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Jay Operations Manager, Recent City Manager Contender Arrested On Sex Offender Violation

The Town of Jay’s operations manager—who was recently considered for the town manager position—was arrested Monday morning during a sex offender compliance sweep.

April Burford Watson, 50, was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail at approximately 10:47 a.m. She is charged with a felony sex offender violation for failure to register as required. As of early Tuesday morning, she was being held without bond.

Watson’s arrest was reportedly part of a morning targeting registered sex offenders accused of violating state registration requirements.

Watson currently serves as the operations manager for the Town of Jay. Earlier this month, she was under consideration to become the next town manager. However, the town council opted on July 7 not to fill the position.

Watson’s requirement to register as a sexual offender stems from an August 2009 arrest. At the time, Watson and another former Jay High School teacher were charged with engaging in unlawful sexual activity with three 17-year-old male students during July and October of 2007.

In April 2010, Watson was found guilty on three counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. She was sentenced to 15 months in state prison, serving one year behind bars. Her sentence was followed by 18 months of community control and five years of probation, along with a lifelong requirement to register as a sexual offender under Florida law.

Need Sand For Flood Prep? It’s Available Free In Escambia County

With a tropical storm watch in effect for the Northwest Florida coastline, Escambia County  has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas

The sand is available on a first come, first served basis 24 hours a day at the following locations:

• Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 Highway 4, Bratt
• Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
• Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
• Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola (NW cornerschool property on Parazine Street)
• Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
• Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola

Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are typically available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.

Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Two Escambia County Tax Preparers Plead Guilty In Fraudulent Tax Return Scheme

Two Escambia County tax preparers have pleaded guilty to federal charges for an alleged fraudulent tax return scheme.

D’ontrinique K. Johnson, formerly known as D’ontrinique K. Wilkerson, 30, and Tequilla D. Nairn, formerly known as Tequilla D. Robinson, 37, both of Pensacola, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to aid or assist in preparation of false tax returns and to stealing government money and filing false tax returns and three counts of filing a false tax return. Nairn additionally pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud.

Court documents reflect that Johnson worked as a tax preparer for Nairn, who owned and operated First Premium Solutions, a tax return preparation business in Escambia County. Between 2021 and 2023, Nairn and Johnson conspired to routinely prepare fraudulent federal income tax returns for their clients as well as fraudulent personal returns, collectively preventing the payment of more than $192,000 in federal taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service. Nairn and Johnson knew the returns they prepared contained materially false items, such as fraudulent credits or business information, which were never provided to them by their clients. In 2020 and 2021, Nairn also fraudulently filed for and obtained unemployment insurance benefits from both Florida and Virginia by falsely claiming she was not working due to the COVID pandemic and had not applied for benefits from other states, all while working as a tax preparer and not reporting the additional benefits on her tax returns.

Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. and Nairn’s sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Johnson and Nairn face up to five years imprisonment for the conspiracy count and up to three years imprisonment for each filing a false tax return count. Nairn additionally faces a mandatory consecutive two years imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count and up to 20 years imprisonment for the wire fraud count.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Escambia Master Deputy Christopher Echele Receives Sheriff’s Award

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Christopher Echele has received the Sheriff’s Medal Award from Sheriff Chip Simmons. the award recognizes his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Escambia County Sheriffs’ Office. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Couple Charged With Felony Aggravated Child Abuse For Alleged Physical Abuse, Severe Neglect Of Young Girl

Several felony charges against a local couple following allegations of physical abuse, confinement, and food deprivation involving their elementary-school-aged daughter.

Justin Patrick Redd, 33, and his wife, Brittney Michelle Redd, 28, have both been charged with identical offenses, including felony aggravated child abuse (domestic violence), felony neglect of a child with great bodily harm, and a misdemeanor charge of a parent failing to require school attendance. At the time of their arrests, both suspects provided residential addresses located in Jay though the offenses are documented by law enforcement as occurring within Escambia County. Detention records indicate that both individuals remain in the county jail on Monday morning with bond set at $201,000 each.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, the allegations involve a single elementary-school-aged child who lived in the home. Court records clarified that Justin Patrick Redd is the child’s biological father, while Brittney Michelle Redd is her stepmother.

