Jim Little
As seen in:
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Chiefs Wire,
The Bucs Wire,
USA Today,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Aol,
U.S. News and World Report,
Yahoo Finance
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jim Little
Post claiming Pensacola man robbed liquor store with an avocado is 'AI slop'
Hold the guacamole. A story circulating on social media claiming a man robbed a liquor store with an avocado painted to look like a grenade is fake.
Hofberger narrows gap, but Vinson still leads commission race after recount
Joe Vinson appears to be set to become the next Escambia County commissioner after a recount on Saturday ended with him 14 votes ahead. The race between Vinson, a non-party-affiliated candidate, and Republican incumbent Ashlee Hofberger is still too close to call, as going into the recount there were at least 63 overseas ballots in District 4 that could come in before the results are finalized on Nov. 13. The Canvassing Board tally from the recount early Nov.
Hofberger narrows gap, but Vinson still leads commission race after recount
Joe Vinson appears to be set to become the next Escambia County commissioner after a recount on Saturday ended with him 14 votes ahead. The race between Vinson, a non-party-affiliated candidate, and Republican incumbent Ashlee Hofberger is still too close to call, as going into the recount there were at least 63 overseas ballots in District 4 that could come in before the results are finalized on Nov. 13.
Trump approves public FEMA assistance for Escambia, Santa Rosa Isaias recovery
President Donald Trump granted a major disaster declaration for the state of Florida on Oct. 27, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from Hurricane Isaias The declaration approved public assistance, which will allow local governments to seek reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. It can also allow certain nonprofits like hospitals, shelters, food banks schools and churches to apply for federal assistance.
Trump approves public FEMA assistance for Escambia, Santa Rosa Isaias recovery
Oct. 27, 2026Updated Oct. 28, 2026, 1:07 p.m. ET President Donald Trump granted a major disaster declaration for the state of Florida on Oct. 27, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from Hurricane Isaias.. The declaration approved public assistance, which will allow local governments to seek reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
If crowd size matters in dueling Pensacola rallies, Jolly outshines Donalds Original
Conventional political wisdom holds that midterm elections often hinge on which side is more enthusiastic about its candidates. In Pensacola, both sides held dueling campaign rallies on Monday, and it was the Democratic candidates who unexpectedly drew the bigger crowd as the final week of campaigning began. Florida gubernatorial candidates Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly both kicked off statewide tours on Oct.
After 20 years, Pensacola beginning construction on new Hollice T. Williams Park Original
Construction of a $30 million stormwater system and upgrade of Hollice T. Williams Park under Interstate 110 in downtown Pensacola is getting underway this week as another $1.2 million is being committed to the project for the construction of a multi-use trail. The $31.2 million project will represent only a part of the first phase of the Hollice T. Williams Greenway that’s been in the works for nearly 20 years.
Will Hurricane Isaias be the last disaster recovery funded by FEMA? Original
FEMA Chief Cameron Hamilton told a gathering of emergency management officials from across the country earlier this week that states need to be prepared to handle disasters without the federal government’s help.
SailGP launches Pensacola training base, bringing jobs, tourism and prestige Original
The high-tech SailGP professional sailing league has launched its new off-season training base in Pensacola The league will bring 13 teams from around the globe to Pensacola to train on the 50-foot foiling catamaran Strive League officials say the program will create local jobs, as well as generate tourism dollars from visiting teams Strive is identical to the F50 boats used in SailGP races by all 13 teams and will be based in Pensacola as the league's shared training boat.
Gov. Ron DeSantis asks Trump to declare Isaias a major disaster
Gov. Ron DeSantis has requested a federal major disaster declaration from Hurricane Isaias If President Donald Trump approves the request, individual federal assistance will be available for residents in eight Northwest Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. “As recovery efforts continue, Florida has submitted a Major Disaster Declaration request to the federal government.
