Century Council Votes To Nearly Double Water Rates, Increase Sewer Rates
March 18, 2026
The Century Town Council voted Tuesday night to nearly double the cost of water usage, alongside smaller increases for wastewater.
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.
“What’s the scenario if we do nothing?” Council member John Bass asked.
“The state will take over; you can’t keep operating and paying loans,” Town Clerk Carrie Moore responded.
The council considered two rate increase scenarios—a graduated hike over several months, or an immediate one. The council voted 3-2 for the immediate increase, which the study said will ultimately save residents money. Bass and Henry Cunningham voted against the measure, voicing support for the more graduated increase.
Under a resolution approved Tuesday night, the base rate for 2,000 gallons of water will nearly double on April 1 from the current $13.59 to $26.64. Usage tiers over 2,000 gallons a month would nearly double for up to 5,000 gallons (from $2.59 to $5.08) with other increases for additional usage.
Wastewater rates will increase from a current $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 will rise from $21.36 to $41.87, while the study said the combined water and wastewater cost will rise from $48.95 to $74.56 per month.
The town council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:15 p.m. for a second and final vote on the rate increase.
Pictured top: Council members Sparkie Harrison (left) and Dynette Lewis (right) voted for an immediate water rate increase on Tuesday night. Shelisa Mccall, not pictured and participating by phone, also voted in the affirmative. Pictured below: Council members Henry Cunningham (left) and John Bass (right) voted against the immediate increase, supporting a graduated increase. NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
GoFundMe Aims To Send Body Of Boy Murdered In Cantonment To Mom In Honduras
March 18, 2026
Horrendous and despicable.
That’s how Escambia COunty Sheriff Chip Simmons described the death of a 3-year-old boy in Cantonment, allegedly due to the negligent actions of his uncle. 28-year-old samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo at home on Brentco Road.
Orlín Josué Hernandez Reyes died after his mother was deported to Honduras.
Local advocate Grace Resendez McCaffery, owner of Latino Media Gulf Coast (La Costa Latina Newspaper) in Pensacola, has established a GoFundMe.
“I am raising funds to get the remains of a little boy to his mother in Honduras,” McCaffery wrote. “With the help of a caring and experienced organization that helps Honduran nationals in the U.S., we are working to get Baby Orlin’s body to his mother, Wendy,”
To view or contribute to the GoFundMe, click here.
The Murder Case
Maldonado Erazo is facing multiple charges include felony murder.
“The uncle will now be held responsible and accountable for not just the care, but also for inflicting these horrendous injuries,” Simmons said.
The case began on Wednesday night, March 4, when deputies responded to a report of a 3-year-old in cardiac arrest in the 1900 block of Brentco Road. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child was pronounced dead.
The subsequent autopsy performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed a harrowing pattern of physical trauma. Simmons reported that the child suffered from 17 separate strikes to the head, burn marks caused by a lighter being heated and pressed into the skin, multiple broken ribs, with one being completely detached from the backbone, a transected pancreas, which is a rare injury typically only seen in cases of extreme blunt-force trauma, and signs of possible sexual abuse and a broken collarbone.
“The injuries to the child are hard to talk about and even harder to imagine having to endure,” the sheriff said.
An arrest report obtained Monday by NorthEscambia.com reveals more information about the alleged abuse that led to the death of the young boy.
The following details may be extremely disturbing to some readers.
Arrest Report Details
A deputy arriving at the home on Brentco Road found Maldonado Erazo carrying the child in the yard. Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS performed life-saving efforts, but the child was pronounced deceased upon arrival at Sacred Heart Children’s Emergency Room.
The deputy wrote in the report that the child had numerous bruises, scratches, scrapes, and scabs covering his body, with an abnormally swollen abdomen. The deputy notes some of the bruising to be “patterned,” appearing to potentially be shoe prints, and other bruising to have crisp, straight lines consistent with a hard linear object.
Speaking through a deputy that was translating, Maldonado Erazo told deputies that the child was not feeling well and got sick after dinner the night before and still did not feel well on the day of his death, prompting Maldonado Erazo to take the child to work, the report states. He decided to leave work early and stopped to buy Alka-Seltzer for the child on the way home. At home, the child was limp and threw up. After carrying him inside, the child was unresponsive, and he called 911.
According to the ECSO, the child’s mother was deported about three weeks ago, leaving the child in Maldonado Erazo’s care.
When Maldonado Erazo was notified of the child’s passing, the deputy “could tell by Maldonado Erazo’s reaction that he wasn’t upset by the news,” the report states.
Autopsy, Search Warrant
The chief medical examiner’s statements to deputies were redacted from the report, other than to say she was “concerned” when she saw photos of the child.
