Florida Legislative Auditing Committee Seeks Answers About Town of Century Finances
March 11, 2025
The Florida Legislature’s Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) has voted to direct the Town of Century to provide 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.
“The Committee adopted a motion to direct the Town of Century (Town) to provide a written explanation of the status of corrective action that has been taken (Response) to the Committee,” Sen. Jay Collins, chair of JLAC, wrote in a letter to Century interim Mayor Alicia Johnson.
The letter directs the town to respond to the state committee by April 4 with an explanation for each audit finding reported in the town’s last three years of audits. The town must detail what full corrective action has been taken or explain how and when corrective action will be implemented.
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.
Previous audits have found that Century’s financial condition “demonstrated signs of a deteriorating financial condition,” as defined by Florida statutes.
Members of the JLAC are:
- Sen. Jason Brodeur
- Sen. Tracie Davis
- Sen. Stan McClain
- Sen. Jason W. B. Pizzo
- Sen. Corey Simon
- Sen. Tom A. Wright
- Rep. Kimberly Davis
- Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman
- Rep. Sam Greco
- Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson
- Rep. Rachel Saunders Plakon
- Rep. Taylor Michael Yarkosky
Editor’s note: This vote by the JLAC and the letter to the Town of Century were initiated prior to the town alleging employee theft and is unrelated to the criminal investigation.
Project Provides Free Dictionaries For All Jim Allen Third Graders
March 11, 2025
Members of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Cantonment recently presented new dictionaries to students at Jim Allen Elementary School. Each third grader received their own copy of “A Student’s Dictionary.” The goal of The Dictionary Project is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Recycling Pickup Affected For Some As ECUA Awaits New Trucks
March 11, 2025
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is facing challenges in replacing its aging fleet, and that is leading to recyclables being sent to the landfill for some residents.
ECUA said there has been a problem replacing some of their smaller trucks as they age out with mechanical issues.These smaller trucks are essential for navigating tight roads and dead-end areas where larger vehicles cannot operate.
ECUA ordered replacements in 2022, expecting delivery in 2023, but global supply chain delays have pushed arrival to June 2025. In the meantime, when a smaller truck is out of service, ECUA may need to collect both garbage and recycling using a single vehicle in select areas.
Officials stress that this is a temporary measure and that efforts are underway to minimize disruptions.
“We encourage you to continue practicing good recycling habits whenever possible. Your efforts will be essential in keeping contamination rates low once the new trucks arrive,” ECUA said in a statement.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 11, 2025
The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning before continuing to Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line in a misty morning rain. Runners from Century Correctional Institution carried the torch from south on Highway 29 from the state line to the Century Town Hall with an escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Additional legs of the run took place later in the day in southern half of the county with the ECSO and other law enforcement agencies.
Each year, over 5,000 law enforcement officers from around the state carry the flame to the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The torch will travel over 1,500 miles, through Florida’s 67 counties to the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games with the law enforcement “Guardians of the Flame.”
Pictured: The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics started at the Florida/Alabama state line in Century Monday morning and continued south in Escambia County. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Ladder Truck Arrives For ECFR’s Ensley Fire Station
March 11, 2025
A new Ladder 6 is coming soon to the Ensley Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue (Station 6).
Crews have spent the last several days undergoing orientation training on the new 100-foot aerial.
The ladder truck is not yet in operation but will go into service upon completion renovations of Stations 6, which is known as “The Big House”. It is estimated that the renovations will be complete by the second week of April.
Station 6 was the busiest fire company in Escambia County last year, running about 2,500 calls including over 100 fires. The 24/7 station is also home to Engine 6 and Hazmat 6, and every firefighter assigned to the station is a certified hazardous material technician.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s Interim Mayor Speaks Out Amid $11K Utility Payment Theft Probe
March 10, 2025
Century’s interim mayor is speaking out for the first time since employee theft of over $10,000 was reported and just as the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is beginning to subpoena bank records.
A week ago, the town filed a theft report alleging that nearly $11,000 received from citizens utility bill payments was missing, and the ECSO said there were several persons of interest in the case.
“Century is a small town. They don’t have a lot of employees, so I think the list is pretty short,” ECSO Colonel Mike Ward said. “But again, we want to look at all angles to make sure we cover everything.”
