Escambia County Man Convicted Of Murder In Dispute Over Missing Package
November 25, 2025
An Escambia County man has been convicted of shooting and killing a man after a dispute over a package.
A jury found Shybri Bashiabeon Omar Steverson guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm.
On November 1, 2023, Shybri Steverson shot Victim Guy Dixon, Jr. after a brief conversation about a missing package.
Prosecutors said their case was supported by eyewitness testimony.
Steverson will be sentenced on December 11.
AAA Predicting 4.65 Million Floridians Will Travel Over Thanksgiving Holidays
November 25, 2025
AAA projects that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State.
Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.
“Floridians are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”
Traveling By Car
AAA projects that nearly 73 million Americans will travel by car this Thanksgiving, representing almost 90% of all holiday travelers. In Florida, more than 4.25 million residents will drive to their destinations. That number could rise if travelers opt to avoid potential flight disruptions.
Rental Cars: Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, reports that Wednesday will be the busiest day for vehicle pick-ups. Orlando and Miami rank among the top five U.S. markets for rental demand. Good news for renters: domestic car rental rates are down 15% compared to last year.
Gas Prices: Drivers can expect lower gas prices on Thanksgiving than last year, when the state average was $3.11 per gallon. AAA recommends filling up the night before travel and checking your battery and tire pressure. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide, many for dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.
Impaired Driving: AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving, accounting for 35% of all traffic fatalities during the holiday period.
Traveling By Air
AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. In Florida, nearly 299,000 residents will take to the skies. Given recent flight reductions, that number could end up being lower as flights get cancelled or travelers make other plans.
Airfares: Domestic airfares are similar to last year, averaging $700 for a round-trip. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can offer savings, but return flights on Sunday and Monday tend to be the most expensive. Some travelers are adjusting their schedules to avoid peak travel days.
“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” Haas continued. “Consider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.”
By Other Modes
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is expected to rise 8.5% nationally, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. In Florida, more than 87,000 residents will travel by these modes. Cruise travel continues to surge, with AAA projecting 20.7 million U.S. cruise passengers in 2025 and 21.7 million in 2026. Thanksgiving cruises to the Caribbean are especially popular for their warm weather and all-inclusive appeal.
Century Correctional Inmate Assaulted Officer, FDC Says
November 25, 2025
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Yohn Pena, 27, assaulted a correctional officer by striking the officer, according to FDC. The officer was not injured during the alleged assault.
Edouard was serving a 5-year sentence out of Miami-Date on a 2021 conviction for robbery with a weapon, lewd and lascivious exhibition, burglary, and grand left.
Tate Beats Catholic In Day One Of Escarosa Thanksgiving Basketball Invitational
November 25, 2025
The Tate Aggies earned a strong win over the Catholic Crusaders Monday night in the first day of The Escarosa Thanksgiving Basketball Invitational at Catholic.
Tate beat Catholic 82-64.
The tournament continues on Tuesday with Tate taking on Mosley at 1:30 p.m.
Here is the complete Tuesday schedule:
- 10:00 a.m. – Alethia vs Escambia
- 11:45 a.m. – St. Michael’s vs West Florida
- 1:30 p.m. – Tate vs Mosley 3:15 p.m. -
- Niceville vs Pensacola High
- 5:00 p.m. – Pine Forest vs Rocky Bayou
- 6:45 p.m. – Catholic vs Washington
Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students. Only adult tickets are available on GoFan, but cash is accepted at the door for adult or student tickets. Wristbands are available for re-entry. Concessions will be available, cash or card are accepted.
Escambia County Is Safer Today: FDLE Arrests 15 In Drug Trafficking Operation, Seizes 15 Pounds Of Fentanyl
November 24, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 15 individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization operating in Escambia County an recovered nearly 15 pounds of fentanyl.
“This is about fentanyl,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said Monday morning in Pensacola Monday morning. “this product has come in an has infested our state, and it’s killing people left and right in our state.”
“This is a weapon of mass destruction.,” Glass added. “The amount of people it can kill is unreal.”
FDLE’s investigation began in April 2025 when agents identified a drug trafficking organization operating in Northwest Florida. The investigation revealed the organization was trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and other narcotics. Michael Perry Robinson was identified as the leader of the organization.
On November 19 and November 20, search warrants in Escambia County, Tallahassee and Jacksonville, resulting in 15 arrests. FDLE said more results are forthcoming.
Throughout the investigation, agents conducted several undercover operations. During those undercover operations and the search warrants, agents seized a total of 14.6 pounds of fentanyl, 58 pounds of methamphetamine, 35 pounds of marijuana, 23 pounds of MDMA, 2.5 pounds of cocaine, 30 firearms and more than $60,800 in cash.
“Escambia County is safer today than it was last week,” Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said.
Those arrested to date were:
Michael Perry Robinson, 43, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine and money laundering, the sale, manufacture and delivery of marijuana and the use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, both are third degree felonies
Gretchen Suzanne Duplechain, 46, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, use of two-way communication device to commit a felony and money laundering
John Christopher Porterfield, 65, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Courtney Donnell Killette, 40, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Anthony James Saulsberry, 43, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering and operating a drug house
Donterious Marquis Evans, 37, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.
Colton Carneil Sims, 35, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana and the use of two-way communication device to commit a felony
Billy Dewayne Johnson, 39, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, conspiracy to sell, manufacture, or delivery a Schedule II controlled substance and use of a two-way communication device
Antonie Miguel Jones, 30, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony and money laundering
Anthony Ladarren Kimble, 44, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charges: racketeering, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Rhondell Grandison, 34, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charge: warrant for violation of probation
Johnny Dewayne Stallworth, 50, of Pensacola
Arrested November 19
Charge: trafficking cocaine
Ivory Ambrose Fogan, 37, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: racketeering, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Jashu Rodriguez Bonner, 32, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
Cordarious Ladell Wheeler, 38, of Pensacola
Arrested November 20
Charges: conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell, manufacture or deliver a schedule II controlled substance and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony
FHP: Log Truck Driver, 83, Failed To Yield Causing Serious Injury Rollover Crash
November 24, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol said an 83-year-old log truck driver failed to yield at a stop sign, causing a serious roll-over crash Monday morning in the Quintette Community.
The crash happened about 8 a.m. on Highway 95A at East Quintette Road when the log truck driver made a left turn entering the roadway in front of an SUV driven by a 53-year-old Pensacola woman. The truck came to a controlled stop on the shoulder of the roadway, while the SUV came to a stop upside down in the southbound lane of Highway 95A.
RELATED: Escambia Hires Firm To Align Quintette Road At Highway 95A, Add Traffic Signal
The SUV driver was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. The truck driver was not injured.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate FFA And Student Volunteers Package Over 63,000 Meals For The Community
November 24, 2025
On Friday, Tate High School’s FFA, along with other clubs, organizations, athletic teams, and volunteers, joined together to package 63,808 meals for the community through Meals of Hope
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” said Melissa Gibbs, agricultural educator and FFA advisor. “It’s important to FFA and other local organizations to partner together and help fight food insecurity for many within the Pensacola region. This gives our students hands-on experience while encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of our community.”
They exceeded their goal of feeding 60,000 with the Meals of Hope project by packaging these meals in under three hours.
All packaged meals will be distributed to families throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Top-tier sponsors include the Escambia County Florida Farm Bureau, Big John’s Heating and Air, Richard and Marie Gibbs, Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, and Tate FFA Alumni.
Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “It’s gratifying to see our students giving back, helping to fight hunger, and supporting local families in need. Tate FFA continues to focus on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Together, with Tate FFA, we’re strengthening the heart of our community and growing a legacy.”
Volunteers included current students from Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Tate Student Council, Tate Yearbook, Tate FFA Alumni, and Ransom Middle School FFA/Ag programs. Special guests were Isabelle Jenkins, Florida FFA state secretary, and Steve Harrell, Escambia County Public Schools’ director of workforce education.
Meals of Hope is a nonprofit organization that is committed to bringing people together to fight the hunger epidemic.
Photos by Tate High Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ICYMI: It Was A Dangerous and Deadly Weekend On Highway 29
November 24, 2025
It was a dangerous and deadly weekend on Highway 29 in the North Escambia area.
Highway 29, Cantonment, Near IP
A 17-year-old teen was killed in two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Highway 29 near the Valero convenience store, across from International Paper. At 12:37 a.m., the 17-year-old attempted to make a left turn from the store onto HIghway 29 when his Toyota was struck on the driver’s side by a northbound red Dodge driven by a 26-year-old male. Tbe 17-year-old was wearing a seat belt but was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol said any charges are pending the outcome of their traffic homicide investigation. [Read more...]
Highway 29, Molino, Near Mathison
(pictured below)
An 18-year-old Cantonment man was standing over a dead dog that was hit by a vehicle on Highway 29 near Mathison Road about 8 p.m. on Saturday. An approaching driver was unable to see him in time to avoid hitting the teen, FHP said. He was airlifted in serious condition. [Read more...]
Highway 29, Molino, Near Highway 97
(pictured above)
An adult male was in the outside northbound lane of Highway 29 for an unknown reason when he was hit by an SUV about 12:20 a.m. Sunday. FHP has not provided further information on why the man was in the roadway. [Read more...]
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For 2023 Murder
November 24, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison a 2023 murder.
Darryl Jerome Walker, Sr., was sentenced by Circuit Judge John Simon following his conviction for second degree murder with a firearm by an Escambia County jury.
In the early morning hours of November 22, 2023, Walker shot and killed his wife, Sheena Marie Levine, in her home. Immediately after the shooting, Walker called his children and said, “I f—-d up” and “she grabbed the gun.” Walker took the firearm from the scene and fled to Marianna where he was arrested the following day.
During the trial, the children testified about finding their mother on the floor in the hallway of the home and the statements made by Walker. The firearm used was Walker’s .45 caliber handgun. After his arrest, Walker gave an interview to law enforcement, which was played at trial. While claiming the shooting was an accident, physical evidence located on the scene conflicted with his story. The most significant conflict came from his claim that the gun went off while he had his arms around the victim. The autopsy showed the entry and exits wounds on the top of the victim’s head.
Walker has eight prior felony convictions and had been released from prison on May 29, 2022, just shy of 18 months prior to the murder. Consequently, he was sentenced to life in state prison as a prison releasee reoffender.
Still A Few Appointments Left To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 24, 2025
With rows of timers and a command center, a small army of volunteers will be ready to fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
The annual Miracle League of Pensacola Turkey Fry Fundraiser will be Wednesday, November 26.
Last year, the Miracle League fried about 350 turkeys to golden brown perfection, with the help of volunteers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cadets and American Legion Post 340.
The turkey fry will take place from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving at the Miracle League fields at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive (the east end of the John R. Jones Sports Complex).
To make an appointment or for more information, call (850) 490-7035 (leave a message if no answer). Time slots are limited; walkups are welcome, but appointments take priority.
To have your turkey fried by the Miracle League, you must do the following before arriving at the park:
- Completely defrost and clean the turkey and remove the inside packing. If this is not done prior to arriving at the park, they will not be able to fry your turkey.
- Be on time for your appointment made at the number above.
- A minimum donation of $35 per turkey is needed to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League.
For a photo gallery from last year, click here.
The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field – just like other kids. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity that these children would not otherwise have. It is a place where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
