Century Felon Facing Local Gun Charges After Visit From U.S. Secret Service
January 9, 2025
A Century man is facing local gun charges after a visit from the U.S. Secret Service.
Tavarus Donte Findley, 38, was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He remained in jail Thursday morning with bond set at $40,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted a U.S. Secret Service senior special agent in contacting Findley at a mobile home on Alger Road. Findley admitting to owning a 12-gauge shotgun, according to an ECSO arrest report., before reaching behind a couch and handing the weapon to a deputy.
Another person in the home told deputies that Findley owned ammunition for the Mossberg shotgun that was located in a duffel bag and suitcase in closet in a back room of the mobile home. The individual retrieved the duffel bag, which contained 15 loaded shells inside an ammunition box, the report states. Deputies also located 91 loaded buckshot and slug shells inside numerous ammunition boxes.
ECSO said Findley was convicted in 2004 of three felonies — battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrester with violence and destruction of evidence.
The ECSO report does not state why Findley was interviewed by a U.S. Secret Service senior special agent. Federal court records do not show any current cases involving Findley.
New Nine Mile Road Five Guys Opens On Friday
January 9, 2025
The new Five Guys on East Nine Mile Road will open Friday.
Kirk Yackel, director of operations for Gellert Hospitality Group (GHG) of New Jersey, said the restaurant at 450 East Nine Mile Road will open for business at 11 a.m. Friday. GHG is the largest Five Guys franchise group in the country, with locations in Florida, Alabama and nine — soon to be 10 — other states. The group owns the Five Guys location on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola and the Pace location.
It’s located in a former Wendy’s location at 450 East Nine Mile Road that was remodeled over the last few months.
“I’m local to this side of town,” he said. “I’m excited and pushed for this location.”
The restaurant is known for its simple interior with red and white tiles boxes of peanuts to enjoy while waiting and bags of potatoes stacked up ready to become fresh, hand cut fries.
The menu is pretty simple — a couple of sizes of burgers with options for bacon and cheese and hot dogs (and yes, there’s bacon and cheese available for those). There’s a lengthy list of more than a dozen toppings — lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, condiments, hot sauce and more. All of the toppings are free. And the fries? Those are served in a paper bag and often leave people asking why there are so many. They also offer milkshakes.
“We also have fun mix-in flavors to our hand blended milkshakes, you could get chocolate, peanut butter, salted caramel, or even bacon in a shake,” Yackel said.
He said Five Guys also gives back to the community with fundraiser opportunities for local groups.
Pictured: Employees training underway at the new Five Guys on East Nine Mile Road. Also pictured: The new restaurant is in a remodeled Wendy’s. Courtesy and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
State Agency Investigating Bobby Likis Auto Service
January 9, 2025
State authorities are investigating an Escambia County auto repair shop.
The law enforcement division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services served a search warrant this week at Bobby Likis Auto Service on Davis Highway.
According to our news partners at WEAR 3, sources say customers reported to local law enforcement unnecessary repairs and charges were made, while incomplete work was performed on vehicles.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said a fraud report was filed by a person knowledgeable about the inner workings of the business. The ECSO deferred the investigation to The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The allegations included unnecessary repairs and incomplete work on vehicles, WEAR reported.
“The department received information about concerning business activities at Bobby Likis Auto Services and immediately and aggressively opened an investigation in cooperation with local law enforcement,” the state agency said in a statement. “Consumers should be aware of these allegations and can contact the department at (850) 245- 1300 if they have concerns about previous services or purchases from this establishment.”
While the business carries his name, longtime Pensacola businessman Bobby Likis is not connected to the auto repair shop. After operating the business for almost 40 years, he sold the shop in 2019.
Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Keep The Wreath Green’ Finishes With 14 Red Bulbs Representing December Fires
January 9, 2025
There were 14 red bulbs placed on fire safety wreaths in Escambia County during the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign last month. Each bulb represents fires that caused damage.
“Escambia County saw 14 homes and businesses experience fire damages during the holiday season and our hearts go out to those impacted,” said Fire Chief Adam Harrison. “We hope the fire safety campaign was educational and brought awareness to all households. Fire safety awareness does not end with the holidays, so we encourage all residents to remain vigilant when protecting your homes from all fire hazards.”