Medical Evaluation and Chronological History of Physical Decline

Sheriff’s investigators compiled extensive medical records from multiple Northwest Florida healthcare facilities, establishing a documented timeline of physical decline and weight fluctuations while under the suspects’ care, contrasted with immediate recoveries under hospital supervision:

• Initial Baseline Weight: Prior to the father obtaining full custody, records show the child had a stable medical baseline. On December 11, 2022, she was evaluated at HCA Florida West Hospital for an ankle injury and weighed 60.62 pounds. On January 27, 2023, clinic documentation records her weight at 63.1 pounds.
• Custody and Early Deterioration (Late 2023): Law enforcement notes indicate Justin Redd obtained physical custody in May 2023 and official court custody in December 2023. In October 2023, hospital staff treated the child for vomiting, headaches, and constipation, recording her weight at 65.03 pounds. By December 2023, medical charts show her weight had begun to slip to 64.59 pounds.
• Rapid Deterioration and Self-Harm (Summer 2024): Medical records show that on June 29, 2024, the child was admitted to Baptist Hospital after she stopped eating, was scratching her skin until it bled, and suffered from severe skin conditions, with her weight recorded at 53.60 pounds. Hospital staff admitted her for inpatient treatment; records show that in four days under direct medical supervision, she gained 8.79 pounds, discharging at 62.39 pounds.
• The Push for a Feeding Tube: By late August 2024, clinical tracking shows her weight collapsed again to 50.21 pounds. On August 21, 2024, she was taken to Community Health Northwest Florida to discuss surgical placement of a gastric feeding tube. That same day, she was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital for inpatient psychiatric care, where records show that while removed from the household environment, she gained 8.16 pounds in 13 days under hospital care, discharging at 58.86 pounds.
• Failure to Thrive and Final Collapse (Fall/Winter 2024): In late September 2024, she was evaluated at HCA Florida West Hospital specifically for “failure to thrive”. On October 4, 2024, she was seen for a check-up regarding the pending feeding tube surgery. By December 26, 2024, her weight had plummeted to 47 pounds during a clinic visit where medical staff noted she was urinating blood.
• Emergency Transfer for Kidney Failure: On December 27, 2024, she was admitted to HCA Florida West Hospital weighing 45.19 pounds. Doctors diagnosed her with hematuria, nausea, vomiting, a kidney stone, and thyrotoxicosis. Because of her critical state, hospital personnel immediately transferred her to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for intensive care.

Upon admission to Shands Hospital, the child’s severe physical state was documented by medical personnel:

• Severe Cachexia and Atrophy: Hospital records describe the child as extremely malnourished, presenting with temporal wasting, prominent cheekbones, and noticeable muscle atrophy of both her upper and lower extremities.
• Systemic Dermatological Damage: Medical exams documented that her entire body was covered in thick, white, scaly, and patchy skin, which was later clinically linked directly to the profound level of malnutrition she experienced. She also had dry, chapped lips.
• Physical Trauma and Abrasions: The physical exam documented multiple abrasions and bruises over her bilateral anterior lateral bony prominences of the pelvis, knees, and tailbone, which investigators noted were consistent with reports of sleeping on a hard floor without blankets or bedding.
• Rapid Weight Recovery Under Hospital Care: Highlighting that her physical state was tied to external food deprivation rather than an organic medical condition, hospital records show the child’s weight rapidly improved as soon as she was removed from her father and stepmother’s care. During her 14-day stay at Shands Hospital, she met 100% of her daily caloric needs and gained 19 pounds, rising from 47 pounds at admission to 66 pounds at discharge.

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Confinement and Daily Conditions

During interviews with medical staff, social workers, and forensic investigators, the child described her living conditions within the home. She stated she was restricted to a diet consisting of one to two bowls of oatmeal per day, which her father spoon-fed to her, and that on limited occasions, she was given cold canned kidney beans.

The victim reported to investigators that she was locked inside her bedroom for extended periods by a golden metal lock installed on the exterior of her door. Because she was denied regular access to the bathroom, she experienced frequent toileting accidents. She stated to forensic interviewers that following these accidents, she was placed in hot or cold showers and instructed to “shake off like a dog” because she was told they had lost her towel.

