Century Explains Financial Issues To Florida Legislative Auditing Committee
March 29, 2025
The Town of Century has filed a response to an inquiry form the Florida Legislature’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) requesting answers regarding findings from its last three years of audits.
The committee is established under rules of the Florida Legislature with a membership that includes members from the House and Senate. It has responsibilities that are designed to provide continuous oversight of government operations, in part, through the auditing and review activities of the Auditor General.
Specifically, the JLAC requested a response regarding audit findings that identified issues with cash management, account reconciliation, capital asset tracking, and the town’s overall financial condition.
In a written response to JLAC, interim mayor Alicia Johnson said the town acknowledge the findings, and “is actively implementing corrective actions to address them and ensure long-term financial stability.”
The letter included a corrective action plan:
Audit Finding: The town experienced issues with inadequate funds for customer deposits and debt service reserves in the Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: The Town has taken steps to rectify the situation. Officials have implemented a monthly cash flow analysis to better track and manage the fund’s resources. Additionally, the Town is exploring potential rate adjustments to ensure the long-term stability of the Natural Gas Fund and is actively working to meet all debt service obligations. The report also indicated that funds will be transferred from the State Board of Administration to cover customer deposits and debt service requirements
Audit Finding: The town failed to properly reconcile multiple general ledger accounts, resulting in audit adjustments.
Town Response: The town has already taken corrective action in this area, implementing and continuing monthly reconciliations of multiple general ledger accounts. Acknowledging past staffing challenges, the town is currently conducting staff training aimed at enhancing the accuracy of financial reporting. Officials anticipate full resolution of this issue by the end of the current fiscal year, FY 2024-25.
Audit Finding: Due to leadership turnover, capital asset records were not properly maintained
Town Response: To address this, the town has initiated a comprehensive inventory of all assets and has established new tracking procedures. Officials anticipate having all assets accurately recorded and appropriately tagged by June 2025.
Audit Finding: The town continues to experience financial challenges, including deficit net positions in the General Fund and Natural Gas Fund.
Town Response: To address these broader financial concerns, the Town is actively implementing a financial recovery plan. This plan encompasses measures such as expenditure reductions, debt restructuring, and strategies for revenue enhancement. The Town is also considering an operating transfer for interfund loans with the goal of moving the affected funds towards a positive fund balance and a positive net position.
The town also included responded to the state with a “Strategic Initiatives for Improved Financial Oversight“.
The plan included:
- The town council contracted with the Local Government Consulting Group in December 2023. The municipal management consulting firm, with experience across multiple states including Florida, was tasked with developing a strategic plan to help the Town address the financial and operational issues identified in the 2022 audit.
- The town council discussed the potential benefits of hiring a full-time finance director and town administrator at their meeting on December 3, 2024. While a final decision was not reached, there was agreement on the potential efficiency of combining these roles into a single town administrator/finance director position.
- To formalize this approach, a proposed ordinance establishing the position of town administrator (who would also serve as finance director) is scheduled for discussion by the town council. This ordinance would pave the way for the town to hire a full-time administrator with a specific focus on financial oversight, utilizing the findings of the FY 2022-23 audit as a guide for direct action and improvement.
“The Town of Century remains committed to implementing sustainable solutions that strengthen its financial management practices and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations,” Johnson concluded.
Escambia County Man Charged With Dog Fighting, Animal Cruelty
March 29, 2025
An Escambia County man was arrested in connection with a dog fight operation on Friday.
Jerney Purifoy was charged with animal fighting and cruelty towards animals. He was released from the Escambia County Jail Friday on a $15,000 bond.
He was arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office working on conjunction with Escambia County Animal Welfare. The ECSO SWAT team served a search warrant at his home.
During the search, the ECSO said they located evidence of dog fighting to include IV bags, wound care paraphernalia, training manuals, a rifle and a handgun.
The dogs were previously seized by Escambia County Animal Welfare.
ECSO said the investigation is ongoing. They are asking anyone with more information contact them at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Molino Library Hosts Community Cross Stitch Class
March 29, 2025
The Molino Library hosted a cross-stitch class Friday evening for participants.
