Woman Sentenced To Life In Prison For 2022 Escambia County Murder
October 10, 2025
An Escambia County woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for a murder almost three years ago.
Alyssa Marie Blackburn was sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Judge Amy Brodersen following her conviction for principal to second degree murder by an Escambia County jury in August 15, 2025.
On the afternoon of October 29, 2023, Jesse Geoghagen was shot and killed by Jacob Colville at a home on Medford Avenue in Escambia County. On that day, Blackburn, Colville and Lawrence Bonner, Jr. came to the house looking for Geoghagen. Blackburn went inside and confirmed he was there, after which Colville and Bonner entered with guns and began searching the house for Geoghagen. Colville found Geoghagen hiding in a closet in the back of the house and proceeded to shoot him several times with three different guns. The murder was captured on a home video surveillance system.
The evidence at trial showed that Blackburn was Geoghagen’s girlfriend but that she also was in a relationship with Colville. Text messages showed there was discord between Blackburn, Geoghagen and Colville relating to their relationships, and there was an earlier statement by Blackburn where she intimated she wanted Colville to “make” Geoghagen leave her alone. Further, nine minutes before the murder, Blackburn messaged another friend that Colville was going to kill Geoghagen. Blackburn left the house just prior to the shooting.
Jacob Colville was convicted of first degree premeditated murder on June 13, 2024, and was sentenced to life in state prison by Circuit Judge Coleman Lee Robinson.
Bonner pleaded no contest to principal to second degree murder and was sentenced to five years in prison with credit for 1,046 days served while awaiting trial. Testimony indicated Bonner had lesser involvement and was not aware of the plot to kill Geoghage..
A security system in the residence captured the murder, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Walnut Hill Heritage Festival Will Be Held Saturday
October 10, 2025
The fifth annual Walnut Hill Heritage Festival will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The event will take place at the Walnut Hill Community Center at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the Walnut Hill Fire Department.
The day, sponsored by the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, will feature vendors, live music, food, hay rides, antique vendors, arts and crafts, bounce houses, face painting, family magic show and much more.
Admission is free.
Pictured: The 2024 Walnut Hill Heritage Festival. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Four Arrested, Stolen Property Recovered In Cantonment Raid
October 9, 2025
Four people were arrested when a months-long Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant Wednesday in Cantonment.
“Over the past several months, investigators have been working a series of cases involving grand theft, vehicle thefts, and dealing in stolen property,” Sgt. Melony Peterson said. During the search, deputies located stolen property and narcotics in the residence, she said.
“This operation is part of ECSO’s continued effort to investigate and address property crimes throughout Escambia County,” Peterson added.
Colby Chase Myrick, 34, was charged with dealing or trafficking in stolen property, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and resisting. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail late Wednesday afternoon without bond.
Three other people at the residence were arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Escambia County Jail:
- Tyrel James Disney, 41, felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, no bond
- Justin Michael Odom, 31, parole violation, no bond
- Shelby Danielle Totty, 30, felony dealing or trafficking in stolen property, $15,000 bond
Pictured above: Colby Myrick. Pictured below: (L-R) Tyrel Disney, Justin Odom, and Shelby Totty.
New Partnership, New Tech Improve Friday Night Football Experience For Tate Aggie Nation
October 9, 2025
Friday night football in Tate High School’s Pete Gindl Stadium, but this season the experience is even brighter, louder and more exciting for everyone in Aggie Nation.
Tate High School has announced a new partnership between the Tate Quarterback Club and alumni Paul and Karen Bowers, who have generously provided Tate High School with new technology that will transform both the student learning experience and the Friday night football atmosphere.
Through their support, Tate High School has received production communication headsets, video cameras, wireless transmitters, system switches, and Daktronics instructional software for the TV & Multimedia Academy. This cutting-edge equipment will allow students to gain real-world, hands-on experience in live production.
This football season, the Multimedia Academy students have taken charge of running the video board on game nights. Fans are seeing an upgraded experience similar to what you would find at large sporting events and concerts, with student-led camera work, instant replays, and enhanced production.
“I am thrilled for our students to have this opportunity. Not only will our fans enjoy a professional-level game day environment, but our students will also be preparing for future careers in broadcasting, media, and production,” Principal Laura Touchstone said. “We are deeply grateful to the Tate Quarterback Club and to Paul and Karen Bowers for their vision and commitment to our school. Their generosity ensures that Aggie traditions continue to grow while also providing invaluable educational opportunities for our students.”
