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Escambia Man Gets Federal Prison For Possessing Stolen Mail

An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison for mail theft.

Rashaad Tariq Lee, 31, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of stolen mail and means of identification.

On February 22, 2024, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a residential search warrant at an apartment Lee resided at and obtained through fraud, utilizing a senior citizen’s identity. Law enforcement located stolen mail, counterfeiting tools, and identification for individuals’ including driver’s licenses, social security cards, stolen and counterfeit checks. Investigators identified 71 additional victims based on the items located and seized from the residence.

“I truly appreciate the outstanding investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that put an end to this offender’s fraud and theft schemes,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin said. “Mail theft and identity theft has a devastating impact on the victims of such crimes, and my office will aggressively pursue prosecutions to ensure offenders face maximum consequences for the harm they have caused.”

“This prosecution sends the message that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, Bladismir Rojo, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”

“Teamwork delivers results,” said Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons. “Through our partnership with the US Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, a suspect in a stolen mail and ID case has been sentenced to 25 months. If you steal from our community, you will face justice.”

Lee’s imprisonment will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration.

The case was investigated jointly by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Here Are This Week’s Traffic Slow Down Construction Spots

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Escambia County:

• Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 98 – The week of Sunday, Sept. 14, drivers will encounter an outside lane closure on the I-10 westbound ramp to access I-110 southbound (Exit 12). Crews will be performing drainage improvements on I-110 southbound near mile marker 6.
• Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 296) Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Sept. 14 through Thursday, Sept. 18, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
  • 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.
• Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Sept. 14, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
• S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Sept. 14, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road (C.R.) 292A east) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration will be implemented on S.R. 292, between Mills Avenue and Patton Drive, all lanes will shift south. Signage will be in place to guide drivers safely through the work zone.
• U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Sept. 14 through Thursday, Sept. 18, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
• Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, Sept. 14, 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 south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
  • Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for stormwater management upgrades. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
  • On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
• Beulah Road (S.R. 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, Sept. 14 through Thursday, Sept. 18, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for concrete work and shoulder stabilization operations.
• I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Sept. 14 through Thursday, Sept. 18, 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, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 18, 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.

• I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 19:
  • I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
  • The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
  • I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
  • 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.

• U.S. 90 (West Cervantes Street) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance between North Palafox and North Spring Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent nighttime lane closures Wednesday, Sept. 17 through Friday, Sept. 19 for routine underground utility maintenance.

Santa Rosa County:

• S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Next week, drivers may encounter the following disruptions between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for paving operations:
  • Intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, Sept. 15 through Friday, Sept. 19.
  • East River Boat Ramp Road will be reduced to one lane, Monday, Sept. 15. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
• U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:

o   Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.

o   Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 19.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Trimble, Wahoos Run Wild in 4-3 Win

written by Bill Vilona

Back in spring training, the Blue Wahoos made stolen bases a point of emphasis in 2025, along with the entire Miami Marlins organization.

On a record setting night for steals, they got a signature season win because of it.

Led by outfielder Fenwick Trimble, who tied Billy Hamilton’s 2012 team record with four steals in a game, the Blue Wahoos set a team record with seven thefts in a single game, which became pivotal in a 4-3 victory Saturday against the Columbus Clingstones before a capacity crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“You gotta get on, first, so that was cool to get on (base) a couple times and our coaches do a great job teaching us fundamentals, so you try to stick with that,” said Trimble who reached on a walk and single, scoring both times.
Three of the four runs were delivered from stolen bases, including a double-steal that forced a throwing error to score a run.

The Blue Wahoos have now stolen 199 bases this season, blowing past the previous team record of 168 set In 2022. An ambitious preseason goal of 200 steals can be attained in Sunday’s season-finale against Columbus.

This year-ender game also presents opportunity for the Blue Wahoos (68-79 overall, 34-34 second half) to produce a winning second-half mark and extend a streak of non-losing season records to nine consecutive years.
“Finish strong, have fun and play all the way to the end,” said Trimble on the team’s approach to wrapping up six months and 138 baseball games.

