It’s Spring Break – That Means The Annual Aggie Classic
March 17, 2025
It’s spring break, and that means it’s time for the 30th annual Harvester’s Credit Union Aggie Classic with teams from three states facing off across Pensacola.
Tate, Washington, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Catholic will take part in the tournament, as will W.S. Neal from East Brewton, Alabama. The remainder of the teams are from across Florida and Oklahoma.
Admission is $10 daily or a tournament pass is $35. Cash and Square are accepted at the game. Regular season passes will not be accepted for entry.
Monday’s schedule is as follows:
Tate High School
- 1:00 PM – W.S. Neal vs Yukon, OK
- 4:00 PM – Broken Arrow, OK vs Olympia
- 7:00 PM – Tate vs Charles Page, OK
Washington High School
- 4:00 PM – First Academy vs Washington, OK
- 7:00 PM – Washington vs Bixby, OK
Gulf Breeze High School
- 4:00 PM – Gulf Breeze vs Blanchard, OK
- 7:00 PM – Gulf Breeze vs Yukon, OK
Catholic High School
- 4:00 PM – NO GAME
- 7:00 PM – Pensacola Catholic vs Noble, OK
Last year, the Pace Patriots claimed the Aggie Classic title with a win over the host Tate Aggies.
The complete list of teams participating this year is as follows:
Florida Teams:
- Tate High School
- Washington High School
- Gulf Breeze High School
- Catholic High School (Pensacola Catholic)
- First Academy
- Olympia
Oklahoma Teams:
- Yukon
- Broken Arrow
- Charles Page
- Noble
- Blanchard
- Washington
Alabama Teams:
- W.S. Neal
Pictured: 2024 Tate Aggie Classic championship game action. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Set For Tuesday
March 17, 2025
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a 10,000 pound food distribution Tuesday, March 18 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
The event will start at 3 p.m. Attendees should like up facing north on Webb Street. Must have an identification to receive food.
File photos.
Sunny Start To Spring Break; Midweek Showers Possible
March 17, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
March 17, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 16 through Thursday, March 20, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – The week of Sunday, March 16, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, March 16 through Friday, March 21, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, March 16, through Friday, March 21, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Ribbon Cutting Held For New Credit Union Branch In Cantonment
March 17, 2025
A ribbon cutting for a new credit union was held Saturday in Cantonment.
The Cantonment branch of My Pensacola Credit Union opened on Highway 29 just south of Ten Mile Road.
“We couldn’t be more excited to offer a new location in Cantonment to better serve all of our current and future members in that area,” said James Phetteplace, president and CEO of My Pensacola Credit Union. “We feel our presence will be a welcomed addition to the area and are excited to have now officially opened our doors to embrace the surrounding community as their new financial partner.”
My Pensacola Credit Union’s other branch is located at 108 South Reus Street in downtown Pensacola. Membership is open to anyone that lives, works, worships, or attends school in Escambia County.
As of December 2024, the credit union had approximately $83 million in assets with approximately 4,600 members.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Candidate Profile: Kathryn Fleming
March 16, 2025
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the three candidates seeking a on the Century Town Council in Tuesday’s special election. Responses have not been edited.
Century Town Council, Seat 4 Candidate: Kathryn Fleming
BACKGROUND
- Office manager
- mental health case manager
- Served on Charter Review Committee. Currently assisting with planning the annual Run to the Wall South, an escorted motorcycle ride through Pensacola to the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Memorial weekend. Assisting with maintenance/ beautification of Century memorial wall at Nadine McCaw Park.
- BA Sociology from University Arizona Global Campus
- Applied for Century Council Seat 4, but the council vote was split so neither candidate was selected.
QUESTIONS
- When the opportunity to serve on the Charter Review Committee presented itself, I felt proud to be able to offer my two cents on how the town could improve upon itself. When nothing came from all the hard work that was put into the Charter’s final draft, it was a little disheartening. There needs to be change. There needs to be fresh ideas. Serving on the Council will allow me to be directly involved in those changes and ideas that will allow Century to improve and thrive for another century.
- 1. Complying with State laws regarding reports, audits, etc. 2. Fiscal responsibility. 3. Updating the Charter, employee manuals. These were all issues the Grand Jury pointed out in early 2019.
- Century needs a thorough audit to figure out where the money is going; a realistic budget; and purge anything that is costing the town more money than it brings in. Selling off or actively renting out any buildings the town owns could help bring in some immediate funds. Advertise the industrial park to bring in more industry/ businesses. Fine the property owners of abandoned blighted buildings and tear them down to allow new construction to come in. Though likely unpopular, annex surrounding areas to increase the tax base.
- I do support Home Rule. This allows Century to do what’s needed and expected, for its residents without county or state interference. However, many question if Century is currently able to govern itself and provide for its residents. I think Century needs to start fresh with an updated Charter, at the very least. This will provide the foundation upon which to rebuild the town.
- “The Sunshine Law… establish a basic right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions, and other governing bodies of state and local governmental agencies or authorities” – myfloridalegal.com. I think they are transparent regarding meeting schedules, posting the agenda items online, and offering call-in access to remotely attend a council meeting.
- Financial issues are the result of not knowing where the money is going, and having more money going out than coming in. Once that is figured out and corrected, it will be easier to make and keep a budget. The biggest financial issue right now is that there are some very expensive repairs/ replacements that our infrastructure needs and because the town is not responsible with its funds, some grant money for those repairs was pulled back.
- In doing some research about existing town ordinances, nothing stuck out as needing to be added or eliminated at this time.
- The Charter Review Committee recommended having a town manager, who would bridge the gaps between the mayor, council, and department heads. I think Century should look locally first, then move further out if there is no one local who is qualified.
- Century needs to complete and submit whatever reports the county or state requires, in a timely manner, and with accuracy. Even though Century is its own governing body, the county and state are big brother and have to power to dissolve Century if the town cannot follow the rules. It is also important that the town council and mayor make themselves known at county commissioner meetings, to represent the needs of Century and its residents.
- Century does not actively advertise the industrial park, or the numerous empty buildings that could be rehabbed for businesses. Our location makes Century a good choice, with its proximity to I65, Pensacola, and numerous factories in Florida and Alabama. However, I’ve heard about businesses being turned away for various reasons (e.g. West Florida Gin, Project Fusion) and that seems to be self-sabotage. If the town is waiting for Amazon to inquire about our area and offer to employ hundreds of people, that probably won’t happen. Century is no longer a mill town, but a highway town, and that needs to be embraced and expanded upon.
- The current businesses in Century seem to thrive, since there isn’t much competition. When AlgaPlast Corp requested permission to grow and expand, I was glad that Council allowed them to take those next steps.
- Council-strong mayor was the recommendation of the Charter Review Committee in 2022. Currently the council holds all the power, and the mayor is unable to do anything without council approval. This caused issues in the past with council members blocking suggestions made by the mayor, which led to nothing being accomplished. The mayor needs to be able to run the town, with oversight from the council; not ruled by council and the mayor is merely a figure head.
- The town needs to invest in remote access meters to ensure accuracy and speed up the meter reading process. Having a bill come out a week before it’s due, then having the next bill added to it the following month is a financial strain on many residents. Offering budget billing could minimize the financial hit from peak usage. Also offering online bill pay would be convenient for residents. The bills can be confusing to understand, and maybe the format needs to be overhauled.
- This time of year I can hear the ball players at Anthony Pleasant Park, the parents cheering, the announcer calling out plays, and it is wonderful. The multiple parks with playgrounds and ball fields allow the youth to be active. As far as education, that is handled at the county level. I am not aware of anything the town does regarding education.
- The foundation of government needs to be established first. The budget needs to be balanced and existing infrastructure issues addressed (the bridges, wells, pumps and lift stations, road maintenance, etc.) That is the bones of the town that need to be in place before we can encourage businesses to come in, people to move in, and passer-bys to stop in.
Candidate Profile: Sparkie Harrison
March 16, 2025
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the three candidates seeking a on the Century Town Council in Tuesday’s special election. Responses have not been edited.