The free class was open to all ages and skill levels and explored the art of cross stitching and introduced new techniques.
Another class will be held on April 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center. All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! This event offers a great opportunity to unwind, be creative, and connect with fellow crafters.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay Slides Past Northview 5-3 (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2025
The Northview Chiefs fell 5-3 Friday night in Bratt.
Jax Lowery pitched a complete game win for the Royals, surrendered seven hits and five runs over seven innings, walking two and recording three strikeouts. Jase Portwood went a complete game for Northview, giving up 10 hits and three runs (one earned), walking one and striking out eight.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Brady Godwin led Jay at the plate with three RBIs, going 2-3 for the night, while Clay Norris had two hits.
Braynt Mason led at bat for Northview with two RBIs, and Brady Smith went 2-4.
Up next, Northview will be at West Florida on Tuesday, and Jay will host T.R. Miller on Monday.
In JV action Friday, Northview played to a 4-4 tie after seven innings.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Kara Wine Homers As Tate Slips To Milton
March 29, 2025
The Tate Lady Aggies fell short 4-3 Friday night against the Milton Panthers in Milton.
Senior Kara Wine hit a solo home run to center field in the top of the fifth. On the night, Wine led Tate with two RBIs as she went 2-3. Kaylie Mitchell, Madison Smilie, and Jordan Smith added one hit each.
Jordan Smith took the loss for the Aggies in six innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out five.
Next Week, Tate will travel to Crestview on Monday, before hosting Niceville on Thursday and West Florida in the Strike Out Cancer game on Friday at 7:00.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Conecuh Sausage Is Not Shutting Down Production, But They Are Moving
March 28, 2025
You may have seen the social media posts, and quite frankly it’s shocking to fans in North Escambia and beyond.
“Conecuh Sausage closing Conecuh processing plant” is the headline in the local weekly Evergreen Courant newspaper on Thursday. And a photo is blowing up on social media.
But the headline and small clipping shared on social media does not tell the whole story until you follow the “jump” — that’s the old style newspaper newspaper lingo “See Page 3″ thing.
The rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say (since we are talking old school), is that Conecuh Sausage is moving their production a few miles down Highway 84 to Andalusia — which means Conecuh Sausage, will technically be made in Covington County not Conecuh County. And no, the name is not changing.
Let’s talk a little history first…Conecuh Sausage was first started n 1947 in downtown Evergreen, later moving to their current location at I-65 in 1986 before an expansion there in 2012. They later opened a gift shop at the I-65 location — with Conecuh Sausage ready on the roller to make your own Conecuh dogs.
So what is Conecuh Sausage?
If you have to ask, bless your heart, you must be kinda new in these parts. It is pronounced “cah-NECK-ah”, and it’s a southern as sweet tea, grits, Sundays at grandma’s, and humidity.
Conecuh Sausage is way of life in the South. Ask anybody ,and y’all will quickly find out the juicy hickory smoked goodness of Conecuh Sausage is a favorite — roasted, grilled, pan-fried and, if desperate, even microwaved.
It is a way of life.
It used to be a part of care packages sento family and real friends across the nation, but now it’s available most everywhere across the USA at the big box stores.
The are varieties including the red label, the blue label “Original”, cracked black pepper, spicy & hot, Cajun and even a MSG-free all natural. The Conecuh hickory smoked items include, turkey, hams, bacon and hot dogs. The hot dogs are good, but a pro-tip….throw some Conecuh on a the grill and serve it on a bun (some say a slightly less than fresh bun from the Piggly Wiggly is best) with grilled peppers and onions, and you’ll never go back.
Can we still buy it?
Yep. The gift shop in Evergreen will stay open, but the production plant will be moving to a brand new $58 million 120,000 square foot processing facility in Andalusia. The new plant will be about twice as large as the Evergreen facility. Once they are up an running, they’ll start making plants for a second retail location in Andalusia.
You’ll still be able to buy Conecuh at your favorite store before, during and after the move. And all of the employees in Evergreen have been offered jobs at the new plant, which ie expected to employ about 50 people.
Why are they shutting down the Evergreen plant?
