Man Gets 30 Years For Fatal Shoot Of Cantonment Man In Lounge Parking Lot
March 6, 2025
Wednesday, an Escambia man was sentenced to the maximum for the fatal shooting a Cantonment man in the summer of 2023 at a Pensacola lounge.
Circuit Judge John Simon sentenced 40-year-old Michael Andrew Rodriguez to 30 years in state prison.
He was originally charged with second degree murder but was convicted by an Escambia County jury of a lesser offense of manslaughter. The maximum penalty for the original second-degree murder charge would have been life in prison.
Rodriguez shot victim Damon Caldwell in the neck outside Sam’s Lounge on Old Corry Field Road on July 21, 2023.
Rodriguez shot Caldwell in the neck after Caldwell grabbed him by the shirt collar. Rodriguez testified at trial and claimed Caldwell was reaching for a gun with his other hand; however, the surveillance video shows Caldwell holding a beer bottle in that hand. Caldwell dropped the bottle when he fell to the ground after being shot.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez shot in the direction of other bystanders and then fled the scene. He was later located and apprehended by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at his girlfriend’s house.
Rodriguez’s wife is awaiting trial and an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Rodriguez after the shooting. According to investigators, Deomi Polyzos drove to the lounge and picked Rodriquez up after the murder before making stop “presumably to dispose of evidence/the firearm utilized”, an arrest report states. She is due back in court on Thursday for a docket appearance.
Northview Chiefs Beat The Flomaton Hurricanes 10-3
March 6, 2025
The Northview Chiefs scored six runs in the sixth inning on their way to a 10-3 defeat of the Flomaton Hurricane Thursday night at Dewey J. Bondurant Jr. Park in Flomaton.
On the mound, Jackson Bridges earned the win for the Chiefs, giving up six hits and two unearned runs in six innings while walking none and striking out seven. Bryant Mason pitched one inning, surrendering one run and one hit while striking out one.
Riley Harrison took the loss for the Canes, giving up three runs on eight hits, walking none and striking out nine.
Jase Portwood and Brady Smith both had three hits for Northview. Smith led the Chiefs with three RBIs as he went 3-4. Cole Davis, Dane King, Bryant Mason, and Luke Chavers each had multiple hits for NHS.
The Hurricanes were led by Braden Nall as he went 3-4 at bat.
Northview will travel to Jay for a district game on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The Hurricanes will host Century Thursday at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate Aggies Fall 16-2 At Gulf Breeze (With Gallery)
March 6, 2025
The Tata Aggies headed across the bay and fell to Gulf Breeze 16-2 Wednesday night.
Zane Warrington took the loss for Tate, surrendering with runs on five hits while walking one and striking out three in two innings.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Lance Brady went 1-for-2 at bat for Tate with one RBI. Nathan Connders went 2-2 .
Up next, Tate will host Navarre at 7:00 Friday night.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Town Council Advances Plan to Hire A Town Administrator
March 5, 2025
At their Tuesday night meeting, the Century Town Council took the first step towards hiring a town administrator.
According to the town, a town administrator “would serve as the sole professional administrative officer assisting the mayor with municipal operations, personnel management, and financial oversight”. The position’s duties would also include the financial oversight responsibilities typically assigned to a financial services director” ensuring budget preparation, fiscal accountability, grant management, and procurement compliance”.
The town administrator would report directly to the mayor but also provide regular updates to the town council while taking directions from the council and mayor.
According to a draft ordinance approved on a 4-0 vote Tuesday night, the town administrator may be an employee, hired as a contracted individual, or a “company with expertise in municipal administration and financial management, contracted to provide these services.”
Interim mayor Alician Johnson said it would be necessary to have someone that is full time, a sentiment echoed by council president Dynette Lewis.
A salary for position has not yet been discussed by the town council.
Pictured top: Century Town Council members (L-R) Sandra McMurray-Jackson, Dynette Lewis, and Henry Cunningham at Tuesday night’s meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Third Phase Proposed Bringing Cowetta Road Subdivision To 269 Lots
March 5, 2025
A third phase has been proposed for the Sanctuary subdivision off Cowetta Road in Cantonment with 53 additional lots on 17.31 acres.