Saturday’s performance led into the final fireworks show of the season and kept the crowd at the ballpark roaring with approval after the show’s grand finale in the sky ended.

The night also featured the famed Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s world renowned Flight Demonstration Squadron, attending a game in their hometown community on a rare weekend off.

All of this led to a crowd-pleasing night as the Blue Wahoos wrap up their 13th season as a franchise.

The Clingstones starting pitcher was Ian Anderson, a star of the Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series run, when he won two games in postseason, including Game 3 of the World Series against Houston.

Anderson is now trying to make another run toward being part of the Braves again. He was solid on Saturday, going 5.2 innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, one walk and five strikeouts. But he absorbed the loss after exiting in the sixth inning when the Blue Wahoos took a 2-1 lead.

Trimble got a two-out single off Anderson before he was replaced. Trimble then stole second. After Tony Bullard walked, the Blue Wahoos pulled off a double-steal that led to Trimble scoring on a throwing error by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski.

In the eighth inning, the Blue Wahoos extended the lead, scoring two runs on one hit. Gage Miller led off with a walk, then went to third on Emaarion Boyd’s single and scored on Cam Clayton’s sacrifice fly. Boyd had stolen second, advanced to third on that play and throw home, then Boyd scored on a two-out wild pitch.

Columbus loaded the bases and scored a pair of runs in the eighth against reliever Jack Sellinger, but Jesse Bergin followed and thwarted the tying run from scoring.

Bergin then retired the Clingstones in order in the ninth, striking out the final two batters.

WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Blue Wahoos 2025 Final Game
WHO: Columbus Clingstones vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN Sunday, 1:05 p.m. (Special start time as final game).

Cantonment Man Facing Multiple Charges After Domestic Disturbance

A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a domestic disturbance that led to a physical altercation and property damage, according to a Pensacola Police Department (PPD) report.

Leo Valentino Benjamin, 32, was charged with attempted aggravated battery, petit theft, criminal mischief and felony. The charges stem from an incident at a residence on West Government Street and Benjamin’s subsequent arrest.

According to the PPD, officers were dispatched to the home in the city in response to a disturbance. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with a male witness, who stated that his sister, the victim, and her boyfriend, Benjamin, had been involved in a loud verbal argument. The witness told police that Benjamin followed his girlfriend into the living room and threw a vice grip tool at her, which he believed struck her.

The PPD report states that the victim, who had a laceration on her left cheek, told the officer that Benjamin had taken her cellphone earlier in the day. Upon returning to the residence, Benjamin allegedly accused the victim of taking his phone, and after an argument, began throwing objects around the house. She reported that Benjamin threw the vice grips, which struck a window air conditioner before hitting her in the face. The estimated cost to repair the window was $100, while her cellphone was valued at $60.

Recently, PPD officers arrested Benjamin at a gas station on an outstanding warrant related to the battery incident. He had methamphetamine in a wallet inside his vehicle, according to an arrest report.

He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.

Northview Beats Central 46-8 (With Gallery)

Northview brought home a big win from Santa Rosa County on Friday night as the Chiefs beat Central 46-8.

Northview was first on the board with a Nate Duffy touchdown and a good two-point conversion to make it 8-0. In the second quarter, Easten Odom added another TD for the Chiefs as they rolled on to spoil senior night for the Jaguars.

It was the first win for Doug Vickery as Northview’s head coach as they improved to 1-3; Central fell to 0-4.

Click here for more photos.
*Look for fan, cheerleaders, and other bonus photos by Monday.

Next week, Central will look for their first “W” as they host Rocky Bayou. Northview will welcome Holmes County to Bratt for homecoming.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Sheriff Explains Open Carry Need To Knows Points After Florida Law Ruled Unconstitutional

Now that local law enforcement agencies have said that they will stop enforcing Florida’s open carry law after it was found unconstitutional by a state appeals court, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons is clarifying some need to know points.

