Escambia (FL) Man Faces Drug Charges After Alabama Traffic Stop
November 5, 2025
An Escambia County, Florida, man was arrested in Atmore after a traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal narcotics, according to the Atmore Police Department.
Thames Stone, 45, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The incident began when an Atmore Police Officer responded to a citizen complaint about a reckless driver on North Main Street. The officer located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop after observing the driver fail to maintain his lane of travel.
During the interaction, the officer identified the driver as Stone and noted suspicious behavior, leading to suspicion that Stone may have been driving under the influence.
Following a consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered over two grams of cocaine, more than two dozen Xanax pills, and items associated with packaging narcotics, according to Atmore Police.
Stone was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
Escambia County Program That Provides Bus Or Plane Tickets To Get Homeless Out Reaches Milestone
November 5, 2025
Escambia County’s Real Change Project Reconnect Program is celebrating a milestone of helping more than 300 individuals, including 13 children, reunite with their family, friends, or other support networks through free transportation assistance.
Real Change Project Reconnect was launched in February 2024, with a goal of reducing homelessness in Escambia County. The program offers resources and assistance for individuals travel to locations where they have a better support system to help them get back on their feet.
The program is funded by Escambia County and facilitated by Ministry Village at Olive, Inc. Through Project Reconnect, eligible individuals and families are provided with a bus or plane ticket to their chosen destination, provided they can demonstrate that family, a job, or support network is in place for them.
Due to the success of the program, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners approved another increase in funding for the program from $53,527 to $89,706, providing even more opportunities to help individuals seeking assistance. Approximately $54,569 of the funding allocated for the program has been spent for the 307 individuals who have received assistance so far.
Escambia County Governmental Liaison Liz Kissel, who manages the program for the county, said she’s excited about using the additional funding to continue helping individuals who are looking for an opportunity to improve their circumstances.
“This milestone is another testament to the success of the Real Change Project Reconnect program, which is truly changing lives for the better and giving these individuals hope for a brighter future,” Kissel said. “I appreciate Ministry Village for their continued partnership and dedication to helping those in need in our community – this wouldn’t be possible without their support. I look forward to hearing even more heartwarming stories of people being reunited with their families and getting a chance at a fresh start through this program.”
The following individuals and families may be eligible for Real Change Project Reconnect:
- Individuals and families seeking family reunification and housing with their family or other support system.
- Individuals and families who have identified employment and need only short-term social service support to facilitate their transition to the arrival community.
- Individuals and families who have affordable permanent housing or other shelter options awaiting them in a community where they have family or social supports.
This program is just one part of Escambia County’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness in the community, and the county is continuing to work with community partners to strategize additional solutions for those experiencing homelessness.
For more information about Project Reconnect and other Escambia County Real Change programs and resources, visit MyEscambia.com/realchange or email homelessness@myescambia.com.
Blue Wahoos To Be The ‘Pensacola Sky Jockeys’ During Some 2026 Games
November 5, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos unveiled a new alternate identity that pays tribute to the community’s strong ties to military aviation. With a blue and yellow color scheme reminiscent of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Pensacola Sky Jockeys will take flight at Blue Wahoos Stadium during select games throughout the 2026 season.
Fitting Pensacola’s status as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” the Sky Jockeys jersey features the team wordmark in a sharp, angular font to match livery on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flown by the Blue Angels. The cap features a fierce, anthropomorphic fighter jet sporting aviator sunglasses and baseball bats on its wingtips.
“The Pensacola Blue Wahoos have enjoyed a strong relationship with our military community since we first took the field in 2012, and that partnership has only grown in recent years,” said Blue Wahoos assistant general manager Anthony Aspenson. “Our players have visited the Blue Angels on the flight line at N.A.S. Pensacola, and the Blue Angels have reciprocated with frequent flyovers during Blue Wahoos home games. When we think about what makes Pensacola special in the world of Minor League Baseball, our special connection with the Blue Angels is near the top of the list. We can’t wait to take the field wearing uniforms that recognize this unique point of Pensacola pride.”
The Blue Wahoos launched the Pensacola Mullets brand in 2016, and have worn the uniforms of their fun-loving alter egos for every Thursday home game since 2021. In 2023, the Blue Wahoos unveiled the Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok brand identity as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” celebration of Hispanic culture.
Photos/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Completes Multiple North Escambia Road, Drainage Projects In-House
November 4, 2025
Over the past several months, Escambia County has used county staff rather than outside contractors to save not only time but also money on road and drainage projects.
“We save a lot of money by doing it in-house,” Public Works Director Jamey Higdon said. “Using county crews and equipment also saves time compared to putting out contracts out to bid.”
Some of the North Escambia projects recently completed by county staff include:
- drainage projects on Macks Road, Pine Forest Road, State Line Road, Nokomis Road, Meadows Road, and Pineville Road
- shoulder work on West Highway 4
- bridge approaches on Rockaway Creek Road and Arthur Brown Road
- complete milling of Jakes Road. Crews will complete the milling on Jones Road soon.
In addition, Higdon said county crews will replace drainage pipe under Highway 4 near Northview High School. The work, which will require closure of Highway 4 and a detour, is currently slated for the school district’s Christmas break.
Pictured: This serious drainage washout on Macks Road near Bratt was repaired in-house by Escambia County Public Works staff. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP Corporal Constance Knowles Honored By Medical Examiner’s Office
November 4, 2025
The District One Medical Examiner’s Office has recognized Florida Highway Patrol Corporal Constance Knowles as one of this year’s Above and Beyond Award recipients.
