Escambia Commission Votes To Take Over Maintenance Of Gonzalez Cemetery
July 12, 2025
The Escambia County Commission voted this week to take over maintenance of a 163-year-old Gonzalez cemetery that no longer has an official caretaker.
It was founded by owner John H. Hamn in 1862, but he died in 1938.
The commission voted to approve the use of public resources and funds to provide maintenance for the cemetery at 2300 East Kingfield Road. The county will also turn to the University of West Florida for assistance from their Archeology Institute
According to paperwork filed with the county, the nearly four-acre cemetery contains 811 graves from 1862 to 2017. The “Find a Grave” website lists the most recent burial as being in late 2023.
Of those, over 100 were listed as unmarked in a 1980 survey. About 79 graves have markings that are illegible or have no inscription, while others are marked with just wood or simple concrete. There are 372 graves marked as historic.
Jordan Cemetery is listed as a Historical Cemetery in the Florida Department of Financial Services master site file. Florida statutes allow the county to take over maintenance of an abandoned cemetery.
This is an update to a story we first brought you on July 9.
Pictured: The Jordan Cemetary on Kingsfield Road, as seen in undated photographs. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
17 Apply For Century Town Administrator Job. Here’s The List. And What Happens Next.
July 11, 2025
Seventeen candidates have applied for the position of Century’s town administrator who will work as the chief operations officer of the town and carry out the mayor and town council’s initiatives. The town administrator will report directly to the elected mayor and work in close coordination with the town council.
The diverse pool of applicants includes five applicants with immediately local area ties – Alan Fowler of Alabama, who currently works with the town as a waster and wastewater consultant, former state representative Dave Murzin, who now owns an economic development consulting firm in Pensacola; Century native Jeff Peacock who recently ran unsuccessfully for Congress; Lisa Rouse, who is operations and marketing manager for two technology firms in Pensacola; and Brian Underwood of Fairhope, who is grants director for Baldwin County (AL) Commission.
The recruitment process has drawn interest from across the country. The applicants bring a wide and diverse range of experience,including municipal management, public safety leadership, economic development expertise, and nonprofit administration.
According to the job description, the salary range for the position is $112,000 to $137,000, with the likely offering salary between the minimum of $112,000 and the midpoint of the range, or about $124,500.
An applicant will be recommended by a selection committee that includes Mayor Ben Boutwell, council members John Bass and Henry Cunningham, interim town manager Howard Brown, and key staff members. Brown has stated that he will not apply for the town administrator position. According to the town charter, the final hiring recommendation to the council must come from the mayor.
The selection committee will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22 for a workshop in town council chambers.
The applicants, listed in alphabetical order are:
- Charles V. Anderson (Saint Petersburg, FL): Anderson is the former city manager for Treasure Island, Florida, where he led disaster recovery efforts and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. With decades of military and local government experience, he specializes in crisis management, infrastructure planning, and personnel leadership.
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Darryl LeTroy Bell (current city unclear): Bell is a former manager with extensive experience in municipal governance, economic development, and public works. He has managed cities such as Palatka, FL, and Muskegon Heights, MI, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, infrastructure improvements, and community revitalization.
- Kelliyah Cherubin (Orlando area, FL): Cherubin is a former admission counselor at Everglades University with experience in case management, community outreach, and nonprofit operations. She holds a Master’s degree in public administration and specializes in stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and event coordination.
- Peter Cavalli (Tampa, FL): Cavalli is the founder of Tampa Bay Training, LLC, and a former town manager for Kenneth City, Florida. He has extensive experience in public works, emergency management, and workforce development, as well as training programs for municipalities and private sector clients.
- George Calvin Dickens III (Savannah, GA): Dickens is a fire safety maintenance inspector for Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus) and a fire engineer for the City of Savannah. He has extensive experience in fire safety, emergency management, and municipal operations, with certifications in fire inspection and hazardous materials handling.
- Timothy J. Day (Cape Coral, FL): A former district manager for multiple Community Development Districts in Florida, Day brings over 30 years of experience in city/town management, law enforcement, and public safety. He has managed utility modernization projects, FEMA disaster recovery efforts, and financial audits for municipalities. He also served as a City Council member in Cape Coral for nine years.
- Roger Allen Fowler (Camden, AL): Currently an area manager for ClearWater Solutions, overseeing water and wastewater operations in Florida and Alabama. As a ClearWater employee, he currently manages Century’s water and wastewater plants and supervises Jay’s wastewater facility. He has 16 years of experience in water/wastewater construction, operations, maintenance, and compliance.
