Cantonment Man Faces Felony Charges For Alleged Shots Fired, Robbery At Local Gas Station
September 5, 2025
A Cantonment man faces multiple felony charges following a domestic violence incident at a local gas station that included a robbery and shots fired.
Anthony Antonio Purifoy Jr., 30, was arrested on August 30 after deputies responded to a complaint of shots fired at the Valero Gas Station at 210 South Highway 29, across from International Paper.
According to a report from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Purifoy entered the gas station and allegedly snatched $60 in cash from his ex-girlfriend. The report notes that the two had been in a relationship for approximately three and a half years and had recently separated.
Following a verbal altercation inside the store, the argument continued outside, where the victim stated that Purifoy ’snatched’ her glasses from her face. As she got into a vehicle with her family, Purifoy allegedly became irate, banging on the vehicle and making verbal threats. Witnesses stated that Purifoy then discharged a firearm into the air several times while in close proximity to his ex-girlfriend. She reported that while he did not point the gun at her, she feared for her life, noting that he had threatened violence in the past, but this was the first time a firearm was involved.
Deputies arrived on the scene and located two .22 caliber shell casings on the ground. Several witnesses, who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, identified Purifoy Jr. as the shooter.
Deputies attempted to locate Purifoy at the Black Diamond club next door to the gas station, where multiple people were coming in and out of the doors.
“However, when they approached (Black Diamond), several people started shouting for others to lock the door; therefore, deputies were unable to get inside,” the report states.
Purifoy was found hiding in the woods near the gas station, where he was apprehended.
After being read his Miranda warnings, Purifoy Jr. denied firing a weapon or having a girlfriend and claimed he was in the woods to urinate and was not trying to hide. Deputies noted scratches on his face, which Purifoy Jr. attributed to the thorn bushes. A criminal history check revealed Purifoy had a prior felony conviction in Florida.
Deputies noted that he had a large sum of cash in his possession at the time of his arrest, including three $20 bills that were allegedly snatched from the victim.
Purifoy was booked into the Escambia County Jail on August 30 on charges of battery in a domestic violence situation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a domestic violence situation, robbery by sudden snatching, possession of a weapon by a convicted Florida felon, and discharging a firearm in public. He was released from the Escambia County Jail the following day on a $40,000 bond.
The victim was not injured and refused EMS.
Tate High School Graduate Ashley Saba Named FloridaWest Director of Business Development
September 5, 2025
Tate High School graduate Ashley Saba has joined the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance as its new director of business development.
In this newly created role, Saba will focus on recruiting new industries to Escambia County while assisting with a strong marketing presence, strengthening investor relations, and advancing FloridaWest’s mission of long-term economic growth.
Saba was raised in Escambia County, where she attended Ransom Middle School and graduated from Tate High School in 2005 before attending both Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida.
She was named the 2025 Woman of the Year in Marketing – Medical in Scarlett Magazine. She was an InWeekly Rising Star and United Way of the Emerald Coast’s 40 Under 40 in 2024. She is also a proud graduate of Project LEAD in Okaloosa/Walton counties (Class of 2025), Leadership Pensacola (Class of 2023) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s “Excellence Academy in Leadership” in 2021. She also serves on the board of directors for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Foundation, specifically supporting their programs that positively impact local youth, as well as serving on the Board for the South City Foundation in Tallahassee for Purpose-Built Communities. She was honored as Santa Rosa County Schools Partner of the Year in 2015.
“I am honored to join FloridaWest and contribute to the economic growth of Escambia County. My passion has always been centered on creating opportunities that strengthen families and communities, and I believe one of the most impactful ways we can do that is through expanding access to high-wage jobs,” Saba said. “By working alongside the FloridaWest board, the Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Pensacola, I look forward to helping attract new industries and investments that will ensure long-term prosperity for our residents.”
“As FloridaWest continues to position Escambia County as a competitive business location, Ashley’s knowledge of the area and her strong business experience will be critical in attracting new companies, bringing more capital investment and high-wage job opportunities to our community,” said FloridaWest CEO Chris Platé. “Her passion for our community combined with her strong skillset creates a dynamic advantage for our organization as we compete on the global stage.”
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Tate Aggies’ Unbeaten Streak Continues With Senior Night Rout Of PHS
September 5, 2025
The Tate Aggies celebrated Senior Night on Thursday with a 41-0 rout of the Pensacola High School Tigers at Pete Gindle Stadium.
The Aggies hit the scoreboard with 8:27 left in the first quarter when sophomore quarterback Miles Delarosa handed off to Tanner Clark, who punched it in for a touchdown. After a kick that ricocheted off the goalpost, the Aggies were up 6-0.
With 3:56 remaining in the first quarter, Delarosa found Elijah West for another Aggies touchdown. With a successful two-point conversion from Noah Calderon, the Aggies were up 14-0. The PHS Tigers drove down to the one-yard line but were pushed back by the Aggies defense on fourth-and-goal with about a minute left in the first quarter.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Aggies struck again with a long touchdown pass to West just after the start of the second quarter — Tate 21, PHS still 0. Tate added another touchdown on a Delarosa pass to Laquarius Bradford and an Aggie Shack end-zone touchdown to make it 28-0 with 34 seconds to go in the half.
Now 3-0, the Aggies have outscored opponents 110-20 so far in a three-game home opener. Tate will head to Milton on Friday night, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. Milton, now also 3-0, defeated Washington 14-13 on Thursday night.
*Look for cheerleader, fan and other photos later on NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested For Boot Store Theft
September 5, 2025
Two suspects are now jailed in connection with alleged retail thefts from The Boot Store in late August.
Deputies said 50-year-old LaCarter Millionder and 49-year-old Angel Scott were caught on video taking merchandise from the store on August 22, and they were booked into the Escambia County Jail on Thursday afternoon without bond.
The store alleges that $1,000 in boots were stolen from the business on Pine Forest Road.
Deputies said Milloder already had active warrants for thefts and violation of community control, while Scott was already wanted on three active warrants for petit theft, which have now been upgraded to felonies.
The Boot Store originally alleged in a social media post that a third individual was involved in the thefts, but the ECSO said Tuesday that she was not involved and had committed no crime.
“Upon reviewing the store’s video surveillance, it was determined that the white female previously posted to The Boot Store social media page as a ‘potential suspect’ was not involved in any theft and did not appear to be working in conjunction with Millionder and Scott,” the ECSO said in a statement.
From Trunk Or Treat To Christmas, Century Chamber Planning Seasonal Events
September 5, 2025
The Century Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing to plan for several upcoming seasonal events.
The chamber met Thursday to discuss events including:
- Trunk or Treat on October 24
- Veterans Day Cookout on November 11
- Christmas Tree Decorating Contest in connection with the Flomaton Chamber
- Caroling, Tree Lighting and Open House on December 5
- Christmas Parade and Movie on December 12
More details on each of event will be published later on NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Green’s Dramatic Double Gives Wahoos One-Hitter Win
September 5, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos turned in a dominant pitching performance on Thursday night, and got just enough offense for a 2-0 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers.
Payton Green broke a scoreless tie with a two-out, two-run double in the eighth inning, and Jake Brooks, Gabe Bierman and Nigel Belgrave combined for a one-hit shutout as the Blue Wahoos kept their playoff hopes alive.
Brooks fanned five batters over 5.0 scoreless innings, with only a fifth-inning Zavier Warren double keeping the Blue Wahoos from a combined no-hitter. Bierman (W, 1-2) worked a pair of perfect frames to earn his first Double-A win, and Belgrave (S, 5) protected the late lead with a six-out save.
After failing to capitalize on opportunities against Shuckers starter Alexander Cornielle and leaving two runners in scoring position against reliever Raúl Alcantara in the seventh, the Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the eighth. With two outs, Dub Gleed drew a walk against Jesús Broca (L, 0-1) and advanced to second on a single from Mark Coley II. Green slashed a double to right-center, scoring both runners to put Pensacola ahead 2-0.
