Trial Set For Homicide Suspect That Claimed Self Defense In McDavid Main Street Drug Deal
February 12, 2026
During a hearing last week, a trial date was set for the suspect in a fatal shooting on Main Street in McDavid in February 2025. The suspect claims he shot the victim out of fear, but the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says it was murder.
Investigators charged Antonio Marshone DeSoto, now 26, with homicide for the shooting on Main Street, just east of Highway 29. During a February 4 hearing, Judge John Simon set a jury trial to begin May 11. DeSoto has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim, identified as Charles Black, was found lying in Main Street directly in front of the McDavid Post Office about 8:40 p.m. on February 18 suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was just a few feet away from the driver’s door of his Chevrolet SUV, which remained in the roadway.
After he was shot, Black was able to call 911 and tell dispatchers that DeSoto was the perpetrator, according to an arrest report. He was no longer able to speak to deputies after they arrived on scene. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to the nearby McDavid Fire Station before being airlifted by Medstar AirCare helicopter to a Pensacola hospital where he later died.
Deputies received a tip that DeSoto had fled following the shooting to a residence in the 100 block of Highway 164, just west of Highway 29 and Driver Road, about a half mile from the shooting scene. Deputies searched the home and found nothing. ECSO said the homeowner said she was allowing DeSoto to stay in a room inside the house, but she had not seen him since earlier that afternoon. She told deputies that she had been advised by her daughter that she heard gunshots from down the road, but she did not see DeSoto after that.
DeSoto was taken into custody outside the home.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Breaks Ground On New Stadium
February 12, 2026
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, officially breaking ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium, a multi-use football and events facility that represents UWF’s growth and a significant investment in the community.
University leaders, student-athletes, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the student experience and serve as a hub for community engagement.
“We are celebrating a milestone that represents not just the start of construction, but the continuation of an extraordinary journey that began long before I arrived here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “The Darrell Gooden Stadium represents an important step forward for the University of West Florida, creating a place where students, alumni and the community can come together around shared traditions and feel proud to be Argonauts. I would like to thank the Tourist Development Council, the Gooden family and our generous donors for their long-term commitment to the growth and future of UWF.”
Designed to expand seating capacity from approximately 3,800 to 7,500, the new stadium will include premium seating, club areas and suites, along with modern amenities that enhance the game-day experience and allow the facility to host a wide range of events beyond football.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative era for Argonaut Athletics, providing our student-athletes with a championship-caliber home that matches their dedication on the field and ‘builds champions for life,’” said UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “By bringing football and major events directly to the heart of our campus, we are creating an unmatched game-day environment that will strengthen the bond between our University and the entire Pensacola community for generations to come.”
The stadium is funded through a combination of institutional investment and donor support, including a lead gift in excess of $9 million that secured the facility’s name. The project also received a $2 million grant from Escambia County’s Tourist Development Council through the Tourist Development Tax, recognizing the stadium’s impact on tourism and economic activity.
“The stadium is a whole new game changer, and I think it will really change the program for the betterment of the University,” Gooden said. “I’m just blessed and proud, and I feel very honored that the stadium is going to be named after me. I think that’s just a great honor, and I’m really excited to see this thing move forward and get the new stadium done.”
The first kickoff at Darrell Gooden Stadium is planned for Fall of 2027. Construction on Darrell Gooden Stadium will continue while the Argos compete during the 2026 season. As part of the phased development, a new state-of-the-art LED video board — measuring 85 feet wide by 30 feet tall — will be installed in the end zone opposite the Darrell Gooden Center and will be in place for the 2026 season. The video board will enhance the game-day experience for fans while supporting future media, marketing and community event opportunities as the stadium project moves toward full completion.
“This stadium changes what’s possible for our program,” said Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles. “It enhances recruiting, allows us to attract quality opponents, and gives our student-athletes a first-class environment that reflects the direction of UWF Athletics. Most importantly, it gives our fans and community a place they can truly call home.”
Economic impact studies from the UWF Haas Center project substantial benefits from the new stadium. Over a five year period, the football program alone is expected to generate $23.3 million in economic output and contribute $8.7 million to Escambia County’s gross regional product, excluding construction costs. Historically, UWF Athletics has generated $248.6 million in total economic output over a five year period, while the University contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually.
Jay Father And Son Charged With Stealing 20 Tons Of Asphalt Millings From Santa Rosa County
February 12, 2026
A Jay man and his son are both facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing tons of asphalt millings from a county lot.
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Jason Scott Wolfe and his 18-year-old son, Tanner Riley Wolfe, were both charged with one count of felony grand theft. They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on bonds of $2,500 each.
According to an arrest report, a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant observed a white truck with a dump trailer and John Deere cab tractor at a Santa Rosa County surplus yard on County Mill Road. The trooper said he recognized Jason Wolfe and his son, Tanner Wolfe. He said Tanner was standing near the tractor, and Jason was walking toward the truck while the dump trailer appeared to be loaded with asphalt millings.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop, and Jason Wolfe told him that several county employees had told him he could take the asphalt millings, but he refused to provide any names, the report states.
Santa Rosa County Public Works advised the public is not allowed to remove county materials, and no employee authorized the Wolfes to remove material. They estimated 20 tons of millings worth $1,000 were missing from what had been a 60-ton stockpile. Freshly deposited asphalt millings were reportedly located on Jason Wolfe’s property.
Jason Wolfe told an SRSO deputy that three county employees had “told people they were allowed to take materials,” the report states. “He also stated that the county had previously delivered millings to his property on County Mill Road.” He would not provide the names of the county employees, and he said there was no equipment present and he did not shovel any materials, but there was no sign indicating it was wrong.