- Nicholas Frigiola (Live Oak, FL): Frigiola is the Community Redevelopment Director for Live Oak, Florida, where he manages multimillion-dollar redevelopment projects and grant funding. He previously served as a Community Redevelopment Officer for the Saint Cloud Police Department and has expertise in public safety and community engagement.
- Derrick Harris (Hot Springs, AR area): Harris serves as Director of the Tri-Lakes Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he manages multimillion-dollar transportation projects and federal grant programs. He has extensive experience in public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure planning.
- Vance Lipsey (Mount Calm, TX): Lipsey is the former City Administrator for Ranger, Texas, where he oversaw municipal operations, strategic planning, and urban development. He has experience managing small-town dynamics and seasonal population fluctuations, as well as implementing infrastructure and community development projects.
- David J. Murzin (Pensacola, FL): Murzin is currently the Director of First Place Partners, representing economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He is a former state fepresentative for Florida. He has extensive experience in legislative leadership, economic development, and disaster recovery, having worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida.
- Jeff Peacock (Pace, FL): Peacock is a mathematics teacher at Navarre High School and a former COO for nonprofit organizations. He has a background in strategic planning, operational management, and public policy, with degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago. A Century native, he was recently an unsuccessful candidate for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
- Tracy D. Roles (OK): Roles is a former city manager for Ada, Oklahoma, and assistant city manager for Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He has over 20 years of experience in municipal government and public safety, specializing in law enforcement, emergency management, and community engagement.
- Lisa Rouse (Pensacola, FL): Rouse is the director of operations and marketing for two technology firms and a public sector consultant. She specializes in financial systems, utility oversight, and personnel development. A Pensacola resident, she is deeply involved in local civic groups and community engagement.
- Jared Schumacher (Taneytown, MD): Schumacher is the grants manager for Westminster Rescue Mission and a former town manager for Boonsboro, Maryland. He has expertise in grant writing, capital improvement projects, and municipal operations, with a focus on financial compliance and public trust restoration.
- Brian Louis Underwood (Fairhope, AL): Currently serving as grants director for Baldwin County Commission, Underwood has managed multimillion-dollar grant programs for infrastructure and disaster recovery. He previously served as executive director of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and has extensive experience in strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental coordination.
- Fred Ventresco (KS): Ventresco is a seasoned municipal manager with over 17 years of experience leading several municipalities. His most recent positions were a “brief, while-needed” position as city administrator in Holecome, Kansas, and town administrator in Pinetops, North Carolina. He has expertise in budgeting, personnel management, infrastructure projects, and emergency preparedness, having served as town administrator in multiple states.
Editor’s note: Information for each applicant is a brief summary taken from more complete resumes, applications and/or cover letters submitted to the Town of Century. Applicant’s information and claims were not independently verified by our staff.
See From The Blue Angels From Coast Guard Ship In The Gulf
July 11, 2025
Thursday was practice day for the Blue Angels at Pensacola Beach, and we are bringing you a unique look at the day — photographed by Perry Doggrell from onboard the USCGC Barbara Mabrity for today’s practice show. That’s the big Coast Guard Ship you see by itself out in the Gulf serving as the center point marker for the entire show.
For the photo gallery, click here.
Friday was the full dress rehearsal for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show. Demonstrations begin at approximately 10:30 a.m., and the Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m.
Saturday is the official Pensacola Beach Air Show on the same time schedule.
Luke Carrico will make his inaugural debut as the voice of the air show on Friday and Saturday, with veteran Paul Entrekin serving as Air Boss for his 32nd year.
Before the official airspace closure, a handful of pre-show flight demonstrations will be overhead starting around 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, including:
- The Black Ducks in WWII-era aircraft.
- Sheldon Heatherington in a Zenith 75 STOL named “Redbird.”
- Gene Valentino in an Icon A-5.
- Tanner Matheny in a 1946 NAvion named “Olivia.”
- Veterans Flight team in their WWII-era Stearman biplanes honoring WWII and Korean War veterans, led by Roy Kinsey.
- HT-18 training helicopters from TAW-5 aboard NAS Whiting Field.
- VT-10 flying T-6 Texans from TAW-6 aboard NAS Pensacola.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demo from a MH-65E Dolphin.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., the official air box will close and the lifeguards will clear the water. Shortly following, hold onto your hats for some mouth-dropping aerial performances!
