Escambia Man Sentenced On Federal Firearm Charge
January 30, 2026
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearm offense.
Earl Vincent Hudgins III, 32, as sentenced to three years in federal prison followed by a three-year term of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, another dangerous felon was stopped before he could continue terrorizing our community with violence, and with this successful prosecution by my office he will be kept off our streets for several years,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Court documents reflect that on February 16, 2025, the Hudgins’ vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction. A subsequent search uncovered an AR-style firearm loaded with 15 rounds of .300-caliber ammunition, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon. Later, law enforcement identified multiple posts on the Hudgins’ social media showing him in possession of the same firearm located during the traffic stop. Hudgins also posted a video during the traffic stop captioned, “Bout to go to jail.”
This case was a joint investigation by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Manny Diaz Jr. Confirmed As UWF President
January 30, 2026
Manny Diaz Jr. is now officially president of the University of West Florida.
On Thursday, the Florida Board of Governors confirmed Manny Diaz Jr. as the seventh president of the University of West Florida .Diaz was named sole finalist for the position by the UWF Presidential Search Committee in November and was approved by the UWF Board of Trustees earlier in January. He will assume the permanent position on Feb. 1, 2026.
“I am honored by the confidence of the Florida Board of Governors and thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the University of West Florida,” Diaz said. “Education has been the foundation of every endeavor I’ve undertaken, and it remains central to UWF’s mission of excellence and service. The University’s momentum is undeniable, and I look forward to working with our talented students, faculty, administrative staff and community partners to strengthen academic distinction, expand access, and ensure UWF continues to advance the economic and civic vitality of Northwest Florida and beyond.”
Diaz has served as UWF’s interim president since July 2025, bringing more than 30 years of educational leadership and policy experience to the role. His background includes time as an educator, as a college administrator, as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, as a member of the Florida Board of Governors, and in the Florida Legislature, where he championed policies supporting students, families and educators.
“With strong leadership and governance, Manny Diaz Jr. will lead the University of West Florida to new heights,” said Florida Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine, who also served on the UWF Presidential Search Committee. “UWF’s recognition as a top 10 regional public university in the South by U.S. News and World Report and its drive of a more than $1 billion annual economic impact on Northwest Florida demonstrates the dedication of faculty and staff to providing a high-quality education for students and serving Florida communities. Diaz will build upon this momentum through his strategic vision and deep education expertise.”
Throughout his interview and public remarks to the UWF Board of Trustees, Diaz outlined priorities focused on advancing the University’s academic profile, strengthening enrollment and retention, expanding research and innovation, and deepening partnerships across Northwest Florida and the state. He emphasized building on UWF’s existing strengths while positioning the University for long-term growth and increased impact.
“President Diaz is the catalyst the University of West Florida needs to accelerate its growth and elevate its national profile,” said UWF Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews. “Since his arrival, President Diaz has demonstrated steady leadership, a deep understanding of higher education, and a clear, unwavering commitment to the University’s mission and future.”
During Thursday’s meeting, members of the Florida Board of Governors expressed confidence in Diaz’s leadership as UWF’s next president.
“It’s with some emotion that I am involved today in recognizing President Diaz,” said BOG member Doug Broxson. “Universities lift the spirit of an area, and for Northwest Florida, the University of West Florida represents a community that loves the university.”
Addressing Diaz, Broxson added, “You will do a great job because you are a hard worker and you take any challenge and make it successful.”
“There is no one that is harder working, there is no one more humble… making sure that we’re prioritizing student safety, academic achievement, ensuring that we’re fighting for teacher pay, ensuring that our system as a whole’s moving in the right direction,” said BOG member and Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “His legacy will be felt in this state for years to come.”
Diaz’s annual compensation package will be $946,040, up from $742,200 he received as interim president. The university’s last president, Martha Saunders, had an annual compensation package of $742,200.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High FFA’s Maegan Coleman Places First In District Public Speaking
January 30, 2026
Tate High School FFA member Maegan Coleman placed first at the District Prepared Public Speaking contest.
She will advance to the state finals at the Florida FFA Convention and Expo in Orlando in June.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extension Service Free Gardening Class At The Molino Library
January 30, 2026
UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension will hold a Spring Gardening Class next week at the Molino Library.
The free class will provide information on how to start a spring garden from seeds while building skills on garden tool prep.
The class will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, at the Molino Library, 6450 North Highway 95A.
McDavid Sex Offender Arrested; FDLE Searches Home
January 29, 2026
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested a McDavid man on a sex offender violation and searched a home in McDavid on Wednesday morning.
According to jail records, Daquan Eric Ball, 22, was charged with a felony count of failing to report an email address or other internet identifiers. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
FDLE has not yet released details of its investigation or the exact reason for an operation at a house in the 100 block of Highway 164, about one-third of a mile west of Highway 29. However, the FDLE sex offender registry shows Ball is a resident at the home.
In October 2018, Ball was adjudicated as a juvenile for sexually battery on a victim under 12 in a Santa Rosa County case.
Shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday, numerous FDLE agents were seen entering and exiting the small 1,500-square-foot single family home, and around campers located on the property.
