‘Robbery Spree is Over,’ Escambia Sheriff Declares
May 20, 2025
Authorities have apprehended a man believed to be behind a series of armed robberies across Escambia County.
Deputies arrested DeShawn Donson, 21, on Sunday night following his latest alleged heist and a vehicle chase.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Chip Simmons announced Donson’s arrest at a press conference Monday afternoon. “I can tell you his robbery spree is over,” said Sheriff Simmons, noting the crimes spanned throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Deputies located Donson after an incident around 11 p.m. Sunday at the Raceway on Airport Boulevard. Surveillance video reportedly shows Donson robbing the store, holding the cashier at gunpoint before leaving with a bag of cash.
Having previously identified Donson as a suspect in other robberies, deputies were tracking him. As he exited the Raceway and entered an SUV, deputies attempted a traffic stop. Donson failed to comply, leading to a chase down Davis Highway that concluded when he pulled into the HCA Florida West Hospital parking lot.
A deputy crashed into Donson’s SUV in the hospital parking lot to end the pursuit. Donson then surrendered. Deputies recovered the bag of cash and a gun from the vehicle.
For Sunday night’s incident, Simmons stated Donson is charged with armed robbery and fleeing, among other charges. He was also subject to a federal armed robbery warrant.
Sheriff Simmons indicated that more charges are expected, as investigators have linked Donson to additional armed robberies throughout the county and city.
Donson is a convicted felon who served approximately six months in state prison in 2020. At 16, he was incarcerated for his involvement in the 2018 attempted murder and burglary of a woman.
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Walnut Hill Man Charged In Ohio After Allegedly Killing Puppy With Hammer As Two Kids Listened
May 19, 2025
A Walnut Hill man is facing multiple charges in Ohio after allegedly killing a puppy using a hammer as two children listened.
Jimmy Robert Wiggins, Jr. was charged with felony endangering children, probations involving animals, felony tampering with evidence, and misdemeanor obstruction of official business. He remained jail Monday morning, and Erie County, Ohio, jail records show he also has an outstanding hold from Escambia County, Florida.
Ohio Allegations
Editor’s Note: The following description from Ohio law enforcement may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
The Erie County Sheriff Office said the incident happened at home in “deplorable” condition with drugs in plain sight. They said Wiggins, 46, was living with a woman, identified as Gretchen Howard, in Milan Township, Ohio, a small community near Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo.
According to Ohio media reports, the local sheriff’s office received a report from a distraught child that Wiggins had killed a puppy with a hammer before fleeing. Two children told arriving deputies that Wiggins had threatened to choke the puppy named “Hank” just before the puppy was allegedly bludgeoned to death. The children reported hearing the puppy scream.
The children told deputies they saw Hank’s body in the a bathroom. Deputies were unable to locate the puppy, but they reportedly found a bloody hammer.
Howard was at home during the incident, and spoke with deputies, but they said her speech was mostly unintelligible.
Deputies found footprints leading from the home to a nearby river, and that’s where they say Wiggins was found, partially submerged and holding onto a tree branch. He was arrested, along with Howard..
Howard remained jailed Monday morning on two counts of endangering children.
The children were taken into custody by local child services, and another puppy in the home was relocated.
Wiggins History In Escambia County
Escambia County court records show Wiggins in due to appear May 27 on a grand theft arrest last February. In the case, direct filed by the State Attorney’s Office, Wiggins is accused of stealing over property valued over $750 from Florida Power & Light. He pleaded not guilty on March 24.
Florida court records show Wiggins was a resident of Perdue Road in Walnut Hill at the time of his last Escambia County arrest on February 28 and had been a resident there for several years.
