Category: Politics
Sheriff Simmons on “Dumping Homeless”
Sheriff Simmons caught Orange Beach police dumping a homeless man at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. He didn’t ask to come here—but now Escambia pays the cost.
WFPL Board of Governance Down to Three
Two vacant library board seats, no agenda action, and no answers. Chair warns delays threaten oversight and transparency. What’s really happening?
Tonight: Levin Papantonio Hosts Community Town Hall on Youth Social Media Safety
As social media continues to shape the daily lives of young people, concerns surrounding mental health, online exploitation, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and addictive platform design…
Breaking—Total Tax Cut Impact for All Local Govt: $126.6M
DeSantis’ property tax amendment could gut $90M from Escambia schools, sheriff, libraries & city services. The Chamber is watching—but will it speak up?
Hofberger’s Aide Stepped Down, effective May 29
Melanie Luna resigns as Commissioner Hofberger’s aide amid library hire scandal. The “Mean Girl” texts, backroom deals & policy violations finally catch up.
DeSantis Property Tax Cut: Escambia loses $72.9M annually
DeSantis’ property tax amendment would gut Escambia County by $72.9M and Santa Rosa by $49.3M—and counties can’t raise rates to make up the difference.
Veterans Memorial Getting Restrooms
After 12 years and a trail of failed plans, Pensacola’s Veterans Memorial Park is finally getting a permanent restroom. Mayor Reeves says it’s happening.
Facebook Wars: Sheriff Simmons vs. City of Orange Beach
Sheriff Simmons accuses Orange Beach PD of dumping a homeless man in Escambia County. Orange Beach says their officer showed compassion. Check out video on FB
Reeves Loses Staffer to Patronis
Congressman Patronis names Dustin Retherford as Director of Military & Veterans Affairs—luring the Ranger-qualified Army vet away from Mayor D.C. Reeves.
Sen. Gaetz Request Investigation into FPL Crop-Dusting
Sen. Gaetz demands state probe after FPL crop-dusting helicopter allegedly killed animals and contaminated farms in East Milton. Full story on ricksblog.biz.
Inweekly: A Way Too Early August Primary Guide
August primaries decide Pensacola’s future—and 75% of voters skipped the last one. Plus a UWF Alzheimer’s breakthrough & $9M airport grant. Read now.
T-Mobile subcontractor pledges to do better
Mayor Reeves met with Lumos—the T-Mobile fiber subcontractor creating havoc in Pensacola neighborhoods—and came away with real commitments.
Where will “smaller” data center go? FloridaWest stays mum
A defense company wants to build an AI data center in Escambia County. Two sites are in play—and one has been waiting a decade for its first tenant.
Breaking: Government Street will open to cars on June 1
Palafox reopens to traffic June 1—plus Government, W. Romana & W. Intendencia. Free parking stays through October. July 4 dedication set at Plaza Ferdinand.
Pensacola Mayor Opposes Data Centers in the City
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is drawing a hard line—data centers are NOT part of the city’s economic development model. He won’t support them inside the city.
Data Centers 101: What Are They?
A tech company is in active talks to build a data center in Escambia County. Before the deal is done, here’s what you need to know.
Northwest Florida Delegation Delivers
Sen. Don Gaetz landed $30M for NW Florida — UWF, Pensacola State, hospitals, roads, veterans & the arts. But Gov. DeSantis still holds the veto pen.
Breaking: Tire Fire Creates Breathing Hazard
Those driving across the Chappie James Bridge into Pensacola this morning notice the huge plume of black smoke coming from West Pensacola. Twenty minutes ago,…
Poll: Florida Families Struggling to Put Food on the Table
82% of Floridians say food costs are rising faster than their income. Half of parents are skipping meals. Congress cut SNAP. Florida families are on the edge.
Ashlee Hofberger, Melanie Luna Have Their Rules
Kohler challenged Hofberger after her aide stayed on a contractor board—despite county attorney’s advice that employees shouldn’t serve on citizen committees.






















