Two Arrested After Domestic Call Leads to Drug, Weapon Seizure
August 9, 2026
A domestic disturbance call on Old Fannie Road near Flomaton recently led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of drugs and firearms
Flomaton Police Department officers responded to a residence following reports of a male subject threatening a family member and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and learned the suspect, Travis Salter, was hiding inside. Authorities also confirmed Salter had active warrants through the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting deputies and officers conducted a sweep of the home, discovering Travis Salter hiding in a concealed space accessible through a downstairs bathroom. He was taken into custody without incident.
Following the arrest, police secured a search warrant for the residence, ultimately seizing suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms.
Two individuals face charges in connection with the incident. Travis Salter is charged with second-degree bail jumping, possession of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol. Larry Salter is charged with obstructing government operations, first-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a pistol.
The Flomaton Police Department credited the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Pictured: Larry Salter (left) , Travis Salter (right).
Kisting Twirls A Gem, Earns The Wahoos Win In Debut
August 9, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos needed just three runs to earn their third-straight victory over the Montgomery Biscuits, defeating them 3-0 on Saturday night.
Though not quite as dramatic as Friday’s night’s 13-11 win in extra innings, strong pitching and hits into the gap earned the Blue Wahoos (59-48, 23-15) their seventh shutout of the season and their first over Montgomery. With the victory, Pensacola tied the Biscuits (54-53, 19-19) 10-10 in the season series and took a 3-2 edge over the visiting side in the homestand.
Connor Caskenette, coming off of a four-hit outing on Friday night, kept the ball rolling with an RBI single to score Adrian Santana in the first inning for the early lead. Their second run came a few innings later in the fourth, as Friday’s walk-off hero Jay Beshears sent Ethan O’Donnell flying home from first base with a double into the right-center gap.
Jacob Kisting (W, 1-0) made his Double-A debut on Saturday, putting on a show for the packed ballpark. He delivered 5.0 scoreless innings in his first start with Pensacola, striking out an impressive eight batters while relenting four hits. He struck out four consecutive batters from the first into the second inning.
The Blue Wahoos picked up their third run later in the eighth thanks to none other than Caskenette, who punched an RBI single into left to score Brandon Compton from third base. The knock was Caskenette’s 10th in the last four contests, and he extended his hit streak to a career-best eight games.
Jack Sellinger (H, 5) and Holt Jones (S, 4) combined for an electric closeout from the mound, combining to allow only four hits from the Biscuits while striking out four through the remaining four innings.
Pensacola scored their three runs on six hits, drawing four walks. Five different Blue Wahoos earned a hit, with Caskenette leading the way with a 2-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday.
written by Maddy Branning
Early Voting Begins Today, Continues For One Week
August 8, 2026
Early voting opens today for the August 18 primary election.
Early voting will be available from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily through August 15 at 10 locations in Escambia County:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
- Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century
- UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street, Pensacola
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W De Soto Street, Pensacola
Polls will be open on election day, Tuesday, November 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Four Local Wounded Warriors Honored On National Purple Heart Day
August 8, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office hosted a ceremony on Friday to observe Purple Heart Day and recognize local service members who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington in 1782, is the nation’s oldest military decoration.
Although U.S. Senator Ashley Moody was unable to attend in person as planned, she joined via Zoom to open the ceremony and express gratitude to Sheriff Chip Simmons for hosting on her behalf. During the event, Senator Moody introduced a congressional resolution recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day and entered the achievements of four Floridian Purple Heart recipients into the Congressional Record.
Reflecting on the gathering, Sheriff Simmons shared, “This may be the greatest collection of heroes in one room that we’ve ever had at the Sheriff’s Office.”
Senator Moody emphasized the solemn significance of the award in her statement: “On Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation’s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal, it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn—it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It’s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots’ sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record.”
John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, added, “Concerned Veterans for America is proud to support this effort to honor the brave men and women who defended our nation and our liberty at great personal sacrifice. The Purple Heart is one of our nation’s highest honors, representing extraordinary courage and selfless service in the face of profound hardship. Designating a day to recognize those who have borne the cost of protecting our homeland is the least we can do for them.”
The four veterans distinguished with Congressional Record entries were honored as follows:
- U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Crawford & U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Dustin Tuller: Both served together with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On December 23, 2003, during a combat mission in Baghdad, both were critically wounded. Despite his own severe injuries, Sergeant Crawford instructed medics to “save him [Tuller] first” upon seeing Staff Sergeant Tuller’s condition. Both men survived, continued lives of service, and maintain a close friendship over two decades later.
- U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Peter McKanna: Served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam and volunteered for a second tour. On Christmas Day 1970, while leading Marines on a mission, Sergeant McKanna stepped on an explosive device that resulted in the loss of part of his left leg and took the lives of three fellow Marines. Following a civilian career, he has remained dedicated to serving veterans.
- U.S. Navy Commander (Ret.) Douglas Doughty: Served in Vietnam, where he was wounded by enemy shrapnel to his shoulder and lower body during intense fighting in April 1969. After returning home, Commander Doughty pursued a career in medicine while continuing his service in the Navy Reserve, later answering the call to return to duty during Operation Desert Storm.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With DUI Property Damage In Active School Zone
August 8, 2026
A Century man is facing a criminal charge after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash in a school zone earlier this year while driving under the influence.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol warrant affidavit, Brian Christopher Flowers was driving a 2009 Saturn Aura southbound on Mobile Highway on January 9, 2026, when he sideswiped a 2023 Lincoln Aviator in the school zone at Bellview Middle School. State troopers reported that after causing an estimated $8,000 in damage, Brian Christopher Flowers aggressively fled the scene.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle swerving shortly after and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies reported finding Brian Christopher Flowers sluggish, dazed, and oblivious to his surroundings, with droopy, red-tinted eyes and a bloody mouth.
Due to his condition, paramedics transported Brian Christopher Flowers to Baptist Hospital, where he consented to a voluntary blood draw. Florida Department of Law Enforcement toxicology results later revealed the presence of active, psychoactive THC in his system. Investigators confirmed Brian Christopher Flowers did not possess a valid medical marijuana card or prescription.
Following the investigation, law enforcement charged Brian Christopher Flowers with misdemeanor DUI causing property damage and cited him for failing to maintain a single lane. The arrest warrant was recently served, and Flowers are released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned next week.
Elementary Schools Hold Orientation Across Escambia County (With Photo Gallery)
August 8, 2026
Friday was orientation for most elementary schools in Escambia County.
For a look at orientation day at Bratt and Lipscomb elementary schools, click here.
The first day of school for students in Escambia County is Wednesday, August 12.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Residents Encouraged To Participate In Fair Housing Survey
August 8, 2026
Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, the City of Pensacola, and the Emerald Coast Regional Council are seeking valuable input from the public about access to housing by conducting a Fair Housing Survey, which will help identify barriers and improve housing programs throughout the community.
The survey is available online now through Friday, Oct. 16, and all members of the public are encouraged to provide their feedback.
The survey asks about your opinions and experiences renting or purchasing a home, and it should take less than five minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and responses will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. The survey results will help guide fair housing planning and initiatives in Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and the City of Pensacola.
Paper copies of the survey will be available at the following locations during normal business hours:
- Escambia County and the City of Pensacola
- City of Pensacola Housing Office, 420 W. Chase St., Pensacola
- E.S. Cobb Resource Center: 601 E. Mallory St., Pensacola
- Woodland Heights Resource Center: 111 Berkley Drive, Pensacola
- Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Library, 3300 W. De Soto St., Pensacola
- Century Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
- Santa Rosa County
- Milton Library: 5541 Alabama St., Milton
- Pace Library: 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd., Pace
- Navarre Library: 8484 James M. Harvell Road, Navarre
- Gulf Breeze Library: 1060 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze
- Jay Library, 5259 Booker Lane, Jay
- Santa Rosa County Housing Department, 6051 Old Bagdad Highway, Suite 201, Milton
File image.
I-10 Eastbound Lanes To Shift North At Highway 29 Next Week
August 8, 2026
Next week, travel lanes on I-10 eastbound will be shifted north near the Highway 29 interchange (Exit 10). This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
Additionally, intermittent inside lane closures may occur on I-10 eastbound, between mile markers 8 and 11, Monday, August. 10 through Thursday, August. 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
This work is part of a $236 million construction project designed to improve safety and capacity for the 62,000 drivers who travel the I-10 at U.S. 29 interchange daily. The project is scheduled for completion in 2030.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Beshears’ Walk-Off Homer Caps Wild Blue Wahoos Win
August 8, 2026
A three-run walk-off bomb by Jay Beshears put the exclamation point on a 13-11 victory in 10 innings for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos over the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday night.
Down 11-10 in the bottom of the 10th inning, it was Beshears who put the nail in the coffin with his second home run of the game and 10th of the year. It was his first multi-homer game of his professional career and Pensacola’s first walk-off home run since the 2023 season, and Beshears is now the third Blue Wahoo to crank two home runs in a single game in this week’s series against the Biscuits.