Images: Erie County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office
Here’s The Schedule And Video Links For Escambia County Graduations
May 19, 2025
Graduations begin today for Escambia County schools, with most of the graduations scheduled for May 27-28 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
- May 19, 2025
- Westgate – 11:00 a.m., Westgate Adaptive Multi-Purpose Room, [Westgate Video Link]
- May 23, 2025
- District Extended – 9:00 a.m., Hall Center, Room 160, [District Extended Video Link]
- Project Search Completion Ceremony – 11:00 a.m., Hall Center, Room 160
- May 27, 2025
- Tate High School – 9:00 a.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Tate High School Video Link]
- EVA/Success Academy/George Stone/Acceleration Academy/Achieve Academy – 12:15 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [EVA/Success Academy/George Stone/Acceleration Academy/Achieve Academy Video Link]
- Washington High School – 2:30 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Washington High School Video Link]
- Pensacola High School – 5:30 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Pensacola High School Video Link]
- May 28, 2025
- Escambia High School – 9:00 a.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Escambia High School Video Link]
- Northview High School – 12:15 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Northview High School Video Link]
- Pine Forest High School – 2:30 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [Pine Forest High School Video Link]
- West Florida High School – 5:30 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, [West Florida High School Video Link]
Pictured: Northview High School 2024 Class of 2024 graduation at the Pensacola Bay Center. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
NAS Pensacola Closed To The Public May 20-22
May 19, 2025
Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is scheduled to close for public visitation May 20 through May 22. The installation’s areas of public interest – the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and Fort Barrancas – will be closed to the public on these days.
The air station’s West Gate will only be open for Department of Defense (DoD) identification card holders.
NAS Pensacola’s areas of public interest will reopen Friday, May 23, at 9 a.m., at which time visitors to the air station can access the installation through the West Gate at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway.
File photo.
Photos: Northview Softball Is Ready For State Final Four
May 19, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs will open play in the Rural FHSAA Softball Final Four near Orlando.
No. 2 Northview (21-6) will take on No. 3 Branford (21-6). The winner will head to the state championship game at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday against either Liberty County or Trenton.
First pitch Tuesday is at noon EDT at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, just outside Orlando. Fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network. Fans can watch live video on the NFHS Network for a $13.99 monthly pass (which can be canceled at any time). NorthEscambia.com will have periodic updates on our Facebook page during the game; be sure to like our page for updates.
For a photo gallery from the last practice before state for the Northview Lady Chiefs, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Depart For State Softball Final Four
May 19, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs department the school in Bratt early on a foggy Sunday morning, headed to the Rural FHSAA Softball final four beginning at noon EDT Tuesday at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, just outside Orlando.
With a police escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lady Chiefs headed to Whataburger for breakfast, where the restaurant’s windows were covered with player’s name and jersey numbers. Numerous fans lined the route, with signs of support and cheers for the first-ever Northview softball team to got to state.
Northview will play Branford at noon EDT on Tuesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Move Lower
May 19, 2025
Florida gas prices are moving lower again as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.
Last week, Florida gas prices shot up 20 cents per gallon, going from $2.92 per gallon to $3.12. From there, the state averaged declined 7 cents per gallon through the weekend. On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.05 per gallon. That’s 46 cents less than the state average on Memorial Day 2024.
in Escambia County Sunday, the average price per gallon was $2.86. In Pensacola prices were as low as $2.68 multiple stations. In North Escambia, a low of $2.68 was also available at several stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Praytor Breaks Through, Pitching Shows Out In Pensacola’s Series-Clinching Win
May 19, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor extended his arms outward, then welcomed two teammates dumping an ice bucket of energy drink over his head.
“I think if it were (just) water, it would be better,” said Praytor, smiling during the on-field, post-game interview.
On the hottest afternoon game this season, any momentary discomfort could be enjoyed. Especially after Praytor’s day, when he blasted a home run, legged out a triple, drove in two runs and adeptly handled five pitchers who combined to help deliver Pensacola’s 5-1 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to win the six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
He came into the game going 0-for-9, his longest hitless streak. But continued effort in pregame workouts and help from team hitting coach Jason Krizan led to a big day.
“Me and Kriz… I’ve been working this week and making some adjustments and (Sunday) I felt like it really clicked and it paid off,” said Praytor, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star catcher, who set slugging marks during his three seasons, then became the Miami Marlins’ sixth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
A crowd of 3,737 endured the hot weather to see the Blue Wahoos win their first Sunday finale game since April 20. This one enabled them to take the series 4-2 against the Trash Pandas.
The Blue Wahoos have now won five series this season and this one coming after dropping five of six games last week at Biloxi to lose grip of first place in the Southern League South Division. They entered the day trailing the Shuckers by one game.
After a 9-0 loss Wednesday to Rocket City, the Blue Wahoos regathered and returned to what has been the hallmark of this team with pitching, defense, some timely hits and series wins.
They’ll have an immediate chance to continue home field success, where they are 15-6 at Blue Wahoos Stadium – when facing the Birmingham Barons in a series that begins Tuesday.
