MILO, The Mobile ID And Licensing Office, Will Be In Century On Thursday

November 19, 2025

The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in Century on Thursday, November 20, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse.

MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, is also scheduled to be at the Walnut Hill Community Center on December 18.

MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:

  • Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
  • Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
  • Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
  • Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
  • Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
  • Certified Driver Transcripts

Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.

This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.

Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.

Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Highs Near 80, Slight Rain Chance By Friday

November 19, 2025

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday: Becoming sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Widespread dense fog, mainly between 3am and 4am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

Thursday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

Tate Aggies Open Season With Win Over Niceville

November 19, 2025

The Tate Aggies opened their season with a 75-66 win over Niceville Tuesday night at Tate.

Up next, the Aggies will travel to Pensacola High to take on the Tigers. The next home game for Tate is two weeks away on December 2 against the Escambia Gators.

NorthEscambia.com file image.

Four Escambia County Women Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Charges

November 19, 2025

Four Escambia County woman have pleaded guilty to federal drug diversion charges.

Alexandra M. Christensen, 31, Lindsay N. McCray (also known as Lindsay Rogers), 42, Heather T. Bradley (also known as Heather Thomas), 37, and Jennifer E. Purves, 39, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges in connection with the unlawful diversion of controlled substances

“The opioid epidemic has plagued our communities with addiction and death for years as criminal offenders like these defendants flooded our streets with drugs.  Now, thanks to the close collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners, this illegal drug diversion scheme has been dismantled and these offenders will be held accountable,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida..

According to court records, between 2015 and 2024, McCray, while employed by a medical practice, forged controlled substance prescriptions using the names, signatures, and Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers of the practice’s two physicians without their knowledge or authorization. McCray issued these fraudulent prescriptions using the names and identifiers of people who were not actual patients of the clinic, had never seen either of the physicians, and in many instances were fictitious. The controlled substance pills were dispensed by area pharmacies, picked up by Christensen and others, and unlawfully sold for shared profit. As a result of the conspiracy, McCray, Christensen, and others caused to be unlawfully distributed and dispensed over 300,000 hydrocodone pills and over 30,000 oxycodone pills. McCray further coordinated with Bradley and Purves to distribute amphetamine in the form of Adderall pills or its generic equivalent. On multiple occasions each, Bradley and Purves obtained and filled prescriptions in their own and others’ names to unlawfully distribute for profit to a third party, payments for which passed through McCray.f

The women face sentencing at hearings set for December 2025 and January 2026.

The pleas were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, with assistance from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force.

Trial Postponed For Suspect In 2024 Death Of Teen At Cottage Hill Party

November 18, 2025

Trial has been postponed for a now 21-year-old charged in the April 2024 fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a party at a Cottage Hill home.

Ethan Alexander O’Brien remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond on charges of  second-degree negligent manslaughter, tampering with evidence and improper exhibition of a firearm.

Jury selection was set to begin Monday for O’Brien’s trial, but Judge John Simon granted the state’s request for a continuance. The State Attorney’s Office requested the continuance because prosecutors learned that a key expert witness in the case, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Pagacz, is traveling out of the country. O’Brien’s attorney did not file any objections.

O’Brien is now set to appear in court February 2026.

The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, O’Brien, then 19, was showing off his firearm, at which time it accidentally discharged, hitting 16-year-old Bryson Allen.

The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 12. 2024, at a home in the 600 block of Wishbone Road. Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene, and investigators said O’Brien fled the scene.

Pictured top: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night, April 12, after a teen was shot and killed. Pictured below: Crime scene tape still surrounded the home the following morning.  NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

‘Slightly Smarter Than A Toaster’ — Beulah Academy Of Science Robotics Team Competes

November 18, 2025

The Beulah Academy of Science Robotics Team, led by Mrs. Bruening, completed a successful eight-week journey, culminating in their participation in the BEST Robotics Competition 2025 Game Day on Saturday at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama.

The Bobcats, competing as Team 2296, “Slightly Smarter than a Toaster”, showed exceptional resilience and teamwork throughout the day. Despite finishing 11th out of 13 teams in the regular rounds, the team secured a surprise spot in the Wildcard Round.

For more photos, click here.

The advancement was due to the strength of the team’s presentation, as their Engineering Notebook scored in the top four of all entries. This unexpected wildcard berth marked an amazing achievement for the team’s inaugural year.

While they did not advance to the semi-finals, the students were celebrated for their tenacity and their impressive Expo Booth, built by Wesley and Allison Moore and featuring a logo designed by Lucas Stammer. The team demonstrated great problem-solving skills, perseverance, and passion in their first competitive season.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Escambia County Honors Life And Service Of Former D1 Aide Jesse Casey

November 18, 2025

The Escambia County Commission on Monday issued a proclamation celebrating the life of former District 1 Aide Jesse Casey, who passed away on July 24, 2025.

“Jesse brought not only professionalism to his work, but also kindness, humility, and an unwavering willingness to help others, earning him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him,” the proclamation stated. “Jesse was more than a valued colleague, he was a friend, a mentor, and a steady presence whose positive attitude and wonderful spirit lifted those around him; and his contributions to Escambia County extended far beyond the workplace, as he was known for his generous heart, dedication to service, and genuine love for his community.”

Jesse Casey’s life exemplified the highest ideals of public service and friendship, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps,” the proclamation continued.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Century’s New Logo Now Appearing On Town Vehicles

November 18, 2025

The Town of Century’s recently approved logo is now appearing on town vehicles.

The logo, which will also be used as an official seal, will appear on town documents, signage, websites, and vehicles. Stationery, signage, and digital materials will be updated over time to keep costs at a minimum.

The town council approved the logo in September at a design cost of $250.

Pictured: The new Town fo Century logo on a town work truck. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

House Fire Near Century Displaces Four People

November 18, 2025

A house fire south of Century Monday night displaced four people.

The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. in the 4300 block of North Century Boulevard, just north of Whirlpool Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the single-story home. The house was a total loss.

There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under by the Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson, according to Escambia County Fire Rescue.

The American Red Cross is assisting two adults and two teens who lived in the home.

Pictured: Damage in a house fire Monday night on Highway 29 near Century. Photos: ECFR for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market Wednesday In Molino And Century

November 18, 2025

The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino and Century on Wednesday, November 19 with a variety of fresh produce.

  • Molino Community Center (Molino Library) — 6450 North Highway 95A from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
  • Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century — 8040 North Century Boulevard from 1–3 p.m.

During the Molino visit, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices. Items available may include apples, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, garlic, lemons, limes, oranges, yellow onions, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes. The selection varies each visit and is based upon availability.

Millie travels routes throughout Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Florida service area, addressing pockets of low food access (food deserts) where supermarkets are scarce, to provide community members the opportunity to buy affordable fresh produce and other nutritious foods at a significantly discounted rate. Feeding the Gulf Coast collaborates with local farmers to purchase produce when available specifically for the Millie Mobile Market.

Only debit or credit cards are accepted at Millie; no cash.

Pictured: Millie Mobile Market at the Molino Library last month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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