Cantonment Teen Charged With Attempted Armed Robbery With A Firearm At Ashton Brosnaham Park
May 24, 2025
A Cantonment man has been charged in connection with an attempted robbery that occurred on April 6 at Ashton Brosnaham Park. The arrest follows an investigation into an incident where a man was allegedly set up and assaulted.
John Thomas Hernandez, 18, was charged with felony attempted robbery with a firearm.
According to reports, the victim had arranged to meet an acquaintance at the park. The meeting, initially scheduled for earlier in the day, was changed to after dark. Upon arrival, the victim observed the acquaintance with another individual in a gray Ford Explorer. After a brief conversation, the victim entered the acquaintance’s vehicle.
During the conversation, a male wearing all black clothing and a black ski mask allegedly opened the back passenger side door, placed a black handgun to the victim’s head, and demanded money. The victim immediately recognized the voice as someone he knew as Hernandez, according to an arrest report.
A struggle ensued, during which a second male, also described as wearing all black and a black ski mask, opened the front passenger side door and began striking the victim with a handgun. The victim sustained injuries, including a red mark on the right side of his temple and multiple red marks on his back and right side. He refused EMS at the scene.
The victim managed to escape the vehicle and drive away, immediately contacting a family member and then law enforcement. He later provided officers with photographic evidence of Snapchat messages between his acquaintance and a user identity which he stated belonged to Hernandez. These messages allegedly detailed the planning of the incident, including instructions on where to park and ensuring doors were unlocked.
The acquaintance’s phone, which was found to be smashed, was seized by authorities. During questioning, the acquaintance initially denied knowledge of the Snapchat messages but later confirmed that the Snapchat username was Hernandez.
Further investigation led to the identification of Hernandez through a photo lineup presented to the victim, according to the arrest report, and the victim provided a message he received from Hernandez after the incident, which further implicated him.
Hernandez was arrested on May 20 on an outstanding warrant. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning without bond.
Lee Jacobi Receives FWC Youth Hunting Program’s Landowner Of The Year Award
May 24, 2025
Escambia County’s Lee Jacobi has been awarded the Landowner of the Year award for the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. The award was presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during their meeting in Ocala.
This program strives to provide every youth in the state with the opportunity to participate in a safe, educational and affordable hunt.
Jacobi’s journey with the program began when he responded to a letter inviting landowners in the Antlerless Deer Permit Program to consider hosting youth hunts. He agreed to host a youth hunt on his family farm in Escambia County, during which he served as a guide. After that first hunt, Jacobi completed HuntMaster training and took full responsibility for coordinating future events on his property. Each year since, Jacobi and his family have welcomed five youth participants and their parents to enjoy a memorable weekend of learning and outdoor adventure.
“Lee’s volunteer spirit and hospitality create a welcoming, educational environment for the new hunters he mentors,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s Section Leader for Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges. “He not only imparts practical knowledge about hunting and conservation but also instills a love for farming, demonstrating how these practices intersect in the broader mission of protecting Florida’s natural resources and sustaining our shared hunting legacy for future generations.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sisters Sentenced To Federal Prison For Embezzling Over $844,000 From Escambia Business
May 24, 2025
Santa Rosa County sisters have been sentenced to federal prison for embezzling over $844,000 from an Escambia County business.
Kimberly Lovitt, 52, of Pace, and Amy Williams, 46, of Milton, were sentenced to 36 months and 18 months, respectively, in federal prison on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns stemming from their embezzlement of funds from their employer. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences.
“Abuse of trust, embezzlement, and tax evasion warrant significant criminal consequences” said Spaven. “The defendants’ years-long theft from their employer and the extreme efforts to conceal their criminal proceeds are both illegal and offensive to all hardworking Americans, especially those who own and operate local businesses. It is fitting and proper that they are not only incarcerated, but that they pay restitution and unpaid taxes for their criminal conduct.”
Beginning in early 2016 and continuing into 2021, Lovitt conspired with her sister, Williams, to embezzle over $844,000 from their employer, a locally owned business in Escambia County. Lovitt worked as the officer manager and Williams worked as the receptionist. They used their positions to steal money from their employer by using corporate credit cards for unauthorized personal purchases. Lovitt used her position to create false documentation and manipulate accounting records to cover up their scheme. Lovitt also failed to report the embezzled money as income on her federal income tax returns.
The defendants’ theft through embezzlement caused great financial strain on their employer and put other employees’ jobs at risk,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Field Office. “The sentencings today serve as an example of what individuals can expect when they lie, cheat, and steal and then try to hide the ill-gotten gains from the IRS.”
Century’s Splash Pad Is Not Open. Here’s Why.
May 24, 2025
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start to the summer, but a splash pad is not open in Century’s Showalter Park.
Town officials say the problem is twofold. First, there’s no electrical pad to the splash pad due to an electrical problem after a small fire in the ballpark. Second, without power, the town can’t properly diagnosis and fix a problem with the pumps and controls that operate the splash pad.
The town says they are working to fix both problems and open the splash pad as soon as possible.
Century’s splash pad first opened in 2017, funded by a $50,000 state grant.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Northview High’s Colby Pugh Signs To Play Baseball At Baptist University Of Florida
May 24, 2025
Northview High School senior Colby Pugh signed Friday evening to play baseball with the Baptist University of Florida during a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barons Come Through in Clutch As Blue Wahoos Drop Fourth Straight
May 24, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
With a 1-2-3 inning in the first from left-hander Adam Laskey, and the offense forcing runners to second and third with one out in the bottom of the frame against Birmingham’s Dalton Roach, it felt like the Blue Wahoos had found momentum for the first time this week.
