AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fluctuate Over The Past Week
July 21, 2025
Florida gas prices continue to ebb and flow, though the overall trend shows relative stability within a 30-cent range throughout the year, according to AAA.
The state average for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped to $2.93 last week—the lowest daily average since May. From there, prices surged to $3.14 per gallon mid-week before sliding back down to $3.08 on Sunday.
This rebound marks a 14-cent increase from last week, though prices remain 6 cents lower than last month and 30 cents below this time last year. Despite the frequent ups and downs, the underlying market forces remain largely unchanged.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.92. In Pensacola, a low of $2.73 was at one station on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low of $2.79 was available at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Sunday.
“We’ve seen this pattern repeat itself for nearly a year: pump prices drop for about 10 days, then climb back up,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With minimal movement in the oil and gasoline futures markets, we expect prices at the pump to continue bouncing within the same range for now.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Snyder Lifts Wahoos To Walk-Off 4-3 Win
July 21, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
A Michael Snyder walk-off double capped a comeback 4-3 Pensacola Blue Wahoos victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday afternoon.
With 5.0 innings of perfect relief and a one-run lead heading into the ninth, it seemed inevitable that the Lookouts would come out on top over the Blue Wahoos. The Wahoos’ bats had fallen silent after a two-run third inning, but came back to life in the bottom of the ninth.
A leadoff walk from Cody Morissette and a bunt single from Shane Sasaki to begin the ninth inning quickly signaled that this game was far from over. Josh Zamora came off the bench to work a pinch-hit walk and set the stage for Snyder.
“Hitting’s hard,” Snyder said. “Sometimes it takes a couple walks and finding a way on base. One good swing can change the course of a game.”
One good swing did change the course of the game, as Snyder connected on the third pitch from right-hander Arij Fransen (L, 2-3) to lace a line drive just inside the left field line. Morissette crossed home to tie it, and Sasaki’s run won it to give the Wahoos their 12th win of the second half and grow their division lead to 1.5 games.
“I was looking for a pitch to drive, something middle of the zone,” Snyder said. “Pretty simple right there. Just put bat on ball and good things happen.”
The Wahoos’ first two runs were put on the board in the third inning. Sasaki sent a line drive to center, driving in Jared Serna from third. Sasaki then swiped second as part of a double steal with Morissette, who beat a throw home for the tenth steal of home in Blue Wahoos history. This was Morissette’s third run-scoring thievery as a Wahoo after doing it in both 2023 and 2024.
Chattanooga’s offense got on the board in the top of the first for the third time this series, as Cam Collier drove in Edwin Arroyo with an RBI single up the middle.
The Lookouts also scored two runs in the third as Leo Balcazar and Jay Allen picked up RBI in the inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller.
Miller made his 14th start of the season for the Wahoos, and his first daytime start. Across 4.2 innings of three-run ball, the righty struck out six Lookouts. Miller’s outing ended on a sharp groundball to second by Collier, which Morissette gloved and fired home to prevent Arroyo from scoring an additional Chattanooga run in the fifth.
Former Blue Wahoos reliever Zach Willeman made the start for Chattanooga. A member of the 2023 Blue Wahoos, Willeman worked 3.0 innings of two-run ball in his return to Pensacola.
Both teams’ bullpens were excellent on Sunday afternoon. The Pensacola trio of Justin King, Nigel Belgrave and Josh Ekness (W, 3-1) compiled 4.1 innings of shutout work, while Brandon Komar tossed 4.0 perfect innings in relief for Chattanooga prior to Fransen’s difficulty in the bottom of the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos will head to Knoxville, Tennessee, for a six-game set with the Knoxville Smokies for their first trip to Covenant Health Park, the new stadium of the Cubs’ affiliate.
“[We] have a long road trip to Knoxville tomorrow, so [we] get some rest,” Snyder said. “[We are looking to] carry the momentum into the next week and have another good one.”
The Wahoos took four of six from the Smokies in late April in the first series between the teams. Right-hander Alex Williams (3-0, 2.10 ERA) is scheduled to get the ball in game one of the series for Pensacola.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies.
WHEN: Tuesday Thru Sunday
WHERE: Knoxville, Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: This will be the Blue Wahoos’ first trip to the Smokies’ new ballpark in downtown Knoxville, located near the campus of the University of Tennessee. It opened in April, after the team formerly played in Kodak, Tennessee, located about 21 miles east. The team was known as the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate.
