Pensacola Police, FDLE Expand Investigation Into Arrested Officer Matthew Baxter

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Investigators are examining whether alleged criminal conduct involving a part-time Pensacola police officer extended beyond the incident that led to his arrest on felony narcotics charges.

Matthew Baxter was arrested following an investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The investigation involved allegations that Baxter purchased oxycodone while wearing his police uniform and driving a department vehicle after completing a shift at Pensacola International Airport.

During an interview Thursday morning on NewsRadio 92.3's Pensacola's Morning News, Pensacola Police spokesman Mike Wood said investigators are looking into Baxter's past conduct.

"We are cooperating with FDLE," Wood said. "They're going to look back and see how far back it goes and see exactly what else is going on with that individual."

Wood emphasized that the department intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.

He also rejected the suggestion that officers would protect a colleague accused of criminal activity.

"None of our careers, our integrity, our pensions, none of that is worth trying to cover for a bad cop," Wood said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have not announced whether additional charges will be filed or whether investigators have identified other incidents involving Baxter.

Baxter's charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Pensacola Police Report Isolated Thefts, No Widespread Looting Following Hurricane Isaias

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Despite widespread hurricane damage, extended power outages and neighborhoods filled with debris, Pensacola Police say the city has not experienced widespread looting following Hurricane Isaias.

That doesn't mean there haven't been some unusual thefts.

During an interview Thursday morning on NewsRadio 92.3's Pensacola's Morning News, department spokesman Mike Wood said officers have made arrests involving the theft of copper from downed utility lines.

Police also arrested someone accused of stealing a stop sign.

"We've made arrests of people already taking lines that are down — the copper," Wood said. "And we had an individual stealing a stop sign. Why? I don't know, but we've made arrests for both of those so far."

Wood said the department has investigated some burglaries but has not seen the widespread looting sometimes feared following major disasters.

"We've had a couple of burglaries and again, those thefts, but as far as a lot of looting at one time everywhere, we did not see that," Wood said.

Hurricane Isaias left extensive damage throughout Pensacola, including downed trees, damaged utility infrastructure and widespread power outages.

Police continue monitoring neighborhoods and responding to calls as residents and businesses work through the recovery process.

NAS Pensacola Resumes Normal Operations; Naval Aviation Museum and Lighthouse Reopen

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Naval Air Station Pensacola is returning to normal operations Thursday, October 15, following Hurricane Isaias.

The installation announced Wednesday that operations would resume five days after the Category 2 hurricane struck the Florida Gulf Coast.

The reopening includes two of Pensacola's most recognizable attractions.

The National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse are reopening to visitors who do not possess military identification.

Public visitors can access the attractions through the installation's West Gate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Some recreational facilities remain closed because of storm-related impacts.

NAS Pensacola says the Morale, Welfare and Recreation-operated A.C. Read Golf Course and installation marinas will remain closed until further notice.

The reopening is another sign of progress as military installations, businesses and public facilities across Northwest Florida return to normal operations.

Residents and visitors should continue checking official installation announcements for changes to access requirements and facility availability.