Northview High Construction Academy Students Build Bat Houses For Town Of Century
February 3, 2026
Students in the Northview High School Building Construction Academy recently constructed 30 bat boxes for the Town of Century. The new structures are designed to provide a safe habitat for local bats, which have been causing issues and risking damage to municipal equipment.
We will share more photos and details once the houses are officially installed and in use.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Postseason Ends For Tate And Northview Girls Basketball
February 3, 2026
Postseason hopes came to an end on Monday night for both the Tate and Northview girls basketball teams with district tournament losses.
In 6A District 1, No. 2 Niceville defeated the No. 7 Tate Lady Aggies 74-14. Up next, No. 1 Navarre will play No. 4 Crestview, and Niceville will take on No. 3 Milton.
In Rural Class District 1, No. 3 Laurel Hill beat No. 6 Northview 78-15 in Bratt. On Wednesday, No. 1 Jay will take on No. 5 Baker, and Laurel Hill advances to play No. 2 Paxton.
Pictured: Northview traveled to Tate earlier this season, with Tate winnin 56-20. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reported ‘Possible Torpedo’ Recovered Near Escambia County Boat Launch; Here’s What It Really Was
February 3, 2026
A reported “possible torpedo” was discovered near an Escambia County boat ramp on Monday, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but it was not a torpedo.
The ECSO Dive Team responded around 10 a.m. to the Mahogany Mills Boat Ramp on Bayou Chico after a report that the possible torpedo was discovered near the pier.
The area was secured, and the Bomb Squad/Explosive Incident response team and the Hurlburt Field Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded.
“The torpedo was safely removed from the water,” ECSO said in a statement. “We appreciate the quick coordination between agencies and remind the public that if you encounter any suspicious or unfamiliar objects, do not touch them and immediately contact law enforcement.”
The object was later determined to be an old inert training munition — a practice bomb.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Six More Weeks Of Winter? North Escambia Weather Ducks See Shadow
February 2, 2026
On this Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous groundhog, and the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks have the same winter predictions.
Folklore says that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, it means six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting more winter up in Pennsylvania.
We did not have a groundhog handy for a photo, but we did have the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks. Just like their more famous Pennsylvania weather buddy, the ducks saw their shadows late this morning at our office, predicting six more weeks of winter in North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Explains $10.47 Per Month Garbage Rate Increase
February 2, 2026
For the first time in decades, a new solid waste provider will be collecting garbage and yard trash in Century, and some local residents are crying foul about a monthly rate increase over $10 for residents.
Residents were paying the town $27.44 for a single pickup per week from Republic Services, along with yard and bulk waste collection by the town on a somewhat irregular schedule. Under the new provider, Waste Pro, residents will pay the town $37.91, or $10.47 more per month. Yard waste will be collected on Tuesday in the cart with a black lid, and garbage will be collected on Fridays in the carts with the blue lid.
Friday, NorthEscambia.com held a phone conference with Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, Administrator Dave Murzin, and Clerk Carrie Moore to find out the reason for the 38% rate hike.
The biggest reason? The town said it lost $51,000 during the last fiscal year with Republic Services. The town’s “Garbage Fund” is not designed to be a money-maker, but losing money is irresponsible, officials said.
Without accepting bids, Century had continued for three decades to renew an agreement with annual increases with Republic. But in 2025, the town decided to seek an updated agreement or a new provider. Two proposals were received and ranked, with Waste Pro scoring 93.5 and Republic 72.3 out of a possible 100.
“Republic was just going to give us garbage pickup,” Boutwell said. “Waste Pro came back with garbage pickup, and also yard waste and then bulk pickup quarterly.”
It’s that bulk and yard waste collection that was really costing the town, and causing concern with a 25-year-old grapple truck and the potential inability to find parts for any timely repair that was needed.
“We were constantly doing repairs to it, and a new (grapple) truck would cost $200,000 or $300,000,” the mayor said.
“Now we don’t have to worry about the wear and tear of a truck and paying a driver with a CDL,” he said. “And keeping our employees working in the field instead of driving a truck on Thursday.” In addition, the town will save the fees that were being paid at the landfill to dump the bulk and yard waste.
Under the new agreement with Waste Pro and a higher cost to the citizens, the town projects breaking even, but not making a profit.
Boutwell said he’s been inundated with calls and visitors at town hall, around town, and even at his home, with residents expressing concern about the increased garbage rates.
“We understand that people don’t like change, but sometimes change is for the good,” he said. “But when they understand what’s going on, they know it’s for the good.”
Murzin clarified that residents can turn in their second can, which is for yard waste, but there is no discount.
“We will take the yard waste can if they don’t want it in their yard,” Moore said. “But they are not going to get a discount.”
