Last Navy C-2 Greyhound Escorted By All Six Blue Angels To NAS Pensacola
July 29, 2026
Six decades of naval aviation history came to a close on Tuesday as the last C-2 Greyhound made its final flight, escorted by all six U.S. Navy Blue Angels, landing at NAS Pensacola.
The aircraft was attached to the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 Rawhides — the last squadron to operate the C-2 Greyhound aircraft. The final flight originated out of Norfolk, the end of an era for the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft, which is being replaced in that role by the CMV-22 Osprey.
Since their introduction to the fleet in 1966, C-2s have carried tons of cargo, including mail to and from home, and thousands of personnel operating from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers around the world.
For passengers, including many civilians, a COD flight provided the opportunity to experience the thrill of a carrier arrested landing and catapult launch, one normally reserved for qualified air crew. World leaders, high-ranking government officials and entertainers, including Bob Hope and participants in his famous USO Christmas shows, have logged flights in the C-2 during its six decades of service.
“When a C-2 appears on the horizon, it brings with it far more than just cargo,” said Cmdr. Paul “PETA” Ingram, VRC-40 commanding officer. “Every single mission carries a deep, personal meaning for someone aboard the carrier. For a nervous new Sailor, that trap represents the excitement of arriving for their first fleet assignment and for a seasoned master chief, it is the final catapult shot before a hard-earned retirement. It is the joyous flight ferrying a Sailor home to a waiting family, or the delivery of a simple, handwritten letter from a loved one that restores morale during a grueling deployment. In its most urgent capacity, the Greyhound serves as a flying ambulance, executing a life-saving medical evacuation that ensures an injured service member lives to see tomorrow. No other aircraft in the history of Naval Aviation carries so many personal memories for as many people as the C-2.”
Notably, the retirement of the Greyhound also ends an era of enlisted aircrew flying in aircraft equipped with tailhooks. The service of these Sailors dates to before World War II, when enlisted service members began flying as gunners in carrier-based bombing and torpedo aircraft.
Fittingly, the C-2’s final arrested landing and catapult launch occurred in June on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the Navy’s oldest operational aircraft carrier.
The C-2 Greyhound will turn over to the National Naval Aviation Museum.
U.S. Navy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Tuesday Afternoon Cordova Mall Disturbance
July 29, 2026
A 22-year-old man was charged after an incident at Cordova Mall on Tuesday afternoon.
The Pensacola Police Department responded around 12:20 p.m. to a report of a man with a gun at the mall.
Shoppers reported police entered the mall with guns drawn to search for the suspect.
PPD said the man ran from officers and attempted to hide on the second floor of the Belk department store, but he was taken into custody.
Theodore Jermaine Jackson, 22, was charged with resisting officers and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $1,250.
Pictured: The scene outside Belk and Cordova mall on Tuesday afternoon. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Sports Names Jason Libbert New President, CEO
July 29, 2026
Jason Libbert has been named the new president and CEO of Pensacola Sports.
Libbert returns to Pensacola Sports after serving for 12 years as director of events, where he helped recruit, create and manage many of the organization’s signature events while working to strengthen Pensacola’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. He brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, event operations, marketing and sponsorship development.
Since leaving Pensacola Sports in 2022, Libbert has remained active in the Pensacola community while continuing to build relationships throughout the region. His return marks both a homecoming and the beginning of a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of using sports to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Northwest Florida.
“I’m incredibly honored to return to Pensacola Sports and lead an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Libbert. “Pensacola Sports has built an outstanding reputation for bringing premier sporting events to our community while creating lasting economic impact and unforgettable experiences. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors and community partners as we continue to grow our mission, strengthen our partnerships and build on an incredible legacy.”
Libbert succeeds Ray Palmer, who is retiring after nearly 25 years of leadership at Pensacola Sports.
“Serving Pensacola Sports has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said Palmer. “Jason understands our mission, our partners and the important role Pensacola Sports plays in our community and throughout the sports tourism industry. His passion, experience and leadership make him the right person to guide the organization into its next chapter. I couldn’t be more excited for Jason and for the future of Pensacola Sports.”
Charges Dropped Against 16-Year-Old Arrested In July 5 Downtown Pensacola Shooting
July 29, 2026
All charges were dropped on Monday against a 16-year-old charged in connection with a July 5 downtown shooting that claimed one life and injured six others.
