Beulah Man Charged With Sexual Battery Of Teen Visiting Florida For Spring Break
March 24, 2025
A 27-year-old Beulah man has been arrested in Escambia County on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor visiting during spring break.
William Baughman was charged with felony sexual battery by a person over 24 on a victim 16 or 17 years of age.
The incident reportedly took place on March 19 at a residence on Frank Reeder Road. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was initially called to the location for a citizen assist after a woman reported that her daughter and a friend had been abandoned while on spring break from Texas. The report states they had been invited to stay at the home by a Snapchat friend that also lives at the home.
The victim told deputies that she engaged in sexual activity with Baughman multiple times at the residence, according to an arrest report. The victim stated that the encounters occurred over the course of their stay.
The homeowner provided security video that showed the victim and William Baughman walking into home, and she was able to describe his bedroom, according to the report. The victim was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital for evaluation.
He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Clearing On Tuesday
March 24, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 55. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Man Struck By SUV On Nokomis Road, Driven To Gas Station By SUV Driver
March 24, 2025
A man was struck by a vehicle on Nokomis Road Sunday night before being driven to a convenience store by the driver who hit him.
According to witnesses, the man was standing in a dark section of Nokomis Road, several miles west of Highway 97 in Davisville, when the side mirror of an SUV struck his arm. Due to the lack of street lighting and a small hill obstructing visibility, the adult female driver reportedly did not see the man in the roadway.
The driver, who was familiar with the man, called for help and transported him to the Marathon gas station at the intersection of Highway 97 and Nokomis Road.
The man sustained a non-life-threatening arm injury and was transported by Escambia County EMS to a nearby hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Schedules Virtual Meetings On Black Bear Hunting Proposals
March 24, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to gather feedback from residents on proposed regulations for black bear hunting in Florida. The feedback will be presented to Commissioners during a May meeting.
FWC previously consulted with stakeholder groups and the public in March to discuss potential hunting season options. The information gathered has been used to shape the current proposals.
The meeting dates and times are as follows:
- April 2 from 12-3 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 3 from 5-8 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
In December 2024, FWC provided a five-year update on the implementation of the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan. The presentation covered recent bear research and management efforts. Following the update, commissioners directed staff to return with options for a regulated bear hunt.
Century Basketball Association Hosts Annual Banquet, Celebrates Undefeated Teams
March 24, 2025
The Century Basketball Association held its annual banquet on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Century Community Center, drawing over 150 attendees, including Century Town Councilwoman Sandra McMurray-Jackson.
League President Tony Robinson led the evening’s program as master of ceremonies. The event featured a prayer by Elder Idainer W. Bradley, uplifting praise music performed by Mr. Kenneth Newton and his band, and a prayer delivered by Pastor and League Vice President Kris Chancery.
As the evening progressed, players received awards from their respective coaches in recognition of their hard work and achievements throughout the season. The coaches presenting awards included Pre-Training Coach Clay Hoffman, Training League Coach Charles Wesley, Junior Varsity Girls Coach Kris Chancery, Junior Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, Varsity Girls Coach Casey Price, Varsity Boys Coach Chris Robinson, and Varsity Boys Assistant Coach Alex Bradley, who stood in for Coach Greg Bush.
This season marked an exceptional year for Century Basketball, with seven teams competing and four finishing with undefeated records. Championship rings were awarded to the Junior Varsity Girls (Chancery), Junior Varsity Boys (Robinson), Varsity Girls (Price), and Varsity Boys (Bush), celebrating their perfect seasons.
The evening concluded with a special dinner, planned and prepared by Coach Casey Price and her assistants, bringing the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
Looking ahead, the Century Basketball Association aims to expand its impact beyond sports. Plans are in motion to introduce a STEM program and a computer coding course, offering middle school students free access to valuable educational resources.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Library Hosting Plant Swap
March 24, 2025
The Molino Branch Library is hosting a March Plant Swap for the remainder of the month at the library.
The swap is open to both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to start their plant journey. In addition to exchanging plants, attendees can connect with fellow plant lovers, share gardening tips, and expand their collections.
It’s simple — just bring potted plants, cuttings or seeds that you’d like to share, and take home a new leafy friend during library hours.
Pictured: Just some of the plants available recently during the March Plants Swap at the Molino Library Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For This Week
March 24, 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 23 through Thursday, March 27, 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 23, 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.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from South of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- 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 Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Monday, March 24 through Thursday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, March 23, 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 – The week of Sunday, March 23, drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations and construction activities. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 291 (North Davis Highway) – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures Monday, March 24 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- S.R. 291 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Carpenter Creek – Motorists may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures south of I-10 Tuesday, March 25 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Bayou Texar – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound lane closures west of S.R. 289A Tuesday, March 25 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Escambia River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures east of U.S. 29 Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing, from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, March 23 through Thursday, March 27, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.
- 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 23, through Friday, March 28, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- The existing designated right-turn lane leaving the Walmart parking lot at S.R. 281 and U.S. 98 will be closed for construction activities beginning Sunday, March 23. Motorists can continue to turn right from the adjacent lane.
- I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Blackwater River – Motorists may encounter intermittent westbound lane closures west of S.R 87 Wednesday, March 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
AAA: Florida’s Average Gas Price Dips Below $3
March 24, 2025
Florida’s gas price average dropped below $3 a gallon this week as Sunday’s state average fell to $2.97 a gallon, according to AAA. That’s 2 cents less than the 2024 low and the lowest daily average price since December 2023.
AAA said Sunday’s state average was 13 cents less than the week before, 13 cents less than a month ago, and 55 cents less than this time last year. The average cost to fill a 15-gallon gas tank is $44.55. That’s $8.25 less than what drivers paid a year ago.
The average per gallon price in Escambia County Sunday night was $2.89, up from $2.84 a week ago. In Pensacola, a low price of $2.75 at station on Pace Boulevard, East Nine Mile Road, and South HIghway 29. In North Escambia Sunday, the low price was $2.75 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Low oil prices and strong gasoline production numbers have helped push gas prices to lows not seen in more than a year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, it’s not clear how much lower prices will go. Springtime factors like refinery maintenance, strong demand, and the switch to summer gasoline typically keep upward pressure on prices at the pump.”
Thelma Rue Hendrix
March 24, 2025
Thelma Rue Hendrix, age 73, of Flomaton, AL passed away on March 18, 2025. Thelma was born on February 19, 1952 in Red Level, AL to Bobby H. McDowell, Sr. and Dora Nell Hendrix McDowell. Thelma is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Bobby Harold McDowell and Brock Allen McDowell.
Thelma is survived by her children, Donnie Johnson, Jr. of Flomaton, AL, B.J. Johnson of Bluff Springs, FL and Tammy Johnson of Bluff Springs, FL; her sisters, Barbara Davis of Bay Minette, AL and Jean Furby of Pascagoula, MS and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Monday, March 24, 2025, at McCurdy Cemetery in Century, FL. Interment was in McCurdy Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Kevin Merchant, Darrin Merchant, Austin Adams, Dylan Jordan, Justin White and Willie Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Tellefsen and Billy Merchant.
Rustic Rooster: Highway 97 Deli And Market Plans Set For Final Review
March 23, 2025
Plans are set for final review this week by the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) for a planned deli, market and shop in Davisville.
The Rustic Rooster will be located at 10251 Highway 97, near the Davisville Community Center. The building was previously used for retail and as a restaurant.
The Rustic Rooster will be opening as a deli, market and antique store, according to a an updated application filed March 13.
“We are rebranding what the previous use was and to bring back life to the beautiful building in the community,” a handwritten letter filed with an earlier application. “We have cleaned and updated the interior and exterior to beautify the property.”
The 4,243 square foot building is located on 1.83 acres. Application materials show parking in the front and rear of the building. There will be 19 parking spaces, including four handicap spaces in a front asphalt and an overflow lot with asphalt millings in the rear.
This week’s DRC meeting is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at the Escambia County Central Complex Building, 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola.
Pictured: The Rustic Rooster in Walnut Hill as seen Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
