Jake Livingston’s Big Blackcats Dream: A New Gym for Century’s Kids
March 20, 2025
Jake Livingston, a resident of Century, is, without a doubt, a sports fan. But more than that, he is fan of sports and opportunities for kids.
Everybody around Century, and pretty much every Northview High School student or fan ever, just loves Jake. Or Northwest Escambia football. Or the Century Blackcats youth sports leagues. And he loves them, everyone back. He does not know a stranger.
Jake is always looking for a way to help with youth and sports.
This week, Jake arrived at the Century Town Council meeting with what just looked like a roll of Christmas wrapping paper in his hand. Despite his autism, he sat quietly and patiently through two hours of the local government meeting waiting his turn to speak during the public form portion at end of the meeting. You see, Jake had something to say — for the kids.
“Council, I’ve got something that is going to bring economics to Century like you’ve never seen before,” he said as he approached the council table and unrolled his Christmas wrapping paper. Hand drawn on the back was Jake’s big idea. His really big idea.
“I drew this out by myself,” he said. “This is for some of the ideas I had for the place.”
Jake presented his plans for a new Blackcats gym for youth sports. (The former Century High School mascot was the Blackcats, and Blackcat Pride has remained a big part of the community since the school closed 20 years ago.)
Smoke coming out of a Blackcats scoreboard when the kids score in the gym. A food room, locker for every and plenty of fan seats were all part of the plan.
“These kids need a place to play basketball inside where they don’t get rained on,” he said. “That’s why I brought this out here to y’all.”
“Go Blackcats!”
Jakes dream will actually become reality in the not so horribly distant future.
The state terminated $12.8 million in grants with the town for two bridges and a hurricane shelter that will double as a community center and multi-purpose building — including a basketball court. However, the state funds were awarded to Escambia County and the projects will continue.
The $10 million project is currently in the early stages and is being managed by the Escambia County facilities department. Land on Hecker Road was transferred from Pensacola State College to Escambia County at no cost to the county, under the conditions that it must remain a community center/shelter. Phase I will include an environmental study. From there, they will bid for design and move forward with the process. Escambia County said negotiations are ongoing as an environmental review has been advertised and a consultant has been selected.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Prom Promise Demonstration Shows High Schoolers The Reality Of Drunk Driving
March 20, 2025
A realistic DUI crash demonstration involving students gave Flomaton High School students a dose of reality on Wednesday morning.
One student, the DUI driver, was arrested. Two were transported to the hospital — one by helicopter in critical condition.
One student did not survive.
The demonstration was all part of the school’s Prom Promise program, encouraging the students to not drink and drive.
For a more photos, click here.
“You can talk about something all day long and it doesn’t set in their minds,” Flomaton Police Chief Dereck Lowry said. “When they see something in person, and they see the blood, or they see the people being put in the ambulance, they see the people being put on life flight, they see the people getting put in a hearse, it brings it home a little bit more for them, makes it a little more personal.”
Multiple agencies took part in the student demonstration Wednesday, including the Flomaton Fire Department, Flomaton Police Department, Century Station of Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Department, Newmans Ambulance, MedStar Aircare 2, Williams Funeral Home. Peach Ford/Chevrolet Wrecker Service, Lambeth Fire Department, and Brewton Fire Department.
Photos by Katie Fowler for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Th
e demonstration was all part of the school’s Prom Promise program, encouraging the students to not drink and drive.
Special Election Sample Ballots Mailed To Escambia County Voters
March 20, 2025
Sample ballots for the April 1 special general election have been mailed to all registered voters who do not currently have a vote-by-mail request on file. Voters can expect their sample ballots to arrive in mailboxes early next week. All registered voters in Escambia County are eligible to participate in the April 1 Special General Election. Your sample ballot will also contain early vote information, vote-by-mail information, and your home precinct for election day.
Vote by mail ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on election day. The United States Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot back at least seven days prior to the deadline. Voters may drop their vote by mail ballots off at any early voting locations as well as the main SOE office.
Any voter has the option to vote-by-mail. Requests must be made for each new election cycle. If you have not already made a request and wish to receive your ballot in the mail, visit EscambiaVotes.gov/vote-by-mail or call (850) 595-3900. The request deadline is Thursday, March 20 for the April 1 special general election.
File photo.
FFA Members Attend ‘Ag On The Hill’ In Tallahassee
March 20, 2025
Florida FFA members took part in the 2025 Ag On The Hill day in Tallahassee this week.
FFA members from Northview High School were among those taking part.
Members met with their state representatives and senators to discuss key issues impacting Florida FFA and agricultural education.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Person of Interest In Suspicious Munson Death Found Deceased in Louisiana
March 20, 2025
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that a man wanted for questioning in a suspicious death near Munson has been found deceased out of state.
Michael Glenn Davis, 60, was found deceased March 6 in the rural Munson area. An autopsy was underway to determine the cause of death.
Authorities had been seeking to question Johnny Drew Mobley, who was previously considered a person of interest in connection with the case.