Kanye Dewayne Walker had been charged with principal to attempted first-degree premeditated murder, principal to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor. Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The case against Walker is not closed.
When Walker was charged, Pensacola Police said he handed a gun to another suspect. “Walker was observed on surveillance video handing Nicholas Safford the firearm that he used to fire shots. The investigation is continuing to determine who or what was struck by those shots,” PPD said on July 13.
Nicholas Safford, 26, of Daphne, Alabama, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, firing a weapon in public, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Surveillance video from the scene captured Safford running toward Shepard multiple times and arguing with him before firing a weapon in Shepard’s direction. Ten shell casings recovered at the scene were linked to Safford’s gun. While Safford is accused of firing toward the victims, autopsy results indicated the fatal shot that killed Shepard came from a different angle.
Lillian Meyers, 25, was also arrested in connection with the incident. Surveillance footage showed Meyers taking the handgun from Safford while he was being treated for injuries after the shooting. Meyers later turned the 9 mm handgun over to officers at her apartment and was charged with tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact.
Marley Foster, 17, has been charged with possession of a weapon by a Florida delinquent and firing a weapon in public.
The suspected gunman who fired the fatal shot in a Fourth of July weekend mass shooting in downtown Pensacola died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on July 16 as law enforcement officers attempted to serve a warrant.
As police attempted to serve a manslaughter warrant on 20-year-old Trevon Bradley for the shooting death of Philip Deon Monte Shepard Jr., he reportedly shot himself.
Pictured: (L-R) Safford, Meyers, and Foster.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Crash
July 29, 2026
There were no injuries in a minor two-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 29 near North Tate School Road. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Slip By Smokies In Nail-Biting Win
July 29, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their winning ways on Tuesday night, taking their road trip opener in heart-stopping fashion 3-2 over the Knoxville Smokies.
After three early runs, the Blue Wahoos withstood a late comeback effort from the Smokies to improve to a season-best eight games above the .500 mark.
A Colby Shade sacrifice fly and a Dylan Jasso RBI single gave the Blue Wahoos a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Smokies starter Connor Schultz (L, 3-4). Cristian Hernández added another run in the third on a solo homer for a 3-0 lead.
Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios faced the minimum through 4.1 innings, but departed after issuing three consecutive walks in the fifth inning. Reliever Gabe Bierman (W, 3-1) allowed an inherited run to score on a Karson Simas RBI single before retiring the next two batters and leaving the bases loaded with the lead intact.
Bierman allowed an unearned run in the seventh when Ariel Armas walked, took second on a passed ball, advanced to third on a balk, and scored on a Miguel Useche sacrifice fly.
Called upon to protect a 3-2 lead, Jack Sellinger (S, 6) breezed through a quick eighth inning before running into trouble in the ninth. Andy Garriola led off with a double and advanced to third on a flyout, but Sellinger struck out Armas and made an impressive defensive play to field an Edgar Alvarez grounder and throw to first for the final out.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Slow Speed Walmart Parking Lot Chase Leads To Meth Trafficking Arrest For Cantonment Man
July 28, 2026
What began as erratic driving on West Nine Mile Road escalated into a lights-and-siren pursuit through a Walmart parking lot and a meth trafficking arrest for a Cantonment man recenthly.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 55, was arrested after allegedly refusing to stop for law enforcement and leaving a trail of narcotics in his wake during an attempted evasion. He was charged with trafficking methamphetamine (14 grams or over), tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding, possession of marijuana, and driving with a suspended or revoked license, third or subsequent offense. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $108,500 bond.
According to the arrest report, the incident began when a marked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit observed a white pickup truck crossing the center line multiple times and improperly stopping at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pensacola Boulevard. A deputy followed the vehicle into the Walmart parking lot at 8970 Pensacola Boulevard and activated their emergency lights and siren.
Instead of yielding, Davis reportedly slowed down but continued to drive north through the parking lot. During the slow-speed pursuit, the deputy observed Davis frantically reaching around the passenger seat, causing the truck to make sudden, jerky movements. With the truck’s passenger window open, Davis executed an abrupt U-turn in the Walmart lot before finally pulling into the adjacent Murphy USA gas station and coming to a stop.
Even after halting the truck, Davis continued reaching into the passenger area before finally exiting the vehicle and surrendering to verbal commands, the report states.
A responding ECSO K-9 unit indicated probable cause to search the vehicle. Deputies reported finding:
- Inside the Cab: Deputies found 17.9 grams of shattered white crystalline shards scattered throughout the interior, heavily coating the passenger side door panel next to the open window.
- In the Parking Lot: Near the entrance to the gas station where Davis made his abrupt U-turn, investigators recovered an additional 4 grams of the white crystalline substance on the ground.
- In the Bushes: A clear plastic bag containing 12.8 grams of marijuana was found discarded in a bush immediately to the right of the parked truck.
Deputies said the white substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, bringing the total amount recovered to 21.9 grams.
When questioned, Davis reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana but denied ownership of the bag found in the bush right next to his truck. Regarding the methamphetamine, Davis claimed he was “clean” and no longer smoked the drug.
A subsequent records check revealed a lengthy history of driving infractions. Davis has 10 prior convictions for driving with a suspended license, and his license has been actively revoked since 1994. Notably, his most recent suspension stemmed from a November 2024 conviction for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
Volunteers Needed: Century To Kick Off AARP Walkability Grant Study At Thursday Meeting
July 28, 2026
Thursday, the Town of Century will begin the process of implementing a $2,500 grant through the nationwide AARP Community Challenge program to study community walkability.
The kickoff meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Century Town Hall. It will be a planning meeting for volunteers to help identify and plan a walk audit route. Thursday’s meeting will be entirely inside with air-conditioned comfort; the actual walk audit will be held later this year once the weather cools.
The grant funds a community walk audit designed to assess sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and lighting along key town corridors. The initiative aims to identify barriers to mobility and highlight opportunities for future infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly those aged 55 and older.
Kleinhaus Consulting Group, LLC has been selected to lead the project. The group will manage community engagement activities, facilitate the audit process, and prepare a final report of findings and recommendations for the Town’s consideration.
“Creating a community where residents can safely walk, stay active, and remain connected is important for people of all ages,” Century Mayor Benjamin Boutwell said. “We appreciate AARP’s investment in Century and look forward to working with residents and our partners to identify ways we can make our town even more welcoming and accessible.”
Community meetings will also be held to share the results and help guide future planning efforts.
Stock image.
Reno’s Reptiles Visiting The Century And Molino Libraries This Week
July 28, 2026
Reno’s Reptiles will present a reptile show and tell this week at the Molino and Century libraries.
Alligators, tortoises, and other other animals will visit both libraries.
Reno’s Reptiles will be at the Century Branch Library on Thursday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m., and again at the Molino Branch Library on Saturday, August 1 at 1 p.m.
Here is the complete list of Reno’s Reptiles visits to West Florida Libraries this week:
- Wednesday at 4 p.m. – Bellview Library
- Thursday at 10:30 a.m. – Century Library
- Thursday at 2 p.m. – Westside Library
- Thursday at 5:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Friday at 1 p.m. – Big Lagoon State Park
- Friday at 4:30 p.m. – Tryon Library
- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. – Brownsville Library
- Saturday at 1 p.m. – Molino Library
Pictured: Reno’s Reptiles last year the Century Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former School Employee Gets 10 Years On Federal Child Sex Crime Charges
July 28, 2026
A former school employee has been sentenced on federal charges for attempted sex trafficking of a minor in Escambia County.
Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Semmes, Alabama, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents, Glover communicated with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female and offered to pay her hundreds of dollars in return for sexual acts in October 2025. Glover then traveled from Alabama, where he worked for the Baldwin County School District, to Pensacola to meet with the minor. The purported minor, however, was an undercover law enforcement officer. When Glover reached Pensacola to engage in the sexual acts with the child, he was taken into custody. He possessed over $200 in cash in order to pay for the illicit sexual acts.
Glover’s prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Glover will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“This case demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our investigators, whose meticulous undercover work helped secure a 10‑year federal prison sentence and protect future victims,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Their steadfast determination is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when law enforcement works tirelessly to pursue justice, making our communities safer and uphold the values we stand for every day.”
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is a reminder that parents need to be aware of the online threats facing our kids from sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of these sick individuals preying upon our kids, and my office will continue to follow through on those investigations and arrests with aggressive prosecutions to keep our children safe online.”