DeSantis, Santa Rosa residents get in shouting match over school reopening Original
A group of angry Santa Rosa County residents confronted Gov. Ron DeSantis in Milton on Oct. 16 over reports the state had pressured schools to open just days after Hurricane Isaias. The confrontation came as DeSantis held a press conference on Oak Street in Milton behind the Santa Rosa County School Board building, where he announced the state had formally requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government.
DeSantis, Santa Rosa residents get in shouting match over school reopening
Oct. 16, 2026Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 10:10 a.m. ET A group of angry Santa Rosa County residents confronted Gov. Ron DeSantis in Milton on Oct. 16 over reports the state had pressured schools to open just days after Hurricane Isaias. The confrontation came as DeSantis held a press conference on Oak Street in Milton behind the Santa Rosa County School Board building, where he announced the state had formally requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government.
Escambia County resident killed in Hurricane Isaias Original
One person was killed in Escambia County on Friday night shortly after Isaias made landfall, according to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a report of a fallen tree at about 8:48 p.m. and found a woman pinned under a large tree. The person, whose identity and age were not released publicly, was inside a home when the tree fell, the sheriff's office said.
Pensacola airport closed indefinitely, but lights still on downtown Original
Hurricane Isaias has left widespread downed trees and most of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties without power, but downtown Pensacola is one of the few areas with the lights still working. The full weight of recovery operations began at 6 a.m. this morning in Pensacola, with public works crews beginning to clear roadways so crews with Florida Power and Light can begin work restoring power, according to Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves.
PPD officer rescued man from house fire during height of Hurricane Isaias Original
A man was trapped inside the burning house, and the officer entered the house and pulled the man to safety, according to Pensacola spokesperson Dominique Epps. Both the officer and the man suffered smoke inhalation injuries. Live updates: Isaias makes landfall as Cat 2 hurricane near Destin Although emergency response had been suspended, the Pensacola Fire Department responded anyway and began fighting the fire.
Live updates: Florida Panhandle braces for hit from Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane Isaias is stronger, moving faster and is much larger than it was 24 hours ago, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center Oct. 9. The storm is expected to make landfall tonight, possibly near Pensacola, according to some forecasts. Isaias is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 120 mph later today.
Hurricane Isaias: Here's what Pensacola needs to know Friday Original
Pensacola area residents have just a few more hours to make last-minute preparations for Hurricane Isaias, which has reached Category 2 wind speeds of 105 mph as of the 10 p.m. Thursday National Hurricane Center update. Isaias is projected to become a brief Category 3 hurricane, with wind speeds peaking at 115 mph over the next 12 hours. This strengthening should be short lived as southwesterly shear will increase considerably on Friday and cause some weakening before landfall.
Hurricane Isaias: Here's what Pensacola needs to know Friday
Oct. 9, 2026, 4:08 a.m. CT Pensacola area residents have just a few more hours to make last-minute preparations for Hurricane Isaias, which has reached Category 2 wind speeds of 105 mph as of the 10 p.m. Thursday National Hurricane Center update. Isaias is projected to become a brief Category 3 hurricane, with wind speeds peaking at 115 mph over the next 12 hours.
Escambia issues evacuation orders for zones A and B ahead of Isaias
Oct. 8, 2026, 12:11 p.m. CT Escambia County has issued evacuation orders for zones A and B, effective as of noon on Thursday, as Hurricane Isaias continues to intensify over the Gulf. The Escambia County Commission approved the measure to declare a state of emergency and approve the evacuation orders in a 5-0 vote during an emergency meeting on Thursday morning.
Escambia issues evacuation orders for zones A and B ahead of Isaias
Escambia issues evacuation orders for zones A and B ahead of Isaias Oct. 8, 2026, 12:11 p.m. CT Escambia County has issued evacuation orders for zones A and B, effective as of noon on Thursday, as Hurricane Isaias continues to intensify over the Gulf. The Escambia County Commission approved the measure to declare a state of emergency and approve the evacuation orders in a 5-0 vote during an emergency meeting on Thursday morning.