Century Town Council, Seat 4 Candidate: Sparkie Harrison
BACKGROUND
- Director of PSC Century Center
- Career Navigator for Adult Education PSC, Youth Advocate for YAP, Worked in Programs for the city of Gulf Shores, Technician for Theatre at multiply Theatres
- Member (representing PSC) of the Century Chamber, Vice President of The Hope Garden board, Volunteer with Extra Mile Club Str8 Up, Member of ACE (Adult and Community Education), Member of COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education), Member of the CommUNITY Resource Council – Century area, Volunteer with Lumberjack Festival at the Milton Campus, Volunteered during Family Literacy Week, Past Board Member for South Baldwin Community Theatre, Past Member and/ also Team Leader at Share the Beach – Alabama’s sea turtle conservation program
- Bachelor of Science Tennessee Wesleyan College
- None
QUESTIONS
- I have developed a deep appreciation for the potential and spirit of our community. I believe that I can bring a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a strong commitment to problem-solving in the best interests of our town. I believe in its future and see countless opportunities for growth and improvement. I am passionate about contributing to the positive change I know our town is capable of achieving. I am driven by the desire to help others and enhance the quality of life for all who call Century home.
- Listening to the citizens of Century, each other, and to the Mayor. Working with the Community, the Council is elected by the citizens, don’t talk at them, talk to them – take the time. Budget, where does the money go, how do we lose money/grants. How do we secure the grants and not lose them?
- Without actually looking and doing the research, I cannot answer that question with a definite answer at this time
- I do
- I do. Government in the Sunshine Act— requires that meetings of certain federal agencies be open to public observation, except for portions of the meetings that are covered by any of The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows the public access to federal agency records, but it also contains other exemptions that permit agencies to withhold certain information, such as classified national security matters, confidential financial information, and law enforcement record. I think Century’s is transparent, if you know where to look. Perhaps making it easier to find the information.
- I think this ties into the question before about “How Should Century solve financial challenges”. Does the Council get a running spreadsheet of the budget? How often does the budget get reviewed, not just the “Bills List ” every 2 weeks. I think this requires a deep look into the financials of the town. Keeping grants, maintaining grants, knowing where the money goes.
- Personally one or two, but would really like to know the purpose of them and how would it change things.
- I think so. Most town administrators have a degree in public administration, political science, or business. I think it should be a local employee.
- Ensure each level of government (town, county, state) has designated individuals as points of contact for communication and collaboration. Work together on shared issues and goal. Build relationships and foster trust.
- Create a beautification program with local businesses and community groups to improve storefronts and streetscapes. Seek grants and public-private partnerships for infrastructure improvement. Build a strong economic base by fostering a supportive environment for local businesses and startups.
- Provide tax incentives and resources to encourage new businesses to set up in Century. Launch a local business incubator to help entrepreneurs grow and thrive. Organize networking events and workshops, alongside the Chamber, to connect local businesses with one another and with customers.
- To be honest with you, I haven’t read all of the Charter and Code of Ordinances. I like a Hybrid/Standard Mayor-Council- Balance power between the mayor and council. The mayor imitating, but council having significant input.
- With a new billing clerk, and hopefully better training on the new software and meters, utilities will be correct or be corrected soon.
- In the almost 3 years of attending council meeting, the one thing that surprises me is the lack of follow through for after school and education wants in the town. I am hopeful that Ms. Deterville’s presences next to Metro Transit will take off soon. I believe she has plans that may help with this. I believe PSC Century Center will have a camp again this summer. We need to help programs that want to come to Century. Encourage people to participate.
- Short-Term Impact: Increased community engagement and pride. Growth in local business activity and employment opportunities. Improved public safety and the overall quality of life for residents. Long-Term Impact: Century becomes a top choice for relocation, bringing new families and professionals. Local businesses thrive, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. A stronger sense of community identity, recognized for its positive contributions and progress in local and regional media.
Candidate Profile: John Bass
March 16, 2025
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the three candidates seeking a on the Century Town Council in Tuesday’s special election. Responses have not been edited.
Century Town Council, Seat 4 Candidate: John Bass
BACKGROUND
Current occupation
- Retired
Previous occupations:
- Correctional Officer
Civic, church and other community involvement?
- Christian Faith /Veteran
Education:
- Associate—Electronic Engineering
Previous offices held, previously sought
- Classification Officer
QUESTIONS
Why are you running for Century Town Council?
- I am a life long citizen of Century that has appreciated and enjoyed the work of many others before me. Now I feel it’s my responsibility to help lead the way for future generations of Century residents.
What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council?
- 1. Working together as a unit for the betterment of the citizens. 2. Established goals and an action plans to complete those goals for the betterment of the town. 3. Seeking funding infrastructure, recreation and educational programs.
How should Century solve financial challenges?
- Self audit will show where changes need to be made and assistance is needed.
Do you support Home Rule?
- Yes. My understanding of home rule is that each town should have some form of government be ruled by its members.
Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how?
- Yes. Century government is transparent through open meetings and records requests.
How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest financial issue facing Century?
- Self/independent audit. Town long term infrastructure.
Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? Or eliminated?
- No not individually all ordinances/regulations changes should be made collectively.
Should Century have a town administrator? Should that be a local employee, or perhaps an out-of-town consultant?
- Yes. The Administrator a qualified individual working for the best interest of the town.
How can Century better work with the county and state?
- Establish relationships through communication.
How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs?
- Work with the chamber of commerce and the citizens to establish a marketing strategy
How does Century work to support/grow additional businesses?
- Support growth through educational and training programs
What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? What form of government should Century have ( council-weak mayor, council-strong mayor, commission or council-manager are the typical choices, per the FL League of Cities)?
- Full time mayor /strong council-weak mayor
How does the town improve utility (water, sewer, gas) billing issues and ensure bills are correct going forward?
- Gather information through self auditing, research other methods, establish a plan, implement plan and make changes as necessary.
How does the town work to improve education and activities for children and youth?
- Establish a working relationship with the schools administrators and recreational program managers
Summarize your term of office plan/goals for Century…
- Help create programs to improve the quality of life in Century. Help establish a program to honor current and past citizens exemplary service to show outsiders how great we are and always have been.
Massive Fire Destroys Atmore Church (With Photo Gallery)
March 16, 2025
Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Atmore tell us they were looking forward to worship and a churchwide lunch on Sunday.
But the church on Horner Street was destroyed by a massive fire late Saturday night.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Preliminary information indicated the fire may have been sparked by a lightning strike during a heavy thunderstorm just before 11 p.m. Neighbors reported seeing multiple lighting strikes in the area before the fire.
The fire appeared to have started near where the church’s old sanctuary joins a fellowship hall and classrooms that were constructed after a tree fell into the old sanctuary in the days following Hurricane Ivan.
Despite a high-pressure water flow from a ladder truck, the massive fire quickly raced through about 160 feet of the attic of the building, with the steeple and cross crashing down into the flames (pictured top).
Dozens of firefighters from across the area responded to the fire, including the Atmore, Barnett Crossroads, Poarch Creek, Little Rock and Nokomis fire departments from Alabama, and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue, with additional personal from Florida. The Atmore Police Department and other agencies also responded to fire, located just over a block off Atmore’s Main Street.
Firefighters remained on scene into the early morning hours.
There was no word on any injuries.
The fire remains under investigation.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The moment the steeple and cross collapsed into the flames Saturday night at First Presbyterian Church of Atmore. Pictured above and below: First destroyed the church, ripping through the attic. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local FFA Member Named Finalist For ‘Stars Of Florida’ Program
March 16, 2025
The Florida FFA Association recently selected 25 student members — including one from Escambia County — as finalists in the highly coveted “Stars of Florida” award recognition program.
Isabelle Jenkins, who attends the Pensacola High School IB program and is a member of the Florida Virtual FFA chapter, was the only local student to be named a finalist.
The program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s) in seven different categories. Each candidate will be interviewed by a team of FFA, industry and agriculture education representatives to determine the winner in each area. Each finalist, their family and agriculture instructor(s) will be recognized at the Fourth General Session of the 97th Florida FFA Convention to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.