Century Reports Large Spill At Wastewater Plant, The Second In Just Over A Week
August 5, 2025
The Town of Century on Monday, reported a 7,000 gallon spill at its wastewater treatment plant, according to a report filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The town reported that a bypass pump malfunctioned, causing the spill between 5 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday.
It’s the second large spill at the plant in just over a week. The town reported a 5,000 gallon spill occurred on July 25 after effluent pumps at the facility on Jefferson Avenue had an electrical issue that caused the treated wastewater to spill for seven and a half hours.
Both spills, according to the reports, were cleaned by applying lime.
Pictured: The Century Wastewater Treatment Plant. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Man With Two Drones, Contraband Arrested Near Atmore Prison
August 5, 2025
A man was arrested by state authorities with contraband near the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore.
Jesse Mainor was charged with attempting to elude, illegal drone use on prison property and prohibited activities.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said a K-9 officer noticed a suspicious vehicle on Poarch Creek property adjacent to Fountain during routine patrol. The vehicle entered state property and a suspect, later identified as Mainor, exited the vehicle.
Officials said as the officer approached, Mainor got back in the vehicle and fled. The officer, with backup from another K-9 officer and the Poarch Police Department, pursued the suspect for approximately five miles. The pursuit ended when Mainor entered a dead end road and surrendered.
ADOC said Mainor had a drone in his possession with a controller found near his vehicle. Officers said a second drone and a backpack containing contraband was discovered at the initial site where Mainor was spotted.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending, ADOC said.
Escambia County Firefighters Rescue Kitten From Car Engine
August 5, 2025
Escambia County Fire Rescue worked Monday morning to rescue what has become a furry new friend. The kitten was stuck in the engine compartment of a vehicle. Firefighters removed several plates from under the vehicle to reach the kitten. The little kitten was rescued unharmed and is now in the care of a family member of an ECFR firefighter. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms, High In The Middle 80s
August 5, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Charles Marion Cooper
August 5, 2025
Mr. Charles Marion Cooper, who was 61 years old, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Atmore, Alabama. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, but spent most of his life in Bratt, Florida. Mr. Cooper was a valued member of the Bratt First Baptist Church, where he brought joy and support to his community. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.
He had a vibrant personality that lit up every room, he was a beloved figure in the community, known for his infectious enthusiasm for life. An avid Alabama football fan, he spent countless weekends cheering on his favorite team at games, often surrounded by friends and family who cherished his spirited nature. His grandchildren were the brightest part of his life, bringing him endless joy and happiness. He loved spending time with them, whether it was playing games, telling stories, or just enjoying a quiet moment together. Beyond the thrill of sports, he was a dedicated prankster who could always be counted on for a good laugh. His love for helping others shone through in his community work—whether it was lending a hand with yard work or providing meals for those in need. For many years, he worked at Cooper Grocery Store, where he not only delivered fresh produce to local stores but also created lasting friendships, as he never met a stranger. Passionate about connecting with others, he traveled across the region offering payment solutions to local businesses, always emphasizing the importance of community and connection in all he did.
Mr. Cooper is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Doris Troutman Cooper; son, Bryant “Coop” Cooper; brother, Carl Cooper.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Cooper of Bratt, Florida; son, Austin (Lorri) Cooper of Bratt, Florida; step-daughter, Kayla Kresta of Bratt, Florida; sister, Judy (Robert) Gilmore of Pensacola, Florida; three grandchildren, Ella Chason, Lakelyn Chason and Ava Jane Cooper; numerous cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC., Reverend Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Bill Smith, Wesley Webb, Mark Lewis, Byron Vaughn, Greg Vaughn, Todd Wiggins, and Mike DIgmon.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve McGill, Mark McGill, and Bryan McGill
Northview Chiefs Name 2025 Volleyball Teams
August 5, 2025
Northview High School Volleyball has named their teams for the upcoming 2025 season.
VARSITY
- Sophia Adkins
- Emma Bowman
- Hartlie Bowman (JV/Varsity)
- Riley Brooks
- Amanda Fernandez-Santis
- Jessie Joyner
- Keeli Knighten
- Julianna Little
- Mikayla McAnnallly
- Daviona Randolph
- Maggie Stewart
- Avery Trawick (JV/Varsity)
JUNIOR VARSITY
- Alexa Beasley
- Addysen Bolen
- Hartlie Bowman
- Emma Godwin
- Brielle Garcia
- Aubrey Hadley
- Sophia Ikner
- Olivia Levins
- Natalia Morales
- Natalie Rodgers
- Makinzi Roley
- Isabella Sanspree
- Avery Trawick
- Kiley Webb
- Kinley White
- Bailey Yuhasz
Breakfast And Lunch Are Free For Every Student At 44 Escambia Schools; Others Must Apply
August 4, 2025
Breakfast and lunch are free for all students, regardless of income, during the upcoming school year at 44 schools and centers in Escambia County. Applications must be submitted for free or reduced price lunches at all other schools.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program means that parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the Free and Reduced Meal program at that school.
