Escambia Sheriff’s Deputies Seek Bank Robbery Suspect
June 2, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect after a bank robbery on Monday morning.
The robbery occurred at the PNC Bank at Fairfield Drive and South Dakota Street.
ECSO said the suspect was last seen running west on South Dakota Street.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Florida Sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, Alleging ChatGPT Puts Children at Risk
June 2, 2026
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed legal action against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company knowingly released and aggressively marketed ChatGPT to the public—including to children—while concealing serious risks, suppressing internal safety warnings, and deceiving Floridians about the true nature and dangers of the product.
“Today, we announced the first-in-the-nation state-led lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman,” said Uthmeier. “OpenAI and Altman ignored internal and external safety warnings, put children at great risk, and allowed a dangerous product to reach millions of Floridians.”
“Today’s AI companies have largely assisted with the evolution of the digital playground. Protecting our children means teaching them to navigate not just the real people behind the screens, but the artificial minds engineered to mimic them,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mike Duffey. “Parental vigilance must shift from simply monitoring who our children talk to, to ensuring they understand what they are talking to—because a machine programmed to please can never replace the safety of human boundaries.”
The civil complaint alleges that OpenAI and Altman prioritized speed to market and commercial gain over user safety, disregarded repeated warnings from experts both inside and outside the company, and deployed a product that facilitates and encourages harm—including self-harm and violence—while falsely assuring users it was safe.
The complaint also alleges that ChatGPT collects data from minors without meaningful parental oversight, causes behavioral addiction and cognitive harm, and is prone to dangerous errors that the company has actively downplayed.
The first page of the lawsuit contains a screenshot taken from OpenAI that says ChatGPT was “built with safety in mind.” The suit’s first line simply says “Not so”.
Cotton Lake Recreation Area Closed By Flooding; Bluff Springs Reopens
June 2, 2026
The Cotton Lake Recreation Area on the Escambia River is closed until at least Friday, according to the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
The recreation area is closed due to flooding of access roads.
Meanwhile, the Bluff Springs Recreation Area, also on the Escambia River, has reopened after being closed last week due to flooded roadways.
File photo.
Escambia County Felon Indicted in Federal Court on Gun, Drug Charges
June 2, 2026
An Escambia County man has been indicted in federal court on drug and gun charges.
EP Hall, 42, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Hall appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola. A jury trial is scheduled for July 20 before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Hall faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and up to three years in prison if convicted of possession of a controlled substance. The case is being jointly investigated by the ATF and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed Monday Morning On North Century Boulevard
June 1, 2026
A 76-year-old Century man was struck and killed Monday morning on North Century Boulevard in Century.
The collision occurred just before 9:30 a.m. near Henry Street, just over 100 yards north of Vallarta Mexican Restaurant.
The pedestrian was standing in the travel lane when he was hit by a northbound Nissan Sentra driven by a 27-year old Flomaton woman in the inside lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. FHP said he driver of the Nissan and her 7-year-old female passenger were not injured.
The investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
West Bogia Road Collapses, Hwy 29 Flooded And Closed On Sunday Afternoon
June 1, 2026
West Bogia Road at South Century Boulevard collapsed Sunday afternoon during torrential rainfall and flooding.
Radar estimates showed a three-hour rainfall approaching six inches in the McDavid area.
The heavy rainfall flooded and closed Highway 29 for miles, with southbound traffic diverted on Highway 164 to Highway 97.
For a photo gallery, click here.
While Highway 29 at West Bogia Road was under several feet of water, West Bogia Road washed away and collapsed at a culvert alongside Highway 29. West Bogia is expected to remain closed for several weeks until repairs are made; more details on the repair process are expected to be known this week.
The road failure also cut water for Central Water Works customers on Bogia Road, Black Road and everyone south of Cotton Creek on both sides of Highway 29. Central Water Works was soon able to essentially reroute water to every customer except for one house on Bogia Road. A Central official said the water supply should remain stable for customers in the area until permanent repairs are made.
The heavy rainfall also caused flooding on roads through the area, including South Pine Barren Road, the remainder of West Bogia Road and South Highway 97. An unoccupied pickup truck was found nearly submerged alongside Highway 29 at Canoe Creek.
There was no other damage immediately reported and no reports of any injuries.
Responding agencies Sunday afternoon included Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Public Safety, Escambia County Communications, Escambia County Public Works and the Florida Department of Transportation.
NorthEscambia.com and submitted photo, click to enlarge.
Congratulations Class Of 2026! Celebrate With A Look Back At Hundreds Of Photos
June 1, 2026
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
As we celebrate your successes, let’s look back at all the great photos.
NorthEscambia.com attended the graduation ceremonies for the three high schools located in North Escambia, publishing photo galleries with hundreds of photos and posting complete graduate lists for each of the schools.
Escambia Westgate School
The Escambia Westgate School Class of 2026 graduated May 15. “Each student here needed courage and resilience to get to where they are today,” Principal Cathy Rudd said.
Tate High School
About 485 members of the Tate High School Class of 2026 graduated on May 27 at the Pensacola Bay Center as valedictorian Willow Allyn Beachner encouraged her classmates to “continue your journey, through the good and the bad, and create as much laughter as you can along the way.”
- For the list of Tate High School graduates, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Tate graduation, click here.
- For a second photo gallery from Tate, click here.
Northview High School
On May 26, Northview High School Class of 2026 valedictorian Braylan Hope Shelly told her fellow classmates “do not forget that God has given you the strength, abilities, and determination you need to succeed. Success may look different for each of us, but every person here has been given gifts and opportunities for a reason.”
- For a list of Northview High School graduates, click here.
- For a photo gallery from the Northview graduation, click here.
- For a second photo gallery from Northview, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Ballpark 12U All Star Take First In Perdido Warm Up Tournament
June 1, 2026
The Molino Ballpark 12U All Stars took first place this weekend in the Perdido Warm Up Tournament at the Southwest Sports Complex. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Slow Down Spots
June 1, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- West Bogia Roadis closed at the Highway 29 intersection due to collapse. There is not currently a time estimate repair
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent outside lane closures, between mile markers 4 and 9, Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, May 31, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, May 31, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at I Street and J Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, May 31 through Saturday, June 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- I-10 westbound traffic will be reduced to one travel lane near mile marker 10, Sunday, May 31 through Thursday, June 4, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Intermittent lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Northbound and southbound drivers will encounter a temporary traffic shift to one lane at S.R. 97 and S.R. 95.
- Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Maintenance at Pelican Lane – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, June 1 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for guardrail repair.
- S.R. 296 (Bayou Boulevard) Routine Maintenance near North 12th Avenue – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. for concrete operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
ECPS Honors Top Students, Teachers, And Partners At Career Academy Awards
June 1, 2026
Escambia County Public Schools held its Career Academy Awards Ceremony before the end of the school year.
Students, teachers, individual career academies and business partners were honored in a lunchtime banquet.
“We are so fortunate in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties to have such active and robust career academies in our high schools and middle schools,” said ECPS Workforce Education Director Steven Harrell. “It is an honor to be a part of this enterprise. We are truly preparing our students for success after graduation.”
This year’s winners include:
- Business/Industry Academy Partner Award – Criminal Justice: Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
- Business/Industry Academy Partner Award – Law Office: Phil Hall P.A.
- Middle School Career Academy Student of the Year: Jaiden Stanton, Technology Education & Manufacturing Academy, Ransom Middle School
- Middle School Career Academy Teacher of the Year: Jessika Brown, Culinary Arts Academy, Bailey Middle School
- Middle School Career Academy of the Year: Leanne Jenkins, Agriculture – FFA, Beulah Middle School
- High School Career Academy Student of the Year: Jude Poller, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Academy, Washington High School
- High School Career Academy Scholar: Tyson Tang, Aviation Technology Academy, Washington High School
- High School Career Academy Student Intern of the Year: Lyric Woods, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Academy, Washington High School
- High School Career Academy Teacher of the Year: Richard “Chip” Coleman, Agriscience Academy, Tate High School
- High School Career Academy of the Year: Rachel Veninga & Kristi Mead, Veterinary Science Academy, Tate High School
Pictured top: High School Career Academy Teacher of the Year: Richard “Chip” Coleman, Agriscience Academy, Tate High School, and High School Career Academy of the Year: Rachel Veninga & Kristi Mead, Veterinary Science Academy, Tate High School. Pictured below: Middle School Career Academy Student of the Year Jaiden Stanton from the Ransom Middle School Technology Education & Manufacturing Academy. Pictured inset Middle School Career Academy of the Year: Leanne Jenkins, Agriculture – FFA, Beulah Middle School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
