Heated Debate: Public Safety Director Defends North Escambia Ambulance Coverage Amid Resident Concerns
April 9, 2026
Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore is addressing citizen concerns about the perceived lack of an ambulance to serve the far northern end of Escambia County, including the Century, Walnut Hill, and Bratt areas.
After Century resident Eddie Hammond claimed at a March town council meeting that no Escambia County EMS ambulance was available when his mother fell in Century and the nearby Newman’s Ambulance unit from Flomaton refused to respond, Gilmore addressed the concerns.
The Public Safety director said an ambulance is no longer stationed at Post 50, an EMS substation on Industrial Drive in Century, or in Walnut Hill. An ambulance is instead centrally stationed at the McDavid Fire Department.
“It’s strategically placed there so we can go (Highway) 164, (Highway) 29 northbound, (Highway) 29 southbound, to catch any medical call in northern Escambia County.”
He said when an ambulance crew drove their personal vehicles to work in Century, a non-emergency medical call could mean that no ambulance would be available in Century for three hours, counting time on scene, time at the hospital, and trips to and from Pensacola. EMS crew members now report to work on W Street in Pensacola and drive the ambulance to McDavid.
Now, when an ambulance responds to a call from the McDavid Fire Department, another EMS unit is automatically moved to McDavid to stand by — there’s no waiting for the first ambulance to return from the hospital. If there’s any lapse in moving an ambulance to McDavid, a rapid response vehicle with a paramedic supervisor is sent north. That paramedic with a fully stocked vehicle, Gilmore said, can provide any care that can be provided by an ambulance except the physical transport.
“Just yesterday,” Gilmore said Tuesday, “we had four different ambulances up here in Century… we were not waiting three hours to get an ambulance up here.”
Last week, the Escambia County Commission approved hiring five more paramedics and five more EMTs on the way to having 42 ambulances on the road in the county to answer an increasing call load. Last year, Escambia County EMS responded to 80,000 calls, an average of over 200 calls per day.
“The end game is that we will put the truck (ambulance) back at Post 50 (Century), and in Molino,” he said.
In addition, Newman’s Ambulance, which has two units stationed in Atmore and one sometimes two in Flomaton, is now responding to the Walnut Hill and Century areas if an Escambia County ambulance is farther away, or if more than one ambulance is needed at a scene. However, Gilmore said Newman’s will not respond to Florida except in critical emergencies if it will leave them without an available unit in Alabama. He said Newman’s is working towards a second ambulance stationed in Flomaton soon. Conversely, Escambia County EMS will respond to Flomaton if needed under a mutual aid agreement.
During Tuesday’s meeting, when Gilmore said an ambulance was stationed in McDavid at that time, Hammond responded, “That’s not true.” Several people in the audience rebuked Hammond, saying they saw the EMS unit in McDavid.
No volunteer firefighters?
Hammond (pictured left) also claimed that Century does not have any volunteer firefighters.
A paid Escambia County fire crew is assigned to Century from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Otherwise, volunteers respond.
“It was said we don’t have any volunteers,” the Public Safety director said. He said from January 2025 to April 7, 2026, the Century fire station ran over 1,600 calls — only 349 by the paid crew.
“You ain’t got no volunteers now,” Hammond interrupted.
“We do have volunteers,” Gilmore responded, adding that with time, planning and money, ECFR would like to have 24-hour paid crews in Century, but one 24 hour four-man crew costs $1.3 million annually
Hammond asserted that when a pedestrian was struck on North Century Boulevard last month, there were no volunteer firefighters, claiming that Gilmore responded from his home over 10 miles away and got on a fire truck in Byrneville. Gilmore again disagreed, saying that volunteer firefighters did respond, and he was in his pickup truck in Century when the call was dispatched.
“Mr. Hammond, that’s a lie right there,” Gilmore said of the claim. “I was with (Century Assistant Chief) Shane Moye, (Century Chief) Chris Barrows and two engine companies sitting out there (at the accident site).”
“No volunteers,” Hammond said.
Gilmore told NorthEscambia.com that Century currently has 10 volunteers, eight of which are certified firefighters.
As Gilmore continued to address the town council, Hammond continued to interrupt, saying that the Public Safety director was not telling the truth.
“Newman’s (Ambulance) has been turning Century down, coming over here, and now he’s telling us that they are always on, and that’s not true,” Hammond said. “He’s always telling us there’s always an ambulance in McDavid. That’s not true.”
“There’s one there right now,” a member of the audience said.
“There’s not one right there right now, Eric,” Hammond argued.
“It’s hardly ever there,” Hammond continued. “It gets called to Pensacola and they spend all day trying to rotate another one up here.”
Was there an ambulance really in McDavid?