The free meal schools are selected based upon income levels.
Parents at these schools should plan on providing their child with money for their meals until eligibility is established to avoid creating a deficit in their account. Funds can be added to student accounts online at myschoolapps.com.
This program has been in place since 2015 in Escambia County and was not related to the pandemic. The program is federally funded.
Meal applications, or payment, will be required at:
- Beulah Elementary
- Blue Angels Elementary
- Cook Elementary
- Cordova Park Elementary
- Hellen Caro Elementary
- Kingsfield Elementary
- Suter Elementary
- Brown Barge Middle
- Ransom Middle
- Tate High
- West Florida High.
Free meal schools are:
Elementary Schools
- Bellview Elementary
- Bratt Elementary
- Brentwood Elementary
- Byrneville Elementary
- C.A. Weis Elementary
- Ensley Elementary
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- Holm Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- Lipscomb Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- McArthur Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
- Montclair Elementary
- Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Navy Point Elementary
- Oakcrest Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Scenic Heights Elementary
- O.J. Semmes Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- Warrington Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
Middle Schools
- Bailey Middle
- Bellview Middle
- Beulah Middle
- Ernest Ward Middle
- Ferry Pass Middle
- Workman Middle
High Schools
- Escambia High
- Northview High
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest High
- Washington High
Other Schools and Centers
- Acceleration Academy
- Achieve Academy
- Capstone
- Escambia Westgate Center
- Hope Horizon
- Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
- Success Academy
Pictured: An Escambia County School lunch as served to students during the last school year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Citizens, State Leaders Speak Out On School Board Tax Increase Amid Declining Enrollment
August 4, 2025
State leaders and hundreds of local residents took to social media Sunday to question why the Escambia County School Board raised property taxes as enrollment fell by about 4,200 students over the past five years.
A 1.5 mil increase is expected to net about $52 million for the district.
“So let me get this straight… Escambia School Board wants to RAISE property taxes because they have LESS workload,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia wrote on X while sharing the NorthEscambia.com story and tagging Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Typical big government logic. This is proof that they are spending way too much on administration and not enough in the classroom.”
Hundreds of readers commented on the story, many questioning a perceived illogical decision to require more money from property owners to pay a system with 4,200 fewer students. Others, however, defended the district’s actions, citing increasing costs.
Florida District 1 Rep. Michelle Salzman joined the discussion to assure constituents that she is questioning the move with other state officials.
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In a post on Salzman’s official Facebook page on Sunday, Salzman said she discussed an audit of Escambia County with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and CFO Ingoglia on Saturday. She said the two main talking points centered around the Escambia County Children’s Trust and the Escambia County School Board tax increase.
“As your state representative, I’ve been working hard in Tallahassee to cut taxes and ease the burden on hardworking families,” Salzman said. “That’s why I’m disappointed to see our local school board move in the opposite direction by raising property taxes while we are working to eliminate them.”
“At a time when inflation and cost of living are already straining household budgets, we should be looking for ways to do more with less, not asking families to pay more,” she continued. “I encourage our local leaders to respect the sacrifices our community is making and to join us in prioritizing responsible budgeting and transparency.”
Salzman said she would use her relationships with partners across that state that she will use “for the people”. And she added, “PS. Thank you, NorthEscambia for highlighting this.”
Pictured top: On Sunday, Rep. Michelle Salzman posted this selfie taken with Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia. Photo for NorthEscambia.com.
On Tuesday, Century’s Town Council Expected To Select Finalists For Town Administrator
August 4, 2025
On Tuesday, the Century Town Council will take the next steps in selecting a new town administrator.
The committee — consisting of Mayor Ben Boutwell and council members John Bass and Henry Cunningham sitting with interim town manager Howard Brown — narrowed a list of 17 applicants down to 10. Town staff members have since completed preliminary background checks on all of them.
During a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the council is expected to discuss the applicants and select those that they wish to formally interview. Council members will be encouraged to complete individual one-on-one meetings with the selected candidates prior to August 19 , when formal public interviews will be held at a council meeting.
The 10 applicants selected by the committee, in alphabetical order, are:
- Charles V. Anderson
- Darryl LeTroy Bell
- Peter Cavalli
- Timothy J. Day
- David J. Murzin
- Jeff Peacock
- Lisa Rouse
- Jared Schumacher
- Brian Louis Underwood
- Fred Ventresco
More information on each applicant is at bottom.
According to the town charter, the final employment recommendation must come from the mayor and be approved by the council.
In a July 22 selection committee meeting, Boutwell recommended:
- Charles V. Anderson
- Peter Cavalli
- Timothy J. Day
- David J. Murzin
- Lisa Rouse
- Jared Schumacher
- Brian Louis Underwood
Cunningham recommended:
- Charles V. Anderson
- Peter Cavalli
- David J. Murzin
- Brian Louis Underwood
- Fred Ventresco
Bass recommended:
- Charles V. Anderson
- Darryl LeTroy Bell
- Peter Cavalli
- Timothy J. Day
- David J. Murzin
- Jeff Peacock
- Jared Schumacher
Here is more information about each applicant selected by the committee in alphabetical order:
- Charles V. Anderson (Saint Petersburg, FL): Anderson is the former city manager for Treasure Island, Florida, where he led disaster recovery efforts and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. With decades of military and local government experience, he specializes in crisis management, infrastructure planning, and personnel leadership.
- Darryl LeTroy Bell (current city unclear): Bell is a former manager with extensive experience in municipal governance, economic development, and public works. He has managed cities such as Palatka, FL, and Muskegon Heights, MI, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, infrastructure improvements, and community revitalization.
- Peter Cavalli (Tampa, FL): Cavalli is the founder of Tampa Bay Training, LLC, and a former town manager for Kenneth City, Florida. He has extensive experience in public works, emergency management, and workforce development, as well as training programs for municipalities and private sector clients.
- Timothy J. Day (Cape Coral, FL): A former district manager for multiple Community Development Districts in Florida, Day brings over 30 years of experience in city/town management, law enforcement, and public safety. He has managed utility modernization projects, FEMA disaster recovery efforts, and financial audits for municipalities. He also served as a City Council member in Cape Coral for nine years.
- David J. Murzin (Pensacola, FL): Murzin is currently the Director of First Place Partners, representing economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He is a former state representative for Florida. He has extensive experience in legislative leadership, economic development, and disaster recovery, having worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida.
- Jeff Peacock (Pace, FL): Peacock is a mathematics teacher at Navarre High School and a former COO for nonprofit organizations. He has a background in strategic planning, operational management, and public policy, with degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago. A Century native, he was recently an unsuccessful candidate for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
- Lisa Rouse (Pensacola, FL): Rouse is the director of operations and marketing for two technology firms and a public sector consultant. She specializes in financial systems, utility oversight, and personnel development. A Pensacola resident, she is deeply involved in local civic groups and community engagement.
- Jared Schumacher (Taneytown, MD): Schumacher is the grants manager for Westminster Rescue Mission and a former town manager for Boonsboro, Maryland. He has expertise in grant writing, capital improvement projects, and municipal operations, with a focus on financial compliance and public trust restoration.
- Brian Louis Underwood (Fairhope, AL): Currently serving as grants director for Baldwin County Commission, Underwood has managed multimillion-dollar grant programs for infrastructure and disaster recovery. He previously served as executive director of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and has extensive experience in strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental coordination.
- Fred Ventresco (KS): Ventresco is a seasoned municipal manager with over 17 years of experience leading several municipalities. His most recent positions were a “brief, while-needed” position as city administrator in Holecome, Kansas, and town administrator in Pinetops, North Carolina. He has expertise in budgeting, personnel management, infrastructure projects, and emergency preparedness, having served as town administrator in multiple states.
For a previous story that lists all 17 applicants, click to enlarge.
Editor’s note: Information for each applicant is a brief summary taken from more complete resumes, applications and/or cover letters submitted to the Town of Century. Applicant’s information and claims were not independently verified by our staff.
Pictured top: (L-R) Henry Cunningham, Howard Brow and John Bass at a July 22 selection committee meeting. Pictured inset: Ben Boutwell. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant Plans Nine Mile Road Expansion
August 4, 2025
A Pensacola restaurant is planning a new location on East Nine Mile Road across from Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Mojo’s Famous Philly, which has a location on North Pace Boulevard, plans to construct a 3,500-square-foot restaurant on a vacant .63-acre lot in the 700 block of East Nine Mile Road. The lot, located between a car wash and self storage facility, is currently vacant.
Plans filed with Escambia County indicate the restaurant will be drive-thru only and will not serve or sell alcohol. The restaurant serves wings, Philly cheesesteaks, and more.
The proposal is set for a pre-application meeting at 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 at with the Escambia County Development Review Committee at 3363 West Park Place.