Jon Fay handily wins Republican primary for House District 2
Jon Fay has won the Republican nomination for Florida House District 2. Fay, a retired Navy flight officer and the executive officer of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, will face Democratic Party nominee Johnny Austin Thompson, a 25-year-old Washington High School graduate and current Harvard Law student, in the November election.
Gov. Ron DeSantis backs Penscola's Birdon project with $9 million
DeSantis made the announcement and presented Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves with a ceremonial check during a press conference in Pensacola on Aug.12. Pensacola is working to find funding to bring the Australian shipbuilding company and a 400,000-square-foot shipbuilding facility to the Port of Pensacola. The city is in final talks for a $76 million grant paid for with BP oil spill settlement funds through Triumph Gulf Coast.
As Escambia questions need to fund FloridaWest, city support also shifting Original
Reeves said on Aug. 5 that he is proposing the city shift the source of $325,000 it contributes to FloridaWest and the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission from the city’s general fund to the city’s share of countywide local option sales tax. Voters will be asked in November whether to renew the county sales tax, so tying FloridaWest and PEDC funding to the local option sales tax would significantly raise the stakes of the vote for the organizations.
Pensacola mayor’s race is referendum on D.C. Reeves first term
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves wants city voters to judge him on the work he’s accomplished in his first term, four years in which he believes the city entered a “golden age,” but the five challengers argue Reeves’ management of the city has valued growth over everyday residents. All 37,575 registered Pensacola voters will have a chance to give their verdict on Reeves during the Aug. 18 election. Reeves is being challenged by Jasmine Brown, Ann Hill, Alicia Trawick, Eric Shorter and Jermaine Williams.
Watch as plane makes emergency landing on Florida interstate Original
Watch as plane makes emergency landing on Florida interstate Aug. 5, 2026, 6:56 a.m. CT A small aircraft made a safe emergency landing on Interstate 10 in Pensacola, Florida. The pilot and a flight student reported a mechanical issue, forcing them to land on the highway. No injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Downtown Reverb Hard Rock Hotel will move forward without $58M tax rebate
A proposed Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel development at Pensacola's Community Maritime Park will move forward without a $58 million tax rebate requested by the developer, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced July 15. Developers also announced that construction would begin by the end of the year on the privately financed $310 million Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and Rhythm Lofts apartments slated to be built across the street from Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Downtown Reverb Hard Rock Hotel will move forward without $58M tax rebate
Downtown Reverb Hard Rock Hotel will move forward without $58M tax rebate A proposed Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel development at Pensacola's Community Maritime Park will move forward without a $58 million tax rebate requested by the developer, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced July 15.
Two arrested in Pensacola shooting that killed one, injured six
Two people have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in downtown Pensacola that left one dead and six injured. During a news conference July 8, Pensacola Chief of Police Eric Winstrom announced the arrests of Nicholas Lilane Safford, 26, of Daphne, Alabama, and Lillian Myllicen Meyers, 25, of Pensacola.
Two arrested in Pensacola shooting that killed one, injured six
Two people have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in downtown Pensacola that left one dead and six injured. During a news conference July 8, Pensacola Chief of Police Eric Winstrom announced the arrests of Nicholas Lilane Safford, 26, of Mobile, Alabama, and Lillian Myllicen Meyers, 25, of Pensacola.
Cantonment 'town center' appears dead, gutting plan for developing 15K acres
Escambia County's first and only large-scale attempt at long-range planning is on life support after the planning board approved an opt-out for one of the three major landowners who helped create it. The Escambia County Planning Board voted 3-2 on July 7 to recommend approving an opt-out for more than 800 acres in the heart of the Optional Sector Plan, formerly known as the Midwest Sector Plan, that would have been part of the "town center" area for Cantonment envisioned in the 2011 plan.