Simons said private property and business owners still have the right to prohibit open carry on their premises and may trespass individuals who do not comply.

Also, open carry remains prohibited by law in specific locations, including:

“As always we urge all citizens of Escambia County to exercise their rights with sound judgment, respect, and responsibility,” Simmons said on Friday.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department all said they will not enforce the state law banning the open carry of firearms. The move follows a decision Monday by the First District Court of Appeal that found the law unconstitutional.

Read more: Local Law Enforcement Will No Longer Enforce Florida’s Open Carry Law
Read more: In Local Case, State Appeals Court Rules Open Carry of Firearms Is Protected By The Constitution

Milton Slips Past Tate 3-0 (With Gallery)

The Tate Aggies and Milton Panthers were the only two unbeaten teams in the two-county area heading into Friday night’s showdown in Milton.

The night was a defensive battle, with the Panthers, under former Tate head coach Ronnie Douglas, pulling out a 3-0 win with a late field goal in the fourth quarter.

Click here for more photos.
*Look for cheerleaders, band and fan photos by Monday.

Milton (4-0) will travel to Navarre (0-3) next Friday night, while the Aggies (3-1) will host West Florida (3-1) for homecoming at Pete Gindl Stadium.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Tate High AJROTC Honors 9/11 Victims

by C/CPT James Hewett, Aggie Battalion, Public Relations Officer (S-5)

On September 11, 2025, J.M. Tate High School’s Army JROTC program held a memorial ceremony to honor and remember the lives lost during the attacks on September 11, 2001. The ceremony consisted of a wreath being placed at the foot of a half-staff American flag at 8:15am. For the remainder of the school day, sixteen cadets served twenty minute shifts dressed in their Class A uniform. They walked with intention marking twenty-one steps and twenty-one second pauses at each passing of the wreath. This presentation lasted continuously for six hours and was a sight to behold. Tate High School appreciates the dedication of their AJROTC Cadets and instructors, MAJ Hill and MSG Kyser, for what they have done to engage our campus community in commemorating the 24th anniversary of 9/11.

For more photos, click here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

High School Football Scoreboard

Here are high school football scorers from across the North Escambia area.

Florida

• Milton 3, Tate 0 [Story, photos...]
• Northview 46, Central 8 [Story, photos...]
• Baker 29, Jay 20
• Choctaw 28, Pine Forest 0
• West Florida 35, Walton 5
• Bay 28, Escambia 14
• Pensacola Catholic 17, Montgomery Catholic 6
• Pensacola High 49, Destin 9
• Panama City Mosley 36, Navarre 16
• Washington 14,  Fort Walton Beach 7 (Thursday)
• Pace (Bye)
• Gulf Breeze (Bye)

ALABAMA

• T.R. Miller 27, Flomaton 10
• Mobile Christian 29, Escambia County (Atmore) 18
• W.S. Neal 44, Orange Beach 15
• Escambia Academy 44, Southern Prep Academy 12 (Thursday)

Pictured: The Northview Chiefs beat Central 46-8 Friday night at Central. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Highway 97 Crash Claims Life Of 29-Year-Old Cantonment Man

A two-vehicle collision Friday morning on Highway 97 near Davisville claimed the life of a 29-year old Cantonment man.

A fully loaded dump truck and an SUV collided about a third of a mile south of Meadows Road shortly before 7 a.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the Cantonment man’s SUV was northbound on Highway 97 as the dump truck was traveling southbound when the SUV veered into the path of the dump truck. Troopers said the dump truck driver swerved in an attempt to avoid the crash. The  dump truck overturned after the collision.

The Cantonment man was pronounced deceased on the scene, and the dump truck driver, a 62-year-old Pensacola man, was airlifted by AirCare 2 helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with minor injuries.

For more photos, click here.

Highway 97 was closed for several hours for the crash investigation and to clean up tons of small gravel that spilled from the dump truck.

RELATED STORY: Multiple People Injured In Highway 97 Crash

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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