Florida Legislative Auditing Committee Seeks Answers About Town of Century Finances
March 11, 2025
The Florida Legislature’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) has voted to direct the Town of Century to provide answers regarding findings from its last three years of audits.
The committee is established under rules of the Florida Legislature with a membership that includes members from the House and Senate. It has responsibilities that are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General.
“The Committee adopted a motion to direct the Town of Century (Town) to provide a written explanation of the status of corrective action that has been taken (Response) to the Committee,” Sen. Jay Collins, chair of JLAC, wrote in a letter to Century interim Mayor Alicia Johnson.
The letter directs the town to respond to the state committee by April 4 with an explanation for each audit finding reported in the town’s last three years of audits. The town must detail what full corrective action has been taken or explain how and when corrective action will be implemented.
Specifically, the JLAC requested a response regarding audit findings that identified issues with cash management, account reconciliation, capital asset tracking, and the town’s overall financial condition.
Previous audits have found that Century’s financial condition “demonstrated signs of a deteriorating financial condition,” as defined by Florida statutes.
Members of the JLAC are:
- Sen. Jason Brodeur
- Sen. Tracie Davis
- Sen. Stan McClain
- Sen. Jason W. B. Pizzo
- Sen. Corey Simon
- Sen. Tom A. Wright
- Rep. Kimberly Davis
- Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman
- Rep. Sam Greco
- Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson
- Rep. Rachel Saunders Plakon
- Rep. Taylor Michael Yarkosky
Editor’s note: This vote by the JLAC and the letter to the Town of Century were initiated prior to the town alleging employee theft and is unrelated to the criminal investigation.
Project Provides Free Dictionaries For All Jim Allen Third Graders
March 11, 2025
Members of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Cantonment recently presented new dictionaries to students at Jim Allen Elementary School. Each third grader received their own copy of “A Student’s Dictionary.” The goal of The Dictionary Project is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Recycling Pickup Affected For Some As ECUA Awaits New Trucks
March 11, 2025
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is facing challenges in replacing its aging fleet, and that is leading to recyclables being sent to the landfill for some residents.
ECUA said there has been a problem replacing some of their smaller trucks as they age out with mechanical issues.These smaller trucks are essential for navigating tight roads and dead-end areas where larger vehicles cannot operate.
ECUA ordered replacements in 2022, expecting delivery in 2023, but global supply chain delays have pushed arrival to June 2025. In the meantime, when a smaller truck is out of service, ECUA may need to collect both garbage and recycling using a single vehicle in select areas.
Officials stress that this is a temporary measure and that efforts are underway to minimize disruptions.
“We encourage you to continue practicing good recycling habits whenever possible. Your efforts will be essential in keeping contamination rates low once the new trucks arrive,” ECUA said in a statement.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 11, 2025
The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning before continuing to Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line in a misty morning rain. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch from south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Town Hall with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Additional legs of the run took place later in the day in southern half of the county with the ECSO and other law enforcement agencies.
Each year, over 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the state carry the flame to the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The torch will travel over 1,500 miles, through Florida’s 67 counties to the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games with the law enforcement “Guardians of the Flame.”
Pictured: The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century Monday morning and continued south in Escambia County. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny, Middle 70s For Your Tuesday
March 11, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 48.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 75.
New Ladder Truck Arrives For ECFR’s Ensley Fire Station
March 11, 2025
A new Ladder 6 is coming soon to the Ensley Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue (Station 6).
Crews have spent the last several days undergoing orientation training on the new 100-foot aerial.
The ladder truck is not yet in operation but will go into service upon completion renovations of Stations 6, which is known as “The Big House”. It is estimated that the renovations will be complete by the second week of April.
Station 6 was the busiest fire company in Escambia County last year, running about 2,500 calls including over 100 fires. The 24/7 station is also home to Engine 6 and Hazmat 6, and every firefighter assigned to the station is a certified hazardous material technician.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wanda Kinsley Repine
March 11, 2025
Wanda Kinsley Repine, born March 23, 1948 in Pensacola, Florida, was healed on March 9, 2025 when she entered the Gates of Heaven.
She was met at the gates by her father and mother, Johnnie and Virginia Kinsley, and her beloved husband of 46 years, Kenneth Repine.
Loved ones left to cherish Wanda’s memories include her two children Michelle Repine Bond (Pete) and Mike Repine (Jennifer) along with the “magnificent seven” Jackson & Jenna Bond and Brenn, Kira, Zane, Cole & Reid Repine. She also had one precious great-grandson, Ky’lynn Repine.
Wanda had many roles in life: daughter, wife, mother, and teacher to so many, but the role she cherished the most was that of “GiGi” to her seven grandchildren and “Geeg” to the newest addition, her beloved great-grand.
Wanda is also survived by her brother, Harry Kinsley (Gayle); her sisters, Donna Phillips (Bruce) and Dora Thomley (Wayne); her sister-in-law, Pat Kieft (Bob); and brother-in-law, Floyd Elmore.