Pensacola, Florida, mass shooting investigation persists. What we know
Pensacola, Florida, mass shooting investigation persists. What we know (This story has been updated to add more information.) A downtown Pensacola 'targeted' shooting left six injured and one dead July 5, in the populated area crowded by hundreds of youths after Fourth of July celebrations, according to authorities. Phillip Sheppard Jr., 19, was fatally shot in the incident. The other six gunshot victims, all between the ages 16 and 26, are reportedly expected to survive.
Flock opponents get a win. No more opioid money going to cameras
Pensacola's controversial Flock Safety contract has led to more scrutiny over the city's future opioid settlements. The extra attention on opioid settlements was evident at the June 18 City Council meeting as the city is set to participate in a $1.5 million settlement, and council members wanted to ensure there couldn't be a repeat of the Flock contract without their vote.
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz appointed to Triumph Gulf Coast Board
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz appointed to Triumph Gulf Coast Board Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz appointed to Triumph Gulf Coast Board Matt Gaetz is once again a Florida public official with his appointment to the Triumph Gulf Coast Board.
Pensacola set to win $76 million grant for shipyard, bring 2,000 jobs
Pensacola cleared a major hurdle in winning a $76 million grant to bring 2,000 shipbuilding jobs to the Port of Pensacola. Triumph Gulf Coast approved the term sheet for a $76 million grant to bolster the city's efforts to bring an Australian shipbuilding company called Birdon to the port as part of a $200 million effort that would include construction of a massive 400,000-square-foot facility on the city's waterfront.
Escambia cancels library meeting as fallout over director hire grows Original
The West Florida Library System’s Board of Governance meetings have been canceled until further notice after city council members raised concerns over political interference in the joint city-county public library system.
Roger Scott swimming pool will open this summer after all. Here's why
Roger Scott swimming pool will open this summer after all. Here's why The pool at Roger Scott Athletic Complex will open with a temporary restroom facility after all, which will allow for a shortened summer swim season. City of Pensacola staff will prepare the pool to open in time for the Fourth of July holiday, said Director of Parks and Recreation Tonya Byrd. The pool was set to be closed this summer as the city moved forward with a bathroom project.
Pensacola targeted by Florida DOGE for second year in a row
Jim Little, Pensacola News Journal Updated Fri, June 19, 2026 at 5:10 PM UTC Pensacola targeted by Florida DOGE for second year in a row The Florida Department of Government Efficiency, better known as Florida DOGE, is once again targeting the city of Pensacola. Florida DOGE sent a letter to Pensacola on June 16 demanding financial records for the last year that appear to target employee purchasing card transactions, contract change orders, and sole source or non-competitive contracts.
30 local candidates were just elected without a single vote cast
As proof that showing up is half the battle, 30 Escambia and Santa Rosa candidates who had no opponent file in their race were automatically elected when the Florida qualifying period ended on June 12.
Pensacola scrapyard fires were 'largely avoidable,' early investigation finds
Jim Little, Pensacola News Journal Tue, June 2, 2026 at 6:24 PM UTC Pensacola scrapyard fires were 'largely avoidable,' early investigation finds Pensacola alleges EMR Southern Recycling had “deficiencies” in complying with instructions from the city fire marshal to prevent fires at the scrap metal yard on Bayou Chico.
Escambia sheriff calls out Orange Beach for moving homeless man here
Escambia sheriff calls out Orange Beach for moving homeless man here Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons is calling out the city of Orange Beach, Alabama, for transporting a homeless man and dropping him off at the Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola, alleging the practice is part of a "homeless relocation unit." "Surely someone in Alabama has a heart to provide necessary services," Simmons wrote on Facebook on May 28.
Palafox Street opens to pedestrians as project wraps up Original
After five months of work, 1,700 feet of new stormwater piping, 300,000 new brick pavers and many other additions, the new Palafox Street is open. Pensacola officials and downtown small business owners gathered on the intersection of Palafox and Romana streets on May 22 to mark the end of construction on Palafox Street as part of the $10.7 million New Palafox Street project. The street will be open as a pedestrian-only street for the next week, and it will open to vehicle traffic on June 1.
Pensacola ends free cardboard pickup over Mayor D.C. Reeves objections
Pensacola ends free cardboard pickup over Mayor D.C. Reeves objections The Pensacola City Council ended a little-used program that offered free curbside pickup of cardboard boxes for city residents over the objection of Mayor D.C. Reeves. With the repeal, residents who used the service will have to pay $15 a month or opt into the city's $8 a month curbside recycling program. Councilman Charles Bare sponsored the proposal to repeal the ordinance that created the program.
Byron Donalds packs first Florida governor campaign rally in Pensacola Original
April 19, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds was speaking to a crowd of nearly 200 supporters at his first public campaign stop in Pensacola since announcing his run for Florida governor when his speech was interrupted by a phone call. âYâall, give me a second,â Donalds said as he was looking at this phone, as some in the crowd wondered aloud if it was President Donald Trump calling. âItâs my mom.â Donalds took the phone call from his mother. âHi Mom,â Donalds said.
Pensacola has $2.5 million to create 'small-scale' affordable rentals
Pensacola is looking to put $2.5 million into a program that will help property owners inside the city’s Community Redevelopment Area renovate homes to be used for affordable housing rentals. Pensacola Assistant Economic Development Director Anna Kate Baygents told the News Journal the program will be aimed at helping people who have a home they want to rent out but need help to make it happen. “We have seen this a lot in houses that people will inherit,” Baygents said.
Pensacola Reverb Hard Rock Hotel developers want a 20-year tax break
Construction of the $250 million Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and Rhythm Lofts apartments at Community Maritime Park is supposed to begin later this year, but developers are now asking Pensacola for a 20-year tax rebate to finance the project. Inspired Communities of Florida, also known as The Dawson Company, and Corporate Contractors Inc.
Gay Valimont campaign ad gives Jimmy Patronis a tour of his district
April 1, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Nearly a year after becoming the first Democrat to flip Escambia County in a congressional race in decades, Gay Valimont kicked off her challenge to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis in Florida’s 1st Congressional District in a 90-second campaign ad. “I’m going to give you a little tour today, since you don’t actually live here,” Valimont says in the ad.
Gay Valimont campaign ad gives Jimmy Patronis a tour of his district Original
April 1, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Nearly a year after becoming the first Democrat to flip Escambia County in a congressional race in decades, Gay Valimont kicked off her challenge to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis in Florida’s 1st Congressional District in a 90-second campaign ad. “I’m going to give you a little tour today, since you don’t actually live here,” Valimont says in the ad.
Pensacola's freeze on Baptist Hospital master plan begins to thaw
Pensacola is exploring what to do with two “extra” buildings it acquired through the land donation from Baptist Hospital, and the options could include finding another use, such as a daycare center, or selling the properties outright. The Pensacola City Council officially gave the green light to explore possibilities by officially declaring the properties as “surplus” on March 26 in a unanimous vote.
Pensacola looking to fix intersection where three people died last year
Pensacola looking to fix intersection where three people died last year Pensacola is looking for ways to reduce car crashes at the foot of the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Bridge. Last year, there were at least 22 accidents—three were fatal—at the intersection of 14th and Gregory streets. City officials believe the accidents are in part caused by drivers speeding as they come off the Chappie James Bridge and turn onto Gregory Street.
Pensacola TSA workers still showing up, but airport could close if that changes Original
March 24, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ET Federal officials have warned that growing Transportation Security Administration worker absences from the partial government shutdown could force small airports to close. If Pensacola International Airport were forced to close, the city would lose $750,000 a week in airport revenue, according to city officials.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jim
Contact Jim, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack