Atmore Woman Charged After Altercation At Child’s First Birthday Party In Cantonment
July 17, 2025
A first birthday celebration in Cantonment allegedly turned violent late last week, leading to the arrest of an Atmore woman.
Kaylin Marie Henderson, 23, was charged with felony aggravated battery. She was later released on a $5,000 bond.
According to an arrest report, deputies responded to a disturbance complaint in Cantonment where they found the victim with a significant laceration to her forehead. She reported that she had arrived at the residence to celebrate the birthday of her friend’s son. Henderson, the child’s birth mother, also arrived later to visit her child.
Henderson was asked to return the child and refused, the report states. After the child was taken back, the victim said that as she was leaving, Henderson struck her twice in the head with a keychain with metal weights, causing the laceration. She reported feeling dizzy and seeing a lot of blood. A witness corroborated the claim, according to the report, saying that Henderson wrapped a keychain cord around her hand and “stabbed” the victim with the object.
A deputy located and detained Henderson on Chippindale Road, and she reportedly made a spontaneous utterance of “I (expletive) up I know it” before saying that she did not strike the victim. Deputies reported that she was in possession of a yellow card with metal weights at one end and a piece of chain at the other.
The victim was treated on scene by Escambia County EMS, but she refused transport to the hospital.
Century Seeks Bids For Trash, Recycling Contractor For The First Time In Years
July 17, 2025
For the first time in a decade or more, the Town of Century is requesting bids for garbage collection, and they are potentially adding recycling services.
The town currently contracts with Republic Services to collect garbage within the town limits. Republic has a provision in their contract that allows them to increase the rates they charge the town each December to match the Consumer Price Index. The town annually passes the rate increase directly along to residents.
In July 2020, Century renewed a five-year contract with Republic Services without seeking bids from other potential providers.
Now, the town is accepting proposals for an exclusive franchise for solid waste collection and recycling services for a five-year term.
The deadline for licensed companies to submit a bid is 2 p.m. on August 11.
For residential customers, the town is seeking weekly garbage and yard waste collection, bi-weekly recycling, and quarterly bulk waste service.
According to the most recent rates we received from the town, residential customers pay $27.44, plus tax, per month for one per week collection with additional cans at $5.92 each. The trash service is billed on residents’ water bills.
Pictured: Century’s solid waste contractor, Republic Services, collects along Jefferson Avenue. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Manny Diaz Jr. Introduced As UWF Interim President
July 17, 2025
The University of West Florida on Wednesday formally introduced Interim President Manny Diaz, Jr. to the campus and community.
Diaz was approved by the Florida Board of Governors on June 18, following his appointment by the UWF Board of Trustees on May 27. He replaces Martha Saunders, who announced her resignation in May.
Diaz emphasized expanding academic excellence, growing workforce-aligned programs, and strengthening UWF’s impact across the region.
“I am honored to step into this role and lead the University of West Florida into this next chapter,” Diaz said. “UWF has a proud legacy and a promising future, and I look forward to working alongside our students, faculty, staff and community partners to continue building on its momentum. Together, we will advance and explore new opportunities to serve our region and state with excellence.”
Diaz’s leadership will focus on strengthening academic excellence and expanding UWF’s research capacity, growing workforce-aligned programs and partnerships, promoting access and affordability for students, and enhancing the University’s role in driving economic and community development across Northwest Florida.
Diaz most recently served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, a role he held from 2022 to 2025. Prior to that, he served in the Florida Senate from 2018 to 2022 and the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2018, where he held several leadership positions including chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Diaz’s term as interim president is for one year. His base annual salary is $643,000, but that can be extended if he is named the permanent university president.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Scattered Showers And Storms Overnight
July 17, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Suspect Charged In Fatal Escambia County Shooting
July 17, 2025
A suspect has been charged in a fatal shooting Wednesday in Escambia County.
Michael Stephen Johnson, 58, was initially charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting in the area of Wilson Avenue and Kincaid Street about 4:40 p.m. The ECSO had responded to a disturbance call earlier in the day at the same location where the victim had been trespass warned. Deputies say the victim returned, an argument ensued, and it ended with the fatal shooting
Check Out The Sunset Wildlife Connection At The Library
July 17, 2025
Get up close to nature with Sunset Wildlife Connection’s animals encounters program at the Molino Library. Attendees will be able to meet exotic animals up close and personal while learning about each animal’s individual story, facts about its species and information on how to make a difference to help protect wildlife.
The program will be held:
- Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Molino Library
All ages are welcome.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Repeat Escambia County Offender Gets 40 Years In Firearm Case
July 17, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Bryan Alexander Hicks was sentenced to 40 years by Circuit Court Judge Amy Brodersen. He will be required to serve at least 30 years as a mandatory minimum. On October 2, 2022, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office sergeant made a traffic stop Hicks’ vehicle on Creighton Road. Deputies located a container containing eight rounds of ammunition which had been thrown from the vehicle along with a firearm magazine inside of the vehicle. Deputies retraced the path driven by Hicks, and they located a stolen .380 Ruger containing 32 rounds of ammunition and a Glock 17 9-mm pistol along Creighton Road. Both firearms were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for DNA analysis. Hicks’ DNA was located on the .380 Ruger.
On May 21, a jury found Hicks guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The jury also found that he is a habitual felony offender, a habitual violent felony offender, and as a violent career criminal.
At sentencing, Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Frederick V. Longmire highlighted the defendant’s extensive prior record which includes seventeen prior felonies and ten prior misdemeanor offenses ranging from robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of cocaine, resisting law enforcement without violence, and possession of marijuana.
“The defendant’s actions and continued propensity to commit crime indicate he remains a danger to citizens of Escambia County, Florida, and a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison is necessary,” Longmire said.
Free Sand For Storm Prep Still Available In Escambia County
July 16, 2025
Escambia County has still has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas due to a tropical system that is expected to bring significant rain to the area in the next few days.
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile the shower and thunderstorm activity is disorganized and is forecasted to continue moving westward. Potential development of a tropical system remains at 40%. Further development could occur if the system moves far enough offshore. While there is still uncertainty in the system’s eventual track, residents are reminded to remain weather aware.
The sand is available on a first come, first served basis 24 hours a day at the following locations:
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
- Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola (NW cornerschool property on Parazine Street)
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are typically available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Mayor Casts Vision For Century’s Future, Details Millions In Ongoing Projects
July 16, 2025
Speaking Tuesday evening in the museum dedicated to Century’s past, Mayor Ben Boutwell outlined what he sees as Century’s very bright future.
“We know that we are running out of room in the south end of the county, and people are moving north,” Boutwell told the members of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society at The Leach House Museum.
With new town council members and support of state officials, he said Century will move forward.
Boutwell detailed numerous projects totaling millions of dollars currently underway in the town — most funded by grants.
Those ongoing projects include:
- Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitation – $3.3 million — Century Correctional, Century Woods Apartments, Highway 4 West, Jefferson Avenue, Pond and Jefferson
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements — $5.577 million — construction underway
- Water Well Rehabilitation on three water wells — $264,877 — electrical work
- Water Well Rehabilitation $334,707 — building and site renovations
- Century Correctional Water Well — $1.37 million
- Freedom Road Bridge Replacement — $1.3 million — estimate completion October 2026
- Tedder Road Water Service Line Replacement –$150,000
- Water Improvements, Billing Software $150,000
- Multi-Use Facility/Shelter — $10.3 million — finishing environmental works soon; design forthcoming, construction completion estimated November 2026
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: Escambia County School Orientations, Open Houses Set
July 16, 2025
Mark your calendars — orientation sessions and open house dates have been set for school in Escambia County.
Here is the schedule:
ORIENTATIONS
Elementary
- All Schools: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Middle School
- 6th Grade Orientation (except Ernest Ward): Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Thursday, August 7, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
High Schools
- Tate High 9th grade – Thursday, August 7, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Northview High – Thursday, August 7, 2025 – 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Pensacola High – Wednesday, July 30, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Escambia High — Thursday, July 31, Last names A-M from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and last names N-Z from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Booker T. Washington High 9th grade – Monday, August 4, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Pine Forest High – Saturday, August 9, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- West Florida High 9th grade – Saturday, August 9, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
OPEN HOUSES
- Open House sessions are a chance for parents to become familiarized with their students’ teachers and classroom policies and procedures, and are typically held in the evening, several weeks into the school year.
Elementary
- Tuesday, September 9, 2025 and Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 5:00 pm
- See Schedule: Elementary School Open House 2025
Middle Schools
- All Middle Schools on Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 6:00 pm
High Schools
- All High Schools on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – 6:00 pm