Jay Father And Son Charged With Stealing 20 Tons Of Asphalt Millings From Santa Rosa County
February 12, 2026
A Jay man and his son are both facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing tons of asphalt millings from a county lot.
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Jason Scott Wolfe and his 18-year-old son, Tanner Riley Wolfe, were both charged with one count of felony grand theft. They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on bonds of $2,500 each.
According to an arrest report, a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant observed a white truck with a dump trailer and John Deere cab tractor at a Santa Rosa County surplus yard on County Mill Road. The trooper said he recognized Jason Wolfe and his son, Tanner Wolfe. He said Tanner was standing near the tractor, and Jason was walking toward the truck while the dump trailer appeared to be loaded with asphalt millings.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop, and Jason Wolfe told him that several county employees had told him he could take the asphalt millings, but he refused to provide any names, the report states.
Santa Rosa County Public Works advised the public is not allowed to remove county materials, and no employee authorized the Wolfes to remove material. They estimated 20 tons of millings worth $1,000 were missing from what had been a 60-ton stockpile. Freshly deposited asphalt millings were reportedly located on Jason Wolfe’s property.
Jason Wolfe told an SRSO deputy that three county employees had “told people they were allowed to take materials,” the report states. “He also stated that the county had previously delivered millings to his property on County Mill Road.” He would not provide the names of the county employees, and he said there was no equipment present and he did not shovel any materials, but there was no sign indicating it was wrong.
“Jason also stated he knew the property owner and believed the materials were dumped there illegally so he did not believe the county had a leg to stand on,” the report states.
The deputy reported that a “County Property Do Not Remove Dirt” sign was on the ground near the wood line at the county site that appeared to have recently been taken down.
Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Reopen Following Maintenance
February 12, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill have reopened following Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway maintenance.
The crossings were closed last week on South Highway 99 and Deer Run Road.
According to Escambia County, both crossings have reopened. The county noted that the variable message boards (electronic information signs) may still be present until they are removed by a contractor.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Good Times Roll: McArthur Elementary Hosts Mardi Gras Parade (Gallery)
February 12, 2026
McArthur Elementary School hosted a Mardi Gras Parade on Wednesday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Donates To Northview Lady Chiefs Softball
February 12, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society (BPHS) presented a $500 donation on Wednesday to the Northview High School Lady Chiefs softball team.
BPHS is a Northview partner in education. The donation was presented by Craig Exner to Northview coach Amy Holland.
According to the school, BPHS believes in “investing in the youth of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Cantonment Residents Appointed To Escambia County Board of Adjustment
February 12, 2026
The Escambia County Commission recently appointed two new members to the Escambia County Board of Adjustment (BOA).
Johnnie Cardwell II of Cantonment was appointed to an at-large position with a two-year term that ends in February 2028. He is a licensed real estate broker that owns Care Realty Group where he manages and oversees residential and multifamily rental properties.
The BOCC also approved District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry’s appointment of Travis High of Cantonment to the BOA. He is realtor with Better Homes & Gardens in Pensacola. High’s term is concurrent with Barry’s term or at his discretion.
The BOA was established for the purpose of granting or denying applications for land and site development.
Stock photo.
One Injured In Molino Highway 29 Rollover Crash
February 11, 2026
One person was airlifted after a single vehicle rollover crash Wednesday morning in Molino.
The 19-year old female driver of a southbound Hyundai Venue lost control, crossed the median, struck a culvert, and overturned.
The crash occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Highway 29 at Camde Lane, just north of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and a self-storage facility. The vehicle came to rest upright just off the roadway.
The female driver, who was from Molino, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. She was airlifted by a Lifeguard helicopter to an area hospital in serious condition.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which temporarily shut down both north and southbound Highway 29.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambiac.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here’s What Is Happening To The Tom Thumb In Molino
February 11, 2026
Construction fencing surrounds a portion of the Tom Thumb in Molino, with gas pumps blocked off.
We reached out to EG America, which owns the store, to find out future plans, and learned that the construction is part of a long-awaited rebrand of the store located at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.
“We’re excited to continue investing in and serving the Molino community as part of our ongoing rebranding and store enhancement efforts,” EG America told NorthEscambia.com by email.
“The Tom Thumb location (in Molino) is slated to transition to the Cumberland Farms brand, with the updated store opening in April. The store will remain open throughout the construction process, and we look forward to welcoming customers and introducing them to Cumberland Farms and Krispy Krunchy Chicken.”
In March 2022, EG America announced it will rebrand its Tom Thumb store locations to the Cumberland Farms brand starting in May 2022. The $50 million project was set to span two years and include 113 Tom Thumb locations and new locations across Florida and Alabama.
Since that time, most Tom Thumbs in the area underwent the rebrand.
EG America, a subsidiary of EG Group, operates over 1,700 locations across ten brands throughout the USA – Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac Café, KwikShop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, QuikStop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill.
Pictured: The Tom Thumb store located at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Murdered 5-Year Old Weighed Just 20 Pounds When Found Dead Inside Trash Bag In Bay
February 11, 2026
A 5-year-old boy found dead in a trash bag in Perdido Bay last Friday was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report.
Jalynda Karie Smith, 36, was arrested hours later and charged with aggravated negligent manslaughter. In a hearing on Tuesday, a judge ordered that she be held without bond.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellular phone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Pictured top: Suspect Jalynda Karie Smith appeared in court on Tuesday. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
February 11, 2026
Escambia County’s Take Stock in Children program is accepting online applications from eligible sixth and seventh grade students until February 26. Program information, income eligibility requirements, applications, and instructions are available through middle school guidance offices and on the school district website.
Take Stock in Children is a statewide program operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, providing “scholarships, mentors, and hope” to selected financially-eligible students.
Students are selected through an application process, and requirements include financial need, U.S. citizenship, grades of all C or better, and good school attendance and behavior.
Once selected, Take Stock Scholars meet regularly at school with a trained volunteer mentor and the College Readiness Coach who monitors academic progress, and they attend college preparation workshops.
When standards are maintained, and upon high school graduation, students receive a 4-year Florida Prepaid scholarship at the state college rate.
For more information about the application process, becoming a mentor, or donating toward scholarships, contact Alexandra Bach, Take Stock in Children Student Service Coordinator, (850) 469-5458 or abach@ecsdfl.us.
George Stone Offers GED Classes At Molino Community Center
February 11, 2026
George Stone Technical College GED classes begin August 20 at the Molino Community Center, 6450 North Highway 95A.
Classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. for individuals of all ages who have not completed high school.
Taught by instructor Susan Winters, who has more than 10 years of experience, the classes focus on more than just passing the GED exam—they build confidence in a supportive, encouraging learning environment while covering the four core subject areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Earning a GED can open doors to higher education, stronger career opportunities, and increased earning potential, and the team at Molino Community Center is dedicated to helping students overcome common fears about returning to school. As program counselor Patricia Harrison explained, support is available at every step to ensure student success.
To find out more about the Molino GED class, call Patricia Harrison at (850) 786-6515 or email pharrison@ecsdfl.us. Visit www.GeorgeStoneCollege.edu or explore additional GED class options offered by George Stone Technical College on the main campus and at Ensley Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, CareerSource Escarosa, and Weis Elementary.