Northwest Florida Community Land Trust Homebuyer Applications Now Open
February 7, 2025
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has opened homebuyer applications for the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust (CLT), bringing another affordable homeownership solution to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The CLT is a shared equity model designed to make homeownership attainable for low- income households. It is an effective alternative to renting for qualified households by separating ownership of the land from the home. Each homeowner in the CLT will own their house but not the land on which the house sits. Instead, they will sign a 99-year ground lease for the land. Removing the cost of the land from the mortgage creates affordability for buyers as they build shared equity.
“Our goal is to create and maintain affordable homeownership beyond a closing date,” said Alicia Popper, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s CLT program manager. “The stewardship of land through the CLT provides not just a solution today but creates permanent affordability for generations to come.”
Interested applicants will apply online via Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Programs Application Portal. Eligibility criteria include a minimum credit score of 640 and a minimum income of $35,000 for Escambia County homes and $30,000 for Santa Rosa County homes. Currently, CLT homes are available for purchase in Milton, Gulf Breeze, Ensley, and West Pensacola, providing an exciting opportunity for affordable homeownership in these communities.
To learn more about the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust and to start an application, visit pensacolahabitat.org/nfclt.
Pictured: The DeVilliers is a shotgun-style home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms with 1,218 square feet. Photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia, Alabama, Man Charged With Multiple Felonies After Walton County Traffic Stop
February 7, 2025
An Escambia County, Alabama, man is is now facing multiple felony charges in Florida after he was stopped in Walton County driving a stolen vehicle.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a stolen yellow Dodge Dakota pickup truck driving east on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. A felony stop was conducted and the driver, 31-year-old Antonio Quintez Hall was removed from the vehicle and detained.
While removing the suspect from the truck, deputies could see a clear bag with small white rocks individually wrapped within a small plastic bag on the floor near the driver’s seat. The substance tested positive for cocaine.
Upon searching the vehicle, a blue plastic container was located. Inside were clear bags with white residue and burnt pieces of tin foil that also tested positive for cocaine.
Additionally, a black and bronze Kel-Tec 9-millimeter pistol was found under the driver’s seat with an extended magazine. Fourteen rounds of miscellaneous ammunition were loaded into the magazine.
The last digit of the gun’s serial number was scratched off, preventing deputies from properly checking the firearm to confirm it was stolen.
During the investigation, it was found Hall had been driving on a suspended license out of Alabama since October of 2024, and an expired driver’s license out of Florida since July of 2020. He also had an active warrant out of Escambia County, Alabama.
Hall was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, removing a serial number from a firearm, dealing in stolen property, driving with a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating driver’s license law.
He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Tate Faces Milton Tonight In District Championship Showdown
February 7, 2025
The Tate Aggies (17-9) will take on the Milton Panthers (18-7) in a crucial at 7 p.m. tonight in Milton for the 6A District 1 championship.
Tate enters the game with momentum after finishing the regular season with a strong 7-2 home record and a 5-1 district mark. The Aggies are coming off an upset of No. 1 Gulf Breeze Tuesday night.
Leading the Aggies is Marcus Cooper, who paces the team with 14.4 points per game while also contributing defensively with 2.3 steals per contest. John Hooker has been a force, averaging 7.4 rebounds, while Keontrez Montgomery leads in assists.
Tate’s offense averages 56.6 points per game, slightly above Milton’s 56.2. The Aggies also hold an edge in rebounding (27.3 per game) and steals (10.7).
Milton finished the regular season at 18-7 with a .720 winning percentage. The Panthers will rely on leading scorer Treymar Jones (16.8 PPG) and playmaker Ra’shaun Elzy (3.6 assists per game) to challenge Tate’s defense.
When these teams last met, Tate came out on top with a 63-59 win, proving they have what it takes to handle Milton in a close game. The Aggies will look to replicate that success Friday night for the district title.
NorthEscambai.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Over $12.5 Million In Projects Underway In Century, Including Freedom Road Bridge Replacement
February 6, 2025
About $12.5 million in grant and loan projects are underway in Century, including the replacement of a bridge on Freedom Road that has been closed for five years.
Freedom Road Bridge
On January 29, 2020, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure. Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or had extreme deterioration.
The town has received $1.297 million to replace the bridge. While there has been obvious work on the bridge over the last five years, the town says the replacement project is actually on schedule.
The current delay is the wait for a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers permit. The design and permitting process for the bridge is currently 90% complete, the town said. Century hopes to put the project out for bid in August and begin construction in December 2025. The anticipated completion date is October 2026.