Woodrow Richardson Watters
July 21, 2025
Woodrow “Woody” Richardson Watters, 73, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Selma, Alabama, Woody lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Marshall Watters and Frances Richardson Watters, who raised him in the values of faith, family, and hard work—principles he carried with him all his life.
Woody is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Karen Brasier Watters of Cantonment, Florida; his children, Johnathan David (Amanda) Watters of Cantonment, Florida, Cynthia Grace (Ricky) Conner of Loxley, Alabama, and Regina Marie (Nathan) Parmely of Morganton, Georgia; and his brothers, Ruben (Beth) Watters and James “Jim” Watters, both of Sprott, Alabama.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to: Faith Elizabeth Watters of Century, Florida; Kelsey Conner (Reid) Kilborn of Loxley, Alabama; Savanah Hope Watters of Pensacola, Florida; Lane Dawson Conner of Loxley, Alabama; Zoie Marie Parmely of Blairsville, Georgia; Charity Ray Watters of Pensacola, Florida; and Abigail Grace Parmely of Morganton, Georgia. He also found immense joy in his great-grandchildren: Ella Wren Kilborn (2) of Loxley, Alabama; Liam Karson Watters (5 months) of Pensacola, Florida; and eagerly awaited the arrival of Cambree Marie Schuknecht, due to arrive on Sept 3, 2025. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Woody’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He lived out the Gospel through his actions—kindness in his words, gentleness in his spirit, humility in his work, and unconditional love for his family. His legacy is a testament to Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
He dedicated more than 40 plus years to the glass and glazing industry, where he served as the General Manager of Pensacola Glass Company. He was respected for his integrity, patience, and leadership. More than a boss, he was a mentor—someone who quietly poured wisdom into the lives of those around him.
Outside of work and family, Woody had one absolute favorite pastime — cheering on his Alabama Crimson Tide. Whether watching at home or talking football with friends, he bled crimson and white. Roll Tide!
He will be remembered for his warm smile, integrity, unconditional love, and the peace he carried in his presence. Though our hearts ache, his memories he created will remain in the hearts of the family as we rejoice in knowing he is now whole and at peace in his eternal home.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Pine Flat Baptist Church Cemetery in Selma, Alabama at 2:30 pm.
Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
July 20, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the next meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone. Bring your camera or smartphone and join fellow photography enthusiasts.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Felony Charges For Century Man Accused Of Eluding Atmore Police, Hiding In Bushes
July 20, 2025
A Century man is facing felony charges after allegedly attempting to elude law enforcement following an attempted traffic stop in Atmore on Tuesday afternoon.
Donnie Johnson, 53, taken into custody after a brief search that ended with officers finding him attempting to low crawl and hide in bushes.
The incident began around 1:35 p.m. when an Atmore Police officer attempted to pull over a motorcycle on Liberty Street that was not displaying a license plate. According to police, the operator, later identified as Johnson, accelerated to twice the posted speed limit as the officer attempted the stop. Due to the time of day and the reckless operation of the motorcycle, a pursuit was not initiated as Johnson approached Highway 21.
Johnson was last seen by the officer traveling north at a high rate of speed on Highway 21.
A few minutes later, a citizen reported a suspicious person who appeared to be hiding in the bushes at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Highway 21. Officers responded to the area, discovering the abandoned motorcycle in the bushes.
A subsequent search of a nearby field led officers to Johnson, who they said was attempting to low crawl away. He was then taken into custody.
Johnson was charged with felony attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving without a driver’s license and transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
NWE 12U All-Stars Finish Strong In Regional Tournament
July 20, 2025
Northwest Escambia 12U All-Star Baseball Team finished strong in the Cal Ripken Regional tournament on Saturday in Monroe, Louisiana.
Starting bracket play as the No. 3 seed, NWE placed fourth out of 14 teams, advancing further than any other NWE team in a regional tournament.
They fell just short of the semi-final game with an 11-8 loss to Daphne.
Team members are Hayden Batson, Hayden Hollingsworth, Parker Gilmore, Kayson Cooley, Jordan Ledkins, Nikko McAnally, Hendrix Ward, Walker Maughon, Cameron Gipson, Zach Hetrick, and Ridge Odom. Coaches are Matt Gilmore, Mike Cooley, and Wes Maughon.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Shot By Officer Last Year Indicted On Federal Charge Of Attempted Murder Of Deputy
July 20, 2025
An Escambia County man has been indicted in federal court after allegedly trying to kill a sheriff’s deputy late last year.
