Mayor Enthusiastic About Century’s Future After Regional Economic Forum

March 6, 2026

Century Mayor Ben Boutwell left Miramar Beach Thursday afternoon encouraged and enthusiastic about future opportunities for Century.

Boutwell, Town Administrator Dave Murzin, and Town Council President Dynette Lewis attended the two-day 2026 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Summit with business, civic, and community leaders from across the Panhandle. It’s known as the premier forum for bringing leaders together to collaborate, share ideas, and look forward at the economic future of Northwest Florida.

“It was a very good event for Century to attend,” Boutwell said. “As I was talking to people, I was really pushing economic development for Century.”

A big focus of his conversations was an industrial park with ready-to-build lots with infrastructure already in place. “The industrial park could be vital for us; it’s a blank canvas,” Boutwell said.

District 5 Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board member and chairman Kevin Stephens said that he, Boutwell, and Rep. Michelle Salzman spent a lot of time talking about Century. He said they talked about infrastructure needs, including wastewater treatment plant upgrades, even suggesting ECUA could assist the town.

“As you know,” Stephens said, “ECUA has a lot of experience building a new sewer treatment plant and we would be a great resource for collaboration.”

Pictured top: District 5 Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board member and chairman Kevin Stephens, Rep. Michelle Salzman, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons at the 2026 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Summit in Miramar Beach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Mayor Enthusiastic About Century’s Future After Regional Economic Forum”

  1. SMW on March 6th, 2026 4:23 pm

    I wish the Mayor would be enthusiastic about paving some of the deplorable streets in Century!!!!

  2. Citizen on March 6th, 2026 8:58 am

    The Triump Gulf Coast Inc. Board passed legislation and grants are available. Both ECUA and Town of Century could apply using Economic Development and regional significance as a reason.

    It was pointed out prior. The response was “l will pray for a portion.” That’s fine. However

    It’s not done until the paperwork is. Ask David Bear.

    It’s a pot of money sitting there waiting to be used. It was passed in the senate as well as the FL house several years ago.

    The current waste treatment plant can’t handle more industry. The possibilities are
    endless.

    Both ECUA and Century are eligible to apply. Just do it.





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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News