Water Leak Causes Traffic Delays On North Century Boulevard
January 20, 2026
A water leak under North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in Century caused traffic delays on Tuesday.
The leak was in the northbound 8800 block of North Highway 29, just south of the Mexican restaurant.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control.
Contractors assisted the Town of Century with the repair. A town official said the line never lost enough pressure to require a boil water notice.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kathleen Patricia Gilchrist Findley
January 20, 2026
Kathleen Patricia Gilchrist Findley, 76, of Wawbeek, AL., passed away on January 19, 2026. Kathleen was born on July 18, 1949, in New Orleans, LA., to Wilson Gilchrist Sr. and Avis Ammons.
She was a retired registered nurse, and it was her passion to help and care for others. She was a member of Vision Church in Flomaton, AL.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ted Findley, Sr.; two brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by her son, Teddy (Heather) Findley, Jr., of Mobile, AL; her daughter, Tara (David) Carter of Wawbeek, AL; her grandchildren, Shelby Carter, Scarlett Carter, Wyatt Findley, Secily Carter, Rhett Findley; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ricky Hart officiating. Interment will follow at Canoe Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Canoe, AL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Held In Century (With Photo Gallery)
January 19, 2026
A crowd headed out on a cold Monday in Century to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association (CFIA) held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Century Ag Building Monday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The program and celebration featured guest speaker Rev. Clara Clark of Wesley Chapel C.M.E. Church in Century and special music. A motorcade around Century followed lunch.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
East KingsField Road Resurfacing Begins Today
January 19, 2026
A $875,000 resurfacing project will begin today, January 19 on East Kingsfield Road.
East Kingsfield will be resurfaced between Highway 29 and Highway 297A. Traffic on East Kingsfield Road will be reduced to a single lane during the construction period.
The paving project is expected to be completed by Friday, February 13.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction.
Editor’s note: Escambia County said that even though Monday, January 19, is a holiday, the project is set to begin.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Driver Escapes Serious Injury in Cottage Hill Single-Vehicle Crash
January 19, 2026
A driver narrowly avoided serious injury Sunday morning following a single-vehicle crash in Cottage Hill.
The wreck occurred when an adult male traveling on Eden Road lost control of his pickup truck while crossing the railroad tracks just off Highway 95A. The vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree.
The driver told authorities that a jug of milk he had just purchased was launched into the windshield during the impact.
The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash. No further details have been made available.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Teen Uninjured In Barrineau Park Rollover Wreck
January 19, 2026
A teen driver escaped uninjured when he flipped his vehicle at the Perdido River in Barrineau Park on Sunday afternoon.
The crash occurred around 2:05 p.m. on Barrineau Park Road west of South Highway 99.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released any details.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Indicted On Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
January 19, 2026
An Escambia County man is facing a federal drug trafficking charge.
Adrian Dion Pettaway Jr., 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with distribution of a controlled substance.
If convicted, Pettaway faces between five to 40 years’ imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case.
Back In The 20s Monday Night
January 19, 2026
Temperatures will dip back into the upper 20s tonight. Cloud cover increases Tuesday night ahead of a shifting pattern that brings rain chances back to the area from Wednesday night through the end of the week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 57.
Saturday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.
Council On Aging of West Florida Reacquires Retired Senior Volunteer Program
January 19, 2026
The Council on Aging of West Florida recently reacquired the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Escambia County. The program had previously been administered by United Way of West Florida in Escambia for the past 12 years. This amounts to a nearly $100,000 infusion for strengthening and increasing the agency’s robust volunteer program.
“The efforts of our RSVP volunteers strengthen our current programs through volunteer service and furthers our mission by engaging active older adults in roles that give them greater community and a sense of purpose,” says Council on Aging President and CEO Josh Newby.
Council on Aging was the sponsor of RSVP for many years before United Way assumed the grant in 2013. With this new funding, Council on Aging brings the program back home and will leverage the skills and experience of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the area to bolster services to older adults. These AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will serve as Meals on Wheels drivers, congregate dining site volunteers, and in other support roles for older adults in need. The programs also enable adults over the age of 55 to gain valuable skills through service, helping them gainfully return to the workforce.
Those interested in learning more about the program can call Council on Aging at (850) 432-1475.
DeSantis Appoints Four To PSC District Board Of Trustees
January 19, 2026
Recenthly, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Richard Holzknecht, Todd Leonard, and Audrey McDonald and the reappointment of Dr. Troy Tippett to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Richard Holzknecht
Holzknect is a Commercial and Residential Sales Agent for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a Naval Aviator and was the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal. Active in his community, Holzknect is a member of the LifeWise Academy of Escambia-Pensacola Board of Directors and the Restoring the Heart Ministries Board. He earned his bachelor’s degree in oceanography from the United States Naval Academy, his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and his master’s degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Todd Leonard
Leonard is the Athletic Director for West Florida High School. He previously served as the Head Football Coach for Pensacola High School. A veteran of the United States Army, Leonard earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of West Florida.
Audrey McDonald
McDonald is a Homeschool Educator focusing on classical curriculum. Previously, she served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Healthcare Experience Foundation, the Client Outcomes Partner for HealthStream, and a Performance and Research Coach for the Baptist Leadership Group. McDonald earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and international affairs from Florida State University.
Dr. Troy Tippett
Dr. Tippett is a Neurosurgeon, Medical Director, and Owner of The Neurosurgical Group. Active in his community, he has served as a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the Neurosurgical Education and Research Foundation. A veteran of the United States Air Force and the United States Army Reserve, Dr. Tippett earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee.