Pensacola Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegal Pill Prescriptions

A Pensacola physician has admitted to unlawfully distributing thousands of controlled substances in what authorities say was a significant breach of medical ethics and law.

Dr. Edward Schott Morrison pleaded guilty to 19 counts of illegally dispensing opioids and stimulant pills. The guilty plea comes as part of an ongoing federal investigation into prescription drug abuse and doctor-shopping schemes that have fueled addiction crises across the nation.

Morrison is scheduled for sentencing on January 14, 2027. Federal sentencing guidelines for unlawful distribution of controlled substances typically carry substantial prison time, and prosecutors will have the opportunity to present evidence of the scope and impact of Morrison's actions at that hearing.

The case underscores ongoing federal scrutiny of medical providers accused of contributing to the opioid epidemic. The Pensacola area, like much of the Southeast, has grappled with prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths tied in part to overprescribing by healthcare providers.

Foley police deploy drones as first responders

The Foley Police Department is rolling out a new tool in its public safety arsenal: drones that will respond to emergencies alongside traditional first responders.

According to reporting from WPMI NBC 15, the drone program is designed to enhance the department's ability to assess situations quickly and provide real-time information to officers in the field. The move reflects a growing trend among police agencies across the Southeast to adopt unmanned aerial systems for everything from accident scene documentation to search-and-rescue operations.

Details on the specific protocols for drone deployment, training timelines, and which types of calls will trigger a drone response were not immediately available. The Foley Police Department has not yet released additional information about the program's rollout.

Milton Roofing Company Offers Storm Recovery Resources Thursday

Action Roofing will replace a homeowner's roof in the Whisper Creek subdivision Thursday morning while offering free educational resources to neighbors navigating storm damage repairs.

Following severe weather in the Milton area, homeowners face questions about roof repairs, contractor selection, and insurance claims. Action Roofing will set up a community resource tent at 4731 Perception Circle from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to distribute materials on choosing qualified contractors, documenting damage, understanding the repair process, and avoiding scams. Company representatives will be available to answer roofing-related questions at no obligation.

Topics covered will include common factors affecting roof repairs, Florida building code requirements, contractor vetting questions, damage documentation, and insurance deductibles. Homeowners with specific insurance questions should contact their insurance company or a licensed insurance professional. The company, founded in 1986, operates in seven Florida cities and has assisted in recovery from dozens of hurricanes.