Century Man Facing Felony Charge For Wreaking Havoc In Apartment Complex Laundry Room
February 8, 2026
Aaron Tyron Madison, 42, was charged with felony criminal mischief with property damage greater than $1,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Oakwood Village Apartment Complex on Shady Lane where the maintenance man alleged Madison had caused damage, and he provided surveillance video.
The responding deputy observed that the exit sign had been removed from the wall and placed on the floor, a curtain rod was damaged, multiple picture frames were removed from the wall and broken, and a “blue liquid substance” was on the side of and inside the air conditioning unit.
According to an arrest report, the deputy recognized Madison in the laundry room for over 7.5 hours from late the night of January 19 until 6:41 the morning of January 20.
The video showed Madison causing the damage, setting a clock on fire and pouring liquid into the A/C unit, the report states.
The total damage was estimated at $2,250.
Madison remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $10,000.
Mother Now Formally Charged With Homicide After 5-Year-Old Found In Trash Bag
February 8, 2026
A 36-year-old woman is now formally charged with homicide for the death of her 5-year-old son.
Jalynda Karie Smith was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond at 1:37 a.m. Saturday on a first degree felony charge of aggravated negligent manslaughter of a child.
The young boy’s body was recovered in a trash bag from Perdido Bay off Lillian Highway around 10:15 a.m. on Friday.
About 9:30 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded after receiving a call from Smith’s sister who “shared some concerns about her 5-year-old nephew,” Sheriff Chip Simmons said. Deputies said the boy had not been reported missing prior to the recovery.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released any additional details.
“We are still waiting on word from the medical examiner’s office as to the exact cause of death,” Simmons said.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Escambia County Paramedic Honored At State Capitol
February 8, 2026
Escambia County EMS is proud to announce that Paramedic Phillip Cook has been named a 2026 Star of Life recipient for his service going above and beyond the call of duty involving the long-distance transport of a pediatric trauma patient. Cook was recognized by the Florida Ambulance Association during the Stars of Life ceremony last week at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee.
“I am truly honored and overwhelmed to be recognized as a Star of Life recipient,” Cook said. “As a paramedic, I was just doing everything in my power to provide the best possible care to my patient. None of this would’ve been possible without the support of my coworkers and our administration and their faith in my abilities as a care provider.”
On Oct. 27, 2025, Paramedic Cook and his partner, EMT Isabella Gorne, were returning from an interfacility transfer in Panama City when they were requested to assist with the emergent transport of a pediatric trauma patient who required immediate transportation to a hospital specializing in pediatric trauma care.
Due to foggy conditions, air medical transport was unavailable. Recognizing the significance of the situation, Paramedic Cook accepted the request without hesitation. During the transport, Paramedic Cook identified advanced clinical condition changes early and initiated lifesaving medical care to stabilize the patient, while maintaining constant communication with his supervisor and the receiving hospital.
While transporting to Pensacola, the patient’s condition required resources unavailable on an ambulance. Acting quickly, Paramedic Cook made the decision to divert the patient to a nearby hospital in Miramar Beach. He remained with the patient while they received care and then safely transported the patient to Pensacola.
Ultimately, the patient survived and was transferred by Escambia County EMS from the hospital to another facility to receive continued care
Tate Aggies Finish Season as 6A District 1 Runner-Up
February 8, 2026
The Tate Aggies took the runner-up spot in 6A District 1 with a 72-55 loss to the Milton Panthers on Saturday night in Milton.
It was a season-ender for the Aggies, with a 16-11 recordnwhile the Panthers (24-3) advance to regionals.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ice Flyers Fall To Knoxville Ice Bears
February 8, 2026
The Ice Flyers fell 2-1 to the Knoxville Ice Bears in overtime on Saturday night at the Hangar in front of 6,253 fans.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both goaltenders keeping things tight. Knoxville broke through in the second period when Carson Vance scored to give the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead. The Ice Flyers battled back, and the deadlock finally broke in the final minutes of the third period when Sam Rhodes tied things up, rejuvenating the crowd and breathing some life into the home team.
The game would go on to overtime, where Cam Gaudette ended up with another costly penalty with a holding call that set up Knoxville’s Tim Kent for a powerplay goal, giving the Ice Bears a 2-1 victory.
The Ice Flyers now head to Knoxville for another set of games before coming home for Lilo and Stitch Night on Sunday, February 15.
Brush Fire Closes Hwy. 29 For Hours. Here’s How It Started. (With Gallery)
February 7, 2026
Nearly two miles of busy Highway 29 in Cantonment was closed for hours on Friday due to a large bush fire, and we now know how the fire started.
Highway 29 was closed in both directions from North Tate School Road to Kingsfield Road.
According to Escambia County Fire Rescue, the fire started as a small outside fire at a home in the 1800 block of Peach Terrace, just south of Tate School Road and parallel to Highway 29.
For a gallery showing the battle across the fire scene, click here.
The fire got out of control and spread rapidly.
Several Escambia County Fire Rescue stations responded with multiple units, including ladder trucks, to fight the fire. The Florida Forest Service also used at least two bulldozers to establish a firebreak around the blaze.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control and road closures.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Two Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Closed For A Few Days
February 7, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill are closed for a few days.
The crossing on South Highway 99, just east of the Highway 97A intersection in Bay Springs, about four miles north of Crabtree Church Road in Molino, is set to close on Saturday, February 7.
The private crossing on Deer Run Road, located west of South Highway 99 about seven miles south of Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, was to close on Friday, February 6.
Both crossings are expected to reopen on Tuesday, February 10.
Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway will be performing maintenance on the railroad tracks.
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 photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students of The Month
February 7, 2026
Byrneville Elementary School recently named its January Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Bryce Archer and Josiah Webb
- 1st Grade: Wiley McCurdy and Brylee-Paige Smith
- 2nd Grade: Evelyn Gould and Ellie Levins
- 3rd Grade: Bradley Linton and Patrick Alexis
- 4th Grade: Rickey Tedder and Derri’ashia Grice
- 5th Grade: Phoenix Lacy and Timothy Dees
- Music: William Maxwell
- PE: Conner Fowler
- Art: Devorah Freeman
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Testing Shows High Levels Of Weed Killer In Popular Bread Brands
February 7, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo released results from state testing that showed high levels of glyphosate (found in week killers including Roundup).
The Florida Department of Health found glyphosate in six of eight bread products tested: Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right, Wonder Bread Classic White, Sara Lee Honey Wheat, and Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Whole Grain, the state said. Results are in the graphic above.
The state said the results are intended to give families additional insight into everyday foods and support informed decision-making.
“The Healthy Florida First initiative is taking proactive steps to strengthen food safety standards nationwide,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The results from the Florida Department of Health’s analysis of bread testing results show troubling levels of glyphosate. Consumers deserve to know what chemical contaminants are in their food so that they can make informed decisions.”
“Bread is a staple food for many Florida families, and they should be able to consume it without worrying about toxins,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Our testing found high levels of glyphosate in some popular bread brands. Chronic exposure to glyphosate is linked to harmful gut microbiome changes, liver inflammation, and adverse neurologic effects. Florida is taking action through transparency, continued testing, and a clear focus on reducing exposure to protect families.”
Reminder: Escambia Animal Shelter Now Open On Sundays
February 7, 2026
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is now open on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County, visit 24petconnect.com.
Pictured above: Bisbee the dog, a mixed breed male, and Bella the cat, a 4-year-old domestic shorthair. Both were previously available for adoption at the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.