See A Wild Turkey? FWC Wants You To Report The Sighting
June 9, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking Florida residents and visitors to report all sightings of wild turkeys between now and Aug. 31. This includes hens, poults (newly hatched wild turkeys) and gobblers.
Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a broader multi-state initiative aimed at better understanding the reproductive success and abundance of wild turkeys. This survey helps determine wild turkey nesting success, poult survival, and population distribution and abundance, which is crucial information that FWC biologists need to manage and sustain healthy wild turkey populations for years to come.
Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state, and nests typically begin to hatch in late spring and continue into the summer. However, nesting success can vary each year based on several factors, including weather conditions, predation and habitat quality. Fluctuations in nesting success and poult survival can strongly influence wild turkey populations. By reporting wild turkey sightings, Floridians and visitors can help biologists estimate population metrics at statewide and regional levels.
To learn more and start reporting, visit MyFWC.com/TurkeySurvey.
Two Correctional Inmates Assaulted Century Correctional Staff Members, FDC Says
June 9, 2026
Two Century Correctional staff members were assaulted by inmates in two unrelated incidents, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Lamon E. Robinson, 24, assaulted a staff member by grabbing them, according to the FDC. The staff member was not injured.
Robinson is serving a two-year sentence for robbery out of Duval County.
Inmate John W. Lance, 45, assaulted a staff member by striking them, according to the FDC. The staff member was not injured.
Lance is serving a three-year sentence out of Escambia County for possession of methamphetamine.
Pictured: Inmate Lamon Robinson (left) and John Lance (right).
UPDATE: Boil Water Notice Remains In Effect For Freedom Road In Century
June 8, 2026
UPDATE: This boil water notice was lifted Wednesday night, June 10.
A boil water notice issued last Thursday by the Town of Century for all of Freedom Road, including the Camellia Garden Apartments, remains in effect. Town officials said on Monday that it should be lifted by Wednesday.
The boil water notice was issued due to a broken water main.
As a precaution, the town advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used. Residents are also advised to take precautions when bathing, especially immunocompromised individuals, infants, or the elderly.
A loss in system pressure could cause back siphonage of contaminants, such as e. coli bacteria, into the water system. water containing E. coli bacteria can be considered safe for drinking and cooking after vigorously boiling the water. Disease symptoms caused by these bacteria may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headache and fatigue. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for e. coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water must be free of these bacteria.
The water system is currently collecting samples to determine if the presence of E. coli bacteria exists within the water system. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
Anyone with question should call the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted, which may be Saturday.
Flomaton Man Killed In Monday Morning Crash Near Century
June 8, 2026
A 20-year-old Flomaton man was killed in a single-vehicle crash just outside of Century on Monday morning.
The car was traveling southwest on Fannie Road when the driver lost control in a curve and left the roadway to the south. The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver overcorrected, striking a tree. The vehicle went through a metal fence, hit another tree, and then rotated, coming to rest on its passenger side leaning against a house and catching fire.
Arriving firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the small engine compartment fire before it spread to the remainder of the vehicle or the house.
“The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. He was pinned under the car. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.” FHP said. “Family arrived on scene and (were) notified.”
There were no other occupants in the vehicle, and no other injuries reported.
For additional photos, click here.
The house sustained minor damage, with the front porch shifted by the crash.
The Century, Molino and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Newman’s Ambulance, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Flomaton Police Department were among those that responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Qualifying Week For Three Century Town Council Seats Begins Monday
June 8, 2026
Three Century Town Council seats will appear on the 2026 ballot, with candidates required to qualify by noon on Friday.
The seats up for election this year are:
- Seat 3: Held by incumbent Shelisa Abraham. She prefiled for the seat last September, but must complete the qualification process this week.
- Seat 4: Held by incumbent John Bass.
- Seat 5: Held by incumbent Sparkie Harrison.
The official qualifying period will begin at noon, Monday, June 8, and end at noon, Friday, June 12. Qualifying takes place at the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in Pensacola, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. A special in-person qualifying event will be held on June 10 from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Century Town Hall, 7995 North Century Boulevard.
If three or more candidates qualify for a seat on the Century Town Council, the seat will appear on the primary election ballot on August 18. Any required runoff election, along with the election for seats with just two candidates, will be during the general election on November 3.
