Century Partners With Northview Students And Businesses To Install New Bat Houses
April 3, 2026
The Town of Century is installing bat houses throughout the town to provide a safe habitat for local bats, which have been causing issues and risking damage to municipal equipment.
Earlier this year, students in the Northview High School Building Construction Academy constructed 30 bat boxes for the town.
On Thursday, Gibbs Equipment of Cantonment installed donated poles for the bat houses across the town at no cost. One of the bat houses was also installed at the Century Business Center, with the remainder to be placed on poles next week.
The bat houses will not only provide a safe habitat for bats damaging equipment, but the bats will also help keep parks and other public areas free of mosquitos and other pests.
“It’s great to see our community come together on a project like this,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said. “From our students to our partners, this effort shows what we can accomplish when we work together to make Century a better place to live.”
The bat houses will be located at the Century Town Hall, Showalter Park, Nadine McCaw Park, McMurray Park, Century Business Center, and the Century Wastewater Treatment plant.
NorthEscambia.com photos and (first below) photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ascend Park, Disc Golf Will Be Closed Saturday Morning
April 3, 2026
The Ascend Community Park and disc golf course will be closed the morning of Saturday, April 4 for a company event. The park will reopen to the public at noon.
Since it opened in December, more than 500 people have recorded a round at the Ascend disc golf course. With the exception of this Saturday’s event, the disc golf course and park are open to the public from dawn until dusk at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road in Cantonment.
File photos.
Tate Softball’s Strike Out Cancer Game Is Tonight
April 3, 2026
Tate Aggies softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer Game will be this Friday as they raise money for for the fight against cancer.
The Lady Aggies will host the West Florida Jaguars at 5 p.m. for junior varsity with the varsity game beginning about 7 p.m. There are no advance ticket sales; admission is donations only at the gate. There will also be auction items, fish fry, concession, and a cake auction.
All gate fees, concessions and donations will benefit Rally Gulf Coast, the Keeping Abreast Foundation and the Baptist Healthcare Foundation.
Last year’s Strike Out Cancer Game raised $28,989.
The game has now raised over $200,000 for cancer awareness and research in 15 years.
For a photo gallery from 2025, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Pleads Guilty In Federal Murder Case For Killing Reservist Just Behind Nine Mile Kohl’s
April 3, 2026
An Alabama man has been pleaded guilty to federal charges for fatally shooting and running over a woman January 2, 2025, near an apartment complex behind Kohl’s on Nine Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the area of an apartment complex on Baldridge Drive about 8:30 p.m. to find that 30-year-old Starmichael L. Tucker, a U.S. Air Force reservist, had been shot several times. She later died at the hospital.
Charles Jerome Carson-Dowdy, 31, pleaded guilty in federal court for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm
Carson-Dowdy faces up to life imprisonment at his sentencing, which is scheduled for August 25 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
“Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution by my office, this offender will be held accountable for the anguish he has inflicted on the victim’s family through his vicious, deadly, and cowardly violence that stole an innocent life. This case underscores the deadly threats posed by dating and domestic violence, and it is more important than ever to obtain justice for the victims, like Ms. Tucker, to ensure this can never happen again,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
Court documents state that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, and Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellphones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate Tucker. At the end of December 2024, Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had a series of escalating arguments by text message.
On January 1, 2025, as Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy. In response, Carson-Dowdy, who was at his residence in Mobile used his phone to call an Uber and traveled to the Tucker’s residence in Pensacola to confront her. Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.
Carson-Dowdy entered Tucker’s home without her permission, and she returned home to find him in her apartment. At approximately 8 on January 2, 2025, Carson-Dowdy followed Ms. Tucker as she left her apartment and he fired an initial volley of approximately four shots at her using his handgun. The victim was struck from behind by the bullets and collapsed in the apartment parking lot. Carson-Dowdy walked over to Ms. Tucker, who was lying on the ground, and shot her approximately ten more times. Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately ran over Tucker with the car, reversing the vehicle over her body, and then driving forward, running over her again. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.
Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.
The case is being investigated jointly by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the initial investigation.
Easter Egg Hunts, Festivals And Special Services Planned. Here’s A Big List.
April 3, 2026
Here are Easter weekend events scheduled in the North Escambia area:
Palm Sunday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold and outdoor Easter celebration on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday and Sedar Meal and Foot Washing at Gonzalez Methodist Church will be Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Good Friday Service – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a special Good Friday worship service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Good Friday Services
Good Friday services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 3. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Beulah Dash 5K and Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Beulah’s annual Beulah Dash and Family Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 4 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Mobile Highway. click here to register for the 7:30 a.m. 5K Color Run. The egg hunt starts for children fifth grade and below starts at 11 a.m. for walkers through age 4 and special needs; noon for K5 through fifth grade.
Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church – Molino’s annual Molino Madness Family Egg Hunt will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino for walkers through fifth grade, including a special needs hunt.
Egg Drop – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold an Egg Drop on Saturday, April 4 at 3 p.m.
Canoe Church Easter Celebration and Services
Canoe Church will host an egg hunt with games and lunch on Saturday, April 4, at 12 p.m. Easter Sunrise services will be held at 6 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with breakfast to follow. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 171 South Canoe Rd, Atmore.
Cora Baptist Easter Egg-stravaganza — Jay
Cora Baptist Church at 12953 Chumuckla Highway, Jay, will host and Easter Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Food, fun, bounce house, and fellowship for all. The Easter Story will be shared.
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service
Marcus Pointe Community Sonrise Service will be held at the Blue Wahoos Stadium on Sunday, April 5, at 6 a.m. Admission is free.
Gonzalez Methodist Church Easter Services
Easter Sunrise service will be Sunday, April 5, at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 7:45 a.m. A traditional service and cantata will be held at 8:30 a.m. with a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 2026 Pauline St. in Cantonment. All are welcome.
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise Service
Berrydale Baptist Church Sunrise service will be held at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, with a potluck breakfast to follow in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 6730 Highway 4 in Jay.
Easter Service — Bratt
First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold an Easter Worship Service on Sunday morning, April 5 at 10:15 a.m. following Sunday School at 9 a.m.
CrossFaith Church Easter – Molino
CrossFaith Church at 5701 Highway 29 in Molino will hold Easter Sunday services, April 5, at 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Highland Baptist Easter – Molino
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold an Easter Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. on April 5, following Connect Groups at 9:30 a.m.
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter Service
Cottage Hill Assembly of God Easter service will be Sunday, April 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The children’s ministry will hold an Easter egg hunt following service. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 181 Neal Road in Cantonment.
Today Is Application Deadline For EREC Student Lineman Camp
April 3, 2026
Friday is the final day to register for the Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman Camp.
The camp is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in the electrical utility industry.
The one day camp provides hands on training and an inside look at the skills required to become a lineman. Participants will rotate through instructional stations covering safety practices, underground and above ground electrical systems, transformers, and power pole climbing, along with demonstrations using bucket trucks. The camp is designed to give students practical experience while introducing them to the responsibilities and opportunities within the electric cooperative industry.
File photos.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Chance Of Rain Saturday Into Sunday
April 3, 2026
Foggy patches will develop late tonight under mostly cloudy skies, leading into a Saturday that features afternoon storm chances. A more significant weather system arrives on Sunday, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms with a high chance of rain. Clouds will linger through Monday as cooler air settles in, though conditions will gradually brighten as we head into the middle of the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Areas of fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 73. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Northview Falls To West Florida; Tate To Gulf Breeze
April 3, 2026
West Florida 7, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs fell to the West Florida Jaguars 7-1 on Thursday night in Bratt.
Harrison Vernier led things on the mound first for West Florida, giving up four hits and one run in seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Jackson Bridges opened for Northview, giving up six hits and six runs (four earned) in four innings, striking out three and walking three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Keelan Boyd and Hayden Huntsinger had two hits each for the Jags, including a home run over the centerfield Wall for Huntsinger. Bryant Mason went 2-3 at bat for the Chiefs with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning.