“We’re excited,” Praytor said, acknowledging the fans nearby. “We’re glad to be back at home, playing in front of you guys (pointing to crowd), so please keep showing up and get ready for another good week.”
The game began for the Blue Wahoos in a good way. In the first inning, Nathan Martorella, Josh Zamora and Johnny Olmstead had consecutive singles with two outs to load the bases. With one swing, Mark Coley II cleared the bags, driving a ball into the left-center gap for a 3-run double.
After Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr allowed a second inning run, the Trash Pandas didn’t put up another threat the rest of the game.
In a designed bullpen game, Ortiz-Mayr worked three innings, followed by Luis Palacios, who earned his first win by going the next three innings. He struck out four and allowed just two hits.
Three other relievers – Jesse Bergin, Nigel Belgrave and closer Dale Stanavich – allowed just one hit apiece and combined for six strikeouts against just one walk.
“Our pitching staff is unreal,” Praytor said. “Every single one of those guys has the ability to pitch in the big leagues, so honestly It’s just a lot of fun to be catching them.”
Praytor extended the Blue Wahoos lead in the fifth inning when he led off with a home run, his second this season. He provided more insurance in the seventh when following Dalvy Rosario’s leadoff single with his triple in the outfield gap.
In the final four innings, Blue Wahoos pitchers faced just batters above the minimum and Stanovich closed out the game with a sweeper pitch and back-to-back strikeouts.
GAME NOTABLES
- The Blue Wahoos now have a 4-3 record in series finales. They had lost three consecutive Sunday games prior to the breakthrough this time.
- The win gives the Blue Wahoos a 37-13 all time record against Rocket City. The Trash Pandas’ first season in the Huntsville, Alabama area was 2021. This includes a 22-8 record at home.
- Pregame activities Sunday included a parade of school children who completed the Kazoo’s Reading Program organized by the Blue Wahoos. There were 203 free tickets distributed to kids who read four required books during the school year. The final parade of school children will be next Sunday.
- The Hellen Caro Elementary School Choir from Pensacola performed the National Anthem, as well as a rendition of God Bless America in the seventh inning.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday through May 24.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Verizon Purchase Of Frontier Communications For $20 Billion Is Approved
May 19, 2025
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau approved Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of Frontier.
Locally, Frontier is the traditional copper landline and DSL provider in Walnut Hill, Molino, Bratt, and Atmore.
Last September, Verizon agreed to buy Frontier for about $9.6 billion and absorb $10 billion in Frontier debt.
“By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said. “The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country—including rural America. This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones.”
The FCC said Verizon will be able to upgrade and expand Frontier’s existing network in 25 states, bringing more fiber to more communities. Verizon’s new fiber deployments will enable the retirement of old copper networks, ensuring that more communities benefit from advanced technologies. Following the transaction, Verizon expects to deploy fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually.
Pictured: The Frontier Communications switching central office near Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Approves Firefighter Raises, $34 Million For New or Expanded Fire Stations
May 18, 2025
The Escambia County Commission has approved $34 million in unallocated Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to build or expand five fire stations, enhancing fire protection in the county. Additionally, the commission has approved raises for firefighters.
The board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Escambia County Professional Firefighters, raising the hourly wage for beginning firefighters to $16, an increase of $3 per hour. The increase will cost the county about $1.7 million annually.
The board also approved a plan presented by Commissioner Ashley Hofberger. Her proposal included the addition of a second fire station in Cantonment and living quarters to an existing station in Dogwood Park.
The plan aims to make the following improvements:
- 7209 Lillian Hwy – Replacement, $8.5 million
- New Fire Station 24, Highway 97 and Kingsfield Road in Cantonment, $6.5 million
- New Fire Station in Paradise Beach, $6.5 million on a site to be determined
- Replacement station at 9350 Gulf Beach Highway, $8.5 million
- Molino Station 21/Dogwood Park, 4307 White Ash Road, add living quarters, $4 million.
Hofberger identified the locations with the assistance of Escambia County Fire Chief Adam Harrison. Her proposed timeline includes issuing a request for proposals by June 1, proposal evaluation by August 1, and groundbreakings by March 1, 2026.
Hofberger’s motion to approve the plan was seconded by Commissioner Steven Barry, who noted that the plan may be too aggressive.
The commission is also considering a new firefighter training center in Brownsville, and a new fire station in District 3 (estimated at about $4 million, if a need is determined).
Pictured: Escambia County Fire Station 21 on Whish Ash Road in Dogwood Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.