Escambia County Homicides Drop 40 Percent in 2025—Sheriff Credits Technology and Smart Enforcement

Crime statistics show Escambia County experienced its safest year in recent history, with significant reductions in both homicides and violent crime.

Escambia County residents can feel safer heading into 2026. Sheriff Chip Simmons reported a dramatic 40 percent reduction in homicides last year—dropping from the typical 30 to 35 homicides annually to just 18 in 2025.

"Escambia County has never been as safe as they are now," Simmons said during an appearance on Pensacola Morning News. "And we have never been as capable as we are today."

The broader picture is equally encouraging, Simmons says all violent crimes dropped 13 to 15 percent year-over-year, representing a more reliable indicator than homicide numbers alone due to the larger sample size. The downward trend mirrors statewide and national patterns, but Escambia County is keeping pace with that progress.

Simmons credits several factors for the improvement. Technology plays a significant role—license plate readers, surveillance cameras, and stolen vehicle tracking systems are changing criminal behavior. Simmons noted that criminals arrested by his department openly acknowledge they have to operate differently because of these tools.

The Sheriff's Office also doubled its narcotics unit last year, breaking records for fentanyl and methamphetamine seizures. Simmons identified a key connection: when deputies seize more drugs during traffic stops, they're also removing more guns from the streets. The two problems are intertwined.

"When we're seizing more drugs or stopping more cars for drugs, we're taking more guns off the street," Simmons explained.

The department is positioning itself for continued improvement. The Board of County Commissioners approved eight additional deputy positions in October, aimed at getting deputies closer to residents when 911 calls come in for faster response times.

Simmons emphasized that the focus isn't hitting static goals and becoming complacent. Instead, the philosophy is continuous excellence—always looking for ways to improve, never settling for "good enough."

New York Man Accused of Stalking Clerk Childers Ordered for Mental Competency Exam

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A New York man accused of stalking Escambia County Clerk of Court Pam Childers and firebombing a car near her home must undergo a mental health examination. 35-year-old Justin Wright is charged with cyberstalking, attempted interstate extortion and use of fire to commit a federal felony. His trial -- which was scheduled to start yesterday, has been canceled pending the competency evaluation. Federal prosecutors say Wright also committed arson on two other vehicles in New York. A note found at the firebombing scene reportedly read "Send the money back or die." Wright pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.

Patronis: Northwest Florida-Trained Military Executed Flawless Maduro Arrest

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Northwest Florida's military expertise was on display this week during the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, according to U.S. Congressman Jimmy Patronis.

The operation, which removed Maduro from power, was executed with "no loss of life" and was a "flawless military mission," Patronis said during an appearance on Pensacola's Morning News. The congressman praised the military personnel and called out their local connection.

"All those men and women who pulled all this thing, they were all trained in Northwest Florida," Patronis said. "The best and brightest and most lethal weapons we have in the whole entire United States military come right here from Northwest Florida."

The arrest involved FBI and Department of Justice officials embedded with military teams—making it a law enforcement operation executing an indictment rather than a purely military action, Patronis explained. The Trump administration's approach, he said, focuses on stopping Venezuela's drug trafficking rather than nation-building.

"I'm not going to go fix problems," Patronis said, describing the administration's strategy. "I'm just going to prevent problems...he starts taking out the boats that are bringing the drugs in."

As for Venezuela's future, Patronis expressed cautious optimism but realistic expectations. The Venezuelan population has "been beaten down with fear and oppressed for a generation," he said, and won't transform overnight into a functioning democracy.

"Don't expect quick fixes," Patronis cautioned. "The Venezuelan people need time to recover from decades of dictatorship and oppression."

Patronis suggested Venezuela could hold fair elections for the first time in two decades, but emphasized that recovery will take years, not months. He said Congress is scheduled to receive a briefing from President Trump to hear more details about the administration's long-term vision for the region.