The additional phase will bring the total number of lots in the D.R. Horton subdivision to 269, including 100 lots in phase one and 116 lots in phase two.
Sanctuary Phase 1 was approved in May 2024, and Sanctuary Phase 2 was approved in December 2024.
The plans have been filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee and are in initial applications status. A public meeting has not yet been set.
Two Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges During Traffic Stop
March 5, 2025
Two people were arrested Monday on multiple drug trafficking charges during a traffic stop on Pensacola Boulevard.
During the stop, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered trafficking amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, along with cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, oxycodone, and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
William Joseph Coleman, 42, was charged with three counts of trafficking drugs, three counts of possession of drugs, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and smuggling contraband. John Charges Peeterse, 34, was charged with three counts of trafficking drugs, three counts of possession of drugs, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both suspects were booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Bratt Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
March 5, 2025
Bratt Elementary School recently named their Students of the Month for February. They are Axel Amerson and Cason Prall. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thursday Is Last Day To Request Vote By Mail Ballot For Century Special Primary
March 5, 2025
Thursday, March 6, is the last day for registered voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the upcoming Century special primary election.
All vote-by-mail requests expired at the end of 2024. Requests must be renewed for for the 2025 special elections (both the Century special elections and the special general election for Congress on April 1).
For a vote-by-mail ballot, contact the Supervisor of Elections office by phone (850) 595-3900, by email at votebymail@escambiavotes.gov, by fax (850) 595-3914, or by using the online form at EscambiaVotes.gov/vote-by-mail
The person requesting a vote-by-mail ballot must disclose:
- The name of the voter for whom the ballot is requested;
- The voter’s address;
- The voter’s date of birth;
- The voter’s Florida driver license number, Florida identification card number, or that last 4 digits of the voter’s social security number;
- The requester’s name;
- The requester’s address;
- The requester’s driver’s license number, identification card number, or that last 4 digits of the voter’s social security number, if available;
- The requester’s relationship to the voter; and,
- The requester’s signature (written request only).
The Century precinct at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 for the Century special primary election to fill a vacant Seat 4 on the Century Town Council.
Prep Update: Northview, Flomaton Baseball Play Today; Other NHS, Tate Games Canceled
March 5, 2025
Tuesday’s weather forced the cancelation of softball and baseball games for Tate and Northview High school games.
Tuesday’s Northview baseball at Flomaton baseball games are rescheduled for today. First pitch will be at 4:00 for junior varsity, followed by varsity at 6:30.
Other Tuesday cancelations included:
- All Northview Lady Chiefs softball games against West Florida have were rescheduled for March 24.
- All Tate Aggies baseball games for Tuesday against Milton were canceled.
- All Tate Lady Aggies softball games for Tuesday against Escambia were canceled.
Pictured: Grayden Sheffield on the mound for the Northview Chiefs against the Escambia Gators. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
SRO Mel Pfeiffer Honored As Tate High Support Personnel Of The Month
March 5, 2025
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Mel Pfeiffer named Tate High School’s Educational Support Personnel of the Month.
According to Principal Laura Touchstone, Pfeiffer is “a leader who effectively balances law enforcement duties with a deep commitment to building positive relationships within the school community. SRO Pfeiffer serves as a trusted mentor and educator, working closely with students, staff, and parents while maintaining a visible presence to ensure the safety and security of the school environment.
“In addition to his law enforcement expertise, SRO Pfeiffer understands the unique dynamics of the school setting, consistently demonstrating excellent communication skills, patience, and approachability. These qualities have allowed SRO Pfeiffer to navigate complex youth-related issues and de-escalate situations effectively, ensuring that the school’s environment remains supportive and safe for all,” Touchstone added.
Pictured: (L-R) Tate High School Principal Laura Touchstone, SRO Mel Pfeiffer, Assistant Principal Brandy White and Assistant Principal Austin Courson. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.