State Fire Marshal Investigating Backwoods Road Fire
March 28, 2025
A fire that destroyed a structure near Century Thursday night us under investigation.
Escambia County Fire Rescue freighters arrived to find the structure fully involved in the 800 block of Backwoods Road. The structure, which was reportedly a residence, was already burned halfway to the ground.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was caused to investigation. There were no injuries reported in the fire, which was reported at 10:19 p.m.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue, the Florida Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Easter Egg Drop And Livestock Show Are Saturday In Molino
March 28, 2025
The Blue Jacket Jamboree returns on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Escambia County 4-H Property in Molino. Running from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., this family-friendly event, hosted by the Northview FFA Alumni & Friends, promises a day filled with entertainment, agriculture, and community engagement.
The Jamboree will feature about 25 vendors, offering a variety of crafts, and local goods. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, organized by Cruisers’ Unlimited, with an antique tractor displays this year. Kids will love the free egg drop (bring your own basket), beginning at 11 a.m., as well as the dedicated kids zone, which closes at 2:00 p.m.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree celebrates Northview FFA’s dedication to agricultural education and youth development, bringing together the community for a fun and educational experience.
Admission and parking are free. The Escambia County 4-H Property is located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino, just south of Molino Road.
In conjunction with the Jamboree, the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show. will take place Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, featuring youth exhibitors showcasing poultry, rabbits, pigs, steers, heifers, goats, and lambs. The show schedule includes:
Livestock – Friday, March 28
- 1:00 PM – Poultry Show
- 2:30 PM – Beef Breeding Show
- 5:15 PM – Poultry Skillathon
- 5:30 PM – Swine Skillathon
Livestock – Saturday, March 29
- 9:00 AM – Market Swine Show
- 10:00 AM – Rabbit Show
- 11:30 AM – Market Steer Show
- 1:00 PM – Goat & Lamb Show
- 2:30 PM – Preview Steer Show
- 4:00 PM – Poultry, Market Goat & Lamb Auction
- 5:00 PM – Steer & Swine Auction
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Stick It To Cancer: WFHS Lacrosse Gets Past Tate 7-6 (With Gallery)
March 28, 2025
The West Florida Jaguars girls lacrosse team defeated the Tate Aggies 7-6 Thursday night in a “Stick it to Cancer Game” in Tate’s Pete Gindl Stadium.
All proceeds — including ticket sales and concessions — will be donated to the American Cancer Society. There were also four gift baskets auctioned off to benefit the fight against cancer.
Up next, West Florida will be at Pensacola High on Friday at 6 p.m. Friday, and Tate will travel to PHS on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Senior Night Win: Tate Surges Past Central 8-1 (With Gallery)
March 28, 2025
Thursday night at home, Tate surged with a seven-run fifth inning to beat the Central Jaguars 8-1 on Senior Night for the Aggies.
Senior Zane Warrington earned the win for Tate, giving up three hits and one run in a complete game seven innings, walking three and striking out eight.
Hunter Clayton led the Aggies at the plate, with two RBIs as he went 1-3. Kaleb Posta went 2-4, while Connor Dethlefs and Nathan Ozuna both added a hit.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Senior Night family images are at the end of the gallery.)
Up next, the Aggies will head across the state line to take on Robertsdale Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Before the game, the Tate Aggies honor their seniors:
- Brayden Beck
- Taite Davis
- Sheppard Edgar
- Nate Ozuna
- Kaleb Posta
- Zane Warrington
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDLE Charges Escambia Man With Transmitting, Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material
March 28, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has charged an Escambia County man with 32 felonies related to possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material.
Michael Desmond Locke, 45, was charged with 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, one count for transmission of child sexual abuse material and one count for use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
FDLE said the investigation began on January 27 after agents discovered an online user who was sharing files depicting children being sexually abused. The investigation revealed the uploads originated from Locke’s residence.
On March 26, FDLE agents served a search warrant at Locke’s residence. During the search, two of his computers were located and a forensic preview of the computers located hundreds of child sexual exploitation files, some involving children as young as 3 years old, according to agents.
Locke was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola Regional Operations Center. FDLE’s Panama City Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents assisted in serving the search warrant. The investigation remains active.
In Four Overtimes, Northview Flag Football Beats The Escambia Gators
March 28, 2025
In four overtimes, the Northview Chiefs defeated the Escambia Gators 18-12 in flag football Thursday night in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary Of An Occupied Dwelling
March 27, 2025
A Cantonment man has been charged with breaking into a residence, stealing a wallet, and damaging property before fleeing in a truck.
Roderick Ezell Purifoy, 35, was charged with unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling, grand theft and criminal mischief with property damage.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, at a home on Woodbury Circle. According to the victim, he was startled awake around 10:30 a.m. to find a man standing over his bed after breaking in through a bedroom window. The victim recognized the suspect, who allegedly claimed he was there to collect a debt. Purifoy told the victim that he still owed $300 for transmission repairs made on a truck belonging to the victim’s dad, according to arrest report.
The suspect then reportedly took the victim’s wallet, which contained $100 in cash, an ID, a Social Security card, and a debit card, totaling $170 in value. Additionally, the break-in caused an estimated $350 in damage to a bedroom window, the victim reported. According to the report, the suspect was seen leaving through the same window and driving off in a dark-tinted Dodge pickup truck, allegedly causing an additional $500 in lawn damage.
Law enforcement officers responded to the scene around and later attempted to contact the Purifoy, who initially denied entering the home. However, Purifoy later admitted to being in the area and insisted that the victim still owed him $300, according to the arrest report.
The suspect reportedly hung up on investigators and turned off his phone when questioned further.
Purifoy was recently arrested on an outstanding warrant for the incident and released from jail this week on a $15,000 bond.
MADD Honors Three ECSO Deputies For 40 Combined DUI Arrests
March 27, 2025
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Northwest Florida recently awarded Lt. Brian Shorette, Deputy Timyron Young, and Deputy Adam Norre for their exemplary service and dedication to transformative change in our community by making over 40 DUI arrests total in the year 2024. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three Arrested In Atmore Prison Contraband Bust
March 27, 2025
Three people were arrested Wednesday for allegedly trafficking drugs into the Holman Correctional Institution in Atmore.
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) said they thwarted an attempt to introduce contraband into the prison. A K-9 Unit noticed a suspicious vehicle and with support from agents with the Narcotics and Law Enforcement Services Divisions, searched the vehicle and discovered illegal contraband.
Adam Louis Malone, Audrey Teresa Kelley, and Frederick Jermaine Cobb booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton on charges of trafficking marijuana, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking fentanyl, prohibited activities, attempt to commit a controlled substance crime (distribution), and possession of a controlled substance (oxycodone).
ADOC said they seized the following during the investigation:
– approximately 1008 grams of marijuana
– approximately 88 grams of methamphetamine
– approximately 20 grams of oxycodone
– approximately 20 grams of sprayed paper
– approximately four grams of fentanyl
– eight cell phones
– 12 vape pens
Pictured (top to bottom): Adam Louis Malone, Audrey Teresa Kelley, and Frederick Jermaine Cobb.
Molino Library Hosting Free Cross Stitch Class For All Skill Levels
March 27, 2025
The Molino Library is inviting the community to a relaxing and creative Cross Stitch Class on Friday, March 28 from 5-6:30 p.m.
The free class is open to all ages and skill levels and will explore the art of cross stitching and introduce new techniques.
All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! This event offers a great opportunity to unwind, get creative, and connect with fellow crafters.
The Molino Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center.