Escambia County Felon Pleads Guilty To Firearm Possession
November 26, 2025
An Escambia County convicted felon has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge.
Jerney Jabara Purifoy, 33, entered the plea in federal court to possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Court documents reflect that deputies with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Purifoy’s residence. In his bedroom, deputies located a loaded 9-millimeter handgun. In another room, deputies located a loaded .22 caliber AR15-style rifle.
Purifoy has prior felony convictions for aggravated battery and fleeing or eluding law enforcement, and he also has a pending case in Escambia County state court related to animal cruelty, animal fighting, and confinement of animals without sufficient food or water.
He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced in February.
Two Days, Two Tate Aggies Wins In Escarosa Thanksgiving Basketball Invitational
November 26, 2025
The Tate Aggies beat Mosley 73-60 Tuesday in the second day of The Escarosa Thanksgiving Basketball Invitational at Catholic.
On Monday, the Aggies earned a first day win 82-64 win over the Catholic Crusaders.
Man Arrested In Escambia County For Capital Murder Of Two Teens In Alabama
November 26, 2025
A capital murder suspect in an Alabama double homicide has been arrested in Escambia County, Florida.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was alerted that 22-year-old Edwin Shawan Hyde had an active warrant for the murder of two teenagers in Wilcox County, Alabama. He was located in downtown Pensacola and arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department.
Hyde was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond to await extradition back to Alabama.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation and Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a double homicide in Pine Hill, Alabama.
Two young men, ages 17 and 18, were both found deceased with gunshot wounds. The teens had been reported missing since Monday, November 17, and were reportedly last seen near Thomasville, Alabama.
Saturday, 27-year-old Courtney Anderson was arrested and booked into the Wilcox County Jail, charged with capital murder.
Lipscomb Second Grade Students Create Thanksgiving Cookbook
November 25, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School second grade students in Betsy’s Eggart’s class worked together to create an extra special Thanksgiving Cookbook.
They gifted copies of the cookbook to Principal Kristen Danley, Assistant Principal Kanisha White and Curriculum Coordinator Holly Griffin.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Deputy Released On Bond After Vehicular Homicide Arrest
November 25, 2025
A former Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy has been released from jail on bond after being arrested felony charges for a double fatal crash that claimed the lives of two pedestrians in July.
Gregory Eugene Nesmith, 58, was booked into the Escambia County Jail Sunday night on two counts of vehicular homicide and held without bond. The Florida Highway Patrol announced Friday morning that the agency has completed its investigation into the crash and issued warrants for Nesmith.
Nesmith appeared in court Monday afternoon where Judge Kristina Lightel set his bond at $40,000 — $20,000 for each of two counts. He was released at 4:12 p.m. after posting bond, according to jail records.
The crash happened around 3 a.m. on July 5 on Perdido Key as Nesmith was working a security detail as an off-duty deputy at the Flora-Bama. FHP said he struck two pedestrians in a crosswalk on Perdido Key Drive. The pedestrians, Nicole Moore and Jackson Cunningham, both 20 and from the Birmingham area, were killed.
Nesmith’s attorney, Roy Kinsey, told the judge that the deaths were a tragic accident. Kinsey said Nesmith was traveling east as an ambulance was traveling west and the victims were crossing the street. He said that blocked Nesmith’s view.
Both families have filed civil lawsuits against Nesmith. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim he was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.
Nesmith, who has since retired, had worked for the ECSO for more than 30 years.
Pictured: Gregory Nesmith appeared at a bond hearing Monday afternoon. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Announce Top 10 Teachers Of The Year
November 25, 2025
Escambia County Public Schools have announced the Top 10 Teachers of the Year nominees.
- Trinity Barnett – Blue Angels Elementary School
- Kathryn Cody – Booker T. Washington High School
- Kristy Davis – Escambia High School
- David Dawson – Pine Forest High School
- Courtney Geiger – Lipscomb Elementary School
- Tyler Mertz – West Florida High School
- Shelly Mitchell – Beulah Elementary School
- Cameron Peters – Bailey Middle School
- Amanda Pinckard – Scenic Heights Elementary School
- Lori Walsh – Hellen Caro Elementary School
Nominated teachers will compete for selection as the school district’s overall Teacher of the Year.
Atmore Police Cracking Down On Illegal Street Racing, Which They Say Led To A Murder
November 25, 2025
The Atmore Police Department is stepping up their enforcement efforts to combat illegal street racing. The department said the move is in response to ongoing illegal street racing complaints within the city limits and in the police jurisdiction around the city.
Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann said that a disagreement over the outcome of a June 24 street race on Carver Avenue near 19th Avenue led to the murder of 17-year-old Gabriel Elijah Hooks and the shooting of an adult.
“Not only is it dangerous to the individuals involved in the illegal street races, it’s dangerous to individuals watching the race, and to drivers who happen to encounter vehicles involved in racing,” McMann said.
McMann said the stepped up enforcement efforts include towing and impounding involved vehicles, citing violators involved in the illegal races, organizers of the illegal street races, spectators of the illegal street races, and spotters who warn illegal street racers law enforcement is approaching.
He added that the Atmore Police Department will utilize drones, unmarked vehicles to patrol known areas where illegal street racing occurs, and additional manpower.
Pictured top: Gabriel Elijah Hooks.
Escambia County Man Convicted Of Murder In Dispute Over Missing Package
November 25, 2025
An Escambia County man has been convicted of shooting and killing a man after a dispute over a package.
A jury found Shybri Bashiabeon Omar Steverson guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm.
On November 1, 2023, Shybri Steverson shot Victim Guy Dixon, Jr. after a brief conversation about a missing package.
Prosecutors said their case was supported by eyewitness testimony.
Steverson will be sentenced on December 11.
AAA Predicting 4.65 Million Floridians Will Travel Over Thanksgiving Holidays
November 25, 2025
AAA projects that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State.
Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.
“Floridians are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”
Traveling By Car
AAA projects that nearly 73 million Americans will travel by car this Thanksgiving, representing almost 90% of all holiday travelers. In Florida, more than 4.25 million residents will drive to their destinations. That number could rise if travelers opt to avoid potential flight disruptions.
Rental Cars: Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, reports that Wednesday will be the busiest day for vehicle pick-ups. Orlando and Miami rank among the top five U.S. markets for rental demand. Good news for renters: domestic car rental rates are down 15% compared to last year.
Gas Prices: Drivers can expect lower gas prices on Thanksgiving than last year, when the state average was $3.11 per gallon. AAA recommends filling up the night before travel and checking your battery and tire pressure. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide, many for dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.
Impaired Driving: AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving, accounting for 35% of all traffic fatalities during the holiday period.
Traveling By Air
AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. In Florida, nearly 299,000 residents will take to the skies. Given recent flight reductions, that number could end up being lower as flights get cancelled or travelers make other plans.
Airfares: Domestic airfares are similar to last year, averaging $700 for a round-trip. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can offer savings, but return flights on Sunday and Monday tend to be the most expensive. Some travelers are adjusting their schedules to avoid peak travel days.
“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” Haas continued. “Consider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.”
By Other Modes
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is expected to rise 8.5% nationally, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. In Florida, more than 87,000 residents will travel by these modes. Cruise travel continues to surge, with AAA projecting 20.7 million U.S. cruise passengers in 2025 and 21.7 million in 2026. Thanksgiving cruises to the Caribbean are especially popular for their warm weather and all-inclusive appeal.
Century Correctional Inmate Assaulted Officer, FDC Says
November 25, 2025
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Yohn Pena, 27, assaulted a correctional officer by striking the officer, according to FDC. The officer was not injured during the alleged assault.
Edouard was serving a 5-year sentence out of Miami-Date on a 2021 conviction for robbery with a weapon, lewd and lascivious exhibition, burglary, and grand left.