2025 Official Performers Schedule:
- USAF B-1B Lancer arrives to tease the raw power and speed of the legendary swing-wing bomber.
- Red Bull Air Force team performs the “Presentation of the Colors” by skydiving with the American Flag – landing at show center. Expect aerobatics from helo pilot Aaron Fitzgerald and pilot Kevin Coleman in his Extra 330 SC, too.
- B-1B Lancer comes back for more action and maneuvers to impress.
- RJ Gritter is next overhead, flying a red, white, and blue Decathlon and bringing high-energy aerobatics to Pensacola for the first time.
- The father-son duo of Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will deliver formation thrills and precision flying in their RV-8s.
- Next up, the four-man Titan Aerobatic Team performs synchronized loops and bomb bursts in their WWII-era AT-6 Texans.
- Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitzgerald team up again in a high-adrenaline, two-aircraft routine to finish up with the Red Bull Air Force finale before a short 10-minute water break.
Pictured:The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Take Flight at 2 p.m.
As always, closing out the show at 2 p.m. will be YOUR U.S. Navy Flight Demonstrations Squadron, the Blue Angels. Look to the Gulf horizon as the famous C-130J aircraft, affectionately known as Fat Albert, followed by six signature blue and gold F-18 Super Hornets, make their way over Pensacola Beach.
For the next 45 minutes, spectators will get a glimpse of the Blues’ aeronautic maneuvers like the Diamond Dirty Loop, the Double Farvel, the Vertical Pitch, the Fleur-de-Lis, the Opposing Knife-Edge pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass. These are just a few of the mind-blowing displays of choreographed precision flying the Navy’s flight demonstration team has perfected over the past 79 years.
Know Before You Go
- Drones are strictly prohibited during air show waiver hours.
- Glass is not allowed on the beach.
- Dogs are only permitted at the dog beaches on the island and must remain on leash.
- Help us protect our beach: Please Leave Only Your Footprints.
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach on Thursday as seen from onboard a Coast Guard ship in the Gulf. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Free Summer Lunch Program For Youth Continues At The Library
July 11, 2025
The free summer lunch program for youth at West Florida Public Libraries began June 2 at all locations.
West Florida Public Libraries will be serving free lunch for youth 18 years of age and younger at all library locations Monday through Friday from noon until 1 p.m. A special rural grab-and-go version of the program will be available at the Century and Molino library locations during the same time period.
Disabled individuals 19 years of age and older who participate in a public or private non-profit program during the school year are also eligible to receive meals. This program is sponsored by Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Escambia Commission Votes To Update Ordinances To Say ‘Gulf Of America’
July 11, 2025
Escambia County Commissioners voted Thursday night to change all references in county ordinances from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America.”
There are nearly two dozen ordinances — related to Perdido Key, dog parks, littering, and more — that mentioned “Gulf of Mexico.”
The change follows bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April, which changed “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” in textbooks and state law, and a presidential order from Donald Trump.
“I agree. If you can’t change the hearts and souls of people,” Commissioner Lumon May said, “changing the name of a body of water aint’t going to change the climate.”
“Renaming it to the Gulf of America makes sense to me,” Commissioner Steve Stroberger said. “It’s a simple acknowledgment, to me, of who protects it. It’s us; it’s our gulf. It’s not about erasing history; it’s about who is safeguarding the shore. And it’s America that does.”
The county’s sign welcoming visitors to Pensacola Beach was updated to “Gulf of America” several weeks ago.
Cantonment Man Gets Jail Time From Century Traffic Stop
July 11, 2025
A Cantonment man arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Century earlier this year was sentenced to jail this week in Escambia County Circuit Court.
Javier Diaz George, 27, was sentenced to 180 days in the county jail with credit for one day time served.
On February 6, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless vehicle on North Century Boulevard. Deputies located the vehicle as it pulled into the Century Food Mart, and George walked into the store. A deputy reported smelling the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search located marijuana and methamphetamine in the vehicle, according to an arrest report.
George was charged with possession of methamphetamine and driving with a suspended license as a habitual traffic offender. The drug charge was dropped, but George was convicted on the habitual traffic offender charge after pleading no contest. He was immediately remanded into custody.
Wahoos Win 1-0 Duel with Pitching, Passed Ball
July 11, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
One night after an offensive onslaught and a 16-9 comeback victory, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos won a very different type of game with a dramatic 1-0 pitchers’ duel over the Columbus Clingstones on Thursday night.