“Jason also stated he knew the property owner and believed the materials were dumped there illegally so he did not believe the county had a leg to stand on,” the report states.
The deputy reported that a “County Property Do Not Remove Dirt” sign was on the ground near the wood line at the county site that appeared to have recently been taken down.
Railroad Crossings Near Walnut Hill Reopen Following Maintenance
February 12, 2026
Two railroad crossings near Walnut Hill have reopened following Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway maintenance.
The crossings were closed last week on South Highway 99 and Deer Run Road.
According to Escambia County, both crossings have reopened. The county noted that the variable message boards (electronic information signs) may still be present until they are removed by a contractor.
Pictured top: The South Highway 99 railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 97A in Bay Springs. Pictured below: The private crossing on Deer Run Road, at South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Good Times Roll: McArthur Elementary Hosts Mardi Gras Parade (Gallery)
February 12, 2026
McArthur Elementary School hosted a Mardi Gras Parade on Wednesday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Donates To Northview Lady Chiefs Softball
February 12, 2026
The Barrineau Park Historical Society (BPHS) presented a $500 donation on Wednesday to the Northview High School Lady Chiefs softball team.
BPHS is a Northview partner in education. The donation was presented by Craig Exner to Northview coach Amy Holland.
According to the school, BPHS believes in “investing in the youth of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Cantonment Residents Appointed To Escambia County Board of Adjustment
February 12, 2026
The Escambia County Commission recently appointed two new members to the Escambia County Board of Adjustment (BOA).
Johnnie Cardwell II of Cantonment was appointed to an at-large position with a two-year term that ends in February 2028. He is a licensed real estate broker that owns Care Realty Group where he manages and oversees residential and multifamily rental properties.
The BOCC also approved District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry’s appointment of Travis High of Cantonment to the BOA. He is realtor with Better Homes & Gardens in Pensacola. High’s term is concurrent with Barry’s term or at his discretion.
The BOA was established for the purpose of granting or denying applications for land and site development.
Stock photo.
One Injured In Molino Highway 29 Rollover Crash
February 11, 2026
One person was airlifted after a single vehicle rollover crash Wednesday morning in Molino.
The 19-year old female driver of a southbound Hyundai Venue lost control, crossed the median, struck a culvert, and overturned.
The crash occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Highway 29 at Camde Lane, just north of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and a self-storage facility. The vehicle came to rest upright just off the roadway.
The female driver, who was from Molino, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. She was airlifted by a Lifeguard helicopter to an area hospital in serious condition.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which temporarily shut down both north and southbound Highway 29.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambiac.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Here’s What Is Happening To The Tom Thumb In Molino
February 11, 2026
Construction fencing surrounds a portion of the Tom Thumb in Molino, with gas pumps blocked off.
We reached out to EG America, which owns the store, to find out future plans, and learned that the construction is part of a long-awaited rebrand of the store located at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97.
“We’re excited to continue investing in and serving the Molino community as part of our ongoing rebranding and store enhancement efforts,” EG America told NorthEscambia.com by email.
“The Tom Thumb location (in Molino) is slated to transition to the Cumberland Farms brand, with the updated store opening in April. The store will remain open throughout the construction process, and we look forward to welcoming customers and introducing them to Cumberland Farms and Krispy Krunchy Chicken.”
In March 2022, EG America announced it will rebrand its Tom Thumb store locations to the Cumberland Farms brand starting in May 2022. The $50 million project was set to span two years and include 113 Tom Thumb locations and new locations across Florida and Alabama.
Since that time, most Tom Thumbs in the area underwent the rebrand.
EG America, a subsidiary of EG Group, operates over 1,700 locations across ten brands throughout the USA – Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac Café, KwikShop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, QuikStop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill.
Pictured: The Tom Thumb store located at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
ECSO: Murdered 5-Year Old Weighed Just 20 Pounds When Found Dead Inside Trash Bag In Bay
February 11, 2026
A 5-year-old boy found dead in a trash bag in Perdido Bay last Friday was malnourished, dehydrated and weighed just 20 pounds, according to an arrest report.
Jalynda Karie Smith, 36, was arrested hours later and charged with aggravated negligent manslaughter. In a hearing on Tuesday, a judge ordered that she be held without bond.
Smith and the child were reported missing by family members who had not heard from them for several days.
The search took a grim turn on the morning of February 6, when a passerby reported finding a black trash bag along the waterline of Perdido Bay near the 9600 block of Lillian Highway. Investigators who responded to the scene discovered the body of a small boy wrapped in blankets and towels inside the bag.
Evidence of Neglect
An autopsy revealed that while the child was approximately 3 feet, 4 inches tall, he weighed only 20 pounds. Medical examiners noted that the child appeared severely emaciated, malnourished, and dehydrated. A pediatrician who had previously treated the child told investigators that losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months was “incredibly concerning” and suggested either starvation or severe medical neglect.
During a search of Smith’s apartment at the Moorings complex on Old Spanish Trail, investigators found the residence to be clean and well-stocked with food. However, they noted the thermostat was set to a chilly 65 degrees.
The Investigation
Authorities tracked Smith to a shopping center in Gulf Breeze, where surveillance video showed her abandoning her vehicle on February 5, 2026, and leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle.
When investigators finally located Smith, they discovered her cellular phone and iPad had both been factory reset. Forensic analysis later determined the phone had been wiped just two minutes before she was taken into custody.
Records show Smith had a prior history with the Department of Children and Families, including reports in 2022 and 2025 regarding allegations of leaving the child unattended.
Pictured top: Suspect Jalynda Karie Smith appeared in court on Tuesday. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.