“We’ve heard a lot of ‘we are just going to burn the leaves and the tree limbs’ and that sort of thing,” Murzin said, adding there is a burn ordinance in the town.
For more information on the new waste service in Century, click here for a previous story.
For complete information from Waste Pro services in Century, click here (pdf).
Tate Lady Aggies Prepare For Upcoming Softball Season (With Rosters)
February 2, 2026
Tate Lady Aggies Softball held a welcome dinner recently at CrossFaith Church in Molino.
Preseason play for the Lady Aggies begins next week.
Team members are:
VARSITY
Jordyn Banks
Kayleigh Burt
Gracyn Campbell
Aubree Gorum
Kaylie Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell
Brelynn Morris
Carmen Morris
Emorie Nelson
Mykamia Padgett
Kierstyn Phillips
Taylor Robinson
Madison Smillie
Ke’Anna Smith
Peyton Wilson
JUNIOR VARSITY
Berkley Anderson
Mikala Foster
Khloe Gibson
Novalee Hudgens
Tessa Kendrick
Faith Middleton
McKynleigh Montano
Bailey Parden
Melanie Ramirez
Kaylyn Relstab
Alaina Ritchey
Aubrie Romero
Kaitlyn Stefanko
Cantonment Garage Destroyed By Fire
February 2, 2026
Fire destroyed a garage Saturday afternoon in Cantonment.
The fire in the 3500 block of Wiggins Lane was reported around 4:45 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find the structure engulfed in flames.
David Uebelsteadt, a local race car driver and mechanic, said the entire shop was a total loss. A wooden boat was also destroyed.
There were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
February 2, 2026
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – Drivers may encounter outside lane closures on Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297) southbound, between Detroit Boulevard and Wilde Lake Boulevard, Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Thursday, Feb. 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for roadway widening operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on I-110, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- I-10 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for guardrail installation.
- S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Feb. 1, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Feb. 1, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I- 110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Feb. 1, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
- Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for ECUA water main upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at C Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Feb. 1 through Friday, Feb. 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge construction activities. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Feb. 1:
- Intermittent lane closures may occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive for construction at the North Palafox Street overpass. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 173 (Blue Angel Parkway) Coring Operations from Gulf Beach Highway to Blue Angel Lane – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 2 through Thursday, Feb. 5 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for coring operations.
- S.R. 295 (North Navy Boulevard) Turn Lane Operations near S.R. 292 (Barrancas Avenue) – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for turn lane operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Routine Maintenance South of Hyde Park Road – Motorists may encounter a traffic shift Friday, Jan. 30 through the end of Feb. 2026 for routine maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 (Stewart Street) City of Milton Mardi Gras Parade – Motorists will encounter a road closure from Raymond Hobbs Street to Elva Street Saturday, Jan. 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the City of Milton Mardi Gras Parade.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, Feb. 1, through Friday, Feb. 6 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) –Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over East Bay - Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 2 through Friday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for construction operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Florida Gas Prices Reach Six-Week Highs
February 2, 2026
Florida gas prices climbed again last week, according to AAA. The state average increased 9 cents per gallon, hitting a weekly high of $2.93 per gallon on Friday. While prices dipped slightly heading into the weekend, motorists are still paying the highest pump prices seen in the past six weeks.
Despite the recent uptick, Florida drivers are still paying less than they did a year ago. Sunday’s state average of $2.91 per gallon is 5 cents more than last week, 5 cents more than last month, and 17 cents less than this time last year.
In Escambia County, the average was $2.66 per gallon.
“Florida gas prices are inching higher as global oil markets react to geopolitical tensions, tightening fuel supplies, and growing optimism about future fuel demand,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “These factors have pushed oil and gasoline futures upward, and when combined with Florida’s normal pattern of price cycling, they’ve contributed to the recent uptick at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Two Escambia County Tax Preparers Indicted In Fraudulent Tax Return Scheme
February 2, 2026
Two Escambia County tax preparers are facing federal charges for an alleged fraudulent tax return scheme.
D’ontrinique K. Johnson, formerly known as D’ontrinique K. Wilkerson, 30, and Tequilla D. Nairn, formerly known as Tequilla D. Robinson, 37, were indicted in federal court for one count of conspiracy to aid or assist in preparation of false tax returns and to steal government money and three counts of filing false tax returns. Nairn has additionally been charged with one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud. Both are set for trial in March.
If convicted, Johnson faces up to five years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count and up to three years’ imprisonment for each count related to filing a false tax return.
If convicted, Nairn faces up to five years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count, up to three years’ imprisonment for each count related to filing a false tax return, a mandatory consecutive two years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the wire fraud count.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.