Century Utility Bills Are In The Mail After Delays
September 17, 2025
The Town of Century is making progress on resolving utility billing difficulties.
Town Clerk Carrie Moore told the town council Tuesday evening that current bills are now complete, and utility customers should receive their bills in the mail by the end of the week.
The bills will have a due date of October 4 with no penalties. However, accounts with past due balances from last month are subject to disconnection unless customers make payment arrangements.
Moore said all customers need to update their contact information so that the town can call or text a few days before disconnects to save fees and penalties.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Chiefs Fall To Baker Gators
September 17, 2025
Northview Chiefs volleyball fell to the Baker Gators Tuesday evening in Bratt.
The Gators swept the Chiefs’ varsity team 3-0, while the Northview junior varsity team lost 2-1.
For a photo gallery, click here.
On Thursday, Northview will travel to Uriah, Alabama, to take on J.U. Blacksher.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Sweep Washington
September 17, 2025
The Tate Aggies volleyball program swept the Washington Wildcats on Tuesday night at Washington.
Tate 3, Washington 1 (Varsity)
The Tate Aggies varsity volleyball team secured a powerful comeback win against the Washington Wildcats.. After a tough first set loss of 15-25, the Aggies rallied with three consecutive dominant wins. They took the next sets with scores of 25-15, 25-7, and a decisive 25-20 in the final set to seal the victory.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will host the Pine Forest Eagles on Wednesday night.
Tate 2, Washington 0 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity team showcased their dominance by defeating the Washington Wildcats in two straight sets. The Aggies controlled the game from the start, winning the first set 25-16 and closing out the match with a 25-19 victory in the second set.
Tate 2, Washington 1 (Freshmen)
The Tate High School freshmen volleyball team defeated the Washington Wildcats in a three-set thriller. After winning the first set 25-22 and dropping the second 14-25, the Aggies rallied to win the deciding third set 15-7, showcasing impressive resilience and teamwork.
Robert Gary Johnson
September 17, 2025
Robert Gary Johnson, 77, passed away on September 12, 2025.
From the streets of South Alabama to climbing Machu Pichu, navigating inside the Pyramids of Egypt, strolling the streets of Ephesus, munching goodies at Christmas Markets all over Europe, Gary was at home when traveling the world with the love of his life, Pat.
Gary was born on October 24, 1947 at the Turberville Memorial Hospital in Century Florida, the third son of Ernest Hiram Johnson and Lola Mae Simmons Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Staton Johnson, his two brothers, Hiram Johnson and Chester Johnson, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews. He was extremely proud of his South Alabama-Northwest Florida upbringing and his Century High School “Blackcats.”
Gary spent his early years working and playing on the farm with his maternal grandparents and uncles who served as stand in fathers after the death of his father. These years established his unusually good work ethic, curiosity about the how to and why of anything, and his logical way of looking at life.
He had a keen interest in engineering and attended the University of Alabama, earning a degree in Mechanical engineering. He was employed by Gulf Power for a short time, until his desire to serve his country and led to his enlistment in the U.S. Army, and served in Vietnam.
He returned to the University of Alabama to earn an MS in Mechanical Engineering. He was hired and worked for Brown Engineering, USBI, in Huntsville and Cape Canaveral. It was necessary in God’s design for him to move to Florida because that is where he met and married his wife, Pat.
Gary cherished his relationships with family and friends from all walks of life. He spent much of life making and cultivating these friendships. He met, believed, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. His relationship with Christ created the direction and actions for the rest of his life. Ministry in missions brought God’s spiritual gift of ‘Joy’ in Gary’s life. This” joy” was encouraged and cultivated by Indian Springs Holiness Camp Meeting, Church of the Highlands, Kairos Prison Ministry and kingdom workers around the world.
For the better part of his adult life, he and Pat worked in and supported ministries across the globe. His impact was seen in establishing an eye glass ministry in Honduras, water filtration devices in Honduras and Kenya, providing and installing radios for the Quechua in Bolivia, providing shoes through Operation Beautiful Feet in several countries and serving in the Kairos Prison Ministry.
He avoided recognition as much as possible, but one document he treasured was a Certificate of Appreciation from NASA for investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger accident and identifying actions to return to flight. In this it meant retrieving parts of the spacecraft from the ocean floor.
A Life Well Traveled, A Life Well Lived because of Jesus Christ
Susan Gay Harmon Meadows
September 16, 2025
Susan Gay Harmon Meadows, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and teacher, passed away peacefully on September 06, 2025. She was 88 years old.
Born on September 22, 1936, Susan lived a life marked by love, faith, and music. A gifted educator, she shared her passion for music with countless children as a kindergarten music teacher at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she taught for more than 30 years. Her gentle spirit, patience, and creativity touched the lives of generations of students and their families.
Susan met the love of her life, Merrill Lamar Meadows, while attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. They were married soon after and shared over 50 years together, raising a family and building a life filled with devotion and joy. The couple first made their home in Atlanta before moving to Tucker, Georgia, where they raised their son and became deeply rooted in their community. Later in life, Susan moved to Cantonment, Florida, where she continued to surround herself with family and faith.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lamar, who passed away on December 25, 2015; her mother, Vivian Callahan; as well as several cherished aunts and an uncle.
Susan is survived by her son, Christopher David Meadows; his wife, her loving daughter-in-law, Marilee Waller Meadows; four grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her late years; sister, Linda Callahan of Oregon, who shared a lifetime of memories and love with her.
Those who knew Susan will remember her as a woman of kindness, grace, and unwavering faith. She found joy in music, teaching, and the simple blessing of time with her family. Her legacy lives on through the many students she inspired, the family she nurtured, and the friends who loved her.
In memory of Susan, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
$8 Million Project Ongoing To Upgrade Century Sewage Lift Stations And Treatment Plant
September 16, 2025
An $8 million wastewater improvement project is ongoing in Century, including $3.5 million for lift stations.
Lift stations are pumps that move sewage and wastewater to high elevations when gravity alone cannot achieve the necessary flow to a point such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Without functioning lift stations, sewage would back up into homes and businesses.
The total $8 million project, including $5.5 million for the treatment plant, is being funded on loan with 90% of the principal to be forgiven, leaving Century responsible for repaying just 10% of the total amount to the state’s revolving loan fund.
Mayor Ben Boutwell said critical infrastructure upgrades in Century went undone for years, and now the town is catching up and modernizing infrastructure including water and sewer.
“We are now taking care of what we have and preparing for the future for our citizens,” he said.
The project includes four lift stations located at:
- West Highway 4 (pictured, just west of the community center)
- Century Woods Apartments (at the rear of the complex)
- Pond and Jefferson intersection
- Century Correctional Institution
The lift station at Century Woods is completed. After completing the West Highway 4 location, crews will move to the lift station near the Pond and Jefferson intersection. Additional projects will be forthcoming to replace other lift stations around the town.
Pictured: Work on the Century lift station on West Highway 4 recently. NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Faces Up To Life In Prison On Federal Robbery, Shooting Charges
September 16, 2025
An Escambia County man is facing up to life in federal prison for the armed robbery of a business.
Ulysses Robinson, Jr., 41, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of interference with commerce by threat or violence, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Court documents reveal that on December 16, 2024, Robinson and his partner, Ladarryl Paige – who previously pleaded guilty to these offenses – entered a business on North Davis Highway and held multiple individuals at gunpoint. Robinson and Paige then robbed these individuals of approximately $10,000 along with marijuana that was present on scene. During the armed robbery, Robinson forced the victims to comply with orders at gunpoint and discharged his firearm. Law enforcement was able to identify both Robinson and Paige through video surveillance and forensically derived electronic evidence. Robinson is a previously convicted felon.
Robinson faces up to life imprisonment upon sentencing, which is scheduled for November 13 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said: “Another violent felon has been taken off the streets of Pensacola thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our local partners working in conjunction with federal law enforcement. This is yet another successful prosecution under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, which is fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to protect our communities from the violent criminals terrorizing our streets.”
A New Chapter: Ernest Ward Middle PTE Puts Students First
September 16, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School PTE (Parents and Teachers of Eagles) is shifting its focus to students and community involvement.
“We are shifting our focus to students,” PTE President Tristan Long said during the group’s meeting at the school.
He said that previously the PTE focused about half on students and half on staff, but they plan to focus at least 70% of their funding on students. They are also looking to improve community partnerships and prepare financially to perhaps fund student organizations.
The group also aims to find ways to bring families and students together at the school for events, while also improving volunteerism.
“More than money, they need hands,” Principal Tyvanna Boulanger said.
The EWMS PTE was recently recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity by the IRS, making all donations and business sponsorships tax deductible. For more information on the PTE at Ernest Ward, visit their Facebook page.
At Monday’s meeting, the group also adopted bylaws and a code of ethics.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School PTE President Triston Long and Vice President Tabitha Schoonover at Monday’s meeting. Other board members attended by video. Pictured below (L-R): EWMS Assistant Principal Rodney Drish, Escambia County Public Schools Director of Middle School Education Dr. Michael Roberts, and EWMS Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary, Grand Theft And Witness Tampering
September 16, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry and threatening the victim.
Willie Ray Purifoy, 47, was charge with burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property and witness tampering. All of the charges are felonies.
The incident occurred at a residence on Washington Street in Cantonment. The victim told law enforcement that Purifoy entered his home through an unlocked door without permission and stole six men’s wristwatches and loose coins, with a total value of $4,950. The victim stated that he had previously hired Purifoy to do handyman work and help with his business, and that Purifoy had been in his home before, but never unescorted or with permission to enter on his own.
According to an arrest report, he victim confronted Purifoy outside his home, and Purifoy allegedly rode away on a bicycle, refusing to talk. Purifoy reportedly sold three of the stolen watches at a pawn shop on Mobile Highway in Pensacola for $225. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm the watches matched the description of the stolen items, and a hold was placed on them.
The report also states that Purifoy allegedly called the victim on September 3 and said, “I’ll mess you up,” and threatened to start a rumor that the victim was gay. The victim’s phone records corroborated the call, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Purifoy remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000.
Dry Sunny Weather Continues
September 16, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.