Pictured top: (L-R) Tate football coach Rhett Summerford, Multimedia Academy teacher Melissa Armstrong, Principal Laura Touchstone, and Matt Power, president of the football boosters. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
David Stafford Named Pensacola City Administrator
October 9, 2025
Former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford has been appointed as Pensacola city administrator. Stafford, a Pensacola native with over 30 years of experience in government management and public leadership, will lead the city’s administrative operations and work closely with Mayor D.C. Reeves to advance the city’s strategic priorities.
“We are fortunate to have a person of David’s caliber leading our team at the City of Pensacola,” Reeves said. “David’s deep knowledge of our city, his credibility with our constituents, his leadership acumen, and his sterling reputation nationally for public service will continue to push Pensacola to new heights. It’s an honor to get to work with him, and I’m excited to get going.”
I am honored and humbled to serve as Pensacola’s City Administrator,” Stafford said. “Pensacola is a city with incredible momentum, and I’m excited to work alongside Mayor Reeves and the talented team he has assembled to build on that success. My career has been dedicated to public service and bringing people together to solve problems. I look forward to applying that experience to help move our city forward. This is a special place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has given so much to my family and me.”
Stafford served as Escambia County Supervisor of Elections for nearly two decades from 2005 to 2024. As a constitutional officer, he was responsible for voter registration, election administration, and candidate qualifying for more than 300,000 citizens. In that capacity, Stafford managed a multimillion-dollar budget and oversaw staff recruitment and training, including more than 600 election workers. He led the adoption of new voting systems, innovative technology, and cybersecurity protocols, while also providing national leadership on election administration through service on multiple advisory boards, committees, and working groups.
Following his tenure as Supervisor of Elections, Stafford was appointed as Election Security Advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where he directed operational risk management and cybersecurity initiatives across eight southeastern states.
Most recently, Stafford served as Vice President of Accounts at Enhanced Voting, leading client success efforts and driving innovative solutions for election officials.
David Stafford’s first day with the City of Pensacola will be October 27.
Volunteers Needed For Escambia County Extension Council Zones 1-12
October 9, 2025
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Extension Council for zones 1-12.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Extension Council, who meet the requirements noted in the job description below, are asked to submit an information sheet indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31. Information sheets should be submitted via email to jones.tina@ufl.edu or by mail to:
Tina Jones
3740 Stefani Road
Cantonment, FL. 32533
Zones and locations:
- Zone 1: North intersection of Highway 164 and Highway 97
- Zone 2: South of the intersection at Highway 164 and Highway 97 to the north side of Tungoil Road
- Zone 3: South side of Tungoil Road to the north side of Gibson Road at Highway 97
- Zone 4: South side of Gibson Road at Highway 97 to the north side of Molino Road
- Zone 5: North side of Quintette Road to the south side of Molino Road
- Zone 6: South side of Quintette Road to the north side of Kingsfield Road
- Zone 7: Nine Mile to Kingsfield Road
- Zones 8-12: At large
The Escambia County Extension Council was established in accordance with Chapter 67-1366, Section I- 8 Florida Statutes. The purpose of this council is to study the needs of the county in developing its natural resources, its families and youth; to provide for the organization of planning committees in various agricultural commodities, in youth and in all phases of home economics important to Escambia County; to provide for close liaison between the committees, county extension agents and the council; and to coordinate the reports of all committees into a single Escambia County resource development program designed to develop the county’s resources and its people through programs for which the Cooperative Extension Service has a responsibility for initiating or coordinating. Council members serve a two-year term of office. For more information on UF/IFAS Escambia Extension visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/.
UF/IFAS ESCAMBIA COUNTY EXTENSION COUNCIL MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTION
All Zones
General Description
Represent your organization that serves the people of Escambia County. Share their needs and concerns. Serve as a catalyst and leader in shaping the vision for Extension in support of Escambia County citizens within the scope and mission of UF/IFAS Extension.
Specific Responsibilities
- Attend quarterly council meetings as scheduled.
- Seek out needs and issues of clientele you represent.
- Learn about all programs of Extension.
