Century Sewer Smoke Testing Delayed By Weather
June 12, 2025
Rain has delayed smoke testing of the sewage system in Century.
If the weather cooperates, the smoke testing is expected to begin Thursday afternoon and possibly continue early next week. The testing will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Why?
Smoke testing is done periodically to locate sources of sewer odors, leaks and breaks in sewer lines.
What will residents notice?
You may notice smoke coming from building sewer vents, gutters and downspouts or out of the ground along sewer lines.
On the inside of your house, smoke or its odor may come out of the plumbing or fixtures. This should not happen if your plumbing is in good shape. This is also an indication gases and odors from the sewer may enter your house or building. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to the occupants.
Location, identification and correction of the source of smoke entering your house or building is urgently advised. While the utility will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the house or building owner.
Is the smoke dangerous?
The type of smoke used is harmless, white to yellowish white in color, and may have a slight odor. The smoke is harmless to plants and animals and leaves no residuals or stains. If smoke gets into a structure, it should be ventilated.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
Source: Town of Century.
United Methodist Conference Votes To Close Flomaton UMC And McRae Street UMC In Atmore
June 12, 2025
The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to immediately close 26 churches in south Alabama and one in the Florida Panhandle.
In the North Escambia area, the closures included the McRae Street United Methodist Church in Atmore and the Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. The other churches closed were across South Alabama, along with one in Jackson County, Florida.
Other Methodist churches in the area, including the First Methodist Church Atmore, will remain open.
The vote came during the annual Conference meeting held at the First United Methodist Church in Pensacola
In its decision, the Conference cited small or declining membership as a reason for the closures. Also, several of the churches named were involved in recent property disputes with the UMC
The other 21 churches closed in South Alabama were:
Pleasant Hill in Choctaw County
Mt. Herman in Hale County
Mt. Carmel in Hale County
Ramsey’s Chapel in Hale County
Liberty in Hale County
Pleasant Valley in Hale County
China Grove in Hale County
Morris Chapel in Lee County
Irvington in Mobile County
Aldersgate in Montgomery County
Minerva in Washington County
Trinity Weoka in Elmore County
Greenville First in Butler County
Trinity in Russell County
Guy’s Chapel in Baldwin County
Fitzpatrick in Bullock County
Loachapoka in Lee County
Whitfield Memorial in Montgomery County
Butler First in Choctaw County
Pictured: Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. File photo.
River Flood Warning Canceled For Escambia River Near Century
June 12, 2025
The flood warning for the Escambia River near Century has been canceled.
The stage was 16.85 feet Wednesday night, below minor flood stage of 17 feet. The river is expected to fall to 10.4 feet Monday evening.
Bullpen Brilliant, But Wahoos Walked Off In 10-Inning Defeat To Trash Pandas
June 12, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got excellent bullpen work from four different relievers, but were walked off by the Rocket City Trash Pandas 5-4 in 10 innings on Wednesday night.
With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Cole Fontenelle looped an RBI single to shallow right field that scored Nelson Rada from third for the winning run. With their second walk-off loss of the season, Pensacola’s winning streak ended at five games.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead 2-0 in the third inning with back-to-back RBI singles from Kemp Alderman and Nathan Martorella against Rocket City starter Walbert Ureña. The Trash Pandas would counter with a two-run homer from Oscar Colas in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 2-2.
Johnny Olmstead doubled in the fourth inning and scored on a wild pitch to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 3-2, but the Trash Pandas once again answered back in the bottom of the fifth against Pensacola starter Robby Snelling. Four straight hits, including RBI singles from Sam Brown and Colas, put Rocket City up 4-3.
Josh White, who had recorded 19 consecutive outs since his last hit allowed, wriggled out of the jam and prevented further damage. Denzer Guzman was thrown out trying to swipe home on a double steal attempt, and Cole Fontenelle struck out to keep the score 4-3 to the sixth inning.
White ultimately recorded four outs before snapping his hitless streak, contributing 1.2 scoreless innings of relief. Luis Palacios worked a 1-2-3 seventh, and the Blue Wahoos rallied to tie the game 4-4 in the eighth with three singles. Ryan Ignoffo brought home Alderman with a two-out RBI single to right field, but Caleb Ketchup threw out Martorella trying to score from second to keep the game tied.
Dale Stanavich worked 2.0 hitless innings for the Blue Wahoos to force extras, but Jared Southard (W, 2-2) retired the Blue Wahoos in order in the top of the 10th without allowing their placed runner to score. Josh Ekness (L, 2-1) got the first two outs of the bottom of the 10th before Fontenelle’s bloop single scored Rada and sent the Blue Wahoos to a 5-4 defeat.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos failed to gain ground on the first-place Biloxi Shuckers in the first half division race. They remain 5.0 games back with 10 to play before the standings reset in the second half of the season.
The series against the Trash Pandas continues on Thursday, with a first pitch from Toyota Field scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Clara Ranae Brown Blitch
June 12, 2025
Clara Ranae Brown Blitch (81) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, of natural causes.
Born in northern Georgia on April 15, 1944. Ranae was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and a Christian of great faith. She was a lifelong and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a
graduate of Pasco County High School in Dade City, Florida.
She touched the lives of many with her warm smile, generous spirit, and kindness. Ranae was known as someone that would always give a hug and engage in conversation. Not one to beat around the bush, Ranae was genuine and forthright. You always knew where you stood with her. She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories.
A devoted volunteer with the Special Olympics and a member in good standing of the Perry Women’s Club and the Rubies Red Hats. Ranae loved the companionship and friendship of her family and friends. She found joy in dedicating herself to helping others, attending church and always, always being there for her children, grandkids, and great grandchildren.
She will be remembered for her humor, hugs, resilience, generosity and straight forwardness.
She was preceded in death by her parents Willian M. (Bill)l Brown and Tottie Redifer Brown, her husband Charles Wayne Blitch, her son Charles Elliot Blitch, her sister, Doris Llewellyn Bucker, Brothers: William Pope Brown, Wayne Michael Brown, David Lamont Brown, Jacob Wilson Brown and Richard Cary Brown.
Ranae is survived by her daughter, Terrie Lyne Blitch Parker, her beloved son in law, Thomas (Pee Wee) Parker, her grandson Thomas Allen Parker, his wife Sammie Jean Sadler Parker, their Children, Mason Allen Parker, Hunter Kane Parker and Charlee Hope Sullivan of Mayo, FL, her grandson Christopher Perry Parker of Perry, and brothers Henry Larry Brown, his wife, Sunnina Brown of Madison, FL and brother, Jack Redifer Brown, his wife, Ursula Brown of Molino, FL, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Ranae’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Bell Cemetery, 3429 Cemetery Road, Bell, FL 32619 at 10am (EST). President Brad Lee will conduct the services. A drop by reception will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (EST), at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1566 West Julia Street, Perry, Florida 32347. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Perry Women’s Club.
Though she will be deeply missed, her light and love remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses of Doctor’s Memorial Hospital in Perry and the Haven Hospice – Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City, for the excellent and compassionate care they provided
Silver Airways Ceases Flight Operations, Including Pensacola Flights
June 11, 2025
Florida-based Silver Airways on Wednesday abruptly announced that it is ceasing all flight operations.
“In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silver’s flight operations in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean,” the airline posted to social media. “Please do not go to the airport. All credit card purchases should be refunded through your credit card company or your travel agency.”
The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of 2024.
Silver offered two flights daily between Pensacola and Tampa, with connections to Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Pictured: The first Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth arrived June 11, 2001, at the Pensacola International Airport. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Is Costco Still Planning A Nine Mile Road Store? Here’s The Latest Application Status
June 11, 2025
Is Costco still considering a store on Nine Mile Road?
It certainly looks that way.
Tampa-based Thomas Engineering filed plans with Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) for the store at 225 East Nine Mile Road back in June of last year. Then, in response to DRC feedback, updated plans were filed in late October 2024.
Since that time, the proposal has not gone before the DRC for consideration. Without a development order, the project can’t move forward.
What’s new?
Escambia County told NorthEscambia.com on Monday that Costco “is currently under review with some state regulatory items still pending.” A DRC hearing has not yet been scheduled but could be forthcoming soon.
How long does it take to build a Costco?
The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store.
