Century Residents to See First New Waste Provider In Over 30 Years, $10 Monthly Increase
January 27, 2026
In February, Town of Century residents will have a new solid waste provider, and they will see their bills increase by over $10 a month. It’s the first time in over 30 years that Century has changed waste services provider.
Currently, residents are paying the town $27.44 for one pickup per week from Republic Services. Under the new provider, Waste Pro, residents will pay the town $37.91, $10.47 more per month.
How Will New Carts Be Delivered?
The town says the can exchange between Republic and Waste Pro will be seamless. On regular collection day this Wednesday, Republic Services will empty carts as usual and then exchange them for new Waste Pro cartd.
Waste Pro will begin collecting next week, with yard waste collected in a green cart with a black lid on Tuesdays, and garbage in a green cart with a blue lid on Fridays. Waste Pro will officially begin servicing the new carts on Tuesday, January 3, with the collection of green yard waste carts (black lid). Garbage will be collected on Fridays in a green cart with a blue lid.
For complete information, click here (pdf).
If a resident does not receive a new Waste Pro cart by January 31, they should call the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
Customer Accounts
There is no action required from current, active customers with service from Waste Pro to receive a new cart from Waste Pro or to begin service. For questions, call the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
Why The Change?
Without accepting bids, Century had continued for three decades to renew an agreement with annual increases with Republic Services. But in 2025, the town decided to seek an updated agreement or a new provider.
They received bids from two companies — BFI Waste Services, dba Republic Services of Escambia County, and Waste Pro of Florida. An evaluation committee ranked Waste Pro significantly higher than Republic Services, with average scores of 93.5 and 72.3, respectively.
“Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. consistently scored the highest across all evaluators, with strengths in cost proposal, service plan, equipment, and community engagement,” according to a town document. “Republic Services was evaluated as adequate but with key weaknesses: missing a commercial pricing proposal, incomplete forms, and a weaker overall service plan.”
No other bids were submitted. The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA), which provides residential sanitation collection in the remainder of unincorporated Escambia County, did not bid.
Pictured: A Waste Pro sanitation truck turns on a Century street. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Cold Tuesday, Back Into The 20s Tuesday Night
January 27, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 15 and 25 early. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 35.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 51.
Cantonment Man, Passenger Charged With Fentanyl Trafficking After Traffic Stop
January 27, 2026
An Cantonment man was arrested in Escambia County last week after a traffic stop involving a stolen license plate led to the discovery of trafficking amounts of fentanyl
John Duncan McLean, age 35 of Cantonment,was charged with first degree felony trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more) and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, a deputy spotted a blue Dodge Dart traveling north on Bridgedale Road with an Alabama license plate that had been reported stolen. When the deputy activated emergency lights and sirens, The driver turned into a residential driveway on Broussard Street in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. McLean, the driver, and passenger 37-year-old Kristopher Robin Nix of Pensacola were removed from the vehicle. Deputies reported finding a plastic bag containing a white powdery substance where Nix had been sitting.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located a black sunglass bag containing three syringes and a plastic baggie holding a powdery substance. The powder field-tested positive for fentanyl and weighed approximately 8.7 grams.
While McLean denied knowledge of the narcotics and claimed the vehicle belonged to his “boss,” a passenger in the car reportedly told deputies that McLean began throwing “stuff all around the vehicle” once he noticed the patrol unit approaching from behind. The homeowner at the Broussard Street residence told deputies she did not know the men and had the vehicle towed from her property.
McLean (above) and Nix (below) remain in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Jim Allen Elementary To Host Family Literacy Night Thursday Night
January 27, 2026
Jim Elementary School will hold a Literacy Night on Thursday night.
The family event, part of the Literacy Week 2026 celebration, will be held on January 29, from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the school.
There will be free grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, free books, and literacy games. Plus, attendees will be able to vote for their favorite decorated door.
Those planning to attend are asked to complete an RSVP form to help the school plan the quantity of food needed for the event.