Wanda recently retired after teaching in Escambia County for over 40 years. She truly enjoyed teaching and had a passion for growing the minds of children. Hundreds of young lives were changed because of Wanda’s teaching and her big heart for children.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
The family has asked that anyone wishing to pay respects attend the visitation. Wanda will be cremated and there will be no traditional funeral service. The family requests that instead of sympathy cards, attendees bring a letter or note with a fond memory of Wanda to place in a basket. The family would enjoy reading these and cherishing them for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to CASA of Shelby County (CASA House) 5184 Caldwell Mill Road Suite 204-171 Birmingham, AL 35244, which provides volunteer advocates for vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, or The Miracle League, 833 El Camino Drive, Cantonment, FL 32533, which provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can play baseball just like the other kids.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29 S., Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com
Houston Lee Farr, Jr.
March 11, 2025
Houston Lee Farr, Jr. (71) of Milton, Florida went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on February 17, 1954 to the late Houston Lee Farr, Sr. & Orpha Lahleen. He was raised in the Pensacola area and lived most of his adult life in Milton. He was married to his beloved late wife, Karen Moulyet Farr for almost 33 years. Houston worked as a military contractor for most of his successful career. He was an active member of Olive Baptist Church for over 40 years where he enjoyed serving in the children’s ministry. He loved time spent with his five grandchildren. Houston truly had a servant’s heart, always looking for ways to help. He was always quietly in the background taking care of things, never wanting any recognition. Family and friends always called on Houston when they had a home project they needed advice on or any mechanical issue. He was always willing to lend a hand to help a friend.
He is survived by his children, Allen (Ashley) Farr and Kristen (Trey) Fondren; grandchildren, Owen (12), Chandler (11), Olivia (10), Hutch (8), and Oakleigh (5); his sister Mary Farr and multiple nieces and nephews. Upon marrying Karen, he was welcomed into the Moulyet family as one of their own; the late Noland & Mary Louise Moulyet, the late George & Frances Robison, Danny (Sherry) Willis, the late Tom (Carla) Moulyet, Brian (Lisa) Moulyet, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 11:00 am, visitation will be held prior at 10:00 am, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Olive Baptist Church in his name.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Houston Lee Farr Jr please visit our Sympathy Store.
James Nicholas Bouzios
March 11, 2025
James Nicholas Bouzios of Pensacola, Florida passed away on February 17, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 11, 1949, to Nick and Tina Bouzios.
Jim volunteered for the draft where he served in the United States Army as a medic in Vietnam. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star and The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. While in Vietnam he was wounded, received the Purple Heart, and was medevacked home to the United States. During his medical leave from the Army, he met the love of his life, Linda, whom he was married to for 53 years. Shortly after marriage, he and Linda moved to Pensacola, Florida.
Jim continued his education, earning his Master’s Degree in political science and business administration from The University of West Florida. Upon graduation, he received The Presidential Internship and took his first job with HUD. For decades, Jim continued working his way up from a Junior Civilian at the Department of Defense to his career climax retiring at Senior Executive Service (SES level); serving as the Chief Information Officer of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT &E) for Naval Education &Training Command (NETC) which is the largest shore command for the United States Navy.
After retirement, his hobbies became starting small businesses, hunting, and home improvement projects. However, his true passion was writing, particularly writing “letters to the editor” in the Pensacola News Journal. His motto was “execute without excuses.” Those who knew him well called him “Big Jim”.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda; son, Nick (Angela); son, Alex (Ashley); grandchildren, Olivia Kate, Lauren (Michael), and Logan. He also leaves behind his siblings, Bert (Bob) Pryor, Tony Bouzios, Callie (Dave) Neybert, and Tina (Tom) Imperato. In addition, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, or in his name to the Town of Pine Apple, Alabama or The Town of Pine Apple Volunteer Fire Department P. O. Box 8 Pine Apple, Al. 36768.
Century’s Interim Mayor Speaks Out Amid $11K Utility Payment Theft Probe
March 10, 2025
Century’s interim mayor is speaking out for the first time since employee theft of over $10,000 was reported and just as the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is beginning to subpoena bank records.
A week ago, the town filed a theft report alleging that nearly $11,000 received from citizens utility bill payments was missing, and the ECSO said there were several persons of interest in the case.
“Century is a small town. They don’t have a lot of employees, so I think the list is pretty short,” ECSO Colonel Mike Ward said. “But again, we want to look at all angles to make sure we cover everything.”
Ward said the missing money includes both cash and checks from at least six deposits that were never made as they should have been. He said the Sheriff’s Office is conducting interviews and will subpoena bank records this week.
Interim Mayor Alicia Johnson provided NorthEscambia.com with the following statement on Sunday:
“The Town of Century remains committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. During a quality review conducted by the Town Clerk’s Office, an irregularity was identified that required further examination.”
To ensure a thorough and impartial review, this matter is currently being assessed and has been forwarded to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. Their office will determine if any employee malfeasance has occurred.”
The Town of Century is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities to facilitate this review. While we understand the public’s interest in this matter, we ask for patience as the process unfolds. As this is an active investigation, no further details can be shared at this time. However, the Town is committed to keeping the community informed as appropriate updates become available.”
We value the trust of our residents and will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in municipal operations.”
Johnson also told us that “the employee(s) found to have mishandled the cash is no longer involved in cash handling at the town.” She added that “the policies and procedures have been updated so that multiple employees verify that all deposits are correct and accounted for.”
The Town of Century collects payments for water, sanitation, and natural gas utilities.
Pictured: The payment window inside the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com file photo.