Pensacola State College fights ‘ghost student’ scams as fraudsters target financial aid
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Some scammers are now making a living robbing the federal government. The latest scheme uses what are called "ghost students." Ghost students are international scammers who use stolen information to apply for financial aid, and then register for college courses in another person's name. But once...
Old Palafox, Hour Deli restaurants abruptly close in downtown Pensacola
Two downtown Pensacola restaurants have permanently closed their doors as of Jan. 28: Old Palafox and Hour Deli. The two downtown dining concepts under the same ownership have been in development since 2023, undergoing several identity changes over the past few years as they navigated their place in the downtown...
Groundhog Day is now Kenya Day at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
Winter may still have the Gulf Coast in its grip, but all eyes are on a certain reticulated giraffe who might signal an early spring—and a Super Bowl winner. Kenya, the beloved giraffe ambassador at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, will once again take center stage at the third annual Kenya Day, putting a wild twist on Groundhog...
Naval Air Station Whiting Field hosts helicopter fly-in for aspiring aviators
MILTON, Fla. -- Training Air Wing Five at Naval Air Station Whiting Field is giving student aviators a look at their future in the cockpit. This week, the base is hosting the Naval Helicopter Association Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In. It's and event that gives student aviators hands-on exposure to the...
Multiple people arrested as Milton Police makes state’s largest illegal vape bust
MILTON, Fla. -- Multiple arrests were made following the seizure of illegal vape products at retail stores during a joint task operation in Milton on Tuesday. According to Milton Police, over 500 illegal vape products were seized. They are calling it the state's "largest illegal vape seizure." The Milton Police...
Crestview man gets 15 years for fentanyl, firearms; wife on home confinement
CRESTVIEW, Fla. -- A 41-year-old Crestview man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Wednesday after having previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr.'s wife and codefendant, 38-year-old...
Pensacola Police seeking to locate 37-year-old missing woman
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Pensacola Police are trying to locate a 37-year-old missing woman. Police say Robin Whitmire has not been seen since Friday in the area of Cypress Street and L Street. She is approximately 5’2” and 98 lbs. Whitmire was last seen wearing a matching brown jacket...
New pact enhances post-discharge care for homeless patients
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – Franklin Primary Health Center and Arukah Respite Center, a part of the Waterfront Mission, have signed an agreement for homeless patients to be discharged directly to the Arukah Respite Center in Mobile and Pensacola. This agreement allows for homeless patients to continue to get care...
Youth director’s arrest raises questions about Escambia Children’s Trust oversight
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The recent arrest of a local youth director and his children is sparking debate over the existence of the Escambia Children's Trust. Rodney Jones, 57, is facing charges of sex assault on a minor. Three of his children -- Romeo (23), Rodrico (26) and Selina (30) -- are all facing obstructing...
Prime & Beyond is now open and turning heads with tender wagyu steak
Prime & Beyond Wagyu Steakhouse is now open to the public at 650 E. Nine Mile Road. Chef (and owner) Wayan Sumadi planned to open the doors to the glamorous new Pensacola restaurant slowly, but customers have been pouring in since last week’s soft opening to get their first taste of Sumadi’s famed, tender wagyu...
