McDavid Double Shooting Ruled Apparent Murder-Suicide by ECSO
October 7, 2025
Investigators now say a deadly double shooting Monday in McDavid appears to have been a murder-suicide.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday afternoon that their investigation determined that the wife apparently shot her husband before turning the gun on herself in the family’s home.
Deputies discovered two people deceased from gunshot wounds inside a home in the 700 block of North Century Boulevard, about a half mile north of the McDavid Fire Station.
The ECSO said they were called Monday by the father of now-deceased husband to do a welfare check after he did not arrive for work Monday. They found the victims’ vehicles at the home, but no one answered the door. Deputies made entry about 11:30 a.m. and located a man and woman both deceased with gunshot wounds.
The Sheriff’s Office said there were no signs of a struggle, no forced entry into the home, and they do not believe there was any foul play by a third party.
The investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Cantonment Man Faces Felony Strangulation, Battery Charges For Allegedly Attacking Children’s Mother
October 7, 2025
A Cantonment man is charged after allegedly strangling and cutting the mother of his two children.
Lamar William McDonald, 39, was charged with felony charges of aggravated domestic battery with a deadly weapon and domestic battery by strangulation.
The arrest report states that a responding deputy detained the suspect in his garage. Another deputy then made contact with the victim, the mother of the suspect’s two children, who was highly distressed and partially clothed.
The victim provided a statement alleging the assault began earlier at a sports bar. She claimed the suspect approached a vehicle she was in, forcibly pulled her out, and drove her back to their shared residence, the report states. During the drive, she was repeatedly struck and her clothing was ripped.
The assault escalated at the home, the report states. According to the victim, after being dragged inside, McDonald grabbed a kitchen knife with sharp prongs and knocked her to the floor in the kitchen, cutting her with the knife. McDonald then allegedly climbed on top of her, wrapped his hands around her throat, constricting her airway, and threatened to kill her.
The victim told deputies that she believed her life was in danger before she managed to break free and call 911 from her vehicle. Deputies observed multiple bruises, cuts, and redness on the victim consistent with her account.
When interviewed, the suspect was read his Miranda Rights and stated he did not wish to provide information that would incriminate him, though he acknowledged being at the bar, according to the arrest report.
McDonald was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $40,000 bond.
Coleman Named Tate High School Teacher Of The Year
October 7, 2025
Chip Coleman has been named the Tate High School Teacher of the Year.
Coleman currently serves as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor, where he inspires students to embrace leadership, innovation, and community through Agricultural Education.
According to the school:
A proud Tate High School alumnus (Class of 1996), Coleman’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education and service. After earning his Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola Junior College, he went on to receive a BSBA in Marketing with a minor in Management from the University of West Florida, along with certificates in Sales Management and Internet Marketing. He later pursued his passion for teaching, completing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of West Florida in 2018.
Coleman began his teaching career in 2012 as a substitute teacher with Escambia County School District, before moving into the classroom at Jim Allen Elementary, where he taught first and fifth grades for nearly a decade and served as RTI Coordinator. In 2022, he returned to his roots at Tate High School to teach agriculture and serve the FFA chapter, blending his background with hands-on agricultural education.
Guided by the three words that define him Faith, Family, and Outdoors Coleman brings authenticity and heart into the classroom. His leadership has strengthened Tate’s Agricultural Programs while instilling responsibility, work ethic, and pride in his students.
He is also guided by one of his favorite principles, a quote from Dale Carnegie: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
“Chip represents the very best of what it means to be an Aggie,” said Laura Touchstone, Principal of Tate High School. “He not only invests in his students’ education but also in their personal growth, preparing them to be leaders in agriculture and in life. We are thrilled to celebrate his dedication as our Teacher of the Year.”
Coleman’s recognition as Tate High School Teacher of the Year reflects his unwavering commitment to student success, his innovative teaching style, and his embodiment of the Tate Traditions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Health Department Offers Free Or Low Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
October 7, 2025
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread important health education and encourage women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Florida. Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Mortality rates have decreased by over 5% in the past 10 years, partly due to improved screening, access, and treatment.
Prevention
- Routine screening and self-breast exams are important to breast wellness. Being familiar with your breasts can help you notice signs/symptoms such as lumps, discharge, or changes in size or nipple appearance. Contact your health care provider if you notice any signs/symptoms.
- Women ages 40 to 74 should schedule a mammogram every two years with their health care provider, or with DOH-Escambia if eligible for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
- At-risk women should schedule regular breast MRIs and mammograms every year. Risk factors include family history, genetics, breast density, and more.
- Healthy habits can help prevent breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle includes eating nutritious foods, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, regular physical activity, and adhering to recommended screenings.
- Breastfeeding lowers a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.
Early Detection Tips
DOH-Escambia provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings to women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet the program eligibility requirements. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat. To see if you qualify for these screenings, call (850) 316-2706 or visit Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
Escambia Public Schools Foundation Awards $100K In Grants To Area Schools
October 7, 2025
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded over $100,000 in grants to teachers, schools and departments in the county through its Grants for Excellence program for this school year.
There were 20 grants totalling $100,213.86 awarded to teachers, schools, and departments in Escambia County Public Schools The high impact grants were awarded in the following priority areas: career/technical education, increasing graduation rates, literacy, low-performing students, STEM education, teaching quality/improving classroom instruction, and student resiliency.