In short, they did not. With a 6-3 loss, Pensacola has now lost four straight for the second time this season.
After a one-out walk from Jared Serna and a double from Jake Thompson, both runners were stranded on base to end the inning.
After squandering the opportunity with runners in scoring position, the Barons’ offense began to click. Catcher Adam Hackenberg drove in a run with an opposite-field single to take advantage of a two-out error by Johnny Olmstead at second base in the second, while Caden Connor picked up an RBI to score Rikuu Nishida in the third.
Birmingham’s offensive production exploded in the fourth, as they drove in four runs with two outs against the Blue Wahoos’ southpaw. D.J. Gladney, Mario Camiletti, Nishida and Connor all came around to touch home to put Birmingham up 6-1, totaling four hits and two walks in the frame.
Laskey totaled 5.0 innings while absorbing the loss, allowing six runs (five earned), walking three and giving up eight hits.
While the Barons’ offense was opportunistic against the lefty, the Wahoos found their most success in the batter’s box so far this series. Catcher Sam Praytor had two RBI singles in the second and sixth, while centerfielder Shane Sasaki drove in a run in the fourth.
The Wahoos’ bullpen was excellent Friday night. Right-handers Josh White and Nigel Belgrave combined to provide four innings of no-hit relief, allowing only two baserunners via walks.
With a 6:05 first pitch for Star Wars Night tomorrow, both clubs will send out big left-handers to make the start. Dax Fulton is slated to take the mound for Pensacola, while Noah Schultz will take the ball for Birmingham.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: Saturday night will start at 6:05 p.m., while Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of the season.
Here’s What Happened In Crash That Shut Down I-10 Thursday Afternoon
May 23, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol has released details on a three-vehicle crash at 4:15 that shut down I-10 westbound near the Highway 29 exit on Thursday afternoon.
FHP said a 50-year-old Lakeland, Florida, man was driving a westbound semi-truck pulling an empty flatbed trailer. Troopers said he failed to maintain proper distance from an SUV driven by a 69-year-old Pensacola woman. The semi collided with the SUV, causing it to overturn once. The side of the flatbed trailer then struck a pickup truck driven by a 67-year-old Pensacola man.
The driver of the semi was not injured. The driver of the SUV was extricated and transported to a local hospital in serious condition. The driver of the pickup and his passenger received minor injuries and were not transported to the hospital
The crash backed traffic up on both I-10 westbound and I-110 northbound.
Tate High School Names 2025 Valedictorian, Salutatorian And Top 10% Graduates
May 23, 2025
Tate High School has named their Class of 2025 valedictorian, salutatorian, and Top 10% graduates.
They are valedictorian Talia Bethany Smith (pictured left) and salutatorian Kaylyn Alyssa Weiss.
The Top 10% graduates, in order of rank, are:
- Talia Bethany Smith
- Kaylyn Alyssa Weiss
- Skylah Makenzy Miles
- Lilia Marie Treick
- S. Hardnack
- Calum John Bruce Sarfert
- Hayden Matthew Graybill
- Jordan Mackenzie Smith
- Carlyn Elizabeth Ham
- Leslye Dolores Hardnack
- Tristan Ray Dykes
- Eli Christopher Whitton
- Emma Nguyen Bui
- Autumn Raye Nelson
- Reagan Ilynn Hatcher
- Courtney Noel Reichard
- Lily Annette McArthur
- Haylee Renee Skelton
- Kristopher Todd Kelley
- Madalyn Olivia Jarman
- Carson Bennett White
- Maria Weaver
- Murphy Joseph Blanchard
- Elizabeth Merrian Branch
- Shacora Elaine Caldwell
- Kaleb Steven Posta
- Hannah Elisabeth Teague
- Aubree Marie Jordan
- Jordan Jeffrey Porter
- Kara Grace Wine
- Tyler Jacob Camacho
- Brock Ostin Moore
- Kayleigh Ann Clark
- Liam Edward Montgomery
- Emma Elizabeth Nigam
- Zachary James Rogers
- Christopher Tyler Ingram
- Collin Raymond Brady
- Alexis Elaine Brigham
- Christian Jon Hollingsworth
- Elizabeth Grace Seale
- Kadyn Brett Jones
- Teagan Caylinn Brown
- Jayda Denise Hendricks
- Brycen Scott Kircharr
- Gabrial Olivia Potts
- Christian Decatur Daigle
- Savannah Marie Turner
- Lana Elyse Carter
- Dalila Gabrielle Whalen
The Tate High School Class of 2025 will graduate at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Juvenile, 15, Charged With Cantonment Burglaries
May 23, 2025
A 15-year-old was charged with breaking into multiple vehicles and one residence on Southern Oaks Drive in Cantonment on Thursday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of two males who were attempting to burglarize several unlocked vehicles in the area. An ECSO sergeant identified the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled but crashed into a nearby tree. The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot, leaving behind a handgun with the serial number removed.
Deputies circulated the area and ultimately located the 15-year-old. He was charged with six vehicle burglaries and one residential burglary. The investigation continues, and additional arrests are anticipated, the Sheriff’s Office said.
NOAA Predicts Above Normal Hurricane Season (With List Of Storm Names)
May 23, 2025
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
Factors influencing NOAA’s predictions
The season is expected to be above normal – due to a confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation.
The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption.
This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms.
“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”