- Advocate for Extension as opportunities arise.
- Suggest resources to contribute to Extension educational programs.
- Contribute personal expertise, information, and time as available and needed to support Extension’s efforts in Escambia County.
Time Required
- Two-year term of membership.
- May be eligible for a second term.
- 4-6 council meetings per year; 1-2 hours in length.
- Committee meetings as assigned.
Resources Available
- Extension Council guide
- Extension staff
- Escambia Extension Agents’ Plan of Work reports
- Extension educators within the region
- Regional and State Advisory Councils
Training Opportunities
Several training opportunities, including orientation, are available to council members throughout their term of service. This council operates under the Florida Sunshine Law and members are required to attend training provided by the Escambia County Attorney’s staff at a regularly scheduled Extension Council meeting.
Organizational Relationships
Council members work primarily with the County Extension Director. There is generally regular interaction with Extension Agents and also staff members, as well as Extension educators who serve Escambia County. Council members may be asked for input from the regional Extension Director or other members of UF administration.
Qualifications:
- Live in the geographic area noted.
- Interest in enhancing the educational efforts of Escambia County.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an advisory capacity with Extension staff and volunteers.
Northview High Holds Parent College and Career Night
October 9, 2025
Northview High School held a Junior/Senior Parent College and Career Night on Tuesday.
Students and their parents learned about graduation requirements, scholarship opportunities, searching for colleges, college applications, and admission requirements.
Several colleges and universities were took part, along with armed forces branches and others.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Varsity Blanks West Florida
October 9, 2025
Tate 3, West Florida 0
The Tate Aggies Varsity volleyball team delivered a powerful and commanding performance against the West Florida Jaguars on Tuesday night, securing a decisive 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-6, 25-16).
After a solid 25-16 win in the opener, the Aggies overpowered West Florida in the second set with a 25-6 scor. The Aggies closed it out 25-16 to complete the sweep.
West Florida 2, Tate 0 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity fell to the West Florida Jaguars in a two-set loss.
The Aggies fell by the narrowest of margins, 26-24 in the first set before West Florida took the decisive second set 25-18.
FHP Arrests Cantonment Man For DUI Hit And Run Crash
October 8, 2025
A Cantonment man was arrested following a DUI hit and run crash last week on East Kingsfield Road.
Alfred Ryan Long, 36, was charged with driving under the influence with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, and obstruction without violence.
The incident began around 10:00 p.m. when a blue 2005 sedan reportedly rear-ended another vehicle near the intersection with Cabot Street, then continued traveling until it crashed into a traffic sign. An independent witness at the scene reported seeing the driver—described as a white, middle-aged man wearing an orange shirt—flee the accident site on foot, walking eastbound. The witness noted the driver appeared impaired, reporting a strong odor of alcohol. The driver was later identified as Long.
A short time later, a responding Florida Highway Patrol trooper located Long, who matched the description, a few blocks from the crash site. Long was reportedly sweaty and out of breath. Upon contact, the trooper observed Long struggling to keep his balance, swaying and stumbling. The report also indicated Long exhibited several signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, with a heavy presence of alcohol detected on his breath.
During the investigation, Long was found to be concealing the vehicle’s Florida tag underneath his clothes, according to an arrest report. Troopers believed the tag was purposely removed from the vehicle in an attempt to deter the criminal investigation into leaving the scene of a crash.
Long was asked to perform a series of roadside sobriety exercises, which FHP said he failed. He subsequently refused to provide a breath sample to determine his alcohol content.
Long was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
Century Approves $49K Change Order For Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
October 8, 2025
Tuesday night was a night of rather ordinary business for the Century Town Council, including a change order authorization for more than $49,000 on a wastewater treatment plant improvement project.
The $49,645.20 change order approved by the council, along with 20 additional construction days, will remove existing concrete coating in four concrete tanks located in the 35-year-old wastewater treatment plant on Jefferson Avenue. The coating will be sandblasted or removed in a similar method, according to engineer Dale Long said. The change order will also fund the repair of a large crack discovered in a clarifier tank.
In other business, the council also approved a resolution on miscellaneous water improvements that changes the language stating the funding source will be a new account recently created for that purpose.
Pictured: Portions of the Century Wastewater Treatment Plant that need repair and removal of concrete coating, including large crack (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
