‘Two Major’ Natural Gas Leaks: Century To Spend Nearly $70K To Fix
September 16, 2026
The Town of Century has allocated up to $70,000 to repair “two major” natural gas leaks.
The leaks — described only as being “in Byrneville” and on “Highway 29″ — have been ongoing since they were discovered by a consulting company over a year ago. Town Clerk Carrie Moore said Tuesday night that the leaks are not a danger to the public because “they are underground.”
She told the Century Town Council that the leaks are costing the town an estimated $60,000 per year in lost gas.
Town Manager Dave Murzin said it is necessary to repair the leaks before conducting a natural gas rate study in order to reduce system losses and obtain a more accurate picture of the gas system’s actual usage and costs.
“You are losing money every day,” Moore said of the leaks.
The Town Council voted unanimously to spend up to $70,000 in Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to make the repairs, which the clerk described as being beyond the town’s certifications and equipment.
Pictured: Century Town Manager Dave Murzin and Town Clerk Carrie Moore explained “two major” natural gas leaks to the Century Town Council on Tuesday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ascend Reports Non-Hazardous Wastewater Spill
September 16, 2026
Ascend Performance Materials on Old Chemstrand Road reported a non-hazardous wastewater spill on Tuesday.
“Due to equipment malfunction, non-hazardous process wastewater overfilled a containment dike and overflowed onto the ground in excess of 1000 gallon,” a report filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection stated.
The spill occurred between 7:35 a.m. and 8:50 a.m., according to the report.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Sunny Days; A Few Nights In The Upper 60s
September 16, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 69. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
DeSantis, Florida GOP Clash Over ‘Rainy Day Fund’
September 16, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis eventually got the Legislature to put his property tax cut measure on the ballot, but he’s not on board with a different amendment backed by GOP leaders in his party.
DeSantis on Monday evening came out against Amendment 1, which would increase the amount of money lawmakers can put into a key reserve fund. It increases the cap on the balance of the budget stabilization fund from 10 percent of the previous year’s general fund revenue to 25 percent.
“This is a foolish constitutional amendment proposal. We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history,” DeSantis posted on X. “Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax. Surplus revenue could also be used to remove tolls once the property tax issue is settled. I recommend a NO vote.”
DeSantis was responding to a post by the Republican Party of Florida supporting the measure.
“The Florida GOP has officially endorsed Amendment 1,” RPOF’s official X account stated. “This amendment will help strengthen Florida’s rainy day fund so the state can handle storms, downturns, and other emergencies without raising taxes or raiding the budget.”
The measure also directs the Legislature to put up to $750 million into the fund each year until the 25 percent figure is reached, except in years where the reserve fund is used to help recover from a hurricane or other natural disaster or patch over a projected shortfall.
The last time the reserve fund was used was in 2008, in the middle of the Great Recession as the state faced a multi-billion dollar shortfall.
Lawmakers approved the measure (HJR 5019) in 2025, voting 100-1 in the House and 29-4 in the Senate to put it on the ballot.
Legislative leaders backed the proposal as a hedge against a severe downturn in the economy that leaves the state unable to cover critical needs without raising taxes or fees.
“This is just a preparation of being prepared for the unexpected, and none of us know what the unexpected is, but we have a sample to look at in the 2000s when we had a recession,” then-House Speaker Daniel Perez told reporters in June 2025 when the measure was moving through the Legislature. “The state of Florida was not prepared for that recession.”
Amendment 1 needs 60 percent of the vote to become law.
by The News Service of Floridaf
Century Workshop Explores In-Home Childcare Businesses Following Daycare Closure
September 16, 2026
The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida hosted a free workshop, “Launching a Home-based Childcare Business”, on Tuesday evening in Century.
After the closure of the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center, the town’s only daycare, there has been a renewed interest in daycare options in Century.
Participants learned how to open a home-based childcare facility while meeting Florida’s business and childcare regulations.
About 20 people attended Tuesday’s free workshop at PSC Century.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com. Click to enlarge.
Wahoos’ Season On the Brink After Playoff Game One Loss To Biloxi
September 16, 2026
The Blue Wahoos this season produced their third-best win percentage in franchise history with a team relying on its resolve.
They will need to summon that trait to continue postseason aspirations.
After the Blue Wahoos lost starting pitcher Jacob Kisting to an injury in the fifth inning, interrupting a brilliant performance, the Biloxi Shuckers opened a five-run lead and finished with a 6-3 win in Tuesday night’s Game 1 of the Southern League South Division Playoffs at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The best-of-three series now shifts to Biloxi on Thursday for the second game and, if a deciding game is needed, on Friday.
The Shuckers’ win also extended their success against the Blue Wahoos in the playoffs. The Shuckers, who have been the Milwaukee Brewers’ Double-A affiliate since their inception in 2015, are now 10-3 in four playoff series meetings – winning the three previous divisional series matchups.
Biloxi, which was 9-17 against the Blue Wahoos in season play, struck out 15 times in this game, but got clutch hits when needed. Both teams finished with 10 hits.
Misfortune for the Blue Wahoos on this night struck in the top of the fifth inning of a scoreless game.
Blue Wahoos pitcher Jacob Kisting, who was 10-0 across two levels this season, including wins in four of this five starts with Pensacola, did not allow a hit and struck out six Shuckers in the first four innings.
But Kisting hurt himself facing the first batter of the new inning.
His 1-0 fastball was blasted out of the ballpark by Shuckers right fielder Damon Keith. Both of Kisting’s pitches in that inning were under 90 mph and he had not thrown a fastball under that speed in the previous four innings.
It points to the injury likely happening on the first pitch of that inning.
Nigel Belgrave, one of the Blue Wahoos’ top relievers, was fast-tracked into the game after having warm-up time on the mound. He struck out the next two batters, but gave up a slicing bloop double that hit just inside the left field foul line.
Dylan O’Rae followed with a hard grounder that caromed off second baseman Payton Green’s glove to give the Shuckers a 2-0 lead.
That lead became 5-1 in the sixth inning. Biloxi’s first three batters reached against Belgrave. With one out, Josh Adamczewski doubled home a run, then Matthew Wood’s two-out double widened the lead.
The Blue Wahoos entered the playoffs with 79-58 overall record in the regular season – the best mark in the league. They were 43-25 in the second half.
But five of their top players who helped build that record were no longer on the roster. The group included top slugger Brandon Compton and fellow outfielder Cam Cannarella, both of whom were elevated to Triple-A Jacksonville during the final two months.
Infielder Aiva Arquette then was injured during the final week and unable to play, meaning the Miami Marlins’ top three Draft selections of 2025, all of whom impacted this team, were gone.
Tuesday night, the Blue Wahoos missed scoring chances in the first three innings. They had two runners on base each time and five hits combined, but came up empty.
In the first inning, Cristian Hernández was thrown out at the plate by centerfielder Braylon Payne, while trying to score on catcher Ryan Ignoffo’s two-out single.
Ignoffo then hit into an inning-ending double-play in the third.
Former Florida State star Max Williams, the Blue Wahoos’ top hitter in the final weeks, drove in their first run on a fifth-inning single. Hernadez had a two-run single in the seventh to further cut the deficit.
But in the final two innings, the Blue Wahoos couldn’t rally against Biloxi’s bullpen and will have to seek a change in fortune on the road.
written by Bill Vilona
Chrystal Ann Sewell-Campbell-Worring
September 16, 2026
Chrystal Ann Sewell-Campbell-Worring died peacefully at the age of 84, on September 11, 2026, at the Addison of Gulf Breeze after a lengthy battle with dementia.
Chrystal was born on September 1, 1942, in Altha, FL to Albert Allen Sewell and Nola Idell Shelton Sewell. She was a 1962 Graduate of Altha High School. Chrystal moved to Pensacola, FL in 1965 and went to work at Chemstrand (now Ascend) before going to work at St. Regis in 1968 which later became Champion and then International Paper. She retired from International Paper in 1998.
Chrystal was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Dean Sewell, her husband of 35 years, Thomas W. Worring, her former husband and father of her children, Vernon E. Campbell, and her nephew Jackie
Sewell.
Survivors include her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory.
Her son, Alan Campbell and his children, Austin Campbell and his daughter Ellie. Faith Campbell and her children, Jason and Holly. Daughter, Allison Campbell- Marabella (Steven) and their children, Chania Boratko
(Russell) and their daughter Kendall, Amy Phillips (Leif) and their daughters Mckinley and Hailey. Her daughter by marriage, Robin Worring Yelverton (Wink) and her son Jason Boney (Emily) and their son Gatlin. Her nephew Jerry Sewell and her beloved dog Daisy.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Addison of Gulf Breeze and Emerald Coast Hospice for the loving care provided to our Mama.
To honor her wishes, there will be no services.
To know Chrystal was to love her. She was sweet and sassy and had a wicked sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.
2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, yes, and well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”
Traffic Light Or ‘Restricted Crossing U-Turn’? Meeting Today On Highway 29, Highway 196 Options
September 15, 2026
UPDATE — There was a big turnout for the meeting. We’ll take a look at that in any upcoming story. No action was taken, and no decision was made today. That will come after the public comment period ends.
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting this evening to gather input on proposed safety improvements along Highway 29 at Highway 196 (Barrineau Park Road). Area residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on two alternatives being considered for the intersection: a traditional traffic signal or a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT).
The Florida Department of Transportation is considering two options for a Highway 29 safety project at Highway 196 (Barrineau Park Road). One option is a traditional traffic signal, and the other is called an RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) intersection that would force vehicles to make U-turns on Highway 29 to cross over.
Traffic Signal
The traffic signal option is very straightforward; keep the intersection as it is now and install a traffic signal. Current drawings for the traffic signal option show the current turn lane on Highway 29, and no additional turn lanes on Highway 196.
RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn)
An RCUT design would use a concrete barrier to close the median and prevent Highway 196 drivers from crossing over Highway 29. Drivers on Highway 196 would be required to turn right onto Highway 29 and use a designated U-turn location to reach the other side.
Click here for more design images.
Timetable
Both alternatives are at the 60% design phase, with final design of the chosen design anticipated in early 2027. The development process is currently in the design phase with construction of the final design anticipated in 2027-2028 and completion in 2028. Both design and construction are funded.
Public Meeting
FDOT will hold a hybrid public meeting with attendance either in person or virtually this evening, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God at 1895 Victory Road (just south of the Highway 29 and Highway 196 intersection). The same materials will be presented in both formats.
Registration, Public Comment
- To register to attend, click here.
- For an interactive map, click here.
- To submit public comment, click here.
Click any image to enlarge.
Hot And Sunny For Tuesday
September 15, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
West Roberts Road Reopening Extended To Thursday; Overall Project End Pushed To Winter
September 15, 2026
A portion of West Roberts Road that was temporarily closed for construction on August 29 is now expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on Thursday, weather permitting, but completion of the entire project is not expected until winter.
“The closure extension will help ensure that crews can work as safely and efficiently as possible while the necessary shoulder work and lane striping along the roadway is completed,” Escambia County said in a statement on Monday. “The public’s patience is appreciated as crews work diligently to complete this project as soon as possible.”
Intermittent lane closures will resume along West Roberts Road as the project continues, and periodic detours will continue to be utilized along Kingsfield Road, Stallion Road, and Tate Road for the duration of the project. Traffic lanes will be reopened on West Roberts Road upon completion of this phase of work. The county said drivers traveling on West Roberts Road should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions, posted signs, and temporary traffic signals when traveling through the work zone.
The $4.6 million West Roberts Road Roadway and Drainage Improvements Project is now expected to be completed by winter 2026, weather and construction coordination permitting.
Pictured: West Roberts Road was closed at the railroad tracks just east of Highway 29 mid-afternoon on September 9. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