This wrapped the home season for Northview; the Chiefs will travel to Baker on April 6 and Pensacola Catholic on April 9. West Florida will be at home on April 7 against Washington.
Gulf Breeze 5, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies out-hit the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 8 to 4, but they still fell to the Dolphins 5-3 on Thursday night.
Connor Dethlefs had two hits for the Aggies. Kaden Posta, Evan Taylor, Griffin Cook, Kannon Ham, Cal Foxworth, and Brody White each added one hit.
Lance Brady took the loss on the mound for Tate, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out seven and walking three over three and two-thirds innings.
Next up, Tate will host Robertsdale on Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Announces Move To NCAA Division I Athletics
April 2, 2026
The University of West Florida announced in a press conference on Thursday morning that it will be transitioning its athletics programs to the NCAA Division I level. Beginning in Fall 2026, UWF will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member.
“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This milestone is about more than athletics — it represents expanded opportunities for our students, greater national visibility, and a continued commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud of the work that has brought us to this moment and excited for the future we are building together.”
The Argonauts Athletics program has a proven record of excellence competing at the NCAA Division II level, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies. The University’s 15 varsity programs have earned 11 national and 136 conference championships while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Beyond athletic success, the program fosters leadership and academic achievement, with a cumulative Spring 2025 student-athlete GPA of 3.37.
“This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters,” said Dave Scott, UWF Athletic Director. “As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life. We look forward to growing our tradition of success and welcoming our fans and partners to be part of this exciting journey.”
The Atlantic Sun Conference was founded in 1978 and is an NCAA Division I conference composed of eight institutions across the southeastern United States, including universities like Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida and Lipscomb University.
The United Athletic Conference was established in 2023 as a single-sport football conference through a partnership between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference, which will expand to a full multi-sport conference and rebrand as the UAC on July 1, 2026.
The ASUN and the WAC (UAC) announced the formation of a strategic consortium beginning July 1, 2026. The alliance will support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities while maintaining independent conference structures and automatic qualification to NCAA Championships.
“This addition not only strengthens both conferences, but represents yet another growth milestone for the alliance between these two leagues,” said consortium Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bacon. “Since announcing our plans nearly a year ago, the excitement around what we will unveil on July 1 has been overwhelming, and with UWF on board, we have added significant fuel to the fire. Thank you to President Diaz and Director Scott for their tireless work to bring this moment to fruition. I am honored to welcome them to The Destination!”
During the three-year NCAA reclassification process, UWF athletics teams will compete at the Division I level but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason tournaments. However, they will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships. Full NCAA postseason eligibility will begin once the transition process is complete in 2029.
The transition to Division I aligns with the University’s continued growth in enrollment, research activity and regional engagement. The move will increase the institution’s visibility and expand opportunities for student recruitment while contributing to the overall campus experience.
By fiscal year 2027-2028, with the new Darrell Gooden Stadium fully operational and Division I competition underway, UWF Athletics is expected to see increases in game day attendance and expanded operational needs, including staffing, security, concessions and event management. According to an analysis conducted by the UWF Haas Center, UWF Athletics is projected to generate approximately $42 million in economic impact and support an estimated 280 jobs across the region.
Nine Months Late, Century Audit Shows ‘Deteriorating Financial Condition; $9.7 Million Shortfall
April 2, 2026
The annual financial audit for the Town of Century has finally been completed for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The newly released audit was due to the State of Florida by June 30, 2025, and had not been received and posted online by the Florida Auditor General as of April 1, 2026.
The report, prepared by HCT Certified Public Accountants & Consultants, LLC in Hollywood, Florida, highlights significant failures in internal controls and a “deteriorating financial condition” as defined in state statutes regarding a determination of financial emergency.
As of September 30, 2024, the town’s governmental activities faced a deficit of $2.0 million, while its unrestricted net position sat at a $9.7 million deficit.
Deteriorating Financial Condition
The audit, dated March 13, 2026, details a series of new and recurring “material weaknesses” and “significant deficiencies” that have plagued the town’s accounting for several years.