Escambia County Seeks $15 Million In Funding For Emergency Communications Modernization
January 27, 2026
Escambia County commissioners have voted to advance an application seeking $15 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funding to modernize the county’s emergency communications system, a step aimed at strengthening day-to-day emergency response and improving reliability during hurricanes and other large-scale incidents.
Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger led the effort to move the application forward. The proposed project supports the county’s goal of ensuring clear, uninterrupted communication between dispatchers and first responders from the moment a 911 call is placed through response in the field.
“When residents reach out for help, they deserve the confidence that emergency responders can stay connected every step of the way,” Hofberger said. “This investment is about supporting our first responders and proactively addressing a known challenge before it impacts public safety.”
Escambia County’s current public safety radio system is aging and increasingly strained. In some areas, responders must manually change radio channels as they move across the county to maintain contact with dispatch. Coverage gaps also exist in certain buildings and high-traffic locations, including schools and emergency shelters. As equipment nears the end of its supported lifespan, maintenance demands increase and the risk of service disruptions grows, particularly during severe weather or major emergencies.
The proposed modernization would replace the countywide radio system and strengthen the infrastructure connecting dispatch centers, radio towers, and first responders throughout Escambia County. The system also supports mutual-aid responses with the City of Pensacola and Santa Rosa County, making its reliability an important regional public safety priority.
This initiative complements other county investments already underway, including the rollout of Next Generation 911 technology. Together, these efforts reflect a broader commitment to modernizing emergency communications from the initial call for help through on-scene response.
“I’m proud of the progress we’re making and grateful for the collaboration that makes it possible,” Hofberger said. “This is about practical solutions, supporting those who serve our community, and making sure Escambia County is ready when it matters most.”
Pictured: 911 calls are answered by Escambia County Emergency Communication. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
McArthur Elementary Holds STEM Night (With Gallery)
January 27, 2026
McArthur Elementary School recently held a successful STEM night.
Students and their parents had a chance to take part in numerous science, technology, engineering and math-related activities.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Volleyball Takes Two From Bellview
January 27, 2026
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles varsity and JV teams defeated the Bellview Middle School Warriors Monday night, at Bellview.
Up next, Ernest Ward will host Bailey Middle School on Thursday before traveling to Warrington on February 2 and Beulah Academy of Science on February 5.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extreme Cold Warning: Low Around 20 Tonight
January 26, 2026
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect through Tuesday morning for dangerously cold wind chills as low as 15 degrees.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 20. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 15 and 25 early. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 35.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 51.
Molino Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Mark Butler Retires After 30 Years Of Service
January 26, 2026
Mark Butler, assistant chief of the Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue, has retired after 30 years of volunteer service to Escambia County.
After serving as a junior firefighter, Butler was accepted as a volunteer member of the Molino Fire Department on September 21, 1995, one day after his 18th birthday. He worked his way up through the ranks, attaining assistant district chief in February 2021.
“During his 30 years of service to the citizens of Escambia County, he continuously went above and beyond as an active member,” stated an Escambia County Commission proclamation honoring Butler. “Mark has volunteered hundreds of hours working tirelessly during multiple emergency activations, including mutual aid, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice and snowstorms, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous other local disasters affecting the citizens of Escambia County.”
During his tenure, he earned numerous accolades from his supervisors, peers and colleagues.
Pictured: Mark Butler was honored by the Escambia County Commission last week as he retired after 30 years of volunteer fire service. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extreme Freezing Weather — Protecting Pets, Plants, Pipes And Other Tips
January 26, 2026
With freezing weather, take necessary precautions to protect pipes, pets and plants, and check on elderly friends and neighbors.
The low Monday night is forecast to be in the upper teens in North Escambia with lows below freezing every night this week.
Here are ways to stay safe during cold temperatures, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
- Know the signs of hypothermia — confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
- Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
- Avoid frozen pipes — run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
- If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
And here are a few extra details and tips from ECUA on protecting pipes against the freeze:
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This action guards against the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
- Run a trickle of water: When forecasts call for sustained and / or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
- Remember the backflow preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.