It’s Official. The New Nine Mile Road Costco Is Set To Open In June.
May 7, 2026
It’s official. The Pensacola Costco on Nine Mile Road will open in June.
The wholesale retailer has now listed the store as opening in June on their website, but a specific date has not been finalized.
The 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 830 parking spaces is located at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. It’s on several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
In April, the company listed numerous jobs available at the store. The jobs include tire installers, stockers, cashiers, pharmacy managers, cake decorators, deli clerks, food service, meat wrappers, and many more. Hourly employees begin at $20-$21 an hour, while some positions like pharmacy manager pay much more.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive: $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star: $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Pictured: The Costco store in Montgomery, Alabama. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
American Idol Finalist Keyla Richardson Surprises Tate Yearbook Students At Wahoos Game
May 7, 2026
American Idol Top 3 finalist Keyla Richardson made a surprise appearance on Wednesday at a Pensacola Blue Wahoos Education Day game, attended by students from across Escambia County.
Members of the Tate High School Yearbook staff were there, and had a chance to meet Keyla and take a quick photo together.
Photos courtesy Tate High School Yearbook (above) and Olivia Lister/Tate High Yearbook (below) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century To Consider Accessory Dwellings, ‘Backyard Apartments’
May 7, 2026
The Town of Century will consider a new accessory apartment ordinance to expand housing options available to all property owners in the Town.
The town already allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which it calls accessory apartments. The town council will consider modifying the existing ordinance to allow more structures to qualify as accessory dwellings, with clear objective standards that town staff could administer. The current ordinance limits ADU size to 25% of the main structure size, subject to setback requirements (the minimum distance from property lines).
Accessory dwellings are commonly known as granny apartments, in-law suites, and backyard apartments.
According to Century Town Council President Dynette Lewis, current housing ordinances were written in the early 1990s and need to be updated, and council member Donnie Bass said he agrees.
It is estimated that the updates to the town’s housing ordinance will cost about $1,500 from the Emerald Coast Regional Council, which serves as the town’s planning organization. The final cost will be determined by the number of revisions and meetings needed for a final version. The town has applied for a grant to update all of its ordinances, but it’s not yet known if the grant will be awarded to the town.
“The Council should understand that expanding this provision would be a meaningful change to the character of Century. A larger accessory apartment allowance would affect every residential property in Town and could result in a significant number of new units over time. The Council should think carefully about what standards would apply including: lot size minimums, setback requirements, utility connections, maximum size, and whether the unit must be attached or could be detached,” planner Eric Christianson of ECRC wrote in a memo to the town.
It is estimated that the process could take three months or more.
The move to consider a new ADU ordinance came after applicants Dewane Thomas and Mary Jo Thomas Clark first requested to place a 14×54 mobile home next to an existing home at 354 Hilltop Road, a lot with a total size of 1.6 acres, and connect the mobile home with a breeze way to the existing 874 square foot primary home.
They told the council that they wanted to use the second structure for their elderly mother, who is suffering from serious medical issues. Their mother is currently living in Michigan, and they wanted to move her to Century during winter months to escape the “brutal” cold.
They requested a medical hardship exemption to allow the second structure, but no provision for a medical hardship exists in Century’s current ordinances. Christianson said adding a medical hardship process to the town’s ordinances would come at significant cost and time.
Pictured top: The Century Town Council considers options after receiving a request to permit an accessory dwelling unit. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Woman Charged With Trafficking Meth, Heroin, And Fentanyl
May 7, 2026
An Escambia County woman was arrested on a list of felony drug offenses after a traffic stop in Ensley.
Misty Melissa Barfield, 49, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, trafficking fentanyl, intent to sell marijuana, possession of cocaine and a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Her arrest followed an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop on Ensley Street. Deputy said they located fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and various narcotics.
Clouds Tonight; Rain Chances Increase Friday Afternoon
May 7, 2026
A chance of showers and thunderstorms will move into the region Friday afternoon, with rain chances increasing significantly into the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday night through Sunday, with the highest chance of precipitation reaching 90 percent on Saturday. Skies will begin to clear late Monday, leading to a sunny and mild stretch through the middle of next week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Friday: A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 77. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Big Inning Downs Wahoos For Second Straight Game
May 7, 2026
The Blue Wahoos dropped their second straight game against Rocket City by a final score of 10-1.
Pensacola starter Alex Williams (L, 0-4) worked around a bases loaded jam in the top of the second before the ‘Hoos offense gave him a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third, courtesy of a Fenwick Trimble RBI single that scored Emaarion Boyd.
That lead would last until Pensacola’s defensive woes would impact the top of the fifth inning. After a leadoff single from Mac McCroskey, Wahoos shortstop Cristian Hernández would drop a routine pop up off the bat of Arol Vera. Both those runners would come around to score on a couple of RBI fielder’s choices from Kyren Paris and Gustavo Campero.
Tucker Flint’s RBI single would drive Williams from the game after 4.1 innings. Luis Palacios would be immediately greeted by another dropped flyball, this time by Fenwick Trimble on a Raudi Rodriguez batted ball, scoring the fourth and final run of the inning.
The Trash Pandas would add six more runs the rest of the way, scoring one in the sixth and five in the ninth, batting nine while doing so. The Pensacola offense would go quiet for the remainder of the game, sealing their fate. Jose Rodriguez (W, 2-1) earned the win for Rocket City after going 6.0 innings and allowing just one run while striking out nine.
The bright spots came from Fenwick Trimble, who doubled and walked while going 3-3, and Colby Martin, who had his best outing of the year, pitching two scoreless innings on one hit and one walk.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Thursday evening.
written by Charlie Hobert
Transportation, Development And Concurrency Dominate North Escambia Community Forum
May 6, 2026
Transportation, development, and concurrency led the issues in a North Escambia community forum Tuesday evening at the Molino Community Center.
Nearly 60 people attended the forum where they had an opportunity to ask Florida Department of Transportation panelists about state road projects and transportation issues.
Residents asked questions and expressed their viewpoints on an April 28 NorthEscambia.com article about the proposed projects on the Regional Rural Transportation Plan (RRTP) 2026 Transportation Project Priorities list, including a feasibility study on six lanes for Highway 29 and potentially four lanes for Highway 97.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Many residents expressed concerns about the lack of concurrency—a growth management strategy ensuring that necessary public infrastructure—such as roads, water, sewer, and schools—is available to support new development at the time of, or shortly after, its construction.
Rep. Michelle Salzman said she found little appetite among her colleagues to mandate concurrency from the state-level.
“The meaningful response was that’s a local decision that a lot of counties opt into, and they do that,” she said. “I can promise you that it is on my priority list, but I am one of 120… I agree with you.”
In addition to Salzman and FDOT, officials and agencies attending included ECUA Board Chairman Kevin Stephens, ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody, Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, Molino Utilities, and Cottage Hill Water Works.
Noticeably absent, and drawing the ire of a large number of attendees, was Escambia County District 5 Commissioner and Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization Chairman Steven Barry. Salzman told the crowd that he was coaching T-ball.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Today: Fresh Produce on Wheels From Millie Mobile Market In Molino
May 6, 2026
The Millie Mobile Market is scheduled to be in Molino on Wednesday with a variety of fresh produce.
Millie will be at the Molino Community Center (Molino Library) at 6450 North Highway 95A from noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6. A future visit is planned for May 20.
During the Molino visits, Millie will offer a menu of fresh produce at discounted prices (see list below).
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 (including tap-to-pay) are accepted at Millie; no cash.
Pictured: A previous Millie Mobile Market visit at the Molino Library. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Arrested In Molino For Alleged Abuse Of Teen Girl Over Several Years
May 6, 2026
A man arrested in Molino remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond for allegedly sexually assaulting an underage victim over several years.
Brandon Lee Everette Doss, 36, was taken into custody at a residence on Fairground Road by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, according to his arrest report. He faces three felony counts of sexual battery by a custodian on a victim between the ages of 12 and 17.
According to the arrest report, the investigation began after a school resource officer was alerted to the possible abuse by a guidance counselor. The victim provided sworn statements detailing a pattern of abuse that allegedly began when she was 13 years old.
The reported incidents, according to the report, include an initial assault occurring when the victim was 13, during which she was unable to defend herself due to a physical injury, an incident around the victim’s 16th birthday in 2025, and a recent assault on April 19. The victim told investigators that she would tell him to stop, but he did not.
Deputies noted that the victim became visibly distressed, shaking and crying, while recounting the events. Investigators determined the case met domestic violence criteria, as Doss lived with the victim “as if a family.”
Doss denied the allegations against him at the time of his arrest.
Rain Chances Increase Into Thursday
May 6, 2026
A stubborn front remains stalled across the Gulf Coast, ushering in a prolonged stretch of unsettled weather through the weekend. While rainfall tonight and early Thursday could be significant, the risk of thunderstorms persists daily as moist, unstable air lingers over the region. Relief is finally on the horizon by Monday night, as a cold front clears the area to bring back sunny skies and cooler temperatures for the start of the work week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. High near 79. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 64. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 78. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79.