The Blue Wahoos (58-48, 22-15) proved that not even an eight-run sixth inning for the Biscuits (54-52, 19-18) was too tall a task to overcome. Down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth, Cristian Hernández snapped a daunting hitless streak and breathed new life into the offense with a 411-foot home run to dead center field, tying the game at 10-10.
Brandon Compton, known for his tendency to hit balls out of the park, didn’t need to power one over the fence to score some runs this time. In the third inning, he’d bury a two-RBI triple into the corner of right field and hustled home on an overthrow to third to complete the three-run play.
The win evens the series at 2-2, though Montgomery still holds a 10-9 edge in games this season. The Biscuits stole 10 bases in the loss, tying a Southern League record set on July 21, 1972 between the Savannah Braves and Jacksonville Suns and managed once more in 1992 between the Orlando SunRays and Carolina Mudcats.
A gritty matchup from the start, the Biscuits earned an early pair of runs on some well-struck balls in the second. An RBI triple from Ryan Spikes was lost in the sun, followed immediately by a hard-hit RBI double into the left field corner from Kamren James.
Pensacola found their footing just as easily in the bottom of the frame. A Connor Caskenette double to the warning track did just the job, scoring Compton and O’Donnell to knot it at 2-2. Compton would circle the bases on his little league homer to extend the edge to 5-2 in the third, and Beshears powered his ninth home run in the fourth to bring it to 6-2.
Six unanswered runs would prove no feat for Montgomery to overcome as the visiting side went on to score eight runs in the top of the sixth. Seven hits – including a three-run homer by Xavier Isaac – coupled with two walks proved devastating for Pensacola relievers Christian Macleod and Colby Martin, as a four-run lead quickly turned into a four-run deficit, 10-6.
The Blue Wahoos got one back in the bottom of the inning as Caskenette singled and worked his way around the basepaths, scoring on a wild pitch by Montgomery’s Andrew Lindsey. The comeback kept rolling as Pensacola added two more with an Adrian Santana single in the eighth.
Hernández proved the hero, homering in the ninth to tie the game at 10-10 before Beshears took Montgomery’s Tommy McCollum (L, 3-9) deep over the left field wall in the 10th inning.
Gabe Bierman (W, 4-2) earned the win, retiring the potent bats of the Biscuits in order in the ninth and holding them to a single run in the 10th inning before the Blue Wahoos offense finished the job.
Pensacola scored their 13 runs on 12 hits, drawing five walks. Caskenette led the offense with a 4-for-5 outing at the plate, his first four-hit game of his professional career. Brendan Jones and Beshears each went 2-for-5.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday.
written by Maddy Branning
Escambia Commission Approves Ordinance Banning Data Centers, Starting Process For Moratorium
August 7, 2026
The Escambia County Commission is making it abundantly clear — data centers are not welcome or allowed in the county.
On Thursday night, the commission approved an ordinance banning large-scale data centers in the unincorporated areas of Escambia County outside the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century. And, the commissioners started the legal process to also implement a moratorium.
The actions came on the heels of a resolution approved in late July that officially memorializes the county’s position that data center facilities are not permitted under the County’s Land Development Code and are not an appropriate form of development within the unincorporated area of Escambia County.
William Nelson, county attorney designate, said the ordinance was acceptable, but not required, to clearly ban data centers.
“In my opinion, the cleanest thing to do is to continue to use the Land Development Code because it prohibits these activities because they are not specifically included in the code,” he said.
‘It’s just not permitted, and I think the problem is if we start trying to define this ourselves, then we are going to have problems,” Commissioner Steve Stroberger said.
“I think that is correct,” Nelson responded. “When we get into some of these definitions, the very technical aspects of this are unclear.”
Commissioner Mike Kohler called for approval of the ordinance and a moratorium on data centers, with other commissioners concurring.
“If that is what is going to take to ensure an additional blanket level for our community, I don’t have an issue with that,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.
“It’s banned, clearly, because the Land Development Code does not allow for it,” Commissioner Lumon May, who cast the lone vote against the resolution, said. “It’s banned. So when we say we are going to do a moratorium, well you’ve lessened the ban. Just be consistent with what we have already been doing.”
Nelson said a moratorium would require two noticed public hearings before a vote, and was not an available option for Thursday night’s action.
At a future meeting, the commission will vote on advertising the two public hearings in order to vote on a data center moratorium.
Server rooms or small data centers would be allowed “where they are an accessory use like at a Navy federal, or UWF, or a hospital. Those are already going to be allowed because they are accessory uses. The county has a server room.”