Luis Palacios worked 6.0 scoreless innings for the Blue Wahoos, and Landon Harper twirled a career-high 8.0 shutout frames for the Clingstones. In the ninth inning of a scoreless game, Cody Morissette hit a leadoff double against Tyler LaPorte (L, 0-1) and scored from third on a two-out passed ball charged to catcher Tyler Zebrowski.
Nigel Belgrave (W, 4-0), who had already contributed 2.0 scoreless innings to preserve the scoreless tie, came back out for the ninth inning and worked a 1-2-3 frame to lock down the win.
Despite several opportunities, neither team ended up with a hit with runners in scoring position. The Blue Wahoos were 0-for-5 with five men left on base, and the Clingstones were 0-for-9 with nine men left on base.
The Blue Wahoos managed five hits on the night, highlighted by a 2-for-3 performance from Josh Zamora and a sixth-inning single from Michael Snyder that extended the third baseman’s hitting streak to nine games.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Friday.
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall Resigns
July 10, 2025
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall has resigned, effective immediately.
Mayor D.C. Reeves has named Captain Kristin Brown as the acting chief. She is a 29-year veteran of the department and the longest-tenured captain on the force.
The city said Captain Erik Goss will continue to serve as acting deputy chief while Deputy Chief Kevin Christman is on medical leave.
“This is the only statement being provided by the city at this time,” the city said in a release Thursday morning.
Randall was sworn in PPD chief in June 2021 after being selected in a nationwide search.
Randall has previously served as the assistant chief with the Newport News Police Department. He is originally from Pensacola and graduated from Washington High School.
Updated: Arrest Made in Beulah Fatal Shooting Stemming From Dispute
July 10, 2025
An arrest has been made in a shooting that killed a man Wednesday evening in Beulah.
Randy Lee Pierce, age 49 of Frank Reeder Road, has been charged with second degree homicide and aggravated assault with a weapon. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning and is being held without bond.
The victim was shot multiple times in the chest around 7:50 p.m. in the 7500 block of Frank Reeder Road near Pepperwood Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO). He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
ECSO deputies responded to reports of a shots fired disturbance and a shooting victim at the scene. The investigation revealed a dispute between Pierce and two victims, identified as a stepfather and stepson, residing on Frank Reeder Road.
According to the stepson, who was allegedly assaulted in the incident, the suspect, Randy Lee Pierce, had been seen recording individuals on motorcycles riding along Frank Reeder Road. The stepson stated that Pierce had previously confronted him about his motorcycle approximately a week prior, an encounter that reportedly ended amicably, according to the ECSO.
On Wednesday night, the stepson observed Pierce recording him again and informed his stepfather (the homicide victim). The two victims then rode their motorcycles towards the intersection of Frank Reeder Road, where they again saw Pierce recording them.
The stepson recounted that the stepfather dismounted his motorcycle and calmly approached Pierce with an extended hand, seemingly attempting to shake hands. However, Pierce, who was reportedly yelling and acting aggressively towards both victims, allegedly displayed a firearm and shot the stepfather multiple times. Pierce then allegedly pointed the firearm at the stepson.
Following the shooting, Pierce reportedly returned to his home and subsequently left the scene with his wife, who later contacted ECSO at a nearby Circle K convenience store.
Pierce provided a different account to authorities, claiming he acted in fear. However, the ECSO stated that two independent witnesses present at the scene corroborated parts of the stepson’s statement. These witnesses stated they observed the stepfather attempting to shake Pierce’s hand, which Pierce refused. They also heard someone yell, “I’m going to whoop your ass,” though they could not identify who made the statement due to the distance. The witnesses observed Pierce display a firearm and shoot the stepfather, continuing to fire even after the victim had fallen to the ground.
The Sheriff’s Office stated investigators confirmed that when the homicide victim was shot, he was on the county road, not on Pierce’s property.
Escambia Westgate Staffer Selected To Attend Legislative Summit In Washington
July 10, 2025
An Escambia Westgate staff member has been selected to attend the Special Education Legislative Summit 2025 later this month in Washington.
Lucy Waters is an instructional behavioral assistant at Westgate. She is currently enrolled in the ParaToTeacher scholarship program through UWF, which is designed to remove financial barriers for paraprofessionals who want to earn a degree in exceptional student education.
As part of the program, Waters was selected to attend the summit in the nation’s capital from July 13-16. She will have many opportunities to speak with different legislators about the importance of funding for Exceptional Education. Waters said she is excited to go and “carry the voices of all my colleagues and students to the people that make changes happen.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.