Week Ended April 17, 2026

Sweet Tea Murders: Billings Case

On the anniversary of the Bud and Belly Billings murders in Beulah, police historian Michael Earl Simmons joins Rick's Blog Live to talk about his "Sweet Tea Murders" storytelling series and revisit the home invasion that made national headlines and launched Sheriff David Morgan's career.

Patton on New Palafox, the Port & the Airport

Pensacola Council President Allison Patton joins Rick's Blog Live to break down the Palafox Street gamble that paid off, the port's turnaround from "dead weight" to economic driver, airport growth outpacing its own parking, and what a year of "trial by fire" as Council President has taught her.

Help of Pensacola's Youth

In the wake of the deadly July 4th downtown shooting, Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May joins Rick's Blog Live to trace his path from a teenage tournament organizer at the Salvation Army to co-founder of Southern Youth Sports Association—and to make the case for a community-wide summit on teens.

Two Shooters Still at Large

Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom breaks down the July 4-5 downtown shooting investigation with Rick Outzen — three shooters, one arrest, and why victims are staying silent.

Hiring the Library Director

West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance Chair Blaine Wall and board members meet with Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno, HR Director Nikki Powell, and other county officials to hammer out a timeline and process for hiring a new director of library services. The overall tone was frank and at times pointed, but it stayed professional throughout the discussion.