Investigators noted that the child’s bedroom dresser had been turned around to face the wall to block her access to clothing, and she was forced to wear a pull-up diaper. The room was monitored by security cameras, and the child stated she was ordered by her parents to stand for long periods and was forbidden from sitting or touching the furniture. She also disclosed to interviewers that she was excluded from celebrating holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, and her birthday.

Digital Search and Facebook Evidence

As part of the multi-month investigation, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office utilized digital forensics to examine online activity surrounding the household. Investigative files show that a formal preservation request was initially sent to Meta Platforms, Inc. for Brittney Redd’s Facebook account.

On May 14, 2025, an investigator secured a formal search warrant for the account, which was reviewed and signed by Honorable Judge Jennifer Frydrychowicz. On May 20, 2025, a search warrant return and a Non-Disclosure Order signed by Judge Frydrychowicz were processed through the Clerk of Court and served to Meta Platforms, Inc. According to the final narrative, the data downloaded from the Meta return did not yield items of direct evidentiary value, but the digital records were compiled onto a USB drive and submitted into the agency’s official evidence repository.

Separate from the official platform return, family members provided investigators with screenshots of past public Facebook activity from the account. Witnesses stated that a photo of the child in soiled underwear had previously been posted to the page in what they believed was an attempt to shame her. Another family witness noted utilizing a separate profile to monitor the child’s condition online, observing a photograph dated November 7, 2024, in which the child appeared noticeably thin. These screenshots were successfully uploaded to the Sheriff’s Office tracking system.

School History and Discrepancies in Suspect Statements

School district records obtained via subpoena by the State Attorney’s Office showed the child was enrolled in an elementary school on January 8, 2024, but was withdrawn by her father on May 10, 2024. Investigators found she was not re-enrolled in any online curriculum or formal education program during the subsequent months.

When interviewed by Sheriff’s Office investigators, Justin and Brittney Redd denied the allegations of abuse, attributing the child’s weight loss and behavior to psychiatric issues, auditory hallucinations, and a self-imposed calorie obsession linked to past trauma. Justin Redd claimed to deputies that medical staff at Baptist Hospital had previously advised them the child was a danger to herself and others.

However, investigators reviewed medical and counseling files from Lakeview Center and Baptist Hospital, stating they did not contain records labeling the child a danger to others or validating a self-imposed calorie obsession. The documentation revealed the parents had missed 14 scheduled medical appointments.

Current Status

Following her medical discharge on January 10, 2025, child welfare files indicate the child was placed in the care of her maternal grandfather.

By March 2025, reports from investigators indicated the child had reached a weight of 80 pounds, and her laboratory blood work had returned to normal parameters. Records state she was enrolled in a physical third-grade classroom, where her teacher described her as sweet and shy, noting she exhibited regular eating habits, normal peer interactions, and no behavioral or restroom issues. School is currently out for the summer, and the legal proceedings against Justin Patrick Redd and Brittney Michelle Redd remain active.

Florida’s Month-Long Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Began Monday

Florida’s month-long Back to School Sales Tax Holiday began on Monday.

The discount holiday, first offered as a seven-day period in 1998 when sales taxes were lifted on only certain clothing valued $50 or less, was firmly put into state statutes last year as a recurring event to run throughout August.

Previously, the discount period was annually approved at varying lengths from three to 14-days, and some years, most recently 2009, the holiday wasn’t offered.

For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through August 20.

The retail lobbying organization credits the change of dates with helping consumers facing affordability issues tie in the state holiday with annual back-to-school discounts offered by businesses.

During the upcoming holiday, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.

Legislative staff this year didn’t estimate the savings when the tax package was introduced in the regular session and later revived and approved in the special session in May.

In 2025, with the same discount benchmarks, legislative economists projected the savings would hit around $217 million.

The next tax holiday offered under the tax package (HB 7031E) is on hunting, fishing and camping equipment, beginning September 1 and continuing until the end of the year.

Legislative staff projected that discount period will cut revenue to the state by $31.2 million and local governments collectively by $8.8 million.