“FDLE is on-site as part of an active investigation,” FDLE confirmed to NorthEscambia.com by email. “We don’t have additional information to share, as the investigation is still active and ongoing.”
Before the operation, the agents gathered on Main Street in McDavid, across from the Post Office, to organize and prepare.
This story will be updated as we learn more details.
Pictured: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an operation on Wednesday morning on Highway 164 in McDavid. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: FDLE gathered with their Bearcat tactical vehicle across from the Post Office to prepare for the operation (reader submitted photo).
EREC Linemen Work To Restore Power In Northern Mississippi After Ice Storm
January 29, 2026
A team from Escambia River Electric Cooperative is working in Mississippi to help restore power after last weekend’s ice storm.
EREC is among cooperatives providing mutual aid to Alcorn Electric Cooperative (ACE) in Corinth, Mississippi.
As of Wednesday night, ACE reported 7,471 without power out of 23,567 total members.
For additional photos, click here.
“We greatly appreciate what you have done for our community,” ACE CEO Sean McGrath said to the lineworkers who are assisting in recovery efforts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Strikes, Spares, and Smiles: Westgate Students Go Bowling
January 29, 2026
Escambia Westgate School students kicked off the new year by participating in the lifetime sport of bowling recently thanks for the support of DeLuna Lanes and the dedicated effort of the Westgate staff and faculty,
The entire school worked together to ensure that students of all grade levels and abilities had the opportunity to participate. Wall-to-wall smiles and happiness filled the bowling alley as the community came together to support the outing.
The students rolled the bowling balls and knock down pins, securing spares and strikes with no gutter balls in sight. Students laughed and learned in this authentic, real-life environment, gaining confidence with every frame played.
Photos courtesy Barrett McClean for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Now Charged With Attempted Murder For MLK Day Shooting In Atmore
January 29, 2026
Two suspects have now been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Atmore.
The first suspect arrested, Nathaniel Crenshaw (pictured left), surrendered at the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and one court of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle. He is being held without bond.
His brother, Tobijah Keimond Crenshaw (pictured top), was arrested during a traffic stop for two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle, and on court of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling or vehicle. He is being held without bond.
APD said Tobijah Crenshaw’s arrest followed the results of ATV ballistic testing and the continued investigative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies.
“The case remains active and developing, with investigators continuing to process evidence and pursue additional leads from multiple angles,” Atmore Police said in a statement.
Police are still searching for 23-year-old E’monee Demontae Long (pictured left) in connection with the investigation on the charge of certain persons (felon) forbidden to possess a firearm. Additional charges are expected, according to police.
On January 22, Atmore Police executed a search warrant at 310 Everette Street. As officers arrived to begin the search, multiple people fled the residence and ran into a wooded area, prompting a manhunt.
MLK Day Shooting
A day of celebration ended in gunfire Monday night as a shooting following an MLK Day block party in Atmore left two people injured and investigators searching for those responsible.
According to the Atmore Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Carver Avenue and Ashley Street at approximately 9:06 p.m. on January 19. The shooting occurred shortly after a day-long “MLK Car Meet and Block Party” had concluded. The event had been widely advertised on social media and drew a large crowd to the area.
Patrol officers arrived on the scene in less than one minute to find that over 30 rounds had been fired. Police confirmed two victims suffered gunshot wounds. One of the victims, a male subject, was reportedly shot while attempting to assist another person to safety. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital and are currently listed in stable condition.
Northview NJROTC Air Rifle Earns Bronze At Area Championship
January 29, 2026
The Northview High School NJROTC Air Rifle Team earned a bronze medal finish in the Area 10 Air Rifle Championship.
The team finished third out of 25 schools, and Nicholas Kahalley finished fifth out of 100 shooters in the overall championship.
Northview NJROTC Air Rifle Team members are Damon McDuffie, Will Nowlin, Nicholas Kahalley, and Xyia Martin.
The competition was held at the Ware County High Shooting Complex in Waycross, Georgia.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Charged With Attempted Murder For MLK Day Shooting In Atmore
January 28, 2026
One suspect has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Atmore.
Nathaniel Crenshaw surrendered at the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building, and shooting into an occupied building. He is being held without bond.
Police are still searching for 23-year-old E’monee Demontae Long (pictured left) in connection with the investigation on the charge of certain persons (felon) forbidden to possess a firearm. Additional charges are expected, according to police.
On January 22, Atmore Police executed a search warrant at 310 Everette Street. As officers arrived to begin the search, multiple people fled the residence and ran into a wooded area, prompting a manhunt.
MLK Day Shooting
A day of celebration ended in gunfire Monday night as a shooting following an MLK Day block party in Atmore left two people injured and investigators searching for those responsible.
According to the Atmore Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Carver Avenue and Ashley Street at approximately 9:06 p.m. on January 19. The shooting occurred shortly after a day-long “MLK Car Meet and Block Party” had concluded. The event had been widely advertised on social media and drew a large crowd to the area.
Patrol officers arrived on the scene in less than one minute to find that over 30 rounds had been fired. Police confirmed two victims suffered gunshot wounds. One of the victims, a male subject, was reportedly shot while attempting to assist another person to safety. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital and are currently listed in stable condition.
