DeSantis Slashes Over $3.4 Million In Funding For Escambia Public Safety, Century Wastewater
June 30, 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis line-item vetoed items totaling $810 million when he signed Florida’s $117.6 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget on Monday, including a wastewater project in Century and public safety for Escambia County.
DeSantis vetoed:
- Escambia County Hazardous Materials Regional Emergency Response Vehicle — $1.35 million. It was intended to be a regional response vehicle used across multiple counties.
- Escambia County Station Management System — $1.05 million. The advanced management system would have been used in all staffed fire stations.
- Escambia County 911 Dispatch Communication Improvements — $700,000. The project would have replaced outdated 911 dispatch consoles.
- Century Inflow and Infiltration Study — $315,000. The study was to be aimed at problem areas in the system to reduce wastewater flow at the town’s wastewater treatment plant.
Other Escambia County and Century funding requests never made the budget and were not funded:
- Escambia County Radio System Upgrade — $38 million. Escambia County requested $38 million to replace the county’s aging P25 UHF radio system with a modern 800 MHz trunked platform. The upgrade would have renewed all hardware and software for fire, EMS, law enforcement, transit, and public works, in addition to improving interoperability with regional partners during major incidents and planned events. “The 2012 system nears end-of-life in 2030, and failure may risk public safety,” the appropriations request stated.
- Century WWTP Motor Control — $1.061 million center. The Town of Century requested $1.061 million for a wastewater treatment plant motor control center (MCC) replacement. The town said parts on the current MCC routinely fail, and the age of the system makes it difficult to find replacement parts. The MCC replacement is a requirement set forth by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
RELATED: DeSantis Inks $117.6 Billion State Budget
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Inks $117.6 Billion State Budget, Trims $810 Million With Vetoes
June 30, 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a $117.6 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 on Monday, June 29, 2026, utilizing nearly $810 million in line-item vetoes to reduce overall spending.
According to the governor’s office, the final spending plan marks the fourth consecutive year of declining state spending while maintaining substantial funding for education, infrastructure, and environmental programs.
“The FY 2026-2027 Budget I signed today reflects the core priorities I laid out from the beginning,” DeSantis said in a statement. “This budget protects taxpayers’ interests, cuts spending for the fourth year in a row, and makes meaningful investments to build on Florida’s successes in education, public safety, environmental conservation, infrastructure, cancer research, and more.”
Key Spending and Allocations
- Education: The budget allocates a historic $30 billion for the K-12 public school system, raising per-student funding to $9,338—an increase of $150 over the previous year. It includes $1.56 billion designated for teacher and instructional personnel salary increases.
- Environment: A total of $1.2 billion is earmarked for Everglades restoration and water quality initiatives. This includes $665 million dedicated specifically to Everglades restoration projects and $396 million for targeted water quality improvements across local water systems.
- Infrastructure: The state transportation work program will receive $14.4 billion to construct and maintain Florida’s transit network, including $4.9 billion allocated for highway construction and maintenance.
Tax Relief Measures
The budget incorporates several targeted tax reductions, including a permanent Back-to-School tax holiday and permanent exemptions on disaster preparedness items.
Additionally, the plan institutes a second consecutive “Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday” running from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The holiday applies to the retail sale of firearms, ammunition, camping supplies, and fishing equipment, and is projected to reduce state sales tax revenue by $40 million.
The budget also establishes a sales tax refund program of up to $500 per eligible residential property for impact-resistant windows and doors purchased between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2029, aimed at encouraging home hardening against severe weather.
DeSantis emphasized the administration’s fiscal approach, stating that the state has “delivered billions in tax relief to families while making historic investments in the priorities that matter most to Floridians.”
With the final approvals and line-item vetoes completed, the budget will take effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
Molino Mid-County Historical Society Presents Scholarships
June 30, 2026
The Molino Mid-County Historical Society recently presented four scholarships to graduating 2026 seniors.
The scholarships were presented to:
- Tucker Padgett — $1,000
- Brooke Holland — $1,000
- Aiden Crabtree — $500
- Kaylie Mitchell — $500
The scholarships were presented by Sarah Jenness, president of the Molino Mid-County Historical Society.
Pictured above: (L-R) Scholarship recipients Brooke Holland, Kaylie Mitchell, Aiden Crabtree, and Tucker Padgett with Sarah Jenness, president of Molino Mid-County Historical Society. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Reckless Murder Of 15-Year Old Brewton Girl
June 30, 2026
An 18-year-old East Brewton man has been charged with murdering a 15-year-old girl Sunday night in Brewton.
William Sanders, 18, of East Brewton, is charged with reckless murder for the death of 15-year-old Alexa Marky of Brewton.
Brewton Police responded to a residence on Evergreen Avenue around 7 p.m. for a gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, first responders began rendering aid to Marky, who had suffered a single gunshot wound to the neck. She was transported to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Sanders was detained at the scene and later charged with reckless murder. Additional details have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected the Brewton community. On behalf of the Brewton Police Department, I extend our deepest condolences to Alexa’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The Brewton Police Department remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” BPD Chief Matthew Jordan said.