As the council meeting continued Tuesday, sirens could be heard passing the Century Town Hall. The Century fire volunteers responded with two engines to two emergencies dispatched within one minute — a critical medical emergency on Pond Street and a traffic accident with three possible injuries on East Highway 4. The Escambia County EMS ambulance that was, in fact, posted at McDavid responded to the Pond Street call and was canceled by authorities before continuing on to the traffic crash. At the same time, a second Escambia EMS ambulance was sent north on Highway 29 from Cantonment until the number of injuries was determined. The second unit was kept north until the first ambulance could make a transport to Jay and return.
Pictured top: Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore addresses the Century Town Council this week. Pictured first inset: Century resident Eddie Hammon disputed most everything Gilmore said. Pictured bottom inset: An Escambia County EMS ambulance stationed outside the McDavid Fire Station in a file photo. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
April 9, 2026
Jim Allen Elementary recently named its March Students of the Month. They are Hawthorn Neels and Paige Miller. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
District 5 Cottage Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Is April 15
April 9, 2026
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Cottage Hill will take place Wednesday, April 15. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. All items for pickup should at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Contact the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency at (850) 595-3217 or cra@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.
UPDATE: Deputy Returning After Internal Review On Conduct During ‘Auditor’ Incident
April 9, 2026
UPDATE: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has provided an update on this incident:
“One of our deputies had a few days ago with an individual standing on the side of the roadway, videoing the area. One of our deputies had an interaction with this individual, which led to a back and forth that did not reflect our core values of courtesy integrity and professionalism.
“The constitution allows for an individual to stand in a public place and also allows for someone to record or video what he or she could see or hear from this public vantage point. We train for this type of encounter, and our expectation is that our employees abide by our core values, regardless of the actions of others.
“While we may or may not agree with every individual’s motive, the protections guaranteed in the Constitution apply to everyone. After an internal review of our deputies actions, appropriate measures have been taken, and our deputy will be back to serve the citizens of Escambia County with courtesy, integrity and professionalism.”
PREVIOUS STORY:
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) has launched an internal investigation after a deputy’s conduct during a recent encounter failed to meet agency expectations.”
The incident involved an individual participating in a nationwide trend where “auditors” record video in public spaces to “test whether first amendment rights are respected.” While the ECSO noted that the individual in this case “appears to have desired a controversial interaction,” the agency emphasized that its staff is held to a stricter code of conduct.
The incident occurred last Friday afternoon on McLean Avenue near the Islamic Center of Northwest Florida.
In the bodycam video, the deputy and the unnamed man got involved in a profanity-laced verbal argument that last at least eight minutes while the man recorded on his phone. At one point, he circles the deputy. The entire bodycam video is available on the NorthEscambia.com Facebook page.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a recent interaction involving one of our deputies that did not meet the standards we expect or the standards our community deserves,” the agency stated in a press release. “We expect a higher level of professionalism from our employees at all times.”
The ECSO confirmed that the deputy’s actions did not align with their core values of courtesy, integrity, and professionalism. As a result, the female deputy, who has not been named, has been “placed on an administrative assignment” while an “internal review is currently underway.”
ECSO officials stressed their commitment to accountability, stating that “appropriate action will be taken based on the findings” of the investigation.
There were no arrests.
Tate Aggies Shut Out Milton In District Lacrosse Quarterfinals
April 9, 2026
The Tate Aggies delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday, shutting out the Milton Panthers 12-0 in a the varsity girls a 2a District 1 lacrosse quarterfinal matchup.
Tate’s offense was firing on all cylinders, led by a standout six-goal performance from Kira Bigalow. Isabella McNeill added a hat trick, while Tori Sappington contributed two goals and Taelyn Hubbard rounded out the scoring with one. The Aggies’ precision was evident throughout the contest, as the team converted 12 of their 16 shots on goal.
Defensively, Tate was impenetrable. Goalkeeper Carly Helmig anchored the unit, recording six saves to preserve the shutout. The Aggies also controlled the tempo of the game on the ground, with Lily Meteiver and Taelyn Hubbard leading a physical effort that secured 16 ground balls.
The Aggies will look to continue their momentum as they face No. 1 Gulf Breeze on on Friday at 6 p.m. in Gulf Breeze.
Wahoos Run Wild, But Run Out Of Time In Loss To Shuckers
April 9, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos swiped a season-high six bases and put themselves in position to collect their first win of the year Wednesday night in Biloxi, but found clutch hits elusive in a 6-3 loss to the Shuckers.
Dillon Lewis connected with his first home run of the season in the top of the fourth inning, but the Blue Wahoos went 1-for-14 with men in scoring position as they fell to 0-4 on the young season.
Alex Williams (L, 0-1) took the loss for Pensacola, cruising through three innings before running into trouble in a seven-hit, five-run fourth. Mike Boeve broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single, Matthew Wood laced a two-run homer, and Dasan Brown and Jesús Made added RBI singles to put the Shuckers ahead 6-1.