The indictment charges 21-year-old Darrion Kayne Finley, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The ECSO attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle driven by Finley, using a PIT maneuver to forcibly stop the vehicle. Finley, armed with a handgun, fired shots toward deputies from within the vehicle and after exiting the vehicle with a handgun, the ECSO said. Deputies returned fire, striking Finley.
He is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola on Tuesday. If convicted, Finley faces up to life in federal prison.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Lower Rain Chance, Hot And Humid On Sunday
July 20, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 107. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday, A Committee Will Consider 17 Applicants For Century Town Administrator
July 20, 2025
A selection committee will meet this week to consider 17 candidates for Century town administrator, who will work as the chief operations officer of the town and carry out the mayor and town council’s initiatives.
The administrator will report directly to the elected mayor.
The diverse pool of applicants includes five applicants with immediately local area ties – Alan Fowler of Alabama, who currently works with the town as a water and wastewater consultant, former state representative Dave Murzin, who now owns an economic development consulting firm in Pensacola; Century native Jeff Peacock who recently ran unsuccessfully for Congress; Lisa Rouse, who is operations and marketing manager for two technology firms in Pensacola; and Brian Underwood of Fairhope, who is grants director for Baldwin County (AL) Commission.
The recruitment process has drawn interest from across the country. The applicants bring a wide and diverse range of experience,including municipal management, public safety leadership, economic development expertise, and nonprofit administration.
According to the job description, the salary range for the position is $112,000 to $137,000, with the likely salary offer between the minimum of $112,000 and the midpoint of the range, or about $124,500.
An applicant will be recommended by a selection committee that includes Mayor Ben Boutwell, council members John Bass and Henry Cunningham, interim town manager Howard Brown, and key staff members. Brown has stated that he will not apply for the town administrator position. According to the town charter, the final hiring recommendation to the council must come from the mayor.
The selection committee will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22 for a workshop, which is open to the public, in town council chambers. In a workshop, the committee will not be able to take a formal vote.
The applicants, listed in alphabetical order are:
- 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.
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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.
- Kelliyah Cherubin (Orlando area, FL): Cherubin is a former admission counselor at Everglades University with experience in case management, community outreach, and nonprofit operations. She holds a Master’s degree in public administration and specializes in stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and event coordination.
- 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.
- George Calvin Dickens III (Savannah, GA): Dickens is a fire safety maintenance inspector for Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus) and a fire engineer for the City of Savannah. He has extensive experience in fire safety, emergency management, and municipal operations, with certifications in fire inspection and hazardous materials handling.
- 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.
- Roger Allen Fowler (Camden, AL): Currently an area manager for ClearWater Solutions, overseeing water and wastewater operations in Florida and Alabama. As a ClearWater employee, he currently manages Century’s water and wastewater plants and supervises Jay’s wastewater facility. He has 16 years of experience in water/wastewater construction, operations, maintenance, and compliance.
- Nicholas Frigiola (Live Oak, FL): Frigiola is the Community Redevelopment Director for Live Oak, Florida, where he manages multimillion-dollar redevelopment projects and grant funding. He previously served as a Community Redevelopment Officer for the Saint Cloud Police Department and has expertise in public safety and community engagement.
- Derrick Harris (Hot Springs, AR area): Harris serves as Director of the Tri-Lakes Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he manages multimillion-dollar transportation projects and federal grant programs. He has extensive experience in public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure planning.
- Vance Lipsey (Mount Calm, TX): Lipsey is the former City Administrator for Ranger, Texas, where he oversaw municipal operations, strategic planning, and urban development. He has experience managing small-town dynamics and seasonal population fluctuations, as well as implementing infrastructure and community development projects.
- 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.
- Tracy D. Roles (OK): Roles is a former city manager for Ada, Oklahoma, and assistant city manager for Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He has over 20 years of experience in municipal government and public safety, specializing in law enforcement, emergency management, and community engagement.
- 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.
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.
Tate Grad Taite Davis Commits To LBW
July 20, 2025
Taite Davis, a 2025 Tate High School graduate, has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at LBW (Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL). NorthEscambia.com photo/graphic.