Escambia Man Sentenced To Federal Prison On Methamphetamine And Firearm Charges
February 25, 2026
An Escambia County man has been sentenced on federal methamphetamine and firearm charges.
Geoffery Bartee Dale, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of our local and federal law enforcement partners, this drug trafficker’s scheme has been dismantled and he’ll spend the next 15 years in federal prison,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “My office will continue to deliver successful prosecutions like this one to keep violent drug traffickers in prison where they belong and give our residents the safe and drug-free streets they deserve.”
According to court records, in February and March of 2024, Dale was a target of a joint law enforcement investigation. On March 8, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, during which investigators located over 3,100 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a large amount of marijuana, four firearms, ammunition, over $129,000 in United States currency, and other drug distribution related items. Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for Dale’s storage unit, where they found more than 4,400 grams of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, three firearms, and ammunition. Dale has two prior felony convictions.
Northview Beats Chipley; Tate Falls To Gulf Breeze
February 25, 2026
Northview 17, Chipley 3
The Northview Chiefs beat the Chipley Tigers 17-3 Tuesday night in Chipley.
Jase Portwood went 3-3 to drive in six runs on three hits to lead the Chiefs with a two-run double in the first and fifth innings, along with a two-run single in the sixth.
Jackson Bridges, Bryant Mason, and Grayden Sheffield each scored two runs for the Chiefs.
Gayson Burns earned the win on the mound for Northview, surrendering two hits and three runs (two earned) while walking three and striking out nine in five and one-third innings. Mason threw two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit and no runs, striking out two.
Northview will host Holmes County on Thursday before traveling to Destin on Friday.
Gulf Breeze 3, Tate 0
The Tate Aggies fell to Gulf Breeze 3-0 on Tuesday night in Gulf Breeze.
Beasley took the loss for the Aggies. He went three and one-third innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out one and walking four. In two and two-thirds innings, Hunter Clayton allowed one hit and no runs, striking out two and walking none.
Nathan Connors, Cade McNair, Cooper Halfacre, and Cal Foxworth each contributed one Tate hit.
The Aggies will take on Fort Walton on Thursday and Escambia on Friday at Wahoos Stadium.
Tate 9, Gulf Breeze 9 (JV) — tie
Tate 7, Gulf Breeze 3 (Freshmen)
Atmore Looks To Solve Flooding Problem. What Will That Mean Downstream In Florida?
February 24, 2026
A federally funded project is in the planning stages to alleviate flooding in Atmore, but what will that mean for Florida residents?
Atmore has received a $17 million grant from the USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to reduce flooding in the Pine Barren Creek Watershed. The watershed drains a large portion of the city, essentially south of East Nashville Avenue (Highway 31) between South Main Street and 21st Avenue. (Click map to enlarge.)
The water from Atmore flows down Pine Barren Creek into Florida, crossing culverts under Greenland Road and West Highway 4 before flowing under a bridge on Highway 99 in Oak Grove, a bridge on Highway 164, and continuing eventually to the Escambia River.
Recenthly, the City of Atmore and NRCS held a “scoping meeting” to explain the project and seek public input from Atmore residents.
Paul Simmons, a hydraulic engineer for consultant WSP Engineering, said the project will include 2D models of the watershed flow through Atmore and into Florida.
“We are extending it (the modeling) down into Florida to make sure the project we come up with does not extend problems to someone else,” he said.
“We are going to make sure we don’t send all of this water down into Florida and say, ’sorry, Escambia County, Florida, we fixed it in Atmore,’” Scott Taylor of WSP said.
The upcoming project, covering roughly 10 square miles (6,389 acres) in Atmore, is funded with 100% federal money, with local match required from Atmore. There is currently not a similar project planned south of the state line in Florida, according to state and county officials.
In the next phase of the Atmore project, alternatives will be explored before developing a final plan for presentation in 2027. The construction phase won’t be reached until sometime in 2028 or 2029.
Pictured above and below: Previous washouts and flooding along Pine Barren Creek at Greenland Road in Florida. Also pictured: Last week’s Pine Been Creek Watershed meeting in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Woman Charged With Alleged Amusement Park Burglary
February 24, 2026
A Molino woman was charged with recenthly with burglarizing a local waterpark and amusement park where she was formerly employed.
Madison Lee Galle, 19, is charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure and criminal mischief, both felonies.
According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office records, deputies responded to Splash City Adventures on Pensacola Boulevard on December 23, 2025, after a manager reported seeing intruders on surveillance video.
Investigators found a warehouse door had been pried open, causing approximately $800 in damage. Galle, who was identified as a former employee of the business who had been terminated, was allegedly seen on camera inside the warehouse during the incident.
Galle was booked into the Escambia County Jail and later released on a $6,000 bond.
According to its website, the park closed on September 14.
Man Claims Fantasy 5 Prize From Davisville Retailer; Third Winner For Shop This Year
February 24, 2026
We now know who purchased a winning Fantasy 5 lottery ticket sold in Davisville — the third winning ticket sold this year by the retailer.