A search warrant was executed at Maldonado Erazo’s residence, and a large number of the “tools, extension cords, items with handles, etc.” were seized, but it was not immediately known if any were of value as evidence.
During the autopsy performed by the chief medical examiner, injuries were found that were “likely caused by a looped cord.” There were burn marks on the child’s cheek, arm, chin and shin consistent with a hot lighter, such as a grill lighter, being pressed against the skin. Additional findings were redacted from the report, but the death was ruled a homicide.
When Maldonado Erazo was interviewed at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, he said the child was always with him, even when he is at work. He provided explanations for the injuries, including bug bites and that he dropped a 12-pack of Coca-Cola on his foot. The medical examiner disagreed.
When Maldonado Erazo was advised of his rights, deputies said he advised he did not want to speak, and he wanted a lawyer.
Investigators said another child told authorities that Maldonado Erazo “drinks too much, gets mad, and whips them with a ‘wire,’” according to the ECSO report.
Top two photos courtesy GoFundMe for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunshine And Near 60 Today; Into The 80s By The Weekend
March 18, 2026
A warming trend is on the horizon for the North Escambia area as we move through the rest of the week. After a cool Wednesday, temperatures will climb steadily, reaching the low 80s by the weekend under consistently clear and sunny skies. Expect pleasant, calm conditions to prevail through early next week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 49. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Ray Palmer Of Pensacola Sports Named To Sports ETA Hall Of Fame
March 18, 2026
Sports ETA has announced that Ray Palmer, president and CEO of Pensacola Sports, will be inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual Symposium on April 22 in Las Vegas.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the sports events and tourism industry through leadership, innovation and service.
Palmer has spent more than two decades leading the growth of sports tourism in Northwest Florida. Since joining Pensacola Sports as executive director in 2002 and later becoming president and CEO, he has guided the organization through a period of unprecedented expansion focused on event management, sports tourism development and community engagement.
Under Palmer’s leadership, Pensacola Sports has expanded its portfolio to include high school all-star series competitions, firefighter games, open water swimming events, fishing tournaments and numerous collegiate championships. Major events secured during his tenure include the Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship, along with community awards programs, scholarships and youth initiatives that strengthen the region’s sports ecosystem.
Palmer has also played a key leadership role within Sports ETA, serving as chairman of the board and contributing to numerous committees that have helped shape the future of the sports events and tourism industry.
“Ray Palmer has dedicated his career to demonstrating how sports events can elevate a community and create lasting economic and civic impact,” said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. “Through his leadership at Pensacola Sports and his service to Sports ETA, Ray has helped grow our industry and inspire destinations across the country to think bigger about the role sports can play in their community.”
“Just to have been considered to join the other 24 members of the Sports ETA Hall of Fame is special — being selected is an amazing honor,” said Palmer.
A lifelong resident of Pensacola, Palmer is also widely recognized for his civic leadership and community service. He is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, a recipient of the Florida Sports Leadership Award, and a member of numerous regional boards and committees. In 2026, he was named for the third time to the Inweekly Power List, recognizing the 100 most influential people in the Pensacola region. Known for his enthusiastic advocacy of his hometown, Palmer frequently describes Pensacola as the “Western Gate to the Sunshine State,” proudly promoting the destination and its quality of life to visitors and event organizers from around the country.
Kelly Ann Price Nigh
March 18, 2026
Kelly Ann Price Nigh, 54, left us for her heavenly home on Friday, March 6, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends after a courageous and fierce battle with cancer. She was born to Myrtle and Fred Price on February 24, 1972 in Pensacola.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Bobby Nigh, her loving son and daughter in love, Gavin (Amanda) Nigh. She was the best “Keepee” to grandson Walker and a loving and dedicated daughter to her Daddy, Fred Price. Sisters include Cheryl Benton, Kym Willnecker (Tommy), Cathy Ciccone (Steve) and sister from another mother, Maria (RiRi) Blackmon. Brothers are Gavin Price (Mary) and Jimmie Martin (Stephanie). She leaves several nieces and nephews and many cousins who were all very special to Kelly. Kind-hearted and caring with an open ear for all, Kelly was a lifelong resident of Beulah and a volunteer for the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department which she served and supported faithfully. She was an advocate for all animals: cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and especially horses. She was in love with the staff and kids of Kingsfield Elementary School. Too many friends to count, they were her second family and she loved them all.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Windy Hill Baptist Church, 9896 Rebel Road, Pensacola, Florida. Family visitation from 1-2pm with the service to follow.
Honorary pallbearers are Floyd Heist, Nathan White, David Barretto, Stacy Schultz, Phillip Polk and Bill Armstrong. Donations may be made to Windy Hill Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
A very special thank you to Dr. Yazan Al-Sayed and his amazing staff at Sacred Heart Cancer Center. He recognized how special Kelly was. His compassion and sensitivity made a difference.
Two NAS Pensacola Sailors Credited With Saving Driver After High-Speed Creek Crash
March 18, 2026
Two Navy sailors are being credited for saving the life of a driver who crashed into an Escambia County creek on Sunday.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 37-year-old man was traveling east in the westbound lanes of Highway 98 at a high rate of speed. After running a red light, the vehicle crashed through a fence and into Bayou Chico Creek, where it became completely submerged.
Two sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola witnessed the crash and immediately rendered aid. One sailor jumped from a boardwalk into the water and heard the driver knocking on the windows. He broke through the sunroof, pulled the driver from the submerged vehicle, and brought him to shore. The second sailor then began rendering first aid until Escambia EMS arrived.
The first sailor swam back and reentered the vehicle to ensure no other passengers were inside. He was later treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the rescue.
FHP said that the driver suffered a medical emergency that led to the crash. He was transported to Baptist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Photos courtesy FHP for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Melvin Franklin “Buck” Powell
March 18, 2026
Melvin Franklin “Buck” Powell, 82, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on March 14, 2026. Buck was born on October 14, 1943, in Century, Florida, to Mark and Mabel Powell.
He grew up in Flomaton, AL, where he graduated from Flomaton High School. Buck went on to attend Auburn University, where he graduated in 1966 with a B.S. in Education. He also received his M.S. in Educational Leadership from Troy University in 1983.
Coach Powell began his teaching and coaching career at Lyeffion High School in Evergreen, AL., and then at Greenville High School. In 1970, Coach made a move that had a huge impact on his life; he became the head coach at Century High School. During his six seasons leading the Black Cats, his teams went 46-15-2. Coach Powell was named Escambia River Conference Coach of the Year in 1973, 1974, and 1975. Also in 1975, he was named Florida Coach of the Year.
In 1976, Coach Powell was named the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Escambia County High School. During his tenure, the Blue Devils were 33-17 in region play. In 1983, the Blue Devils posted a record-setting season of 13-2 and won the 3A Alabama State Football Championship. Coach Powell was also named Alabama Football Coach of the Year.
In 1984, Buck transitioned into administration as the Assistant Principal at Escambia High School. In 1955, he became the Principal at Rachel Patterson Elementary School. He loved being involved with younger children. He developed a new cream entitled “Sore No More’, a magic wand that could cure stomachaches, and he couldn’t wait until Storybook Week to see what storybook character he would be.
In 2000, Buck was appointed Superintendent of Education for Escambia County Schools, and he shifted his focus to serving teachers and students across the county. During his tenure, the State of Alabama was hit with a financial crisis, and school funding was cut drastically over the next several years. Buck turned his efforts to passing a millage tax that would ensure that funding was available at the local level to continue to provide a quality education for our students and support to our teachers. The referendum was passed, and Mr. Powell retired from public education in June of 2006.
During his retirement, he enjoyed deep-sea fishing with his best friend, Roy, woodworking, anything related to Auburn University sports, and just piddling.
Mr. Powell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Bess Faircloth Powell; his 2 daughters, Kelli Shelley and Joei Buck (John) of Bay Minette, AL., and his son, Mark Powell (Katie) of Mountain Brook, AL. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Additional survivors include his sisters Evelyn Downing (Bill) of Flomaton, AL, and Jean Goodwyn (Tyler) of Gulf Shores, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Franklin Powell and Mabel Brantley Powell, and his sister, Judy Champion.
Mr. Powell was a member of First Methodist Church of Atmore, AL.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at First Methodist church of Atmore, AL. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Atmore. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active Pallbearers will be Tony Brown, Toney Simpson, Dabney Langhorne, Larry Stuckey, Carl Ward, Robby Jaye, Scottie Flowers, Frank Taylor, Jon Dees, George McMillian, Ron Middleton, Homer Brown, and Mike Stacey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the More Than Bricks Campaign (Educational Building Renovation) at First Methodist church, Atmore, AL, in memory of Buck Powell.
We would like to thank Dr. Jonah McIntyre, Atmore Community Hospital, Atmore Nursing Center, and Southern Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care of Buck during his illness.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Northview Gets 11-Inning Spring Break Shutout of T.R. Miller
March 18, 2026
The Northview Chiefs earned a Spring Break shutout 3-0 over T.R. Miller in 11 innings Tuesday night.