The Medical Examiner’s Office said “Corporal Knowles demonstrates exceptional professionalism, communication, and dedication in every collaboration. Her diligence ensures accurate, timely, and respectful investigations, reflecting the highest standards of service.”
Knowles is an FHP traffic homicide investigator.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Shawn Lassiter Sworn In As Atmore’s New Mayor (With Gallery)
November 4, 2025
In Atmore Monday, newly-elected Mayor Shawn Lassiter was sworn into office. He has served as interim mayor since July 1, after Jim Staff retired after 24 years of service.
During an organizational meeting, councilmembers were also sworn in: Bob Turk, Jerome Webster, Eunice Johnson, David Dobson, and Bub Gideons.
Turk and Gideons are newly elected, replacing longtime council members Webb Nall and Chris Harrison, who did not seek re-election. Dobson was elected after being appointed to fill Lassiter’s council term when Lassiter was appointed interim mayor.
Municipal Judge Karean Reynolds, City Clerk Becca Smith, Director of Public Safety Chuck Brooks, Police Chief Ken Sessions and Fire Chief Ronald Peebles were also sworn into their positions.
The council also appointed Webster as mayor pro tem, Joe Whitt as municipal prosecutor, Gordon Godwin as public defender, Bill Wasden as city attorney, and Smith as city clerk.
Employment was continued by ordinance for all classified officers and employees.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Golfer Anna Kunkel Advances To State Finals
November 4, 2025
Northview High School’s Anna Kunkel competed in the FHSAA Regional Golf Championship in Jacksonville, finishing in the top five with a score of 74. She advances to the state to play for the state title.
At districts, Kunkel took first overall with a score of 69, while the Northview Girls Golf team finished third overall.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arthur Odom Sworn In As New Flomaton Mayor (With Gallery)
November 4, 2025
Arthur Odom was sworn in as the new mayor of Flomaton on Monday, replacing Jim Johnson. Johnson served six consecutive terms on the town council beginning in 2000 before being appointed mayor after the May 2023 resignation of Dewey Bondurant.
Council members Susan Fountain, Anna Lee, Kay Wagner, and Roger Adkinson were also sworn in. Adkinson was named mayor pro tem.
The council approved Odom’s request to postpone the official selection of town clerk, police chief and public works supervisor until he has time to speak with the individuals.
Odom said he looks forward to working for the citizens of Flomaton, and “Working with my council members. Sometimes we’re going to disagree, but we have to put our personal feelings aside and do what’s best for the town,” he said.
NorthEscambia.com and submitted (top) photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Sexually Battery Of Young Girl
November 4, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in station prison for the sexual battery of a young girl.
Jonathan Aaron Speaker was sentenced to serve life in state prison and was also designated a sexual predator by Circuit Court Judge John Simon. Speaker was found guilty by a jury of two counts of sexual battery (while in a position of custodial authority) and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim 12-15 years of age).
The investigation began after a report that Speaker had inappropriately touched a minor child in his custody. The abuse took place several years and started when the victim was 9-years-old. During the investigation, a controlled call was conducted with Speaker. During the call, Speaker told the victim that it was his “demon” that did these things to the victim.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant State Attorney, Carrie Gilmer prosecuted this case.
Student Athletes Honored At FCA Go The Distance Banquet
November 4, 2025
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Going the Distance Awards were presented this week at a banquet hosted by the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
Athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were honored for their participation in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball. The winners were chosen by their teammates based upon their integrity, dedication, character, and FCA values.
VOLLEYBALL
Allie Hepworth, Gulf Breeze
Danielle Lee, PSC
Emree Long, West Florida
Baylie Lowry, Jay
Emma Messer, Miltonon
Gabi Moulton, UWF
Brynleigh Roth, Pace
Maggie Stewart, Northview
Riley Walsh, Catholic
Emma Ward, Washingotn
Armani Westbrooks, Escambia
SWIMMING
Lauren Armstrong, Tate
Parker Brooks, Milton
Addison Chambers, Milton
Marialys Dekom, Navarre
James Dekom, Navarre
Landon Garcia, Catholic
Sara Gray, Catholic
Ian Malone, Washingotn
Qijuan McGhee, Pine Forest
Marie Prestwood, PHS
Abigail Robinson, Washingotn
Collin Scott, Tate
Carley Smith, Pine Forest
Lawson White, PHS
GOLF
Kinzlee Biggs, Tate
Riley Bounds, Gulf Breeze
Jackson Bridges, Northview
Meghan Cole, Escambia
Brayden Dadisman, Gulf Breeze
Lillian Day, Catholic
Hunter Kroll, Escambia
Kaden Lightbourn, Milton
Evana Lin, PHS
Dawson McCullough, Jay
Caroline Mitchem, Jay
Kaitlyn Roberts, West Florida
Anna Rudd, Pine Forest
Eli Semore, Washingotn
Madison Smith, Milton
Lisa Taing, Nav
Clayton White, PHS
Will Zoesch, Catholic
CROSS COUNTRY
Sarah Boyles, PHS
Hunter DeGraff, Jay
Addison Garrett, Catholic
Raul Gonzalez-Garcia, Washingotn
Danica Hoffman, Milton
Gracee Hood, Gulf Breeze
Braeden Hunt, Gulf Breeze
Jack McAuley, West Florida
Mateo Moreno, Milton
Charlotte Nesmith, West Florida
Claire Pennell, Jay
Peter Ruiz, PHS
Bowen Spear, Catholic
Brooke Stubblefield, Washingotn
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