The ticket sold to Willie Newton Bradley, Jr. of Frisco City, Alabama, was one of two top-prize winning tickets sold for the Thursday, February 12, evening drawing and was worth $55,609.50 each. The other winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Pompano Beach.
He purchased the ticket at the State Line Gift Shop, on Highway 97 just south of Atmore. The winning numbers were 3-5-10-20-27.
The State Line Gift Shop sold a $55,328.49 winning ticket for the February 8 midday drawing to a Mobile woman, and a $55,272.07 winning ticket for the January 15 drawing to a Grande, Alabama, man.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Pine Meadow Elementary Hosts ‘Donuts With Dad’
February 24, 2026
Pine Meadow Elementary School recently hosted “Donuts With Dads”.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 1,800 High Schoolers Attend Northwest Florida Construction Career Days
February 24, 2026
More than 1,800 high school students got an interactive, hands-on look at the transportation industry during the 6th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days (CCD) last week at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds.
Students had the opportunity to operate heavy equipment and learn about bridge inspections, paving, concrete, traffic control, engineering, and more. The event highlights the wide range of career paths available within the transportation, structural, engineering, and building industries. Participants were also engaged directly with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), engineering firms, and contractors actively seeking to hire in the Northwest Florida region.
The event also allowed FDOT and its industry partners to connect with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Students who are 18 years or older may complete job applications with participating companies during the event.
For a photo gallery including Northview and Tate High School students at the event, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Members Honored During 2026 Medal Day
February 24, 2026
Escambia County Fire Rescue hosted the 2026 ECFR Medal Day awards ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 21. The ceremony served as a celebration of all achievements accomplished by the hardworking men and women in ECFR during 2025.
Escambia County Fire Rescue annually recognizes individual firefighters and fire officers for their contributions to the department. The following personnel received ECFR’s most distinguished individual awards:
Career Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Jeffery C. Rohrer
Career Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Angel Santana
Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year
- Lt. Christianne Barry
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year
- Firefighter Joshua Bazinet
Lieutenant Terrell Jackson Award
- Firefighter Eli Jackson
District Chief Dwain Bradshaw Award
- Lt. James Shaw
Pinning of New Firefighters
The following firefighters completed their mandatory one-year probationary service period:
- Jalen Abner
- Kenneth Daley
- Avery Carter
- Carson Deferrari
- Ryan Frank
- Evan Gourley
- Danny Hand
- David Hart
- Brandon Haygens
- Jacob Hughes
- Trevor Isakson
- Dustin Meyer
- Levi Penfold
- Sean Philson
- Michael Pousson
- Robert Rumley
- Travis Stephens
- Shamane Walker
- Ryan Walsh
- Coleman Young
Promotions
The following firefighters and fire officers received promotions during 2025:
Battalion Chief
- Chief Dimitri Jansen
Safety 4 Training and Safety Lieutenant (Lateral Transfer Promotion)
- Lt. Reiner Crabtree
Lieutenant
- Lt. Geoffrey Carmichael
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Lt. Geric Fatheree
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Lt. Connor Wood
Retirement
The following firefighters have dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Escambia County and retired from service in 2025:
- Firefighter Paul McCleary
- Retired in February 2025 after 40 years of service
- Chief Mark Butler
- Retired in September 2025 after 30 years of service
- Lt. Jason Menda
- Retired in July 2025 after 25 years of service
- Firefighter Brian Kraatz
- Retired in December 2025 after 24 years of service
Service Recognition Medal
Awarded to those firefighters in acknowledgement of their long and faithful service:
- District Chief Brandon Stevens
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
Final Alarm Medal
In 2025, Escambia County Fire Rescue lost a beloved volunteer deputy chief, who faithfully served the Beulah community:
- Deputy Chief Beau Rodrique
- Final Alarm – Jan. 5, 2025
Medal of Courage
Awarded to a firefighter who was involved in an act of true bravery that resulted in the rescue or saving of a life.
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he entered the water during hazardous conditions with no hesitation, located a victim below the water surface, and brought them to safety, resulting in a life saved.
Medal of Gallantry
Awarded to a firefighter who, at great personal risk, has been instrumental in rescuing and saving another from possible death.
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Awarded for his heroic actions on April 26, 2025 during a multi-victim water rescue where he served as the jet ski operator, managing to swiftly and safely maneuver hazardous waters to rescue multiple struggling swimmers out of the Gulf.
Company Citations
Presented to members for unequaled team effort in overcoming unusual difficulties and obstacles in the performance of their duties to affect a successful outcome in an emergency incident. A ribbon is given when the team’s effort results in the saving of a human life.
- Jan. 19, 2025 - Cardiac Arrest Call – Engine 17 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Keith Chapman
- Firefighter Channon O’Connor
- Firefighter Zach Aceto
- April 23, 2025 – Water Rescue – Station #13 – 1328
- Lt. Josh Rowe
- Firefighter Mattox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- April 26, 2025 – Multi-Victim Water Rescue – Station #13
- Engine 13
- Lt. Guy Meredith
- Firefighter Niels Frage
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
- Ladder 13
- Acting Lt. Allen Harrison
- Firefighter Joseph Graczyk
- Firefighter Christopher (Leslie) Williams
- Engine 13
- June 13, 2025 – Stabbing Incident – Squad 3 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Daniel Mills
- Firefighter Geoffrey Carmichael
- Firefighter Chase Perdue
- July 22, 2025 – Entrapment Rescue – Squad 3 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Charles McGuffey
- Firefighter Kenny Fehl
- Firefighter Jacob Darr
- Firefighter David Neydlin
- Aug. 12, 2025 – Residential Structure Fire – Station #6 (A-Watch)
- Engine 6
- Lt. Charles Bailey
- Firefighter Robert Vardeman
- Firefighter Allan Beasley
- Firefighter Jaylen Abner
- Ladder 6
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Battalion Chief 3
- Chief Wesley Barnett
- Engine 6
- Sept. 14, 2025 – Medical Emergency Call – Ladder 19 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Steven Service
- Firefighter Adam Wright
- Firefighter Marvin Vazquez
- Sept. 19, 2025 – Heat-Related Illness Call – Engine 8 (B-Watch)
- Lt. Baylen Payne
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Kenneth Daley
- Oct. 27, 2025 – Squad 14 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Kyle Sexton
- Firefighter Wesley Brandt
- Firefighter/Paramedic Marshall Parsons
- Firefighter Ryan Welsh
- Nov. 3, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 7 (C-Watch)
- Lt. Travis Litchfield
- Firefighter Jeffery Johnson
- Firefighter Chase Boydston
- Nov. 17, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Ladder 19 (B-Watch)
- Lt. David Carballosa
- Firefighter Bruce Durden
- Firefighter Garrett Chandler
- Firefighter Anthony Hendricks
- Nov. 25 & 26, 2025 Multi-Victim High-Risk Water Rescues (Two Separate Incidents)
- Engine 13
- Lt. Brian Diamond
- Firefighter Rodney Pittman
- Firefighter Michael Register
- Ladder 13
- Lt. Joshua Rowe
- Firefighter Maddox Chapman
- Firefighter Robert Rumley
- Engine 13
- Nov. 27, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Victims – Ladder 6 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- Firefighter Matthew Callahan
- Firefighter Nathan Montgomery
- Dec. 4, 2025 – Gunshot Wound Call – Engine 4 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Jason Felicelli
- Firefighter Tim Nagim
- Firefighter Anthony Stafford
- Firefighter Jacob Hoskins
- Dec. 21, 2025 – Cardiac Arrest Call – Squad 14 (A-Watch)
- Lt. Phillip Hoffman
- Firefighter Dale Coulter
- Firefighter Jeremy Warner
- Firefighter Trevor Isakson
Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to a firefighter or fire officer who was involved in an act where their extreme proficiency in skill and knowledge resulted in the rescue and/or saving of a life.
- Firefighter/Paramedic Dale Coulter
Civilian Life Saving Award
Presented to members of the public whose personal actions directly and significantly contribute to the saving of a human life.
- Andrew Smith
- Utilized a drone to successfully drop a rescue tube flotation device to a distressed swimmer
Tate Aggies Shut Out Choctaw 15-0: Mitchell Drives In Five; Padgett Throws No-Hitter
February 24, 2026
Tate 15, Choctawhatchee 0
The Tate Lady Aggies shut out the Choctawhatchee Indians 15-0 on Monday night.
Kayla Mitchell collected five RBIs on three hits in Fort Walton Beach on Monday. Mitchell accounted for three with a home run to center field in the third inning and added two runs on a double in the second.
Madison Smillie also had three hits for Tate, while Jordyn Banks and Brelynn Morris added two hits each.
Mykamia Padgett pitched a four-inning no-hitter, allowing no runs, walking two and striking out 10.
Next up, the Lady Aggies will travel to Niceville on Thursday.
Tate 14, Choctaw 5 (JV)
In JV action, the Lady Aggies beat Choctaw 14-5.
In the circle, Faith Middleton earned the win for Tate, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) in two innings, walking one and striking out five. In relief, Khloe Gibson pitched one inning, giving up two runs (none earned) while walking two and striking out one.
Middleton and Mikela Foster had two hits each for THS.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Nine Mile Road Costco Construction Moving Quickly
February 23, 2026
Construction is underway on a new Costco at 225 East Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee gave final approval in August 2025 for a Costco at 225 East Nine Mile, the previous site of a long-closed Kmart and, later, a Planet Fitness.. The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store, but a target date has not yet been announced.
Since work began late last year, the previous shopping center has been demolished, foundation work has been completed, and workers have erected the steel frame and a few exterior walls.
The 172,580-square-foot Costco retail store will have a freestanding gas station and 830 parking spaces at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. The site is just under 22 acres.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