Tractor-Trailer Crash Shuts Down Beulah Road Monday Afternoon
June 30, 2026
Traffic was blocked on Beulah Road Monday after a tractor-trailer overturned.
It happened just after noon when the tractor-trailer, driven by a 71-year-old Pensacola man, traveled off the east shoulder of the roadway, collided with a utility pole, and overturned onto its right side. There were no other vehicles involved.
Beulah Road was completely blocked by the incident.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Man Wanted For Daycare A/C Theft, $30K Business Metal Theft
June 30, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is calling on the public to help locate a local man wanted on a string of felony charges, including the targeted burglary of a local childcare facility.
Authorities have issued active warrants for 48-year-old Joshua Michael McCay. According to investigators, McCay is the primary suspect in the theft of two air conditioning units from a daycare center located on Mobile Highway.
In addition to the daycare burglary, detectives have linked McCay to a theft at a commercial business on Brigadier Street. Investigators allege that McCay stole and subsequently scrapped approximately $30,000 worth of metal handrails from the property.
McCay is wanted for burglary, larceny, grand theft, and dealing or trafficking in stolen property, fraud, trespassing with the intent to commit an offense, criminal mischief causing property damage, and possession of burglary tools with the intent to use.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
West Bogia Road Collapse Repairs Are Complete (Well, Almost)
June 29, 2026
West Bogia Road repairs are now complete — except for striping.
Crews paved the roadway last Thursday and Friday, and they will soon return for the striping.
On May 31, an estimated six inches of rain fell in a three-hour window near McDavid. While Highway 29 at West Bogia Road was under several feet of water, the roadway completely washed away and collapsed at a culvert intersection.
For more photos of the damage and initial repair work, click here.
The Florida Department of Transportation quickly stepped in to handle the emergency repairs to the county road, replacing the failed 78-inch culvert pipe and rebuilding the crossing with solid concrete headwalls and new base materials.
By mid-June, the road was reopened after most of the repairs were made, but the road could not be paved right way due to daily rainfall.
The emergency repair was made at an estimated cost of $150,000.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Athletic Director Obreonne Parker Wins Prestigious State Sportsmanship Award
June 29, 2026
Northview High School Athletic Director Obreonne Parker has been honored with the prestigious Chris Hixon Exemplary Sportsmanship Award from the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (FIAAA).
Parker is one of only four athletic administrators selected for the honor across the entire state of Florida for 2026, representing FHSAA Section 1.
Presented in conjunction with the goals and missions of the NIAAA, FIAAA, FHSAA, and FACA, the annual award recognizes athletic leaders who have distinguished themselves by promoting and exemplifying the true “Spirit of Sportsmanship” within their schools and communities. One administrator is chosen from each of the state’s four FHSAA sections.
Parker has served as the athletic director for the Northview Chiefs since 2017. 1 Her career at the school spans over two decades. She was also named the Northview High School Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.
Looking Back: The Local Photos And Stories From The Past Week
June 29, 2026
(We are trying a new weekly feature on NorthEscambia.com with a look back at photos and stories from the past week. Tell us what you think in the comments. Would you like to see this continue? How can we improve it?)
This photo gallery highlights some of the most interesting and meaningful images and stories as we look back at the past week in North Escambia.
The highly anticipated ribbon cutting was held for the new Costco on Nine Mile Road on Thursday morning. Hundreds waited in line on day one, while thousands more streamed into the store over the next few days. (Story | Gallery) NorthEscambia.com photo.
Army veteran Duane Brewton of Cantonment passed away at the age of 109. At the time, he was recognized as one of America’s oldest living World War II veterans. He is seen here at his 109th birthday party earlier this year. (Story | Gallery) NorthEscambia.com photo.
A vehicle crashed into the Dollar General on Highway 29 at Neal Road in Cantonment. There were no serious injuries, but it left a hole in the front wall of the retailer. (Story) Photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Readers got a first look at the aftermath of a rising Brushy Creek that destroyed a temporary road to a temporary bridge at a $5.03 million construction site for a new, permanent bridge near Walnut Hill. (Story | Photo gallery) NorthEscambia.com photo.
By early in the week, all Escambia County bridges that had been closed by flooding had reopened. (Story) Photo for NorthEscambia.com
As its lawsuit against the Town of Century continues, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent an inspection team to inspect out the town’s wastewater treatment plant and an out-of-service water well. (Story | Gallery) NorthEscambia.com photos.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos started the second half with a close 4-3 win on the road at the Chattanooga Lookouts. (Story) Photo for NorthEscambia.com.
It was a tough week for local first responders, like these Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighters at a Nine Mile Publix. First responders across the area gave up donuts during the Donut Strike for Manna to fight hunger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Century Correctional Inmate Serving Time For Homicide Assaulted Staff Member, FDC Says
June 29, 2026
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Jimmy Hernandez-Pantoja assaulted a correctional officer by spraying them with an unknown liquid, FDC said.
Hernandez-Pantoja is serving a 20 year sentence for a 2022 Manatee County culpable negligence manslaughter. He is currently set for release in February 2037.