Three Rainy Days Ahead

December 4, 2025

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Thursday: Rain. High near 50. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 46. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. East wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of rain before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Escambia Man Sentenced To 15 Years On Federal Drug Charges

December 4, 2025

An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison on drug possession charges.

David Blackman III, 39, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base.

According to court records, the Blackman sold narcotics from his residence. Law enforcement executed a search warrant in December of 2023 at the his residence. During the search, agents located over $8,500 in cash, more than 850 grams of methamphetamine, and other narcotics including, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base.

“Removing this polydrug distributor from the streets is another step toward making our communities safer,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This joint investigation was the result of great work between our agents and law enforcement partners.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Century Backtracks On Community Center Rental Rate Hike

December 4, 2025

The Town of Century backtracked on a community center rental rate hike after public pushback and reported decreased usage.

In June, the town council raised the rental rate for a community center to $500 for everyone, including a $150 refundable cleaning deposit, up from a low of $200 with a $100 refundable deposit for churches and nonprofits.

After that, the town reported that usage went down. As we reported last month, organizers of the annual Century-Flomaton Improvement Association (CFIA) told the council that the future of their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony was at risk due to cost.

After discussion at a workshop this week, the council dropped the rental fee to $350 with a$150 deposit that will be refunded if the facility is clean and undamaged. Security, provided by either the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office or a Florida-licensed security company, will be required at the renter’s expense for all events with more than 75 attendees. All renters will be required to sign a hold harmless agreement.

The council also voted to waive the rental fee for the MLK Day event, but still require the $150 refundable deposit and security.

In the future, the town council will consider other rental waivers on a case-by-case basis for nonprofits and governmental agencies, but they’ve decided the deposit and security requirements won’t be waived.

Pictured: Improvements inside the Century Community Center on West Highway 4. The bottom photo shows the yellow walls and moldy ceiling tiles in January 2025. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Escambia Public Schools Hiring Additional Campus Security Officers

December 4, 2025

Escambia County Public Schools is hiring additional Campus Security Officers to begin training in May 2026.

“Campus Security Officers are ECPS employees trained by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office whose sole mission is to protect students and staff in our public schools across Escambia County,” said ECPS Protection Services Director Kyle Kinser. “All personnel are put through rigorous screening.”

Ideal candidates should have prior law enforcement and/or military experience and must have a passion for working with children.

Successful applicants will go through an extensive training curriculum with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that prepares them to safeguard schools. Candidates will be paid throughout their training and will be hired as a Campus Security Officer upon successful completion of training. The position is currently posted and any interested applicant should apply immediately, as the screening process is extensive.

Click here to apply.

Selected candidates begin with a starting salary of $33,978.00 for 10 months of employment. Once the training process has been completed, candidates are eligible for a variety of benefits.

Pictured: Campus security officers train for the current school year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Pera ‘Allen’ Adams

December 4, 2025

Pera “Allen” Adams, 79, completed his earthly journey at Harbor Hospice of Houston, Texas on October 16, 2025. He was born in Orange, Texas on September 7, 1946, to Claude Patrice and Jimmie Lee (Fulton) Adams. Allen spent his formative years in Escambia County, Florida where his artistic gifts began to flourish. Allen is a Tate High School and Pensacola Junior College Alumnus. He was an Arthur Murry dance instructor for a while, but it was with his natural artistic talent and a keen discerning eye that Allen began his career in Pensacola, Florida at an advertising department where his illustrations brought ideas to life. It wasn’t long before the pulse of larger cities called to him and Allen soon discovered that the world was wide and waiting. Allen answered the call – first to New Orleans, Louisiana and eventually to Houston, Texas.

After leaving Pensacola, Allen spent some time working in non-artistic fields as well, working at an optometrist office and Texas Power and Light. He adored New Orleans; for the culture, music, and food, but most of all, the architecture. After moving to Houston, he would return to visit New Orleans as often as the opportunity arose. He loved cooking and was an enthusiastic fan of Elvis Presley.

Allen was his own biggest critic and often cynical but whether designing for ad agencies, painting murals in homes, preparing authentic New Orleans-style cuisine, or infusing countless spaces with color, movement, and life, he lived his life through art. He saw the world differently and invited others to see it through his eyes. An artistic soul in the most intense way; imaginative, expressive, endlessly creative and unapologetically himself- Allen made life more colorful and interesting for those around him.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Cary Adams and Michael Adams, his niece Taunja Adams, and by his former wife and best friend, Norma Louise (Buechner) Adams. Though Allen had no children of his own he leaves behind a nephew, Tony, and three nieces, Tina, Angela, and Karla.

Allen’s legacy lives on in his artwork, his stories, and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him. His life is a reminder that beauty and art can be found in the details–and that courage can be found in following where the heart leads.

Allen will be laid to rest on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Harris County Eastern Gate Cemetery in Crosby, Texas.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

Roland ‘Ozzie’ Oswald, Sr.

December 4, 2025

After a life faithfully devoted to Christ, Roland “Ozzie” Oswald, Sr., age 85, of Beulah, Florida, was called home to be with the Lord on December 12, 2025.

Born January 16, 1940, Ozzie was the son of C Bonnie and Sallie Mae Bodiford Oswald. Raised in Gonzalez, Florida, his early life in a log cabin laid the foundation for the humility and strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.