The audit found the town shows signs of “deteriorating financial condition” per Florida Statutes, including improper cash management, a lack of long-term planning, and a lack of analysis of existing tax rates and fee structures for proprietary operations (water, garbage, gas). The finding has been noted in town audits dating back to 2017.
At the end of 2023, the general fund owed the special revenue fund about $2.8 million, and the natural gas fund owed $212,000. In June 2018, the town council approved a repayment plan of $300 per month for the interfunds loans. The general fund and natural gas fund have deficit net positions at September 30, 2023, and operating losses were reported by by the natural gas and the water and sewer funds for the years.
In response ,the town has increased water and sewer rates, as well as increased the garbage rates. In addition, “there will be a natural gas rate study forthcoming.”
Why was the audit eight months late?
“We have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements,” the auditor noted.
HCT said they were “unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence… related to transactions recording, processing and financial statements reporting; as well as key controls in significant transactions cycles such as revenues, accounts receivables, cash and banks, collections, fixed assets, purchases, accounts payables; funds accounting and interfund balances.”
Town officials said on Tuesday night that they are beginning work on the next audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, which is due to the state by the end of June 2026.
Summary of Audit Findings and Town Responses
Auditors outlined several critical areas where the town lacks proper financial oversight:
New Fiscal Year 2024 Findings
- Bank Reconciliation Controls: The town lacks established controls to ensure bank reconciling items, such as checks and deposits, are cleared and recorded in a timely manner.
- Town Response: Officials acknowledged the lack of written controls and stated they will set up monthly monitoring procedures for items over 30 days old.
- Lack of Segregation of Duties: A “material weakness” was identified because the same personnel are involved in recording, processing, and reporting transactions like payroll and vendor payments.
- Town Response: The town noted that limited personnel makes segregation difficult but stated they would work to devise a system once a new clerk is hired.
- Payroll Processing Reconciliations: There are no established controls to ensure correct pay rates are applied or that manually input hours are reconciled before checks are issued.
- Town Response: The town described its current use of a time clock app and a two-signature requirement for checks.
- Inadequate Accounting Software: The town’s use of QuickBooks is deemed inadequate for producing entity-wide financial statements and lacks control over posting journal entries.
- Town Response: The town admitted personnel are currently not “capable or knowledgeable” of producing such statements with the software but do provide monthly reports to the Council.
- Vendor Management: There is a lack of oversight regarding who can add or modify vendor information, creating a risk of improper payments.
- Town Response: Management agreed and stated they would consider this when formalizing written duties and segregation roles.
- Depreciation Calculations: For years, the town has relied on external auditors to calculate annual depreciation rather than performing the task internally.
- Town Response: The town confirmed this dependency and stated they intend to contract this task out for future audits.
Repeated Prior-Year Findings
The auditors also pointed to several major issues from 2023 remain unresolved:
- Cash Management: The town failed to maintain adequate funds for customer deposits and debt service reserves, specifically in the Natural Gas Fund.
- Town Response: The town plans to open and fund separate deposit accounts once Council approval is obtained.
- Account Reconciliation: Significant audit adjustments were required because the town did not properly reconcile general ledger accounts, including grant revenue and interfund activity.
- Town Response: The town expects new “all-inclusive” software to eliminate the need for manual journal entries.
- Capital Asset Tracking: The town has not completed a physical inventory of its assets or consistently tagged them for tracking.
- Town Response: Management claimed assets were logged and accounted for at the end of the last fiscal year.
- Financial Condition: The town shows signs of “deteriorating financial condition” per Florida Statutes, including improper cash management and a lack of long-term planning.
- Town Response: Officials pointed to recent water and sewer rate increases and the installation of remote-read meters to ensure accurate billing.
- Audit Filings: The town failed to meet state-mandated deadlines for submitting its annual financial reports for the 2024 fiscal year.
- Town Response: Management is developing standard operating procedures and implementing software to help with the timeliness of financial processes.