Century Council Deadlocks On New Member Pick, Sets Special Election Dates For Council And Mayor
January 29, 2025
The Century Town Council was deadlocked Tuesday night on a choice to fill an empty seat after setting special election dates for council and mayor.
Seat 4 on the council was left open when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned.
Three candidates submitted applications to be considered for the seat:
- Constance Brookhart, who described herself as a very detailed person that is a supervisor at a water utility with over 20 years’ experience in dealing with people and finances. She would love to see Century “as a vibrant business area” that should be clean and decorated.
- Kathryn Fleming, who previously worked as a mental health case manager for about two years in Brewton that describes herself as a problem solver. She said Century is a gateway to Pensacola beaches and aviation that should draw tourists, and the county is growing north. She served on the Century Charter Review committee from 2022-2023.
- Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison, who has lived and worked as a director of PSC Century Center for two years that is “driven by the desire to help others and enhance the quality of life for all who call Century home. She attached a cover letter and a three-page “Vision Plan for Century” to the town’s basic application.
Brookhart did not attend Tuesday night’s meeting and received no votes from council. The votes for Fleming (pictured top left) and Harrison (pictured top right) were split 2-2 with Sandra McMurray-Jackson and Shelisa McCall voting for Harrison, while Henry Cunningham and Dynette Lewis chose Fleming.
The council seat will remain vacant until after an upcoming special election.
Lewis reminded both Fleming and Harrison that they can for the seat, or even for mayor.
Also Tuesday night, special election dates were set to fill the council seat and for mayor, a position currently occupied on an interim basis by Johnson.
The council gave preliminary approval to the following dates for a special election:
- Special Primary Election Date: March 18, 2025
- Special General Election Date: April 29, 2025
- Qualifying Period:
- Monday, February 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Voter Registration Deadlines: February 19, 2025, for the primary; April 8, 2025, for the general election
The dates will become final after a second reading and approval of an ordinance, currently scheduled of February 4. The council plans to swear in the winning mayoral and council candidate during a special meeting on Tuesday, May 13.
Pictured top: Century town council applicants Kathryn Fleming (left) and Lizbeth A. “Sparkie” Harrison (right) answer questions from the town council Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Attempted Video Voyeurism In Dillard’s Bathroom
January 29, 2025
A Cantonment man has been charged with attempted video voyeurism in the bathroom of a Cordova Mall store.
Kyler Marion Vickery, 20, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a charge of attempted third degree felony video voyeurism and third degree felony use a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony.
According to a Pensacola Police Department arrest report, police responded to a possible fight in the downstairs bathroom at Dillard’s in Cordova Mall. The victim told police that he was using a urinal when an iPhone appeared over the top of the stall in what he believed was an attempt to video him while he was using the urinal.
A loud verbal altercation ensued, with Vickery dropping his phone as he ran off, police said, with witnesses observing him running away. An arrest report states that Dillard’s security video shows Vickery running out of the bathroom area. The iPhone was taken into evidence.
Vickery told police that the accusations were false and that he had only taken a photo of the floor tiles. Police were unable to locate any evidence on the phone with cursory examination of the phone but later obtained a search warrant.
When asked if the downstairs Dillard’s bathroom is a popular gay hookup site for men, Vickery told police it was on website used for discreet cruising to for men, the report states, adding that the location-based app is designed for men or other individuals “to facilitate real-time casual meetups, friendships or connections.” Vickery told police that he had not been to “Dillard’s for anything like that in a year’, but he did something “dumb” while in college. He told police he was at Dillard’s to compare prices and had used a coupon at Bath and Body Works.
When the search warrant was executed on Vickery’s phone, police said a video file about two seconds in length and time stamped to match the alleged incident was located.
“The video began with a beige screen. It pans over the top of the bathroom stall next to it. A person’s shadow is visible, but not the person. It then pans back into its own stall. In the video’s audio you can hear what is assumed to be a male urinating and then a male’s voice express, ‘Geez’,” the report states. Police said the video appeared to be same bathroom as the incident.
CIC Holds 10,000 Pound Food Distribution In Cantonment
January 29, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee held a 10,000 pound food distribution Tuesday afternoon at Carver Park on Webb Street.
Volunteers from the Ascend Cares Foundation and Grocery Advantage in Cantonment assisted CIC with the distribution.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Celebrates Student Leaders Of The Month
January 29, 2025
Tuesday, Bratt Elementary School celebrated their January Leaders of the Month. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Volleyball Honored With Philanthropic Award For Breast Cancer Research Benefit Games
January 29, 2025
Tate High School volleyball has been honored with the 2024-2025 Sideout Foundation Philanthropic Achievement Award.
The Aggies have raised over $10,000 for the foundation, which dedicates the majority of donations to their own metastatic breast cancer research. In addition to research, Side-Out allocates a portion of their funds to high-quality support services for cancer patients and their families, as well as college scholarships for students.
The Aggies have hosted a Dig Pink game for many years, last hosting the Pace Patriots in a Dig Pink game last October.
For a photo gallery for October’s game, click here.
Pictured above and below: The October 2024 Dig Pink game for the Sideout Foundation at Tate High School. Pictured inset: The award banner received by the Lady Aggies. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Low Around 50 Tonight
January 29, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 71. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
State Ag Boss Launches Loan Program For Florida Farmers Impacted By Winter Storm
January 29, 2025
Tuesday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by the recent winter storm can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can use loans to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings — and remove debris. Commissioner Wilton Simpson will advocate for additional funding for the program during the upcoming legislative session.
Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can use loans to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings — and remove debris. Simpson said he will advocate for additional funding for the program during the upcoming legislative session.
“Delivering immediate support to agricultural producers impacted by the recent winter storm, like our nursery growers in North Florida who were hit especially hard, is a critical first step to get them back on their feet,” said Simpson. “The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides a start with immediate financial relief, ensuring that Florida’s farmers and ranchers begin to rebuild their buildings and infrastructure.”
The winter storm, which brought successive hard freezes and the heaviest snowfall in the state’s history, primarily impacted growers and producers in North Florida. Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from the winter storm and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.
Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program
- Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from the winter storm.
- Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
- Interested producers can learn more or apply here.
Producers who were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from recent hurricanes may be eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. An applicant may not receive more than one loan per storm, more than two loans per year, or more than five loans in any three years.
Pictured: A John Deere tractor sits in a snowy field in Davisville on January 21. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Derek Rice
January 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derek Rice, age 46, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, nephew, brother, and friend, who left us far too soon. Derek passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
Derek was born on May 3rd, 1978, in Flomaton, Alabama. He resided in his hometown of Century, Florida where he played football and many other sports in his youth and was in the first graduating class of Northview High School (1996). Derek previously served on the Northwest Escambia Bradberry Park Board of Directors and the Northview Chiefs Quarterback Club. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family. Derek was a devoted husband to Casey for 15 years, a proud father to Chandler, Braiden, Adam, Mary, Madison, and Cooper, and a proud Paw Paw to Margo and Avery.
Derek was an avid Auburn Tigers and WWE fan which brought him joy and created lasting memories with his family. He was known for his quick wit, love for sports, and humor which left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family—whether it was cheering at his children’s games and events, card games with friends, sharing stories of his children and grandchildren, attending Auburn games, or simply enjoying time at home. His legacy of love and strength will continue to guide those he leaves behind.
Derek is survived by his wife, Casey (Peterson) Rice, his children, Chandler (Maria) Rice, Braiden Rice, Adam Peterson, Mary (Anijah) Stewart, Madison Rice, and Cooper Rice, his grandchildren, Margo Rice and Avery Rice, his sister, Whitney (Tim) Dunsford, neices, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory forever.
Derek was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilyn Rice, and grandparents, Willie and Geraldine Davis.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Bratt, Florida at 11am. Flowers can be delivered directly to the church located at 5410 Hwy 99, Century, FL 32535. Donations can be made as well, to assist with final expenses. It was at Derek’s request for the service to be casual for those that attend to celebrate his life. Auburn attire is encouraged.
Though his time with us was far too brief, Derek’s impact on the lives of those he loved is eternal. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew him…until we meet again.
Kimberly Rae Proksch
January 29, 2025
Kimberly Rae Proksch, born on January 16, 1963, to Joe E. Crowe and Patricia Mae Zeitler, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2025, surrounded by her husband, Sister and two of her Brothers After a courageous battle with cancer since 2006, Kimberly is now reunited with her parents and her oldest brother, Terry Crowe, in eternal rest.
Kimberly dedicated 14 and a half years of her life as a correctional officer at Century Correctional Facility in Century, Florida. She retired in 2006, shortly before her cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges she faced, Kimberly remained a beautiful and outgoing individual who brought comfort to those around her with her warm heart and open arms.
She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially laying on the beaches of Pensacola, Florida-a place that brought her peace and happiness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Kimberly is survived by her stepfather Brent Liles of Laplace, Louisiana; siblings Patricia and Randy Ruttenberg of Bettendorf, Iowa; David Crowe of Bettendorf, Iowa; Timothy Crowe and Daniel Crowe of Moline, Illinois; Cynthia Grabrian of Denver, Colorado; and Shannon Liles of Pace, Florida. Including Nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Kimberly’s life will take place in two locations: one in the Quad Cities and another in Pace, Florida, at a later date to accommodate loved ones from both regions.
Rest in peace, Kimberly Rae your memory bring comfort to all who loved you
Kimberly Rae Proksch
January 29, 2025
Kimberly Rae Proksch, born on January 16, 1963, to Joe E. Crowe and Patricia Mae Zeitler, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2025, surrounded by her husband, Sister and two of her Brothers After a courageous battle with cancer since 2006, Kimberly is now reunited with her parents and her oldest brother, Terry Crowe, in eternal rest.
Kimberly dedicated 14 and a half years of her life as a correctional officer at Century Correctional Facility in Century, Florida. She retired in 2006, shortly before her cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges she faced, Kimberly remained a beautiful and outgoing individual who brought comfort to those around her with her warm heart and open arms.
She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially laying on the beaches of Pensacola, Florida-a place that brought her peace and happiness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Kimberly is survived by her stepfather Brent Liles of Laplace, Louisiana; siblings Patricia and Randy Ruttenberg of Bettendorf, Iowa; David Crowe of Bettendorf, Iowa; Timothy Crowe and Daniel Crowe of Moline, Illinois; Cynthia Grabrian of Denver, Colorado; and Shannon Liles of Pace, Florida. Including Nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Kimberly’s life will take place in two locations: one in the Quad Cities and another in Pace, Florida, at a later date to accommodate loved ones from both regions.
Rest in peace, Kimberly Rae your memory bring comfort to all who loved you