Pensacola Police Historic Society

09/21/2026

For this month’s meeting of the Pensacola Police Historic Society tonight, my wife, Jerri, and I would like to invite you to our home at 1121 Coila Street in Dunmire Woods. We can enjoy fellowship and snacks while we hear the story of Pensacola Police Officer Archie Bowman, whose murder in the line of duty generated a massive manhunt. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM. See you then!

08/11/2026

He Put on the Badge. He Went to Work. He Never Came Home.

On a January night in 1939, Pensacola Police Officer Herbert “Tommy” Hatcher answered the call to serve his city.

Before the night was over, Officer Hatcher would be dead, another officer would be drawn into a deadly confrontation, and Pensacola would be left with a story of courage, violence, and sacrifice that deserves to be remembered.

Next Monday night, August 17, the Pensacola Police Historic Society will revisit the murder of Officer Hatcher and the events that followed.

Join us as Michael Earl Simmons, PPHS president, retired Pensacola Police sergeant, former homicide investigator, and police historian, tells the story of one of the darkest nights in Pensacola police history.

📅 Monday, August 17, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 Pensacola Police Department Training Room

711 N. Hayne Street, downtown Pensacola

Admission is FREE, and the public is invited.

Come hear the story. Remember the officer. Preserve the history.

08/08/2026

🚨 MY NEW BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON! 🚨
THE LAST STOP: The Final Capture of Ted Bundy
For nearly 50 years, Ted Bundy has been portrayed again and again as charming, handsome, intelligent and almost larger than life. Somewhere along the way, the mythology began to overshadow the man.

The Last Stop looks at him differently.

Bundy was a predator who sought victims when he believed he had the advantage. He relied upon deception, surprise and vulnerability. Then, in the early morning hours of February 15, 1978, on a dark street in Pensacola, he met Police Officer David Lee.

Bundy fought. Bundy ran. Bundy lost.

What began with an orange Volkswagen and a police officer doing his job became the final capture of one of America's most notorious killers.

This isn't a book about glorifying Ted Bundy. It's a book about catching him.

📚 The Last Stop: The Final Capture of Ted Bundy
✍️ Michael Earl Simmons
Available now on Amazon.

On Thursday, November 12, 2026, Michael Earl Simmons will tell the story about Ted Bundy at SWEET TEA MURDERS LIVE THE LAST STOP: THE CAPTURE OF TED BUNDY. the Pensacola Museum of Commerce. This event will include never-before presented information about the actual encounter Bundy had with the man that defeated the killer on a quiet neighborhood street in Pensacola. Go to sweetteamurders.com/events/ for more information. Stay tuned for ticket information.

About Michael Earl Simmons
Michael Earl Simmons is a retired Pensacola police officer, former homicide detective, police historian, and true-crime author. During his 30-year career with the Pensacola Police Department, he served in numerous assignments, including Crimes Against Persons. Today, he researches and tells the stories of the crimes, officers, investigators, and events that helped shape Northwest Florida history. Simmons is founder and president of the Pensacola Police Historic Society and creator of Sweet Tea Murders, a historical true-crime storytelling series featuring books, walking tours, and LIVE events.

07/21/2026

We had a wonderful time last night as we gathered to hear retired Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander share his wisdom, experiences, and encouraging words—and he certainly did not disappoint!

As one of our members said, “That was one of the best guests we have ever had!”

Thank you, Chief Alexander, for spending the evening with us and making it such a memorable occasion.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, August 17, at 6:00 p.m. I will share the fascinating story of the murder of Pensacola Police Officer Herbert “Tommy” Hatcher, who was killed in the line of duty on January 15, 1939.

The meeting will take place in the Pensacola Police Department Training Room, and the public is invited. We hope you will join us!

07/14/2026

Pensacola Police Historic Society presents:
An Evening with Retired Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander. We will meet on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Pensacola Police Department Training Room, 711 N. Hayne Street in downtown Pensacola. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM.

Retired Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III
David Alexander III is a retired Chief of Police of the Pensacola Police Department and one of the most respected law-enforcement figures in modern Pensacola history. A native of Pensacola and graduate of Escambia High School, Alexander began his police career with the Pensacola Police Department as a cadet in 1983 and became a sworn police officer in 1984.
During his career, Alexander served in numerous assignments, including Uniform Patrol, field training, patrol supervision, Administrative Technical Services, Neighborhood Services, and Criminal Investigations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Alexander rose steadily through the ranks of the department. In 2014, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, becoming the first African American officer in the department to hold that rank. In 2015, he was promoted to Chief of Police, becoming the first African American Chief of Police in Pensacola Police Department history.
After more than 32 years of service, Chief Alexander retired in May 2017. His career is remembered not only for his historic leadership within the department, but also for his service to the Pensacola community through youth mentoring, outreach, and public safety leadership.

06/22/2026

https://sweetteamurders.com/whats-happening-with-sweet-tea-murders-live/

What’s Happening with Sweet Tea Murders LIVE?By Michael Earl Simmons / June 22, 2026 Announcing the Remaining 2026 Sweet Tea Murders LIVE Schedule The response to Sweet Tea Murders LIVE has been incredible. What began as an idea to share Pensacola’s most fascinating true crime stories has quickl...

06/20/2026

https://sweetteamurders.com/sweet-tea-and-arsenic-is-sold-out/

Sweet Tea and Arsenic is SOLD OUT!By Michael Earl Simmons / June 20, 2026 Thank you, Pensacola! We are excited to announce that the June 25 edition of Sweet Tea Murders LIVE, “Sweet Tea and Arsenic: The Story of Serial Murderess Judy Buenoano,” is officially sold out. Voices of Pensacola The inc...

06/15/2026

🚔 TONIGHT AT 6:00 PM 🚔

Join us for the Pensacola Police Historic Society meeting at the Pensacola Police Department Training Room as we revisit one of Pensacola's most dramatic law enforcement encounters.

Former Pensacola Police Officer Bruce Camacho will be our special guest as we discuss the case known as:

**"You Shot Me!"**

Hear the true story of a desperate criminal, a courageous police officer, and the split-second decisions that changed lives forever. Following the presentation, Bruce will join us for a question-and-answer session to share his firsthand experiences from that unforgettable day.

📍 Pensacola Police Department Training Room
🕕 6:00 PM Tonight
🎟 FREE Admission
👥 Open to the Public

Whether you're interested in local history, law enforcement, or true crime, this is a story you won't soon forget.

We hope to see you there!