Ozzie accepted the Lord as his Savior at a young age and was baptized in a river, marking the beginning of a life deeply rooted in Christian faith. With sincerity, wisdom, and grace, he lived his life in Christ, always striving to lead by example. Ozzie desired that everyone he encountered have the opportunity to know Christ; therefore, he lived out Christ’s Word to help grow the body of Christ. His faith guided every decision he made and every role he fulfilled—as a husband, father, grandfather, servant, and friend. He found joy in gardening, cattle farming in Beulah, watching Alabama football, and sharing a cup of coffee with those he loved.

Ozzie dedicated 40 years of loyal service to Monsanto, where he was respected for his integrity and hard work. Beyond his professional career, he gave generously of his time and leadership, volunteering for many years on the Board of Directors for Gulf Winds Credit Union with a special heart for community outreach, particularly the Manna Food Bank and the Council on Aging. In addition, he delighted in serving in a number of roles at both Beulah Baptist Church and Gonzalez Baptist Church.

Known for his faith, honesty, forgiveness, and steady presence, Ozzie’s greatest accomplishment and deepest pride was his family. Family gatherings were among his most cherished traditions, and he poured love, wisdom, and prayer into every generation. Ozzie leaves behind a legacy of truth, hard work, grace, and unwavering faith—a legacy that will continue to live on through those he loved and led by example.

Ozzie is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Terry McNaughton Oswald; his children, Sherry (Robert) DeWeese, Roland (Sheila) Oswald, Jr., and Rebecca (James) Ciccarelli; his sisters, Frances Crawford, Helen Jordan, and Linda Viita; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C Bonnie and Sallie Mae Oswald; his parents-in-law, John and Grace McNaughton; his sisters Annie Mae “Sue” Gimbel, Burnis Godwin, and Geraldine Fillingim-Smith; his brothers Bob Oswald and Earl Oswald; and his grandson, Ryan Flowers.

A service will be held at Faith Chapel North on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Services will conclude at Dixonville Community Cemetery.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

‘Don’t Try Nothin Stupid’: Report Details Failed Bank Robbery Attempt, Desperate Plea By Woman, 63

December 3, 2025

A 63-year old woman that is charged a failed robbery attempt at Nine Mile Road bank on the day before Thanksgiving passed a note asking for a specific amount of money and with a plea for help, according to an arrest report obtained by NorthEscambia.com.

Gwendolyn Delores Brown was charged with communications fraud obtaining $300 or more and grand theft $10,000 to $20,000.

According to the arrest report from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Brown entered the bank just before noon on November 26 and passed a demand note to a bank employee. The note was explicit, demanding$16,000.

According to the report, the note stated “I demand that you put in the bag $16,000 dollars or the family will sulfer and don’t try nothin stupid.”

The employee, who was sitting at a desk in the lobby, initially went behind the teller line to alert colleagues and the manager that they were being robbed. Fearing for the safety of the suspect’s alleged hostages, another bank employee instructed colleagues to provide the cash, the report states. A total of $16,000 in U.S. currency was placed into a white zippered bank bag and handed over to Brown.

Immediately after receiving the money, Brown reportedly began crying and shared a frantic story with the bank staff. She claimed she had been sent into the bank by unknown individuals who were holding her son hostage and threatening to harm him. The location of the alleged hostage was initially stated as a car in the parking lot, but later changed to her home address.

Multiple deputies were dispatched to the scene in reference to a hold-up. Upon arrival, deputies quickly searched the bank and neighboring shopping center parking lot but found no individuals in distress or vehicles matching the suspect’s initial claims.

The responding deputy then established contact with Brown, who provided her address and alleged that a man named “James,” described as a black male in his 50s or 60s, was holding her so, due to a debt owed by her husband. Deputies were immediately sent to the home address to perform a welfare check. During the investigation at the bank, the deputy noted that parts of Brown’s account seemed inconsistent.

While speaking with a bank employee who was familiar with Brown from previous transactions, the employee noted that the suspect was “shaky and not herself.” According to sworn statements, this employee attempted to calm Brown, who then claimed to have received a phone call from an unknown number stating that the bad men left and her kids were safe.

In a separate account, a friend of Brown, who was scheduled to meet her for lunch at a Waffle House across the street, was interviewed by deputies. This individual revealed that Brown had been under significant stress, including facing the possibility of losing her house to foreclosure and dealing with medical issues involving a brother in South Florida. The friend also confirmed that Brown resided alone in her home.

The $16,000 in cash was recovered by a bank employee shortly after Brown received it, as she was crying and speaking with staff. The bank confirmed it wished to press charges.

Brown was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County Jail. She was released on a $5,000 bond early Thanksgiving morning.

Evidence submitted in the case includes a black beanie cap, two bus passes, the demand letter, and written statements from witnesses.

Pictured: The Ensley Branch of Regions Bank on Nine Mile Road minutes after an alleged failed robbery attempt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

FHP I-110 Operation Leads To 8 DUI, 3 Super Speed Arrests, Citations

December 3, 2025

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted an enforcement operation on I-110.

Troopers from the Pensacola District targeted DUI offenses and aggressive driving. The operation resulted in eight DUI arrests, five criminal arrests, three “super speeder” arrests, and 10 traffic citations.

Photo courtesy FHP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Sunny And Cool Wednesday; Rain Moves In Thursday Through Saturday

December 3, 2025

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Thursday: Showers. High near 50. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday Night: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3am. Low around 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 57. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night: Showers. Low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 57.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive