trash, and should not be placed in the regular garbage or recycling containers.
ECUA will compost the trees with the other yard waste at the Biosolids Composting Facility.
For more information, call ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480.
Beulah Elementary School Names Shelly Mitchell Teacher Of The Year
December 29, 2025
Shelly Mitchell was named the Beulah Elementary School teacher of the year.
“Mrs. Mitchell is a fabulous teacher who cares for her students and ensures they are successful,” the school said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged As ‘Super Speeder’ For 124 MPH Street Racing On I-110
December 28, 2025
A 19-year-old Cantonment man was arrested recently under Florida “super speeder” law after allegedly being clocked at 124 mph on I-10 in Escambia County.
Aden Michael Lewis was charged with operating a vehicle exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 mph.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was monitoring northbound traffic on I-110 just south of Fairfield Drive and observed two vehicles approaching at a high rate of speed that appeared to street racing, according to an arrest report. As the 2003 Nissan 350Z driven by Lewis overtook the other vehicle, the trooper clocked the vehicle at 124 mph in the posted 65 mph zone.
Lewis told the trooper that the was enticed by a Blue BMW to race, the report states.
The trooper described the incident at “wanton disregard to the motoring public” in the arrest report.
FDC: Century Inmate Serving Life For Murder Assaults Correctional Officer
December 28, 2025
A Century Correctional Institution inmate serving life for murder assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Kevin Johnson, 42, assaulted a correctional officer by striking the officer, according to FDC. The officer was not injured during the alleged assault.
Johnson was serving a life sentence out of Gadsden County on a 2010 conviction for first degree murder, plus 30-year sentences for carjacking and aggravated battery on a person 65 or older.
Walnut Hill Ruritan Presents Lifetime Achievement Award To Gary Welch
December 28, 2025
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Gary Welch, recognizing a lifetime of service to God, country and community. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seven George Stone Graduates Joining Escambia County Corrections
December 28, 2025
Seven new corrections officers recently graduated from George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center Class #129 and will be joining Escambia County Corrections.
The officer trainees graduated from the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center, marking the completion of a rigorous 420-hour training program designed to prepare them for careers in corrections.
New graduates joining Escambia County Corrections are:
Christian Bullington
Jusseff Collado
Amre Davis
Jared Garland
Kelly Peryea
Tashana Simmons
Tamia Taylor
Over the course of three months, the trainees underwent an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program covered various topics from defensive tactics and physical fitness to more specialized certifications such as CPR, first aid, and firearms.
“We are excited to welcome these graduates to our department,” Escambia County Corrections Captain Shawn Hankins said. “Corrections Officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system. We’re grateful for our strong partnership with the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center as we continue to invest in recruits to meet the growing demands of our profession.”
To further encourage qualified individuals to pursue careers in Corrections, Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified corrections officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who want to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
Escambia Woman Wanted On Multiple Warrants
December 28, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a woman wanted to multiple warrants.
Shaknee Nicole Golay, 31, has active warrants from three separate cases. She is wanted for:
Anyone with information on Golay or knowledge of her whereabouts is encouraged to contact ECSO at(850) 436-9630 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Havoc Top Ice Flyers 2-1 on Military Appreciation Night
December 28, 2025
The Huntsville Havoc defeated the Pensacola Ice Flyers 2-1 Saturday night.
The Ice Flyers hosted Military Appreciation Night at the Hangar, squaring off against the Huntsville Havoc in front of a franchise-record non-$5 night sellout crowd of 8,082 fans.
The Ice Flyers struck first in the opening period, with Dawson Sciarrino finding the back of the net on a rebound shot to give the home team an early lead. The Ice Flyers carried the momentum into the first intermission, up 1-0.
The second period saw plenty of action, highlighted by a brawl that had multiple players from both teams going at it. Austin Alger from Huntsville evened the score later in the period, and the game headed into the third tied up.
The third period was evenly matched with both teams having chances on goal, but the Huntsville Havoc came out on top after Austin Alger took advantage of their powerplay following a tripping call on Tyler Burnie.
The Ice Flyers will look to bounce back on Wednesday against the Macon Mayhem.
Century Accepts State Loan For Water Project Design, Votes To See Construction Dollars
December 27, 2025
The Town of Century recently approved a loan agreement to design several projects and a plan to request construction dollars.
The town was approved for the $150,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) loan in February 2025, but recently received the loan agreement from the state. The loan agreement, approved last week by the town council, will complete the planning and design for water related projects in the town’s franchise area, including the rehabilitation and/or replacement of two water wells, a booster pump station on Tedder Road, the purchase of billing software and general improvements.
The town council also voted to request FDEP provide funds from the State Revolving FUND to actually fund the projects. The “Request for Inclusion” is the first step required to seek and subsequently receive SRF funding for construction of the projects.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.