The City of Pensacola had three residential structure fires that resulted in occupant displacement during “Keep the Wreath Green.”
If your home does not have a working smoke detector, please call Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-595-HERO (4376) or 850-436-5200 for City of Pensacola residents.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign is a collaborative initiative with the City of Pensacola to promote fire safety during the month of December. During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths are on display at 21 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building and Pensacola City Hall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes.
Pictured above: A “Keep the Wreath Green” display at the McDavid Fire Station. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Asking State For Millions, Homeowners Insurance Fix And Return Of Passenger Rail Service
January 9, 2025
Escambia County presented their top six requests to the Escambia County Legislative Delegation Wednesday night.
The delegation consists of Rep. Michelle Salzman, Rep. Alex Andrade and Sen. Don Gaetz. They heard from Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, Escambia County Public Schools, and other local organizations presented their funding requests and other wishes.
Escambia County asked for funding for projects costing several million dollars. The county is also asking the legislature to support the return of passenger rail service and to fix Florida’s homeowners insurance crisis.
1. Insurance Rates
Request: That the state prioritize insurance reform to provide relief to Florida homeowners.
Background: Like many Florida residents, Escambia County homeowners and property owners are continuing to face significant increases in their insurance rates. Insurance is becoming out of reach for many, with rates doubling or some companies even canceling policies altogether.
2. NAS Pensacola Main Gate
Request: Approximately $2-3 million to support project construction.
Background: Escambia County is working with FDOT, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and other community stakeholders on the South Navy Boulevard Corridor Management Plan, which aims to enhance the NAS Pensacola main gate and approaching corridor. The plan includes aesthetic improvements such as landscaping and lighting, new signage, and more. It also aims to provide additional public access by creating a new public interest area that can be accessed before entering the secure base area.
3. Pensacola Beach Gateway
Request: Approximately $5 million (estimated) for project construction.
Background: With hundreds of thousands of vehicles passing through the Pensacola Beach toll booth each year, Escambia County is planning significant improvements to give locals and visitors a warmer welcome to our beautiful
beaches. The project would include a brand new, more aesthetically pleasing gateway, with archways, cameras, new signage, and more.
4. Carpenter Creek Riparian Property Acquisition
Request: $2 million for property acquisition
Background: The Carpenter Creek/Bayou Texar Watershed is listed as an impaired system. A Watershed Management Plan has been completed, identifying water quality improvement projects and riparian stream restoration projects that will restore watershed functions and intrinsic values. Property acquisition is needed to utilize $6 million in RESTORE grant funding that has been awarded for construction.
5. Passenger Rail Connectivity Expansion
Request: That the State Legislature support reestablishing Amtrak passenger rail service from Mobile to Jacksonville.
Background: Escambia County supports the re-establishment of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, including Pensacola. Approximately 60 Florida commissioners have signed in support of expanding Amtrak passenger rail service from Mobile to Jacksonville. This would extend the passenger rail line being re-established between New Orleans and Mobile, tentatively set to begin in February 2025. FAC also supports the state joining the Southern Rail Commission, voting to make it one of its legislative priorities.
6. Housing Trust Fund
Request: That the state prioritize funding to increase affordable housing for residents.
Background: Affordable housing remains a challenge for many residents in Escambia County and throughout Florida, particularly low-income households. Escambia County continues to support housing stability to reduce and prevent homelessness. The county is seeking to increase the state’s Housing Trust Fund allocation, which would create additional opportunities to provide affordable housing assistance, including first-time homebuyers’ down payment assistance and rent, mortgage, or utility assistance through SHIP and other housing programs.
Pictured: An Amtrak inspection train rolls in Atmore (top) and Pensacola (below) in February 2016. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Mayor Gomez Resigns For Medical Reasons; Town Appoints Interim Mayor
January 8, 2025
Citing health reasons, Century Mayor Luis Gomez. Jr. on Tuesday night submitted his resignation effective Friday, and the town council appointed an interim mayor to serve until a special election can be held.
“It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as mayor of the Town of Century effective January 10, 2025,” Gomez said, reading from a letter to the town council. “This decision comes after much reflection and is based on a personal medical reasons that I now require all my full attention. Serving the Town of Century has been an honor and a privilege.”
“When the former mayor abruptly resigned in 2023, I stepped into the role of interim mayor by a 4-1 vote to provide leadership and stability. With the support and approval of the council, I took immediate action to address critical issues and set a foundation for Century’s future,” he said before citing specific accomplishments including insurance savings of nearly $200,000, hiring a professional management consulting firm, and outsourcing management of the wastewater treatment plant.
“These accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to the progress and fiscal responsibility, and I am proud that we were able to achieve it together in such a short time,” Gomez said. “I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and full confidence that the foundation we built to sustain and propel the town forward. Thank you for your trust, collaboration and the opportunity to serve this incredible community.”
Gomez received a standing ovation for his service from the council (pictured inset above).
Johnson Appointed Interim Mayor
Following the mayor’s resignation announcement, seat four council member Alicia Johnson told the council that she would be willing to serve as interim mayor.
“I feel like I am well qualified for the position, and I’m able to do the hard work,” Johnson said. “I have the availability, and I have the management experience. ”
Council member Shelisa McCall also expressed interest in the position, but effectively withdrew herself from consideration as Johnson was named interim mayor on a unanimous vote.
What’ next?
The council will now seek residents through January 17 that are interested in the seat being vacated by Johnson as she moves into the interim mayor position. They will likely name an interim council member at their next regular meeting on January 21.
The council will also set a date for a special election, along with qualifying dates, for the mayor’s job and the vacant council seat. Under the town charter, the election must be completed within 90 days of the seats becoming vacant, which would be in early April. The town will explore if the election could be held on April 1, which is a special election date already on the books for the Congressional Seat vacated by Matt Gaetz.
Gomez and Johnson’s history
Gomez was appointed interim mayor in August 2023 after the resignation of then-mayor Ben Boutwell. He was later elected to the position with no opposition in 2023 in a special election to finish Boutwell’s term and again with no opposition in 2024 for another four-year term that just started on January 1, 2025.
He was first elected to the town council in 2017.
Johnson was appointed as an interim town council member in January 2023 after no one ran for an open seat. She later ran and was elected to the council with 67% of the vote to 32% for challenger Eddie Hammond in March 2023. Johnson was Century’s water and wastewater superintendent until she resigned in March 2019 after several years with the town.
Pictured top: Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. reads his letter of resignation Tuesday night. Pictured below: Incoming interim Century mayor Alicia Johnson is congratulated by outgoing mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. Pictured bottom: Gomez (left) with interim town manager Howard Brown (center) and former mayor Henry Hawkins. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Dead In Crash After Fleeing From Pensacola Police
January 8, 2025
Two people were killed in a traffic crash after fleeing from Pensacola Police early Wednesday morning.
A Pensacola Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle near Pace Boulevard and Garden Street, PPD spokesperson Mike Wood said following the 12:23 a.m. incident.
“The vehicle immediately fled from the officer at a high rate of speed and crashed into a pole at Pace and Romana.,” he said. “One of the occupants of the vehicle died at the scene.” The second vehicle occupant was transported to a hospital and died a short time later.
The officer was not involved in the crash, Wood said.
“The officer observed the vehicle turning from a side street onto Pace. The driver saw the officer and began to accelerate at a high rate of speed. The officer made a U turn on Pace in an attempt to pace the speed of the car and to catch up to it. The vehicle crashed before the officer had a chance to initiate a traffic stop,” Wood said.
File photo.
Local FFA Members Shine At Sub District Contests
January 8, 2025
Local middle and high school FFA Chapters recently participated in the sub-district FFA contest and meetings.
The primary goal of career and leadership development events is to develop individual responsibilities, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. The events included public speech, parliamentary procedure, and safe tractor operations.
Each student that placed first in their contest will compete at districts this month.
Middle School Parliamentary Procedure:
- 1st Place – Beulah Middle
- 2nd Place – Beulah Academy
Middle School Opening and Closing Ceremonies:
- 1st Place – Jay Middle
- 2nd Place – Beulah Middle
- 3rd Place – Central Middle
Middle School Extemporaneous Speech:
- 1st Place – Beulah Middle (Mia Wickham)
Middle School Prepared Public Speech:
- 1st Place – Beulah Middle (Caleb Pitts)
- 2nd Place – Central (Sydney Vinson)
Creed Speaking:
- 1st Place – Tate (Luke Graham)
- 2nd Place – Jay (Kenley Smith)
- 3rd Place – Beulah Middle (Briniyah Stallworth)
High School Parliamentary Procedure:
- 1st Place – Northview
- 2nd Place – Milton
Safe Tractor Operations:
- 1st Place – Northview (Braden Glick)
- 2nd Place – Jay (Tanner Wolfe)
- 3rd Place – Tate (Aiden Hollingsworth)
High School Prepared Public Speech:
- 1st Place – West Florida (Bella Trivison)
- 2nd Place – Tate (Maegan Coleman)
- 3rd Place – Florida Virtual (Izzy Jenkins)
High School Extemporaneous Public Speech:
- 1st Place – West Florida (Suzie Baker)
- 2nd Place – Tate (Blakely Campbell)
- 3rd Place – Northview (Olivia Hall)
Newly elected Sub-district 1 Officers:
- Chair: Olivia Hall (Northview)
- Co-Chair: Bella Trivison (West Florida)
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cottage Hill Residents Concerned By New 404 Home Development Proposed For McKenzie Road
January 8, 2025
Local residents gathered in a church sanctuary Tuesday night to discuss a 404-home subdivision proposed by a developer for their neighborhood.
The Cottage Hill Neighborhood Watch group hosted the meeting at the First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill to discuss D.R. Horton’s proposal for McKenzie Estates on the east side of Highway 95A in the 800 block of McKenzie Road. The development, as proposed, would be 404 single family homes on three parcels totaling 197.2 acres. The site is currently vacant and wooded with a stream and an estimated 43 acres of wetlands.
Residents of Cottage Hill and surrounding communities expressed concerns about lack of infrastructure including schools, road, traffic and draining; impacts on wetlands and wildlife; and utilities. Residents have questioned if Cottage Hill Water Works can serve the new residents properly and if existing residents might be required to pay a tap fee and forced to connect to sewer from ECUA. They also questioned if their current property values might be impacted.
The proposal has been filed with the county; however, no public meetings or votes have been scheduled to date.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and NorthEscambia graphic (bottom), click to enlarge.
Century Once Again Hires Town Clerk Away From Flomaton, Hires Billing Clerk
January 8, 2025
The Town of Century has once again hired a town clerk away from nearby Flomaton, and they have hired a new utility billing clerk.
The council voted to hire Carrie Moore as town clerk and Courtney Benson as the utility billing clerk.
Town Clerk
The town council voted 5-0 to approve a recommendation from Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. to hire Carrie Moore (pictured top) as Century town clerk. The position has been vacant since Leslie Howington took a leave of absence in mid-April before resigning in May for medical reasons.
The annual starting salary for the position is $76,000.
Tuesday was the second time the council has voted to hire Moore; they approved her as town clerk in September 2024. She later turned down the job and remained in Flomaton.
Moore has served as town clerk in Flomaton for the last three years. She previously worked with the City of Evergreen from 2015 until going to work in Flomaton in April 2021. She is a Certified Municipal Clerk and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Troy University and is working on her MBA from Troy.
Utility Billing Clerk
The council also voted to hire Courtney Benson as utility billing clerk, filling a position that became vacant with an employee resignation several months ago.
The starting salary for the position is $16 per hour.
Benson (pictured left) has been employed as a data entry specialist at United Bank in Atmore since 2022. She previously worked as referral specialist at Community Health Northwest Florida in Century for about five years after about 12 years as an administrative assistant at Corizon in Atmore. A Northview High School graduate, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Walden University and an associate degree from Pensacola Junior College.
Background information on the new hires is according to their resumes and/or applications filed with the Town of Century.
Submitted (top) and NorthEscmbia.com photo (bottom), click to enlarge.