The SRSO said Mobley (pictured) was found deceased in West Monroe, Louisiana, on March 15. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. The investigation into Mobley’s death is ongoing, and Santa Rosa County authorities are working closely with West Monroe Police Department to gather more details.
Frost Advisory Overnight
March 20, 2025
There is a frost advisory overnight.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Showers likely after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 75.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Tate Advances To Aggie Classic Championship With 12-2 Win Over BTW
March 20, 2025
The Tate Aggies advanced to the championship game of the 30th annual Aggie Classic with a 12-2-win Wednesday night over the Booker T. Washington Hornets of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Kaleb Posta earned the win for Tate, surrendering one run on two hits (one earned) in five innings, walking one and striking out three. Bryton McLellan pitched one shutout inning in relief, allowing one hit.
Hunter Clayton had two hits and four RBIs at the plate for the Aggies. Nathan Connors and Cal Foxworth each added two hits for Tate.
Tate will host First Academy Royals from Orlando at 7 p.m. for the Aggie Classic championship.
Here is the complete Aggie Classic schedule for Thursday:
Tate High School
- 4:00 Bixby, OK vs Olympia, FL
- 7:00 First Academy, FL vs Tate, FL
Gulf Breeze High School
- 7:00 Broken Arrow vs Gulf Breeze, FL
Catholic High School
- 4:00 Blanchard, OK vs Neal, AL
- 7:00 Catholic vs Charles Page, OK
Washington High School
- 4:00 Washington, OK vs Noble, OK
- 7:00 Yukon, OK vs Washington, FL
Escambia Man Arrested for DUI, Hit-and-Run After Crash with Police SUV
March 20, 2025
A 48-year-old Escambia County man was arrested on charges of DUI and hit-and-run after crashing into a police vehicle.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol , the incident happened around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday while the Pensacola Police Department was setting up a perimeter to search for a stolen vehicle.
FHP said Wendell Snow, driving a Dodge pickup truck, approached from behind and collided with a marked PPD SUV that had its emergency lights activated and was slowly moving down the outside lane of Creighton Road.
The officer inside the SUV, a 25-year-old male, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Snow attempted to flee but was stopped several blocks away and detained. Troopers determined he was heavily impaired. He was arrested for hit-and-run and his third DUI offense in over a decade.
Donald Eugene ‘Donnie’ Brown, Jr.
March 20, 2025
Mr. Donald Eugene “Donnie” Brown, Jr. was a beloved member of the community who sadly passed away at the age of 45 on March 20, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Originally from Pensacola, he had made his home in Flomaton for the last four and a half years. Donnie will be remembered by his family and friends for his warm spirit and the joy he brought to those around him. His passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mr. Brown was a man full of life and excitement. He loved to spend his weekends hunting in the woods, fishing by the lake, and crafting beautiful items in his workshop. His vibrant personality drew people in, and he enjoyed every moment watching wrestling matches, cheering for his favorite wrestlers. Fireworks were another passion of his; he loved the colors and sounds lighting up the night sky. Most importantly, Mr. Brown cherished time with his family, creating memories that they would hold dear forever.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Eugene (Carol Ard) Brown.
He is survived by his two sons, Draven Brown, of Lillian, AL; Gabriel “Gabe” Brown, of Lillian, AL; sister, Monica McLain, of Atmore, AL; friend, Amber Munro, of Flomaton, AL; friends, Kevin (Haley) Walker, of Jay, FL; extended family, John McLain, numerous cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes.
Wildfire Evacuation Lifted Near Chumuckla; Fire Burns North Of Flomaton
March 19, 2025
UPDATE: Wildfire evacuations have been lifted near Chumuckla.
Chumuckla Springs Road, Mineral Springs Road, Sid Hayes Road and Watson Road have all been reopened. No homes were damaged by the fire and the evacuation recommendation has been lifted for the area.
Update from Florida Forest Service Blackwater Forestry Center:
The brush fire is 60% contained at 160 acres. All forward progress has been stopped, and a line has been established around the fire perimeter. The Florida Forest Service will remain on the scene to strengthen lines for the next several hours and continue to monitor the area tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 20.
Residents have been evacuated due to a large brush fire near Jay, and there is a large wildfire burning near I-65 north of Flomaton.
Currently, the Santa Rosa County brush fire is approximately 200 acres and residents in the area are being evacuated.
The following roadways in Jay are closed due to a brush fire:
- Chumuckla Springs Road, from Mineral Springs Road to just north of Howell Pit Road
- Mineral Springs Road from Chumuckla Springs Road to Sid Hayes Road
- Sid Hayes Road from Mineral Springs Road to Watson Road
- All of Watson Road
Florida Forest Service says five tractor plow units are on scene, as well as brush trucks. They’re currently doing structure protection operations in the area.
An unrelated wildfire is burning along Stanley Road near Coleman Road, west of Highway 113 at I-65. Fire departments from both Escambia County in Alabama and Escambia County in Florida are on scene. Alabama authorities have not provided further details on evacuations, if any. No updates have been provided.