If there is only one qualified candidate for a seat, that person will be deemed elected. Council seat 1, held by Dynette Lewis, and Council seat 2, held by Henry Cunningham, will appear on the 2030 ballot, along with the office of mayor.
The term of office for the mayor or a council seat in Century is four years.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Tax Collector Office Wins Statewide Donate Life Photo Contest Award
June 8, 2026
The Escambia County Tax Collector Molino office won the Donate Life Florida Small Offices public vote photo contest.
Driver’s license offices across Florida participated in the National Donate Life Month campaign, “Leave a Legacy.” As part of this campaign, offices brought the theme to life by creating meaningful displays, many featuring trees and leaves, to symbolize how one donor can create a lasting impact.
The statewide contest was an effort to increase awareness for Donate Life while also fundraising for organ and tissue donation education.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
We Are A Week Into Hurricane Season: Here Are The Predictions And Storm Names
June 8, 2026
Monday marks the start to the second week of hurricane season, and forecasters are predicting a below normal number of storms in 2026.
NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
The famed Colorado State University forecast is for 13 named storms (tropical storms and hurricanes), of which they anticipate six to become hurricanes and two to become major (Category 3, 4, or 5) hurricanes. These numbers are below the long-term seasonal average of 14, seven and three, respectively.
The Atlantic season is expected to be below-normal due to competing factors. El Niño is expected to develop and intensify during the hurricane season, while ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are expected to be slightly warmer than normal and trade winds are likely weaker than average. El Niño conditions tend to support less tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
Here are the names for the 2026 hurricane season:
Pictured below: Visible satellite image of Hurricane Ida approaching land in the Gulf of Mexico at 4:10 a.m. on August 29, 2021.
Hydroplaning Semi-Truck Crashes Into Median, Blocking I-10 Westbound
June 8, 2026
A jackknifed semi truck and trailer completely shut down I-10 in Escambia County on Sunday morning.
It happened around 7 a.m. on I-10 westbound near the West Nine Mile Road exit. The Florida Highway Patrol said the semi, driven by a 31-year-old Houston man, hydroplaned and ran off the roadway, striking the concreate median barricade.
The truck and trailer blocked both westbound lanes of the interstate. Authorities diverted all westbound traffic off the interstate onto West Nine Mile Road.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Championships And All-Stars Wins Highlight Century Youth Ball Weekend
June 8, 2026
The Century Baseball Association brought home several tournament wins over the weekend.
In baseball action, the 8U and 10U teams competed in the USSSA Region 11 All-Star tournament. Severe weather disrupted play, ultimately preventing the teams from finishing their championship games or taking post-game photographs. Tournament officials determined the final standings based on tournament seeding.
Because both Century teams held the number one seed when play was halted, the Burkett 8U squad was named the Gold Bracket Champions, and the Smith/Little 10U squad earned the Silver Bracket Championship. Both teams have advanced to the state tournament in Oxford, Alabama.
The association’s softball divisions also completed their All-Star tournament runs over the weekend.
The 8U softball team finished in third place. A highlight of their tournament included an over-the-fence, walk-off grand slam hit by Kenzie Burkett to secure a victory.
The 10U softball team earned a second-place finish, while the 16U baseball team placed third in the competitive “A” bracket.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Decline For The Second Week
June 8, 2026
Florida gas prices declined for the second consecutive week, giving drivers continued relief after a sharp run-up earlier this spring, according to AAA. The state average has declined 72 cents per gallon over the past 18 days.
Sunday’s state average of $3.80 per gallon was 27 cents less than a week ago, 72 cents less than a month ago, and 69 cents more than this time last year.
Once again, the Pensacola area had the lowest per gallon of any metro area in the state at $3.61 with a low of $3.19 available at a Nine Mile Road warehouse club. Sunday, a low of $3.42 was available in North Escambia at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The recent drop in gas prices follows a sharp decline in oil prices over the past few weeks. Crude prices fell roughly 18% over a two-week period before rising about 4% last week, reflecting continued volatility in the global energy market. Despite the recent downward trend, oil prices remain sensitive to global developments, and short-term increases remain possible. If overnight reports of missile strikes between Israel and Iran contribute to higher oil prices, gas prices could rise as a result.