July 20-August 20 back-to-school “holiday” savings:

Exempt clothing valued at $100 or less:

• Aerobic and fitness clothing
• Aprons and clothing shields
• Athletic supporters
• Backpacks and book bags
• Bandanas
• Baseball cleats
• Bathing suits, caps, and cover-ups
• Belts
• Bibs
• Blouses
• Non-ski or fishing boots
• Bowling shoes
• Bras
• Cleated and spiked shoes
• Coats
• Coin purses
• Dresses
• Fanny packs
• Graduation caps and gowns
• Gym suits and uniforms
• Hosiery and pantyhose (including support hosiery)
• Hunting vests
• Jackets
• Jeans
• Lab coats
• Leggings, tights, and leg warmers
• Leotards
• Lingerie
• Martial arts attire
• Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos
• Scout uniforms
• Shoe inserts and insoles
• Shorts
• Ski suits (snow)
• Skirts
• Slippers
• Slips
• Socks
• Suits, slacks, and jackets
• Sweaters

Exempt computers and computer-related accessories valued $1,500 or less:

• Cables (for computers)
• Calculators
• Central processing units (CPU)
• Compact disk drives
• Computers for noncommercial home or personal use – Desktop – Laptop – Tablet
• Computer batteries
• Computer towers consisting of a central processing unit, random-access memory, and a storage drive
• Data storage
• Docking stations (for computers)
• Electronic book readers
• Hard drives
• Headphones (including “earbuds”)
• Ink cartridges (for computer printers)
• Keyboards (for computers)
• Mice (mouse devices)
• Microphones (for computers)
• Modems
• Monitors (except devices that include a television tuner)
• Motherboards
• Personal digital assistant devices (except cellular telephones)
• Port replicators
• Printer cartridges
• Printers (including “all-in-one” models)
• RAM (random access memory)
• Routers
• Scanners
• Software (nonrecreational) – Antivirus – Database – Educational – Financial – Word processing
• Speakers (for computers)
• Storage drives (for computers)
• Tablets
• Web camera

The “holiday” doesn’t cover:

• Briefcases, suitcases, or garment bags
• Watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs
• Skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates
• Clothing items with a sales price of more than $100
• Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50
• Books that are not otherwise exempt
• Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500
• Cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data
• Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes
• Rentals of any eligible items
• Repairs or alterations of any eligible items
• Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport

Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

written by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida

Look Back: Blue Angels, Pensacola Beach Airshow Photos

Thousands upon thousands of people were thrilled by the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show last week.

Here’s your chance to look back at the show, and the Blue Angels, from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in our photo galleries:

• For a photo gallery from Thursday and behind the scenes at the flight line at NAS Pensacola before the show, click here.
• For a photo gallery from Friday, click here.
• For a photo gallery from Saturday, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.

Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Escambia County:

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
• S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
• U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
• Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) ramp – The week of Sunday, July 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
  • Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at F Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
  • On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between A Street and L Street.
• I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
• I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between the Perdido River Bridge and west of the U.S. 29 interchange (Exit 10), Sunday July 19 through Thursday, July 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
• I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 19 through Saturday, July 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
  • Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
• I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers are reminded of the following ongoing construction-related traffic impacts:
  • I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
  • I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
  • The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
  • The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
• S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Santa Rosa County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
  • Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, July 19, through Saturday, July 25, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Tuesday

The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution on Tuesday, July 21, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.

Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.

To receive food, individuals must present a valid form of identification, and there is a limit of three recipients per vehicle.

File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Florida Drivers See Sharp Spike In Gas Prices

Florida drivers saw a sharp spike in gas prices last week as oil markets reacted to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and strong summer fuel demand. The state average jumped 19 cents per gallon early in the week before easing slightly through the weekend. Friday’s average price of $3.96 per gallon was the highest daily average since early June.

Sunday’s state average of $3.94 per gallon is 12 cents more than a week ago, 26 cents more than a month ago, and 84 cents more than last year.

In North Escambia, gas prices were as low as $3.66 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, a low of $3.49 was available at the warehouse clubs.

“Geopolitical tensions can create volatility in energy markets, and that’s exactly what drivers saw last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While prices eased slightly by the weekend, motorists are still paying significantly more than they were just a month ago. Drivers should expect prices to remain sensitive to developments overseas and fluctuations in the oil market.”

U.S. crude oil prices have surged nearly 20% over the past two weeks, including a 16% increase last week alone. Oil settled at $82.49 per barrel on Friday, up from $71.41 per barrel a week earlier.

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