The newer, larger facility in Andalusia will simply be better and safer. The Evergreen facility will close in early June, with production shifting to Covington County.
“The decision for facility closure was not made lightly,” the family-owned company said in a letter his week to the Evergreen mayor. “The new facility was originally expected to be an expansion as a secondary facility but in light of changes in the food industry and the age of the current facility, the management team at Conecuh Sausage determined a full facility shut down and relocation was the best decision. It is a company’s responsibility to maintain their facility in good working order and to recognize when an older facility is reaching the limits of its capability to be responsibly maintained.
“The new facility has been completely developed around the newest designs and technologies for current food safety standards. While the current facility has been well maintained and served well over the years, all good things change and improve over time.”After much thought, research, and discussion, it was determined that attempting to modify the current, older facility to meet new food safety designs is simply not an option.”
Celebration Of Life Service Today For Coach Hugh Fountain
March 28, 2025
Funeral service have been set for former Escambia Academy headmaster and head football coach, and current W.S. Neal coach Hugh Fountain. He passed away Monday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
A celebration of life service will be held from 4-7 p.m. today, March 28, at W.S. Neal High School. The visitation will begin at the entrance to the fieldhouse and proceed onto the football field where condolences can be offered to the family. A service will follow at 7 p.m.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 29.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coach Hugh Fountain Scholarship Fund, 702 Greenlawn Circle, Flomaton, AL 36441, to continue his legacy of helping student-athletes achieve their dreams.
For the complete obituary, click here.
State Fire Marshal Investigating Backwoods Road Fire
March 28, 2025
A fire that destroyed a structure near Century Thursday night us under investigation.
Escambia County Fire Rescue freighters arrived to find the structure fully involved in the 800 block of Backwoods Road. The structure, which was reportedly a residence, was already burned halfway to the ground.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was caused to investigation. There were no injuries reported in the fire, which was reported at 10:19 p.m.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Rescue, the Florida Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Jacket Jamboree, Easter Egg Drop And Livestock Show Are Saturday In Molino
March 28, 2025
The Blue Jacket Jamboree returns on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Escambia County 4-H Property in Molino. Running from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., this family-friendly event, hosted by the Northview FFA Alumni & Friends, promises a day filled with entertainment, agriculture, and community engagement.
The Jamboree will feature about 25 vendors, offering a variety of crafts, and local goods. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, organized by Cruisers’ Unlimited, with an antique tractor displays this year. Kids will love the free egg drop (bring your own basket), beginning at 11 a.m., as well as the dedicated kids zone, which closes at 2:00 p.m.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree celebrates Northview FFA’s dedication to agricultural education and youth development, bringing together the community for a fun and educational experience.
Admission and parking are free. The Escambia County 4-H Property is located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino, just south of Molino Road.
In conjunction with the Jamboree, the Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show. will take place Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, featuring youth exhibitors showcasing poultry, rabbits, pigs, steers, heifers, goats, and lambs. The show schedule includes:
Livestock – Friday, March 28
- 1:00 PM – Poultry Show
- 2:30 PM – Beef Breeding Show
- 5:15 PM – Poultry Skillathon
- 5:30 PM – Swine Skillathon
Livestock – Saturday, March 29
- 9:00 AM – Market Swine Show
- 10:00 AM – Rabbit Show
- 11:30 AM – Market Steer Show
- 1:00 PM – Goat & Lamb Show
- 2:30 PM – Preview Steer Show
- 4:00 PM – Poultry, Market Goat & Lamb Auction
- 5:00 PM – Steer & Swine Auction
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Stick It To Cancer: WFHS Lacrosse Gets Past Tate 7-6 (With Gallery)
March 28, 2025
The West Florida Jaguars girls lacrosse team defeated the Tate Aggies 7-6 Thursday night in a “Stick it to Cancer Game” in Tate’s Pete Gindl Stadium.
All proceeds — including ticket sales and concessions — will be donated to the American Cancer Society. There were also four gift baskets auctioned off to benefit the fight against cancer.
Up next, West Florida will be at Pensacola High on Friday at 6 p.m. Friday, and Tate will travel to PHS on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
