Century Water Rates Doubled Effective Today, Sewer Rates Increased
April 1, 2026
The Century Town Council gave final approval Tuesday night to nearly double the cost of water usage, alongside smaller increases for wastewater.
The rate hike was approved on a 3-2 vote, with John Bass and Henry Cunningham voting against. There was no discussion at a special meeting that lasted just four minutes with no citizens attending.
Effective April 1, the base rate for 2,000 gallons of water nearly doubled from $13.59 to $26.64. Usage tiers over 2,000 gallons a month almost doubled for up to 5,000 gallons (from $2.59 to $5.08) with other increases for additional usage.
The move came after the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) determined that the rate increases were necessary in order to remain financially viable and make payments on six outstanding loans.
Wastewater rates increased from $16.94 to $17.79 for 2,000 gallons, plus additional usage fees above 2,000 gallons.
For an average customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the water cost increased from $21.36 to $41.87, while the study said the total combined water and wastewater bill increased from $48.95 to $74.56 per month.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Maryjane Gardner Named Escambia County Librarian of the Year
April 1, 2026
Tate High School librarian Maryjane Gardner has been named school librarian of the year in Escambia County.
The Escambia School Library Association selects one exceptional educator for the prestigious Dr. Paula Gleason Librarian of the Year Award, an honor that celebrates excellence in supporting student learning, promoting literacy, and leading innovative library programs.
The award highlights librarians who go above and beyond in fostering a love of reading, teaching digital citizenship and research skills, building strong collections, supporting staff, and serving as leaders on their campus.
“Gardner’s passion for students, commitment to literacy, and leadership within our school community truly embody what it means to be an Aggie. Her impact is felt across campus every single day,” the school said.
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Teen Killed, Four Other Teens Injured In Overturned Pickup Crash In Escambia, Alabama
April 1, 2026
An 18-year-old riding in the bed of a 2006 Ford F-150 was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday in Escambia County, Alabama.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the pickup left the roadway and overturned on Travis Road near Neese Road, outside East Brewton, around 5:33 p.m.
Two teens, ages 16 and 17, were also riding in the truck bed when the vehicle flipped. Additionally, a 15-year-old passenger in the cab and the 16-year-old driver—neither of whom was wearing a seat belt—were injured.
The four injured teens were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
File photo.
Escambia Man Charged With Punching Deputy In The Face
April 1, 2026
A 30-year-old Escambia County man was arrested on a felony charge after allegedly punching an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy in the face.
Marcus Austin was charged with battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.
The incident happened on Sunday morning when deputies responded to a home on Clairmont Drive for a Baker Act.
According to an arrest report, Austin was on top of a bed “yelling and cursing at deputies, telling them he was “not afraid to catch a battery on law enforcement charge.”
As deputies tried to take him into custody, he reportedly punched a deputy in the face, breaking his prescription glasses valued at $365.
Austin was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
Tate Aggies Varsity And JV Both Shut Out Milton
April 1, 2026
Tate 5, Milton 0
The Tate Aggies shut out the Milton Panthers 5-0 on Tuesday night at Milton.
Aggie Bryton McLellan allowed no runs and just two hits while walking one and striking out five.
Connors went 2-4 for the Aggies. Dethlefs and White each added two hits.
Up next, the Aggies will host Gulf Breeze on Thursday and Robertsdale on Friday.
Tate 7, Milton 0 (JV)
In junior varsity action, the Tate Aggies shut out Milton 7-0 on Tuesday.
Caileb Javier started for the Aggies on the mound, giving up one hit and no runs in two innings, walking three and striking out four. Parker White went three innings in relief, giving up one hit and no runs, with two strikeouts and no walks.
Mason Williams went 2-3 and Camden Seifert went 1-1 with two RBIs.
Wrong Lane, Wrong State: Atmore Man Arrested For DUI In Pensacola
April 1, 2026
An Atmore man was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop in the area of Pensacola Boulevard and Kenmore Road in Escambia County.
According to an arrest report from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a gray Nissan Titan driven by Dangelo Cartez Tucker reversing while in the wrong lane of travel on Kenmore Road. During the stop, the deputy noted that Tucker appeared disoriented, claiming he was currently in Atmore rather than Pensacola.
The reporting officer observed that Tucker’s eyes were bloodshot and glazed, and a Michelob Ultra beer can was visible in the driver’s seat. Tucker allegedly refused to perform field sobriety tests and initially refused a breath sample. Although he later attempted to provide a sample, the report states he failed to cooperate after four opportunities.
Tucker was charged with DUI influence of alcohol or drugs and refusal to submit to DUI testing. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $1,000 bond
Chance Of Scattered Afternoon Showers
April 1, 2026
There’s a chance of Wednesday afternoon showers, and rain chances increase heading into the weekend. A more unsettled pattern develops by Sunday, bringing a likely chance of showers and thunderstorms followed by a slight cooling trend.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Mitchell Hits Two-Run Homer As Tate Falls To Pace
April 1, 2026
Pace 13, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies fell to the Pace Patriots 13-3 on Tuesday night in Pace. Mitchell led the Aggies at the plate with three RBIs, including a single in the first inning and a two-run home run in the top of the third to left field.
In the circle, Mitchell went two and one-third innings, surrendering nine runs and five hits, striking out four and walking five.
Up next, the Aggies will host West Florida on Friday night for the annual Strike Out Cancer benefit game.
Pace 4, Tate 2
In junior varsity play, the Tate Aggies fell to Pace 4-2.
Bailey Parden went two and one-third innings in the circle, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out three and recording no walks.
Aubrie Romero and Alaina Ritchey each had one hit for Tate.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flag Football: Northview Chiefs Beat Pine Forest 27-20
April 1, 2026
In girls flag football action, the Northview Chiefs beat the Pine Forest Eagles 27-20 on Tuesday in Bratt.
Up next, it’s Senior Night for the Chiefs on Monday. Senior Night activities will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. game against the Pensacola High Tigers.
In a March 3 matchup, Northview beat PHS 30-6.