Belgrave retired the final six batters to complete the second Blue Wahoos one-hitter of the season, and their 14th in team history. Jacob Miller, Belgrave and Justin King also combined for a one-hitter in a 6-0 win at Rocket City on June 10.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos kept pace with first-place Montgomery in the second half South Division standings, trailing by 5.0 games with 9 to play in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Friday.
Century Changing Sanitation Providers For the First Time In 30 Years
September 4, 2025
For the first time in about 30 years, the Town of Century is poised to change sanitation providers in December, but the impact on citizen rates remains to be seen.
Without accepting bids, Century had continued to renew an agreement with annual increases with Republic Services. This year, however, the town sought a new provider. They received bids from two companies — BFI Waste Services, dba Republic Services of Escambia County, and Waste Pro of Florida.
An evaluation committee ranked Waste Pro significantly higher than Republic Services, with average scores of 93.5 and 72.3, respectively.
“Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. consistently scored the highest across all evaluators, with strengths in cost proposal, service plan, equipment, and community engagement,” according to a town document. “Republic Services was evaluated as adequate but with key weaknesses: missing a commercial pricing proposal, incomplete forms, and a weaker overall service plan.”
Currently, Republic collects weekly trash in Century, but the town provides all other sanitation services, including bulk waste and yard waste. Citizens pay $27.41, while the town pays Republic about $18; the difference compensates the town for the costs associated with the bulk and yard waste collections and disposals.
For the period beginning December 1, Republic bid $18.13 each for the approximately 700 containers collected weekly in Century.
Republic did not submit bids for the other services requested by the town, including recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste. Republic’s Robert Schultz told the council that his company is not equipped to provide those services in the local market.
Waste Pro’s bid was slightly higher at $19 per container for residential waste only, or $40 to include household waste, yard waste, bulk waste, and recycling — higher than the $27.41 currently paid by citizens. However, Waste Pro stated they could lower that price by altering the services provided, particularly by eliminating recycling.
This week, the Century Town Council voted 5-0 to affirm the evaluation committee’s recommendation of Waste Pro and authorized Mayor Ben Boutwell to negotiate a final franchise agreement. The changeover date between Republic and Waste Pro should be December 1. Both companies have committed to making the transition seamless for residents.
No other sanitation companies in the area submitted a bid, including the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA), which provides residential sanitation collection in the remainder of unincorporated Escambia County.
Pictured: The Century Town Council met this week. Also pictured: The Council heard rom representatives from Republic Services (inset above) and Waste Pro (below). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Corn Combine In Walnut Hill
September 4, 2025
A raging fire destroyed a corn combine in Walnut Hill on Wednesday.
The combine was being used to harvest corn in a field on South Highway 99 near Morgan Road when it caught fire just before 8 p.m.
The Walnut Hill Station of Fire Rescue responded and was able to save unharvested corn that remained in the field. The combine was a total loss.
There were no injuries reported.
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Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty To Possessing And Distributing Fentanyl In Escambia County
September 4, 2025
An armed drug trafficker has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing fentanyl in Escambia County, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
Corderrius Terrelle McShane, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl, 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.
“I applaud the excellent work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal ATF and DEA agents to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
Court documents showed McShane distributed 55.6 grams of fentanyl in November of 2024. Also, that same month, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle McShane was driving, during which officers located over 230 grams of fentanyl and a loaded firearm. McShane has prior felony convictions for possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, resisting law enforcement with violence, possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
McShane faces up to life imprisonment, and a lifetime of supervision upon release.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sheriff’s Office Hosting Coffee With A Cop Friday Morning In Davisville
September 4, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host Coffee With A Cop this Friday morning in Davisville.
The event will take place at the Rustic Rooster at 10251 Highway 97 (just north of West Highway 4) from 7:30 until 9:30 a.m.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s work in the community. It is a great way for Escambia County deputies and community members to come together, build relationships, and, of course, drink coffee.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation and sponsors will provide a free cup of coffee to each attendee.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.