Ward said the missing money includes both cash and checks from at least six deposits that were never made as they should have been. He said the Sheriff’s Office is conducting interviews and will subpoena bank records this week.
Interim Mayor Alicia Johnson provided NorthEscambia.com with the following statement on Sunday:
“The Town of Century remains committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. During a quality review conducted by the Town Clerk’s Office, an irregularity was identified that required further examination.”
To ensure a thorough and impartial review, this matter is currently being assessed and has been forwarded to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. Their office will determine if any employee malfeasance has occurred.”
The Town of Century is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities to facilitate this review. While we understand the public’s interest in this matter, we ask for patience as the process unfolds. As this is an active investigation, no further details can be shared at this time. However, the Town is committed to keeping the community informed as appropriate updates become available.”
We value the trust of our residents and will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in municipal operations.”
Johnson also told us that “the employee(s) found to have mishandled the cash is no longer involved in cash handling at the town.” She added that “the policies and procedures have been updated so that multiple employees verify that all deposits are correct and accounted for.”
The Town of Century collects payments for water, sanitation, and natural gas utilities.
Pictured: The payment window inside the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Donations Provide New Keyboards For Bratt Elementary Students
March 10, 2025
The music program at Bratt Elementary recently received new keyboards.
The keyboard were purchased with donations from the Bratt PTA and the Blues Angel Music Foundation. The students helped assemble the benches and stands for the new Keyboards.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Proposed World Gym Development Won’t Be The End Of Cantonment Pumpkin Patch
March 10, 2025
The proposed development of a new World Gym in Cantonment won’t be the end of a family favorite pumpkin patch, organizers say.
The Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch will mark the 35th year of the annual pumpkin patch on Highway 29 near Neal Road.
As we reported last week, World Gym is proposing to construct a facility on the property, but the men’s group says the new property owner will carve out an area for the pumpkin sale.
The church confirmed that they are in the process of selling the property, but they will keep a small parcel of land for the pumpkins. “In fact, we already have a delivery date for the 2025 pumpkin season.”
“We look forward to seeing our old friends who return every year and the new friends we have yet to meet. See you in the fall and may God bless you all,” the group said in a statement.
Developers have proposed a 30,000-square-foot commercial building on the undeveloped 18.8 acre site. The building at 1275 North Highway 29 will house World Gym’s health and fitness building along with two other spaces that will be leased with 103 parking spaces. The facility’s parking lot with 103 spaces will be accessible from both Neal Road and Highway 29.
The proposal was filed with Escambia County recently and is set for a pre-application meeting with the Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday.
World Gym currently operates a 6,583 square foot gym in a building constructed in 1945 at 110 South Highway 29, at the railroad cross and across from International Paper. The company has not announced if that location will close if the new facility is constructed. There is a second Escambia County location of the international brand on North Ninth Avenue.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC To Host Virtual Meeting This Week On Regulated Black Bear Hunting
March 10, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a virtual public meeting this week to hear comments about potential options for regulated black bear hunting in Florida.
FWC wants to hear from the public about their thoughts on potential options for regulated black bear hunting and has scheduled a virtual public meeting on March 13 beginning at 5 p.m.
Those interested in attending the meeting can join on Teams by going to MyFWC.com/Hunting and clicking “Florida black bear.” The public can also email their comments to BearComments@MyFWC.com.
At its December 2024 Commission meeting, the FWC’s Bear Management Program gave Commissioners a 5-year update on implementing the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan, highlighting recent bear management and research efforts. Following the presentation, the Commissioners directed staff to return to a future Commission meeting to propose options for implementing a potential bear hunt.
Pictured: The black bear, which was spotted near Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment was euthanized by FWC at the nearby Wild Oak Farm Apartments. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Problem Spots
March 10, 2025
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:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) McGuire’s St. Patrick Day 5K Run, Downtown Pensacola – Motorists will encounter a road closure on Gregory Street, Garden Street, and Bayfront Parkway Saturday, March 8 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the St. Patrick Day Run.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 9 through Thursday, March 13, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 6) – The week of Sunday, March 9, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- North Palafox Street, between Hope Drive and Whitehead Drive, will have intermittent daytime lane closures. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- 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.
- A new temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 in Santa Rosa County may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, March 9 through Thursday, March 13 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- 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, March 9, through Friday, March 14, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.