Escambia Sheriff Discusses Orange Beach Drop-Offs, Child Abuse Charges, Bank Robbery and More
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Escambia County, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons joined Pensacola's Morning News Tuesday with a packed update — including new developments in the Orange Beach homeless controversy, upgraded charges in a child abuse case, and an active bank robbery investigation.
Orange Beach Homeless Drop-Offs
Simmons says the response since he went public about Orange Beach police dropping homeless individuals off in Pensacola has been overwhelming — with calls and texts flooding in from residents saying they have witnessed similar incidents involving multiple agencies. Simmons says Orange Beach officials have not reached out to him and are still characterizing the drop-offs as benevolent car rides — a claim he says doesn't hold up. In at least one documented case the man dropped off at Waterfront Mission said he didn't want services there and wanted to go home to Jacksonville Alabama. Simmons says he is not accusing anyone of a crime but says the practice is draining resources meant for Escambia County's own homeless population. He says strict legal guidelines prevent his office from forcing homeless individuals to leave public areas — leaving public awareness as his primary tool.
Child Abuse Charges Upgraded
Two suspects in a child abuse case involving a one and three-year-old are now facing upgraded charges — charged with child abuse itself rather than just felony neglect. One is held on a million dollar bond and the other on 500,000 dollars. Simmons says investigators worked carefully to determine who actually committed the abuse before making the enhanced charges. The investigation remains open. A daycare director was previously arrested for failing to report documented evidence of abuse on three separate occasions despite Florida law requiring all adults over 18 to report suspected child abuse. The abuse hotline is 1-800-962-2873.
Bank Robbery
An Escambia County bank robber who passed a note and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash remains at large. The suspect appeared heavily disguised — possibly wearing a wig — and displayed no weapon. Simmons says bank robberies are rare in Escambia County and says investigators are likely pursuing a geofence warrant — querying cell phone data from the area at the time of the robbery to help narrow down the suspect. Photos have been posted to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office social media pages. Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency.
Machine Gun Bill
Simmons said he is conflicted about Congressman Jimmy Patronis's Firearm Freedom Act — which would allow civilians to purchase fully automatic weapons. While describing himself as a strong Second Amendment supporter Simmons warned that legalizing machine guns would put law enforcement at an immediate disadvantage — saying he would have to start equipping every deputy with automatic weapons if the bill passes because he can't send officers into situations where they are outgunned.
Property Tax Plan
Simmons says he is not panicking over the governor's property tax elimination proposal but is waiting for a final version before reacting. He says there is language in the proposal requiring public safety to be funded and says he will fight for his agency's budget regardless of what ultimately passes.