“Costco Wholesale has set the bar by creating and maintaining the platinum standard in optimized rollouts: It takes just 110 days from the time construction begins to the moment doors open to their members” MG2 said. That means a new Pensacola Costco, if approved, could easily open by the end of the year.
What do the latest filed plans show?
The latest plans filed with Escambia County show the 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 835 parking spaces at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. That’s the site of the current Planet Fitness and a former Kmart store. It’s several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
The plans show the existing Dairy Queen, Sam’s Seafood Restaurant and Wells Fargo to remain, with a Costco gas station constructed between Sam’s Seafood and Wells Fargo in an area that is currently a parking area for the old shopping center. The current Planet Fitness building will be demolished to make room for the new Costco if it’s approved.
What is currently the nearest Costco to Pensacola?
The nearest currently open Costco to Pensacola is in Mobile, Alabama.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Tate High School Names Paul Bryan As New Head Coach Of Girls Track And Field
June 11, 2025
Tate High School has named Paul Bryan as the new head coach of the Aggies Girls Track and Field Team. Bryan brings with him an impressive legacy of district, regional, and state championship success.
Bryan is no stranger to high expectations. Known across the Pensacola area for his ability to build competitive, high-character teams, he brings both a winning tradition and a coaching style rooted in discipline, respect, and student growth.
“Coach Bryan has earned deep respect in the local athletic community, not just for the banners his teams have brought home, but for how he leads,” said Tate Principal Laura Touchstone. “He develops athletes who work hard, support one another, and carry themselves with pride. We’re thrilled to bring that level of leadership to Tate.”
Bryan’s coaching career started at Woodham High School in 1996, and he later moved on to Pine Forest High School. In almost three decades as a track head coach, he won state championships at Pine Forest and 2010 and 2011 and finishes as state runners-up at Pine Forest in 2009 and Woodham. He also earned half dozen state top 10 finishes.
He has won eight regional championships and 20 district titles, and he was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Girls 3A Coach of the Year three times.
“With a track record of excellence and a clear vision for success, Coach Bryan is set to take the Aggies to new heights. The entire Tate community looks forward to the impact he will have on and off the track,” Touchstone added.
Event At Molino Library To Teach Residents To Support Native Bird Populations
June 11, 2025
The Molino Library will host a unique event titled “Food Trucks for Birds” on Thursday, June 12 at 11 a.m.
This program aims to educate residents on the critical role of Florida’s native bird populations, their migration patterns, and practical ways to support their “fuel supply” through strategic landscaping.
While the intriguing title “Food Trucks for Birds” might conjure images of mobile feeders, the program is far more comprehensive. It focuses on empowering residents to cultivate their gardens with native plants, creating natural and sustainable food sources for both resident and migratory birds.
The event will feature the founder and educator of Food Trucks for Birds, who will share insights into how thoughtful landscape planning can encourage these vital creatures to stop and thrive in local yards. This approach goes beyond traditional bird feeders, offering a long-term solution for maintaining healthy bird populations.
According to the library, the program is not just about providing food; it’s about understanding the ecosystem that supports native birds and learning how each of us can play a part in preserving it
Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on selecting appropriate native plants, understanding bird migration routes, and contributing to the ecological well-being of the region. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in gardening, wildlife, or simply making a positive impact on their local environment.
Event Details:
What: Food Trucks for Birds
When: Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A (Molino Community Center)
Admission: Free
Pictuured: Birds that are native to Northwest Florida include cardinal (top), woodpecker (above, inset), Carolina chickadee (first below), house finch (bottom two). Pictured for NorthEscambia.com by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Flood Warning Issued For The Escambia River
June 11, 2025
ESCAMBIA RIVER
For the Escambia River near Century, minor flooding is forecast through early Friday afternoon.
Tuesday night, the river was at 16.13 feet and rising. The river is expected to rise above flood stage with a crest of 18.3 feet on Thursday. It will then fall below flood stage on Friday morning. Flood stage is 17.0 feet.
At 19.0 feet, low lying pastures will flood. Cattle should be moved to higher ground.
PERDIDO RIVER
For the Perdido River near Barrineau Park, flooding is not currently forecast.
The river was at 4.15 feet Tuesday night, well below flood stage of 13 feet.