Armed Escambia Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearms And Narcotics Possession
September 10, 2025
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty to federal firearm possession and narcotics charges.
Terrance Josiah Fasold, 31, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Court documents state that law enforcement was investigating Fasold regarding a stolen firearm. Law enforcement located Fasold at the Red Roof Inn in Pensacola, Florida. Fasold fled from law enforcement and discarded a bag containing more than 40 grams of fentanyl. A search of Fasold’s hotel room was conducted and law enforcement located more fentanyl, as well as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and several loaded firearms. Fasold is a convicted felon and has multiple prior felony convictions for drug related offenses.
Fasold faces up to life imprisonment, and a lifetime of supervision upon release.
“I deeply appreciate the hard work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to get this violent drug trafficker off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 3:00pm at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
Century Grants Tentative Approval To Lower Tax Rate, $9.2 Million Budget
September 9, 2025
The Town of Century on Monday approved a tentative $9.2 million budget for the next fiscal year and a property tax rate that is, by definition, a tax decrease.
The town council approved a tentative millage rate of .9204, the same rate that has been in place for several years.
That is 7.85% less than the rolled-back rate of .9988 mills, according to filed documents. The rolled-back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. While Century’s tax rate will hold steady, it is by definition a tax decrease as it is lower than the rolled-back rate.
Property tax is expected to generate $59,680 for the town budget.
Both the tentative budget and millage rate passed on a 4-0 vote with council member John Bass not present.
The town council will consider final approval of the $9,203,199 FY 2025-26 budget and millage rate during a special meeting at 5:01 p.m., on Monday, September 22. The meeting is open to the public at town hall.
Elementary School Open Houses Thursday Night
September 9, 2025
Elementary school open house events in Escambia County will take place Thursday night.
See the list below for your school. (Note that some open houses were held Tuesday night.)
THURSDAY
- Bellview , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Beulah , Grades K, 2, 4 – 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Grades 1, 3 , 5 – 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.”
- Blue Angels , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Brentwood , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Byrneville , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Title I meeting 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
- Cordova Park , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Escambia Westgate , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Ferry Pass , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Global , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Hellen Caro , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Jim Allen , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Kingsfield , 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Lincoln Park , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- McArthur , 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Molino Park , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Montclair , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Myrtle Grove , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Navy Point , 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Pleasant Grove , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Scenic Heights , 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Semmes , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Suter , Grades K-2 – 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Grades 3-5 – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Weis , 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- West Pensacola , 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PREVIOUSLY HELD TUESDAY
- Bratt, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Ensley, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Holm, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Longleaf, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Oakcrest, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Pine Meadow, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sherwood, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Warrington, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Florida Hunting, Fishing, Camping Sales Tax Holiday Underway
September 9, 2025
Florida’s news sales tax holiday on guns, ammunition and camping supplies is underway until December 31.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also on Tuesday announced several sportsman initiatives designed to save Floridians money during the tax holiday.
- Ammunition
- Bows and Crossbows, as well as accessories
- Firearms including pistols, rifles, and shotguns
- Firearm accessories such as holsters, grips, sights, stocks, and cleaning kits
- Camping lanterns and flashlights for $30 or less
- Camping stoves, hammocks, chairs, and sleeping bags for $50 or less
- Tents for $200 or less
- Bait and tackle up to $5 if sold individually or $10 if packaged together
- Tackle bags and boxes up to $30
- Rods and Reels up to $75 if sold individually or up to $150 if sold in a set
Tate Aggies Boys Golf Outpaces 21 Teams to Win Byron Nathan Memorial Tourney
September 9, 2025
The Tate High Aggies boys golf team won the Byron Nathan Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday at Stonebrook Golf Club. The Aggies finished first out of 21 teams and 104 individual golfers with an impressive team score of 291.
It was a strong day for individual performances as well. Baylor Touchstone earned low medalist honors with a standout round of 67, finishing five under par. Jacob Drysdale tied for fifth with a solid 72, while Jaxson Thomason posted a 75 and Parker Hassell finished with a 77.
The Aggies boys golf team is coached by Christian Griffitts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Pair Facing Federal Charges In Multi-Million Fraud Scheme
September 9, 2025
Federal charges have been filed against a pair of Escambia County residents in a multi-million fraud scheme.
Salvatore John Carpanzano, 66, and Heather Gayle Fisher, 54, have been indicted in federal court on charges related to a multi-year scheme to defraud victims out of millions of dollars.
They allegedly impersonated Fisher Investments and defrauded people into wiring them a total of more than $2.9 million.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
If convicted, Carpanzano and Fisher each face up to 50 year in federal prison. They are scheduled for trial on October 20.
Tate Aggies Sweep The Escambia Gators
September 9, 2025
Tate 3, Escambia 0
The Tate Aggies’ varsity volleyball team secured a dominant victory over the Escambia Gators on Monday, sweeping the match in straight sets.
The Aggies controlled the game from the start, showcasing strong offensive and defensive play. They won the first set with a commanding score of 25-5. While the Gators put up more of a fight in the subsequent sets, Tate maintained their momentum, winning the second set 25-15 and closing out the match with a 25-6 victory in the third.
With the win, the Lady Aggies are 7-1 overall, 2-0 in the 6A District 1.
Up next, Tate will travel to Choctawhatchee on Tuesday and Pace (6-6, 2-1) on Thursday.
Tate 2, Escambia 0 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity volleyball team defeated the Escambia Gators in a quick two-set match on Monday.
The Aggies dominated from the start, taking the first set with a decisive 25-11 win, and continued their strong performance in the second set, closing out the game with a 25-9 victory.
Fire Destroys Home On West Roberts Road
September 8, 2025
Fire destroyed a home in the 1100 block of West Roberts Road, Monday afternoon.
The home was not believed to be occupied at the time of the fire about 1:40 p.m. It was heavily involved in fire when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
Our cameras were there as a garage wall buckled and fell around an Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighter. He did not appear to be injured and continued to fight the blaze.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Bureau of Fire and Arson.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Sunday Molino Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation
September 8, 2025
A fire destroyed a mobile home Sunday afternoon in Molino and is under investigation by the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation.
The fire was reported at 12:38 p.m., in the 4500 block of Pine Circle Drive, just off Highway 97.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from a single-wide mobile home. They were able to bring the fire under control by 1:05 p.m.
The mobile home, which was unoccupied at the time of the fire, was a total loss. There were no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Dies After Crashing Into Fence
September 8, 2025
A 60-year-old Pensacola man died after his pickup truck crashed into a fence on Saturday morning.
The man was traveling eastbound on Hope Drive when he lost control, and struck a fence, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a release Monday morning.
The driver was transported to Baptist Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
File photo.