Lift Stations
A $3,365,175 loan is funding the rehabilitation project is in the works for sewage lift stations at the prison, Century Woods, Highway 4 West, Jefferson Avenue and the lift station at Pond and Jefferson. Equipment is currently being ordered with completion expected by the end of 2025.
The town said they will qualify for a low interest rate and principal forgiveness for most of the $3.365 million.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
A $5,129,476 project is underway the town’s aging wastewater treatment plant. Bid negotiations are complete, and construction should begin in second quarter of 2025 with completion a year later. The town also expects most of this loan principal to be forgiven.
Water Well Rehabilitation
A $468,453 grant funded water wall rehabilitation project is underway at one of the town’s three water wells. The improvements needed at two other wells are currently unfunded.
Water Meter & Service Replacement
A $1.3 million state grant project to replace water lines and meters across the town’s system is underway. Bids were received in mid-January and are under evaluation. Construction is expected to start in March or April with competition by the end of the year.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Celebrates January Leaders Of The Month
February 6, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School celebrated their January Leaders of the Month.
The students showcase the fourth habit of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Habit 4 Think Win-Win.
Lipscomb said the students have “demonstrated exceptional teamwork, kindness, and the ability to create solutions where everyone benefits”.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Sailing With GL52 Southern Series Yachts On Pensacola Bay
February 6, 2025
The GL52 Southern Series will host two, three-day events in March and April in Pensacola. The regattas will be a mix of professional and amateur sailors that will be preparing in the waters off Pensacola the next couple of months.
Six of the 14 GL52 North American fleet teams will race in Pensacola Bay twic over the next couple of month. They will be racing 52-foot yachts that a are operated by more than a dozen crew members each.
Wednesday afternoon, NorthEscambia.com had a chance to take the waters of Pensacola Bay on one of those yachts.
For a photo gallery, click here.
A partnership between the City of Pensacola and American Magic includes the regattas. American Magic signed lease in 2024 to establish a high-performance sailing center at the Port of Pensacola.
Legendary sailor Linda Lindquist took part in Wednesday’s day on the water. She is first and only all-women’s team to complete for America’s Cup, and she is also the fleet manager.
“The talent on these boats and their discipline from Olympics, inshore offshore to literally hundreds of different programs at this point that they’ve raced on in their lives,” Lundquist said.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Cadets Undergo Inspection (With Gallery)
February 6, 2025
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face-to-face scrutiny with retired Marine captain.
The inspection was conducted by C Capt. Regan Kieff, USMS (Ret). Capt. Kieff went face to face with the cadets, asking them questions about their NJROTC experience.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The day’s events began with a command brief and included drill and personnel inspections, exhibition teams, and a pass in review.
Several cadets were promoted and received awards:
Promoted to E-3
- Antonio King
- Aliyah Reed
- Ja’keriyah Deonja Jacobs
Promoted to E-4
- Trinity Bryan
- David Edwards
- Eli Wiggins
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Wyatt Mooney
- Ryan Martin
- India Lyons
- Nicholas Long
- Logan Jordan
Promoted to E-5
- Hector Fernandez
- Camden Borelli
- Makennah Kimbrel
Promoted to E-6
- Brandon Odom
Promoted to E-8
- Asher Creighton
- Nicholas Kahalley
- Hayden Gipson
- Alexis Strength
- Mason Bodiker
- Xyria Martin
- Kaiden Hall
Exemplary Appearance Awardees
- Chase Smith
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Camden Borelli
- Rozalynne Mathis
- Asher Creighton
- Hayden Gipson
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment WWII Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Celebrates 108th Birthday
February 6, 2025
A Cantonment man celebrated his 108th birthday Wednesdayday at the Sodalis Senior Living Facility.
Army veteran Duane Brewton was born February 5, 1917. He was married for 78 years and has four children and a multitude of children and grandchildren.
Brewton has told facility staff that the secret to a long life is putting God first and taking care of your health.
He served in Europe during World War II. While serving in the Army infantry, Brewton was awarded the Purple Heart after an artillery shell exploded near him and caused critical injuries from multiple shrapnel wounds.
Brewton had a big birthday cake and celebrated the momentous occasion with family and friends.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Fog By Morning
February 6, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Widespread fog, mainly after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Widespread fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 7pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Tate Aggies Upset Top-Ranked Gulf Breeze, Head To District Championship
February 6, 2025
The Tate Aggies will play for the 6A District 1 district championship on Friday.
The No 5. Aggies upset the No. 1 Gulf Breeze Dolphins 65-62 Wednesday night in Gulf Breeze.
Also Wednesday night, No. 3 Milton beat No. 2 Crestview 67-53.
Friday night, Milton will host Tate for the district title.
File photo.