The grant recipients were:
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Beyond the Textbook: Bringing Chemistry and Physics to Life
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Tate High School, Patrice Morgan
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C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement)
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Pine Forest High School, Tai Knight
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Creating a Calm Down Room for Social-Emotional Wellness
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Hellen Caro Elementary School, Amanda Cravatt
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Electrathon Race Team
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Northview High School, Michael Amerson
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Electric Racing Carts
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West Florida High School, Brandon Cherry
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Empowering Education: Enhancing Access and Literacy Through Technology and Support
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Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program, Kelly Jenkins
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FBLA Across Multiple Levels: Cultivating Career Readiness and Entrepreneurial Spirit
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Bellview Middle School, Jessica Steele
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From America to Zimbabwe
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Myrtle Grove Elementary School, Catherine Kozik
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Growing Minds: The Living Garden
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Montclair Elementary School, Elizabeth Greenberg
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Immersive Career Exploration & Training for Students with Disabilities
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District Extended Program:Project SEARCH, Lisa Armstead
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Keeping It Calm
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Bellview Middle School, Carla Thompson
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Literacy Mentors: Empowering Students Through Buddy Reading
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West Pensacola Elementary School, Sara Ratliff
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Opening Doors to Literacy: Guided Reader Library Project
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Jim Allen Elementary School, Bernadette Smith
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Opera-tunity: Kids Creating Opera
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Fine Arts, Barbie Spears
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Reading the World : Literacy as a Launchpad for STEM Thinking
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Molino Park Elementary School, Rachel Gilmore
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Strumming Toward Literacy: Integrating Ukulele-Based Music Education in Core Curriculum
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Montclair Elementary School, Stephanie Odom
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The Sensory Learning Pathway
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Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, Molly O’Connor
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The Wizards of Ozobots: Tiny Robots Big Opportunities
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Oakcrest Elementary School, Luciana Cajias
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TimeKettle for ELLs: Real-Time Translation for Equal Access
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Scenic Heights Elementary School, Megan Currie
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Under the Sea
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A.K. Suter Elementary School, Paula Stillman, Lead
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Ferry Pass Elementary School, Laura Hobbs
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Kingsfield Elementary School, Becky Mills
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Cantonment Man Charged With Battery Of Two Close Relatives
October 7, 2025
A 30-year-old Cantonment man was arrested after say he committed battery of two close relatives.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home in Cantonment following a 911 call reporting a male subject was having a “manic episode” and had attacked two family members.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult female and an adult male victim, both of whom were bleeding and showed multiple injuries. The female victim suffered the most severe wounds, including a jaw that was described as “purple and extremely swollen,” believed to be broken, and head pain after reportedly being thrown forcefully to the ground where she struck her head on a bathtub. She also sustained cuts and bruises on both arms.
The male victim, who intervened after hearing screaming, was allegedly struck repeatedly in the face and arms. He suffered a swollen, bruised eye and lacerations on his arm. Both victims were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Christoper Cramer, fled the scene on foot but was quickly located by deputies near the intersection of Kingsfield Road and Highway 297A. According to the arrest report, the suspect told deputies he became angry after smoking a cigarette and admitted to not taking his medication that day. The female victim had informed deputies that her son has schizophrenia and had not taken his medication, the report states.
Cramer was charged with felony battery domestic violence and one misdemeanor count of battery domestic violence.
See The Photos: Chiefs Tribal Beat And Cheerleaders
October 7, 2025
The Northview Tribal Beat Band entertained and the Northview Chiefs cheerleaders led the crowd Friday night at Baker High School.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click here.
ECUA Water, Sewer And Sanitation 2025 Rate Increases Now In Effect
October 6, 2025
Rate increases for water, sewer, and sanitation from the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority went into effect this month.
The ECUA board approved a Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommendation for a 3% across-the-board increase for all three services.
The 3% increase for water and wastewater rates will be a moderate increase for most customers. For a typical mainland single-family residential customer using 6,000 gallons, the increase would be 44 cents for water and 50 cents for wastewater, for a total of 94 cents more per month. (Pensacola Beach water and wastewater customers pay a higher rate.)
For residential sanitation customers with a 90-gallon or smaller container, the rate increased from $30.56 to $31.33, an additional 77 cents per month. The senior citizen rate (65+) with a 60-gallon container increased 64 cents from $25.60 to $26.24.
Escambia County Man Indicted On Federal Gun Charge
October 6, 2025
An Escambia County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Ernest L. Thomas II, 35, faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted at his November 10 trial before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Perdido Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Location Changes Today
October 6, 2025
Escambia County Waste Services will begin accepting Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) at a new location inside the Perdido Landfill starting Monday, October 6. Customers will be directed to the new location by scale house attendants when entering the landfill.
Customers bringing in trailers with HHW and other items will be considered a split load and will drop off at the HHW location first, then proceed to the Customer Convenience Center for disposal of debris, trash, appliances, and electronics. HHW is for residential waste only; commercial waste is not accepted at the drop-off point.
In addition, residents can now dispose of sharps and needles at the Perdido Landfill’s drop-off bins located outside the HHW drop-off location. Sharps and needles should be securely sealed in a hard plastic puncture-resistant or FDA-approved container. Sharps and needles should never be placed in glass containers.
The Perdido Landfill is located at 13009 Beulah Road and open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (850) 937-2160 form for more information.