North Escambia Community Forum With FDOT On Transportation Issues Next Week
April 30, 2026
State Representative Michelle Salzman, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), will host a Community Information Forum focused on key transportation infrastructure developments in the North Escambia area.
The meeting is a follow-up to a well-attended session held in January and will provide residents with updated information, project timelines, and an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
Community members are encouraged to attend and engage in this important discussion about ongoing and future transportation improvements in the area. The meeting will be held from 5:30 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at the Molino Community Center at 6450A Highway 95A.
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, ECUA District 5 Representative Kevin Stephens, and Century Mayor Ben Boutwell are expected to participate in the formum along with Salzman and FDOT officials. Additional public officials have been invited to attend.
“This forum is an important opportunity for residents to stay informed and be part of the conversation about the future of our community,” Salzman said. “We’ve heard the concerns and questions from our January meeting, and this follow-up allows us to provide updates, share progress, and continue working together to improve infrastructure and quality of life across the north end of Escambia County.”
Residents attending the forum will have the opportunity to receive updates on ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, ask questions directly to agency representatives, and provide feedback on local transportation needs. The event is intended to foster open communication between the community and public officials as efforts continue to address growth, mobility, and roadway improvements in the North Escambia area.
“I am looking forward to providing another District 5 community meet and greet with your elected officials. Special guest Department of Transportation representatives will also be on hand to answer your roadway questions,” Stephens said.
Pictured: A January 2026 community meeting at the Molino Community center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Seeks $1 Million To Provide Housing Rehabilitation
April 30, 2026
The Town of Century is applying for a $1 million grant to provide housing rehabilitation for low-to-moderate income residents.
If awarded, funding through the State of Florida’s FFY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Program will pay for the demolition or replacement of homes owned by low to moderate income residents within the town limits.
If the town receives the grant, $820,000 will go directly into housing rehabilitation, $30,000 will be allocated for temporary relocation of residents, and $150,000 will pay for grant administration.
A vote by the Century Town Council during a special meeting on Tuesday authorized the mayor to execute the grant application. Only two citizens attended the public hearing on the grant application.
The council will revisit the application at their next regular meeting Tuesday, ahead of the deadline, to determine how many houses can be rehabilitated with the grant, if awarded.
Grant applications are competitive among governments in the state and scored on a point system. If the town spends $62,000 or less per home, the application will receive 100 points in scoring; if they go over $79,000, they will lose 100 points. Tuesday night’s discussion was in the proximity of 16 to 17 homes but could change with upcoming discussion.
The biggest challenge the town faces in keeping the per-home cost low, according to consultant Robins Phillips, is that homes must be brought up to code in order for any work to be done under the grant terms.
“We have to fix every code issue on that house,” Phillips said. “There’s no way you can go in and just do a roof on a house.”
“You have to bring the entire house up to code,” she added.
The next council meeting will be at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at Century Town Hall. After Century submits the grant application, it will take some 60-90 days to find out if they will receive the grant. Citizens will not be able to apply until after that time the grants is awarded and an official announcement is made.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Celebrates April Leaders Of The Month
April 30, 2026
This week, Bratt Elementary School celebrated its April Leaders of the Month.
The students were chosen by their classmates as the Leaders of the Month because they exemplify the leadership skills learned by using the 7 Habits each day.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Mom Remembers Her Daughter As Search Continues For Molino Woman’s Killer
April 30, 2026
On Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2017, Anna Louise Brown was out for a jog on Gibson Road in Molino.
She never made it home.
Brown, 38, was found face down on the side of the road near the Alligator Creek bridge. She had been shot multiple times.
And her murderer remains on the run, nine years later.
“It’s been too long. Nine years too long,” Sue Brown wrote in a poem (reprinted below) in remembrance of her daughter on the ninthh anniversary of her death. “You were taken away by an evil force of anger and hatred.”
A nearby witness observed an older model silver vehicle drive past his residence. A short time later, the vehicle drove back past his residence again. Moments later the witness heard approximately six to eight gunshots.
The victim had recently finalized her divorce from her ex-husband Manuel De-Jesus Vega, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. A family member expressed concern to investigators about Vega due to him being both verbally and physically abusive. He has not been charged.
Anna Brown’s murder was one of four cases that were the focus of retired certified law enforcement detectives during a two-day Cold Case Symposium hosted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in 2024.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information on the murder is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Below: NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Homer Happy Wahoos Trounce Shuckers In 12-4 Victory
April 30, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos broke things open early and never looked back, building a commanding lead through seven innings leading to a 12-4 win against the Biloxi Shuckers on Wednesday night.
The Shuckers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a 2-RBI single from Damon Ketih in the top of the first. But Brendan Jones got the offense going in the bottom of the first, ripping a lead-off ground-rule double to dead center field. After Fenwick Trimble reached first on a fielding error by Biloxi shortstop Jesús Made, Ryan Ignoffo followed with a base hit to right-center, bringing Trimble home and giving the Blue Wahoos an early advantage. One balk from Biloxi starter Tyson Hardin (L, 0-2) later, and Pensacola had tied the game at 2-2.
Emaarion Boyd kept the runs coming in the bottom of the second with his first home run of the season to left field, putting Pensacola up 3-2. The Wahoos continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning when Ian Lewis Jr. swiped second base and later came around to score on an RBI single from Gage Miller, extending the lead to 4-2.
Pensacola blew the game open in the fifth when Trimble delivered the biggest swing of the night, launching his first dinger of the year, a towering three-run home run over the wall in left field to stretch the lead to 7-3.
On a rainy night, Pensacola poured it on, adding another four runs in the seventh inning on an Ignoffo RBI double and a Gage Miller three-run home run to left field, giving him a 4-RBI night and pushing the Blue Wahoos’ lead to 12-3.
With the game firmly out of reach, relievers Stephen Jones (W, 2-1), Luis Moreno, Livan Reinoso, and Nigel Belgrave pitched the final five innings, only giving up two runs and cementing a final score of 12-4.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday.
Huston Anthony ‘Tony’ Cozart
April 30, 2026
Huston Anthony “Tony” Cozart was born in Century, Florida, on February 26, 1952, to Huston and Lillian Cozart. Tony traveled to heaven on April 28, 2026.
Tony lived much of his life in Jay, Florida, growing up the oldest to 3 brothers Joe, John and Stephen (Amy) Cozart, and 2 sisters Linda (Terry) Peterson and Nora Walker.
Tony was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and Paw Paw. He was always there to help his beloved family, special friends, dear nieces and nephews, close neighbors or a stranger with anything he could help them with.
Tony graduated from Jay High School and was employed by Santa Rosa County for many years. He was a member of Pine Level Baptist Church. Tony was a volunteer fireman for many years with Station 27 in Jay, Florida.
He loved hunting, fishing, listening to music, restoring classic cars, and riding his golf cart with his granddaughter and dog.
He is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Nelda Acree Cozart; and was blessed with 2 sons, Anthony Dewayne Cozart and Adam Joseph Cozart; one granddaughter, Kylie Cozart; and 2 great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Services will be held at Pine Level Baptist Church Saturday May 2, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. with Reverend Chad Diamond officiating.
Pearl Juanita Polk
April 30, 2026
Pearl Juanita Polk, age 82, was born on September 28, 1943, to her parents, Hillary and Genevieve Moore, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 28, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Roy Polk; her siblings, WC Moore, Edgar Moore, John Moore, and Nancy Davidson; her children, Dewayne Polk and Renee Dortch; and her grandchildren, Jeremy Lollie and Buddy Polk.
Pearl is survived by her children, Danny Polk (Julie), Lisa Carnley (Kevin), and Donnie Polk (Debbie). She was a proud grandmother to Brian Smith (Karen), Shannon Poole (Nick), Darren Polk (Isabella), Brianna Lollie, Justin Lollie (Meagan), Savannah Lollie, Jeremy Carnley, Shelby Miller (Robert), Donnie Lee Polk, and Latisha Kite, as well as Carla Dortch and her nineteen great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.
Her loving spirit lives on through her siblings, Ann Cole, Richard Moore (Sandy), Mark Moore (Pally), and Bobo Moore (Roxanne).
Pearl, who was born in Pensacola, Florida, dedicated her life to her beloved family. As a warm-hearted wife, nurturing mother, and adoring grandmother, she had a unique gift for making everyone feel part of her family. With open arms and a loving spirit, she embraced all who crossed her path, offering her unwavering care and support. Pearl’s nurturing heart and boundless compassion will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral will be held at Faith Chapel North on Monday, May 4. Family visitation is scheduled for 9:30 AM, followed by open visitation at 10 AM. The service will begin at 11 AM and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Johnson, with burial to follow at Jordan Cemetery.
Patricia Ann Leblanc
April 30, 2026
Patricia Ann Leblanc 81, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of April 26, 2026. She dedicated her life to caring for others as an oncology and hospice nurse. Nursing was not her profession; it was her calling. She touched countless lives while she dedicated decades to healing others. She was also a devoted wife, a nurturing mother and a doting Nana. She lived to care for those she loved.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bob; her children and their spouses, Melanie Morgan (Brent), Michelle Flaherty and Tharon Leblanc; her sisters Maureen Chapman (David) and Mary Ann Hankin; her grandchildren Samantha Flaherty, Katelyn Tyler (Johnny), and Taylor Swafford (Gage). She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Joan Ballard and grandson Ryan Flaherty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida with Reverend Father George Thekku officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM preceding the funeral Mass. A reception in the parish hall will be held following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Saint Jude Ladies Society, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Mary Joan Linam
April 30, 2026
Mary Joan Linam, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born in Salina, Kansas, on August 25, 1939, where her loving grandmother, Mary
Crouthers, raised her.
“Joanie” met the love of her life, Ray, in Salina, KS, while he was serving in the United States Air Force. She traveled with him, working in the commissary and raising 3 growing boys. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.
She is preceded in death by her Grandmother and her sister, Jeanie Sawyer.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Joseph Ray Linam; her sons, Kevin Linam, Todd and Rhonda Linam, Joel and Lana Linam; her sister, Janet Moore; nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held to celebrate Joan’s life at Lottie Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
No Tag Light Leads To State Prison On Drug Charge For Molino Man
April 29, 2026
A Molino man has been sentenced to 20 months in state prison after a traffic stop escalated into a drug trafficking charge.
Jeffery Gene Brown, 44, was initially charged with first-degree felony trafficking in methamphetamine, and later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 months in state prison, and his driver’s license will be revoked for six months after his release.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Brown’s vehicle was observed traveling northbound on Pensacola Boulevard with inoperable tag lights on May 27, 2025. A traffic stop was initiated in the parking lot of a Circle K at the corner of Pensacola Boulevard and Broad Street.
During the stop, a clear plastic baggie, consistent with narcotics transportation, was observed protruding from underneath the armrest, according to an arrest report. Brown was asked to exit the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted.
Deputies said the baggie was found to contain a white crystalline substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Behind the driver’s seat where Brown had been sitting, deputies reported finding a black bag containing a large quantity of methamphetamine, a plastic bag containing large “shards” of meth and a large digital scale. They also located a “multicolored smoking device,” a box of clear sandwich bags and a pair of brass knuckles, the arrest report states.