That would be more than enough run support for Manuel Rodriguez (W, 1-0), who scattered five hits over 5.2 innings to earn the win for Biloxi.
The Blue Wahoos chipped away with an RBI double from Ryan Ignoffo in the sixth, but left the bases loaded in both the fifth and eighth innings. Jesús Broca (S, 1) let in an inherited runner on a wild pitch in the eighth before retiring Cristian Hernández and Ignoffo with the tying run at first base to escape further trouble. He returned for the ninth and set down the Blue Wahoos in order for a 6-3 final.
Relievers Livan Reynoso and Kade Bragg combined for 3.0 scoreless, hitless innings of relief for Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Century Secures Finances To Rebuild Long-Closed Freedom Road Bridge
April 8, 2026
As of January 29, 2026, the Freedom Road bridge in Century had been closed for six years, and the town has finally solved a funding crisis and awarded a construction contract. But its funding may fall short just shy of opening the bridge.
The town council voted Tuesday night to award the $1,612,966.06 contract to low bidder F&W Construction Company, but the town only has about $1 million remaining.
The 2023-24 Florida budget included a $1,257,000 Legislative appropriation to replace a town-owned bridge, and the acceptance contract was inked in early October 2024. After design and permitting, about $1,067,788 remained for construction when bids were opened October 2025.
Now, consultant engineer Dale Long has worked with F&W to lower the costs. Once the contract has been awarded, a change order will be issued to cut the total bid by $325,716.47 to lower the construction cost to $1,287,249.59. Long and Mayor Ben Boutwell worked with Escambia County to secure a $300,000 pledge.
The remaining grant funds, reduced contractor cost, and $300,000 from the county will be enough money to demolish the existing bridge, build the new bridge, and maintain or relocate existing utilities owned by the town. But it will not be enough to open the bridge to the public.
As required by the state grant, the town will be responsible for contracting with an engineering firm for the Construction Inspection (CEI) at an estimated cost of $100,000 to $200,000.
Additional funds will be required to construct the roadway and site improvements before the bridge could be opened to the public. However, the partial funding approach will allow the town to utilize the grant funds that are available before they expire and would pay for the costliest portion of the construction.
“The hope would be that additional funding could be secured to complete this work in the near future,” Long said.
“We are going to help, but we’re going to try to keep working the number down as much as possible,” District 5 Escambia County Commissioner told NorthEscambia.com just minutes before Tuesday’s Century Town Council meeting.
Pictured: The Freedom Road bridge in Century, which has been closed for over six years, as seen in April 2026. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured lower photos, conditions that prompted the bridge to be closed six years ago.
Tate High School FFA Chapter Named One Of ‘Florida’s Finest’
April 8, 2026
The Tate High School FFA chapter has been named one of “Florida’s Finest” chapters.
The selection of these chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application.
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. The chapters improve chapter operations using a program of activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.
Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. The chapters will be recognized during the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando this summer.
DUI Arrest: Molino Man Accused Of Battery On Pensacola Officer Following Crash
April 8, 2026
A Molino was charged following a single-vehicle crash and an alleged violent altercation with Pensacola Police.
Michael Tabium Watts, 35, ws charged with DUI influence of alcohol or drugs, refusal to submit to dui testing, battery on an officer, depriving an officer of means of protection or communication, resisting an officer with violence, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, and possession of marijuana. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $22,000 bond.
Watts was arrested near the intersection of B and Cervantes Streets after officers followed a fluid trail from a damaged median wall at E Street. According to the arrest report, Watts’ black BMW SUV was found disabled in the roadway with severe front-end damage.
Responding officers noted that Watts smelled strongly of alcohol, had slurred speech, and struggled with basic motor skills. A passenger in the vehicle reportedly told police that Watts had been drinking vodka and smoking marijuana earlier in the night, ignoring her pleas to stop driving.
The situation escalated during field sobriety exercises when Watts became aggressive. Police say Watts resisted arrest, pulling away from officers and eventually grabbing an officer’s radio, turning it off and preventing a call for emergency backup. Officers were forced to use physical strikes to gain control and placed Watts into a patrol vehicle.
Tate’s Morris Homers As Aggies Fall To Navarre
April 8, 2026
Navarre 5, Tate 1
The Tate Lady Aggies fell 5-1 to Navarre on Tuesday night.
Tate’s Sarah Mitchell struck out 10 Raiders in six innings, giving up two hits and one run while walking four.
Brelynn Morris hit a one-run homer to left field, which tied the game at one in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Aubree Gorum and Peyton Wilson also recorded one hit each.
Tate will host South Warren from Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Wednesday and Niceville on Thursday.