Jase Portwood earned the win for the Chiefs in relief, giving up three hits and no runs in four and two-thirds innings, while striking out four and walking three. Boutwell opened on the mound for NHS, surrendering five hits and no runs in six innings, striking out five and walking two.
Grayden Sheffield led Northview at the plate with two RBIs and was 1-5 on the night. Portwood led Northview in hits, going 2-4.
The Chiefs will enjoy the rest of Spring Break off before returning to acton of March 24 at West Florida.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northwest Florida Congressman Patronis Speaks Out On Shutdown And TSA
March 18, 2026
Tuesday, Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis spoke out amid TSA staffing shortages and nationwide travel disruptions as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters its 32nd day.
“The American people shouldn’t be paying the price for Democrat dysfunction,” said Patronis. “TSA agents are being pushed to the brink, working without pay, struggling to make ends meet, and in some cases leaving their jobs. Travelers across the country are feeling the strain, from longer security lines to widespread flight delays. We need immediate action to fund DHS, support our frontline personnel, and restore stability to our nation’s skies.”
Patronis continued, ‘With uncertainty abroad, including threats from Iranian sleeper cells, Democrats are putting Americans’ safety at risk by using Homeland Security funding as a political bargaining tool. For over a month, essential personnel have continued to serve without pay. TSA agents are keeping our skies safe, the Coast Guard is defending our shores, and FEMA’s disaster preparedness remains uncertain, all while critical funding is stalled. This is neither sustainable nor responsible. Americans deserve better than a standstill when it comes to protecting our nation.”
THe Congressman said the shutdown has already made a significant impact, adding that:
- Over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and call-out rates have doubled during peak travel.
- As of Tuesday morning, 900+ flights were canceled and 2,600+ delayed.
- Strong winds across the Northeast, affecting roughly 34 million Americans, are worsening delays.
The Senate has not yet announced a date for the next vote on the DHS funding package.
Franklin Nelson “Frankie” Bell
March 18, 2026
Franklin Nelson “Frankie” Bell, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Atmore, Alabama, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Frankie was born in Century, FL on July 10, 1944. He was a devoted husband, father, and longtime football coach whose life was marked by dedication to his family, his community, and the many young athletes he mentored throughout his career.
Frankie was a graduate of Flomaton High School in Flomaton, Alabama, Class of 1962. As a senior, he was named to the 1961 All-State Football Team. After high school, he attended Mississippi State College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and proudly played football for the Bulldogs for all four years. He graduated with the Class of 1966.
Upon graduation, Frankie began his coaching and teaching career, from 1965-1968 in Talladega, Alabama. He later transferred to Haralson County High School, Tallapoosa Georgia, where he coached for six years (1968-1975) with the Rebels. He then came to Escambia County High School, in 1976. He remained a cornerstone of the Escambia County High School faculty and athletic program until 2005, finishing his career as Head Football Coach, as well as, contributing to the athletic program as the school’s tennis coach. During his tenure, Frankie and the coaching staff led the ECHS Blue Devils to a State Championship in 1983. Simultaneously, through his 39 years at ECHS, he was a part of the Summer Recreation Program until his retirement.
Throughout his years at Escambia County High School, he became known for his strong defensive teams, shutout games, and his deep appreciation for the athletes and students who came through the program. When asked in an article with The Atmore Advance during his retirement why he never left Escambia County, Frankie simply replied, “When you come to a place, it’s your home. This is still going to be my home. I never found a reason to go anywhere else.”
In retirement, Frankie cherished time spent with his family and rarely missed the opportunity to attend their extracurricular activities. Frankie also enjoyed caring for horses, a passion he had carried with him since his younger days. He took his love for coaching, and turned that into personal training as a Wellness Trainer with Poarch Creek Indians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Nelson Bell and Elvia “Inez” (Knowles) Bell.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 39 years, Althea Bell; children Michael Bell of Texas, Jeffrey (Kelley) Bell of Flomaton, Alabama, Holly (Jane) Bell of Atmore, Alabama, Brian (Emily) Bell of Walnut Hill, Florida, Brent Bell of Atmore, Alabama, and Brooke (Coty) Rolin of Poarch, Alabama; along with 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Colbert, Carl Ward, Raymond Robinson, Hank Lee, Tomorrion Barnes (T-Bone), and Ron Middleton.
Honorary pallbearers include former players, coaching colleagues, and faculty members who had the privilege of working alongside him and witnessing the lasting impact he made on generations of students and athletes.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. Interment to follow at New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jonah McIntyre and Southern Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care given to Frankie during his illness.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Kaylee Sanspree and Melvin Middleton for their care and coordination before, during, and after Frankie’s passing.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.