From Eyesore to Opportunity: Century’s Main Intersection May See New Life
July 30, 2025
“It’s an eyesore, and it’s right there on Highway 29 in the middle of town.”
That’s how Century Mayor Ben Boutwell describes one and a half acres at the corner of Highway 29 and East Highway 4 — at Century’s one and only red light.
Once the home of the Southern Panhandle Restaurant and a gas station, the property was sold in May 2022 to North Century Boulevard, LLC of Fairhope, Alabama. The buildings are falling into disrepair, and portions of the property are overgrown.
“I reached out to (Mr.) Patel a while back and he said he was about to put the property on the market because he could not get the approvals he needs from FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation),” Boutwell said. The company hoped to build a new convenience store on the property, and that would require approvals from FDOT.
Boutwell contacted Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman, and led to a meeting over coffee on Tuesday in Pensacola.
Boutwell, Salzman and company officials sat down to look at the plans — and work on a solution with FDOT on the phone.
The company is now hopeful that the plans will move forward for a new convenience store with both gas and diesel, including pumps for semi trucks. The plans also include full convenience store amenities like food and drinks, and it is anticipated that the building will have three additional storefront spaces that can be leased to other businesses.
“It’s great potential economic development for the area, and I think it will do well,” Boutwell said.
The development, which is located in Century’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area, would provide jobs and bring new revenue to the town, including gas tax funds.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Six Escambia County Employees Graduate from Certified Public Manager Program
July 30, 2025
Six Escambia County employees have graduated from Florida’s Certified Public Manager program, marking the completion of a rigorous program for training and developing public managers and supervisors.
The Escambia County graduates are among hundreds of individuals statewide who completed the program were :
Janie Brissett – Compliance Officer, Facilities Management Department
Mark Carter – Emergency Communications Manager, Public Safety Department
Dustin Parazine – Lieutenant, Corrections Department
Nikki Smith – Benefits Manager, Human Resources Department
Rita Spencer – Division Manager, Corrections Department
Reshonda Watson – Accounting Manager, Corrections Department
These new graduates have completed a two-year program that includes 32 days of training, plus required projects and exams. Over 100 government agencies, including cities, counties, state and constitutional offices, have participated in the Florida CPM program.
“I’d like to congratulate these hardworking county employees for completing the Certified Public Manager program, which is a testament to their leadership and dedication to serving the citizens of Escambia County,” County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “We always strive for the highest level of professionalism and effectiveness in Escambia County government, and nationally-recognized programs like this help ensure we are providing the best possible service for our residents.”
The Certified Public Manager program is a nationally-recognized leadership development program for public managers and supervisors. It is currently offered in 38 states and by the federal government.
The Florida CPM Program was created in 1979. The program is administered by the Florida Center for Public Management, which is part of the Askew School of Public Administration at Florida State University. The program enrolls public managers from state, county and municipal governments throughout Florida. Florida has one of the largest, and most successful, CPM Programs in the country, with nearly 5,500 graduates from more than 100 agencies.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Walnut Hill Office Reopens for Business
July 30, 2025
The Escambia River Electric Cooperative Office in Walnut Hill reopened Tuesday after being closed for nearly a year due to mold.
The utility office will operate weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., observing a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office offers services that include bill payment and service requests for both electricity and water.
The contract post office remains at the location, but full postal services are not yet available. Old mail that was previously held at the McDavid Post Office was boxed Tuesday, but additional mail will not be delivered until a new contract is in place.
The EREC Walnut Hill office is located on Highway 99A next to Ernest Ward Middle School. The office had been closed since August 2024 due to mold; remediation has since been completed.
Pictured top: EREC employee Kim Lambert boxes old mail Tuesday afternoon in contract post office inside the EREC Walnut Hill office. Customers had been required to pick up their mail at the McDavid Post Office for nearly a year. Pictured below: After being closed about a year, the EREC Walnut Hill office reopened Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Name 2025 Volleyball Teams
July 30, 2025
Following tryouts Monday and Tuesday, Tate High School Volleyball named their teams for the upcoming 2025 season.
Varsity
- Grace Best
- Torrie Garrett
- McKenna Lister
- Bailie Merritt
- Ella Merritt
- Apple Moodie
- Brelynn Morris
- Niaviya Qualls
- Gianna Smart
- Jacey Stuart
- Jayla Templeman
- Laila Whitley
Junior Varsity
- Kiley Adams
- Jada Archer
- Brayley Cayton
- Ansleigh Crutchfield
- Grace Gaulden
- Lexi Hardy
- Carly Kimbro
- Harper Leopard
- Laila McNair
- Sarah Mitchell
- Bentley Wartman
- Kassidy Weiss
Freshmen
- Laura Ave
- Ayslie Bouie
- Laina Daughtery
- Emma Dubuc
- Callie Fechter
- Ryleigh Goolsby
- McKenna Jones
- Makylie Lewis
- Kelly McCabe
- Reese Ray
- Clara Stinnett
- Jordan Suarez
Escambia County School Orientations Begin (But Most Are Next Week)
July 30, 2025
Orientation sessions have began for public schools in Escambia County, but most are next week.
Pensacola High School held orientation on Wednesday, while Escambia High School orientation will be Thursday. Other schools in the county will hold orientation next week.
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.
Hot Again, Afternoon Pop-up Showers
July 30, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 108. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Pensacola Ice Flyers Announce Full 2025-26 Season Schedule
July 30, 2025
The Pensacola Ice Flyers on Tuesday announced their 2025-26 full season schedule, which includes an expanded lineup of 29 home games at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Ice Flyers will drop the puck on their season Saturday, October 18, 2025, when they welcome the Macon Mayhem to “The Hangar”.
“We’re thrilled to offer our fans additional Ice Flyers hockey this season with our expanded schedule,” said Brenden Arney, Ice Flyers director of Marketing and Operations. “From our home opener against Macon to our creative theme nights, the 2025-26 season is set to be our most entertaining yet.”
- Macon at Pensacola: October 18, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Huntsville: October 24, 7:00 PM
- Birmingham at Pensacola: October 25, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Birmingham: October 30, 7:00 PM
- Macon at Pensacola: November 1, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Knoxville: November 7, 6:30 PM
- Pensacola at Knoxville: November 8, 6:30 PM
- Fayetteville at Pensacola: November 14, 7:05 PM
- Fayetteville at Pensacola: November 15, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Huntsville: November 21, 7:00 PM
- Pensacola at Huntsville: November 22, 7:00 PM
- Huntsville at Pensacola: November 26, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Birmingham: November 28, 7:00 PM
- Birmingham at Pensacola: November 29, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Birmingham: December 4, 7:00 PM
- Roanoke at Pensacola: December 5, 7:05 PM
- Roanoke at Pensacola: December 6, 7:05 PM
- Huntsville at Pensacola: December 11, 7:05 PM
- Huntsville at Pensacola: December 20, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Macon: December 21, 2:00 PM
- Birmingham at Pensacola: December 23, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Huntsville: December 26, 7:00 PM
- Huntsville at Pensacola: December 27, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Macon: December 31, 7:00 PM
- Roanoke at Pensacola: January 2, 7:05 PM
- Roanoke at Pensacola: January 3, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Quad City: January 9, 7:10 PM
- Pensacola at Quad City: January 10, 7:10 PM
- Pensacola at Quad City: January 11, 2:10 PM
- Evansville at Pensacola: January 16, 7:05 PM
- Evansville at Pensacola: January 17, 7:05 PM
- Macon at Pensacola: January 18, 4:05 PM
- Pensacola at Knoxville: January 23, 6:30 PM
- Pensacola at Knoxville: January 24, 6:30 PM
- Fayetteville at Pensacola: January 30, 7:05 PM
- Fayetteville at Pensacola: January 31, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Macon: February 5, 6:00 PM
- Knoxville at Pensacola: February 6, 7:05 PM
- Knoxville at Pensacola: February 7, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Roanoke: February 13, 6:05 PM
- Pensacola at Roanoke: February 14, 6:05 PM
- Macon at Pensacola: February 15, 4:05 PM
- Pensacola at Fayetteville: February 20, 6:00 PM
- Pensacola at Fayetteville: February 21, 5:00 PM
- Pensacola at Macon: February 26, 9:30 AM
- Birmingham at Pensacola: February 27, 7:05 PM
- Birmingham at Pensacola: February 28, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Peoria: March 6, 7:10 PM
- Pensacola at Peoria: March 7, 7:10 PM
- Pensacola at Peoria: March 8, 3:15 PM
- Macon at Pensacola: March 13, 7:05 PM
- Macon at Pensacola: March 14, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Birmingham: March 20, 7:00 PM
- Pensacola at Birmingham: March 21, 7:00 PM
- Quad City at Pensacola: March 27, 7:05 PM
- Quad City at Pensacola: March 28, 7:05 PM
- Pensacola at Evansville: April 3, 7:00 PM
- Pensacola at Evansville: April 4, 7:00 PM
Early Trouble Sends Wahoos to 7-3 Loss to Shuckers
July 30, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Alex Williams has encountered his roughest outings this season against the Biloxi Shuckers.
The latest occurred Tuesday night on a weather-plagued series opener, after the Blue Wahoos righthander struggled to find an early-game groove, leading into the Shuckers’ eventual 7-3 victory at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The game’s start time was delayed 1-hour, 11 minutes, followed by a 41-minute rain delay in the bottom of the fourth to make it an even longer night.
When the game began, Williams ran into instant trouble. A low pitch nicked the game’s leadoff batter, Luis Lara. After one out, the next three batters recorded hits, including a pair of RBI singles that scored Lara and the Shuckers’ highest-rated prospect, shortstop Cooper Pratt, who had doubled.
A throwing error in the second inning by Pensacola first baseman Nathan Martorella led to a third Shuckers run. In the third inning, Biloxi’s Jheremy Vargos broke the game open with a bases-loaded, 3-run double for a 6-0 lead. The rally was set up by a catcher’s interference call and another hit batter charged to Williams.
It became the shortest of Williams’ three starts since moving into that role on July 12.
Williams’ previous two times facing Biloxi this season came in relief. He allowed four runs on five hits July 4 in Biloxi in 2.1 innings pitched.
The Blue Wahoos produced three runs in the seventh on a solo homer by Johnny Olmstead, then an RBI double by Shane Sasaki and a balk to score Sasaki.
The six-game homestand continues Wednesday with the Blue Wahoos’ Jake Brooks, a former UCLA star pitcher, making his Double-A debut after being called up from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins High-A affiliate. He was an 11th round pick of the 2023 draft.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday. Gametimes on Wednesday through Saturday games are 6:05 p.m. start time and Sunday’s game will start at 4:05 p.m..
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Henry Kiah Robbins
July 30, 2025
Henry Kiah Robbins, 88, of Molino, Florida, passed away on July 15, 2025. Born on April 24, 1937, to parents, William and Clara, Henry was a resident of Molino.
Henry proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, before beginning a long career with AT&T, where he worked until his retirement. After retiring, he went to college to later receive his bachelor’s degree. He found great joy in his second career as a realtor, where he continued to connect with people in his community.
Henry was married to his beloved wife, Annette Robbins, for many years. Their life together was one filled with love, dedication, and shared memories.
He is preceded in death by his son, Kent Robbins.
Henry is survived by his wife, Annette; and his son, Jason Kiah Robbins.
Visitation will be from noon until funeral service begins at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Trahan Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Joseph Eugene White
July 30, 2025
Mr. Joseph Eugene White, age 74, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his residence.
Mr. White was born in Flomaton and has lived here for 59 years moving from Pensacola. He was the President and founder of W.O.A. (Wheel’n Outdoors Adventures). He enjoyed hunting and used to make ceramics and paint ceramics. Mr. White loved to go camping and fishing in Eufaula, Alabama. He loved to spoil his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father – J.W. White; nephew – Blaze Johnson; mother n law – Kathryn Goolsby; father n law – Herman Goolsby; sister n law – Kathy Molder and brother n laws – Donnie Molder and Chuck Frazier.
Mr. White is survived by his mother – Rosa Lee White; wife of 55 years – Stella White; brother n laws – Allen (Carolyn) Goolsby of Jay, and Ricky (Jill) Goolsby of East Brewton; sisters – Dianne White of Flomaton, Debra (Wayne) Brown of Brewton; sister n laws – Brenda (Ronnie) Johnson of Flomaton and Gail (Randy) Dewberry of Brewton and Ginger (Doug) Norsworthy of Brewton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.