Over $12.5 Million In Projects Underway In Century, Including Freedom Road Bridge Replacement
February 6, 2025
About $12.5 million in grant and loan projects are underway in Century, including the replacement of a bridge on Freedom Road that has been closed for five years.
Freedom Road Bridge
On January 29, 2020, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure. Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or had extreme deterioration.
The town has received $1.297 million to replace the bridge. While there has been obvious work on the bridge over the last five years, the town says the replacement project is actually on schedule.
The current delay is the wait for a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers permit. The design and permitting process for the bridge is currently 90% complete, the town said. Century hopes to put the project out for bid in August and begin construction in December 2025. The anticipated completion date is October 2026.
Lift Stations
A $3,365,175 loan is funding the rehabilitation project is in the works for sewage lift stations at the prison, Century Woods, Highway 4 West, Jefferson Avenue and the lift station at Pond and Jefferson. Equipment is currently being ordered with completion expected by the end of 2025.
The town said they will qualify for a low interest rate and principal forgiveness for most of the $3.365 million.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
A $5,129,476 project is underway the town’s aging wastewater treatment plant. Bid negotiations are complete, and construction should begin in second quarter of 2025 with completion a year later. The town also expects most of this loan principal to be forgiven.
Water Well Rehabilitation
A $468,453 grant funded water wall rehabilitation project is underway at one of the town’s three water wells. The improvements needed at two other wells are currently unfunded.
Water Meter & Service Replacement
A $1.3 million state grant project to replace water lines and meters across the town’s system is underway. Bids were received in mid-January and are under evaluation. Construction is expected to start in March or April with competition by the end of the year.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Celebrates January Leaders Of The Month
February 6, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School celebrated their January Leaders of the Month.
The students showcase the fourth habit of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Habit 4 Think Win-Win.
Lipscomb said the students have “demonstrated exceptional teamwork, kindness, and the ability to create solutions where everyone benefits”.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Sailing With GL52 Southern Series Yachts On Pensacola Bay
February 6, 2025
The GL52 Southern Series will host two, three-day events in March and April in Pensacola. The regattas will be a mix of professional and amateur sailors that will be preparing in the waters off Pensacola the next couple of months.
Six of the 14 GL52 North American fleet teams will race in Pensacola Bay twic over the next couple of month. They will be racing 52-foot yachts that a are operated by more than a dozen crew members each.
Wednesday afternoon, NorthEscambia.com had a chance to take the waters of Pensacola Bay on one of those yachts.
For a photo gallery, click here.
A partnership between the City of Pensacola and American Magic includes the regattas. American Magic signed lease in 2024 to establish a high-performance sailing center at the Port of Pensacola.
Legendary sailor Linda Lindquist took part in Wednesday’s day on the water. She is first and only all-women’s team to complete for America’s Cup, and she is also the fleet manager.
“The talent on these boats and their discipline from Olympics, inshore offshore to literally hundreds of different programs at this point that they’ve raced on in their lives,” Lundquist said.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Cadets Undergo Inspection (With Gallery)
February 6, 2025
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face-to-face scrutiny with retired Marine captain.
The inspection was conducted by C Capt. Regan Kieff, USMS (Ret). Capt. Kieff went face to face with the cadets, asking them questions about their NJROTC experience.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The day’s events began with a command brief and included drill and personnel inspections, exhibition teams, and a pass in review.
Several cadets were promoted and received awards:
Promoted to E-3
- Antonio King
- Aliyah Reed
- Ja’keriyah Deonja Jacobs
Promoted to E-4
- Trinity Bryan
- David Edwards
- Eli Wiggins
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Wyatt Mooney
- Ryan Martin
- India Lyons
- Nicholas Long
- Logan Jordan
Promoted to E-5
- Hector Fernandez
- Camden Borelli
- Makennah Kimbrel
Promoted to E-6
- Brandon Odom
Promoted to E-8
- Asher Creighton
- Nicholas Kahalley
- Hayden Gipson
- Alexis Strength
- Mason Bodiker
- Xyria Martin
- Kaiden Hall
Exemplary Appearance Awardees
- Chase Smith
- Lauren Stinson
- Brandon Stinson
- Camden Borelli
- Rozalynne Mathis
- Asher Creighton
- Hayden Gipson
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment WWII Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient Celebrates 108th Birthday
February 6, 2025
A Cantonment man celebrated his 108th birthday Wednesdayday at the Sodalis Senior Living Facility.
Army veteran Duane Brewton was born February 5, 1917. He was married for 78 years and has four children and a multitude of children and grandchildren.
Brewton has told facility staff that the secret to a long life is putting God first and taking care of your health.
He served in Europe during World War II. While serving in the Army infantry, Brewton was awarded the Purple Heart after an artillery shell exploded near him and caused critical injuries from multiple shrapnel wounds.
Brewton had a big birthday cake and celebrated the momentous occasion with family and friends.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Tate Aggies Upset Top-Ranked Gulf Breeze, Head To District Championship
February 6, 2025
The Tate Aggies will play for the 6A District 1 district championship on Friday.
The No 5. Aggies upset the No. 1 Gulf Breeze Dolphins 65-62 Wednesday night in Gulf Breeze.
Also Wednesday night, No. 3 Milton beat No. 2 Crestview 67-53.
Friday night, Milton will host Tate for the district title.
File photo.
National Signing Day: Salazar, Hearn Ink To Play College Football
February 6, 2025
Wednesday, two Tate High Aggie football players signed to play football at the next level on National Signing Day.
Judas Salazar sight with Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, and Ramon Hearn sighed with McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas.
Both are National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) schools.
Pictured top: Signing day for Judas Salazar (left) and Ramon Hern (right) Wednesday at Tate High School. Photos for courtesy Tate Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Reducing January Electric Bills For Members Following Extreme Cold
February 5, 2025
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is giving members a reduction on their January bills following record breaking cold and history snowfall to help alleviate the financial strain caused by increased electricity usage.
EREC is removing the Purchased Power Cost Adjustment (PPCA) charge for January. The PPCA reflects the fluctuating costs of fuel and electricity generation. This charge varies based on the market price of fuel and the cost of generating electricity.
“Our members are our top priority, and we recognize the challenges that come with unexpected weather extremes,” said Ryan Campbell, CEO and General Manager of EREC. “By removing the PPCA charge, we aim to provide some financial relief while maintaining reliable service.”
EREC said members will save from $15 to $50, depending on usage. For a typical customer using 1200 kwh of electricity, the reduction will be about $20.
For most members, the charge is listed as purchased power cost adjustment line item on their bill. For customers with multiple accounts, including those with water from EREC, the charge is listed as fuel adjustment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Seeks Necklace Containing Remains Of Her Sisters That Was Lost Near Bratt Park
February 5, 2025
A Bratt woman is searching for a special memorial necklace that was lost in or near a Bratt park. The necklace contains the ashes of both of Amanda Holt’s sisters.
“I never take it off, but three days ago I went to take my son walking to Bratt park,’ she said. “My necklace latch broke and my necklace fell off my neck. I didn’t notice it was gone till I got to the park.”
Holt said she walked against traffic along Highway 4 from Pine Barren Road to the Travis Nelson Park. She said the necklace is likely somewhere along Highway 4 or in the park, which is located on Highway 4 at Bratt Road. Also on the chain, she had two rings and a plate that says “just breathe” on it.
She has re-walked the route but has been unable to find the necklace.
“I lost my sisters once and this feels like I’m losing them all over again,” Holt said. “This necklace is very important to me.”
Anyone that finds the necklace can contact us at news@northescambia.com or on our social media channels and we will put you in touch with Holt.
Pictured below: Looking east along Highway 4 from the Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Council To Hold Sunday Meeting To Finalize Special Election
February 5, 2025
The Century Town Council will hold a rare Sunday meeting to consider final approval of an ordinance setting election date to fill a council seat and for mayor, a position currently occupied on an interim basis by Alicia Johnson.
Seat 4 on the council was left open when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned.
The required first reading of the special election ordinance was held January 28, postponed from a planned January 21 meeting that was canceled due to snow and ice. The town required a local weekly newspaper of general circulation to publish a required advertisement on January 16, but the newspaper informed the town of an “issue with placing the ad” on January 21. Because the town was closed due to inclement weather, the town was unable to respond, and the advertisement was delayed.
Due to various requirements, the town said the final adoption of the ordinance setting the special election must be held at a special called meeting on Sunday, February 9.
The ordinance will set the following dates for a special election:
- Special Primary Election Date: March 18, 2025
- Special General Election Date: April 29, 2025
- Qualifying Period:
- Monday, February 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Voter Registration Deadlines: February 19, 2025, for the primary; April 8, 2025, for the general election
Last week, the council was deadlocked on a choice from three applicants to fill the empty council seat, opting to leave the position open until after the special election.
Pictured: The Century Town Council meeting Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.