Application Deadline Extended For 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program
February 27, 2026
Escambia County has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides an opportunity for Escambia County youth ages 16-24 to receive paid work experience this summer.
Online applications are available now at MyEscambia.com/syep. The deadline to submit applications is now 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Qualified youth who are accepted into the program will be able to work up to 30 hours a week at $14 per hour, with positions available in various county departments along with the Escambia County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector’s Office. Positions will be available across Escambia County, including the Town of Century. Participants will also receive job readiness training prior to job placement as well as post-employment briefings.
The Escambia County Summer Youth Employment Program aims to help local youth gain valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals. Program participants will have the opportunity to learn a variety of practical job skills, along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Last summer, over 200 youth participated in the program, working in county departments including Engineering, Escambia County Area Transit, Public Safety, West Florida Public Libraries, the Town of Century, and more.
Limited positions are available. Requirements for the program are as follows:
- Must submit a completed application packet with all required supporting documentation by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 27.
- Must be a resident of Escambia County, Florida at the time of application and for the duration of program participation.
- Must be between the age of 16 and 24 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Must complete up-front job readiness preparatory training classes and post-employment debriefing sessions.
- Must not have any felony convictions.
- If enrolled in school, must submit enrollment verification.
- Must show proof of identify (state-issued driver’s license or state ID card) and proof of address.
- Must meet hiring criteria of the temporary employment agency.
- Must attend the end of the Summer Youth Program Award Ceremony.
For additional information, please call Neighborhood and Human Services at 850-595-3927 or 850-595-1620.
Pictured: Escambia County Summer Youth Employment participants Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid (top) and Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill (inset) worked at the Century Town Hall last year. Pictured below: Other program participants across Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com and contributed photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Lacrosse Beats Washington 12-7
February 27, 2026
Tate High School Girls Lacrosse earned a bit 12-7 win at the Washington Wildcats on Thursday night.
The Aggies were coming off losses earlier in the week to West Florida and Gulf Breeze.
Next Week, Tate will travel to West Florida on Monday, and Pensacola Catholic on Tuesday.
Suspect In 2022 Century Pregnant Woman Battery Case Caught During Hwy 29 Traffic Stop
February 26, 2026
An Atmore man was arrested in Pensacola recently after a traffic stop revealed multiple active warrants, including one for the alleged battery of a pregnant woman in Century.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a black Nissan fail to stop before entering Highway 29 from a local Wendy’s. During the subsequent stop, Ato Lumumba McCants initially provided his brother’s name and a false birth date to avoid arrest. However, deputies were able to identify McCants through a records search and a matching photograph.
McCants was taken into custody for a 2022 warrant stemming from an incident at the Century Woods Apartments. In that case, he was accused of pushing a woman—who was eight weeks pregnant at the time—onto a couch during an argument. The victim refused EMS.
In addition to the 2022 warrant, McCants also had an active failure to appear warrant from 2024 related to traffic offenses.
Following the recent traffic stop, McCants was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim (domestic violence related), giving a false identification to law enforcement, and driving with a suspended license second or subsequent offense.
He was released from jail on a $7,000 bond.
West Florida Libraries Board Names Top Choices For New Library System Director
February 26, 2026
The West Florida Libraries Board of Governance (BOG) has recommended a new director for the library system.
The board recommended Bradley Vinson as its first choice for library director, and Chris Hare as its second choice. Vinson is the current coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District.
The BOG acts only in an advisory capacity, and the recommendation goes to Escambia County for a final decision.
According to the county, personnel decisions fall with Administrator Wes Moreno, but he is not bound by the WFPL BOG recommendation. The administrator’s choices for county department head positions such as the library director are approved by the Board of County Commissioners, which can vote them up or down.
There were nine applicants for the position, which was left vacant after the November 18, 2025, retirement of Todd Humble.
The BOG recommended seven of the applicants to the county. The BOG and the county collectively moved six to phone interviews, but two of those declined. Four phone interviews were conducted, followed by in-person interviews.
The four finalists were:
Bradley Vinson — coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District since June 2023. She previously worked for the West Florida Public Libraries in various capacities from January 2004 until February 2019, including children’s services coordinator. She was a media specialist at West Pensacola Elementary School from August 2014 until 2023, and she served on the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance for four years from 2019 until 2023.
Chris Hare — division manager for WFPL since December 2022. He previously worked as a branch manager for the WFPL Southwest, Genealogy, and Molino libraries between 2016 and 2022. He worked for a year as a branch manager in the Birmingham, Alabama, library system.
Christal Bell-Rivera — current interim director for WFPL, where she served as deputy director from March 2023 until her August 2025 appointment as interim director. She previously worked as the WFPL director’s aide from June 2022 until March 2023. She worked as a senior highway safety specialist for the State of Florida for nearly 14 years.
Michael Jenkins — regional branch manager for the Indianapolis (Indiana) Public Library since November 2024, and previously a library branch manager in North Carolina. He has previous library experience in Florida and South Carolina.
Pictured: Bradley Vinson, the West Florida Library Board of Governance recommendation for library director. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF, Escambia Westgate Partner For Hands-On Applied Behavior Analysis
February 26, 2026
The University of West Florida Center for Behavior Analysis has launched a new hands-on learning opportunity for graduate students through a new internship partnership with Escambia Westgate School, a local public school serving pre-K through high school students up to age 22 with varying exceptionalities.
In addition to vocational classrooms, Westgate is also home to the Lacey A. Collier Snoezelen Complex, one of the largest multi-sensory therapeutic environments in the United States. Opened in 2005, the 11,000-square-foot facility is designed to support exploration, engagement and individualized learning. The complex features immersive rooms, including a polar room, space room, jungle room and magic room, that provide calming, multi-sensory stimulation to help students regulate and increase engagement in learning activities.
“Integrating future BCBA’s at the facilities offered at Westgate encourages collaboration among experienced personnel uniquely qualified to support these children from different professional perspectives,” said Dr. Leasha Barry, director of the UWF Center for Behavior Analysis. “The Snoezelen complex was specifically designed to encourage engagement through curiosity as well as relaxation or leisure. This provides an environment rich in potentially reinforcing stimuli, offering a unique opportunity for children and those who support them using behavior analysis in this context.”
UWF applied behavior analysis graduate student Kelsey Jordan began interning at Westgate to earn supervisory hours to count toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification while supporting valuable services at the school. Jordan, a former teacher, works alongside speech and occupational therapists, teachers and aides to support individualized programs and foster a safe learning environment. The internship allows her to translate classroom learning into practice while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Westgate’s Snoezelen learning environment is ideal for collaborating with educators and therapists to incorporate ABA methodologies and help students thrive,” said Michelle Lambert, associate director of the Center for Behavior Analysis. “Our graduate student, Kelsey, is a former teacher who effectively draws on her experience to build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, aides and therapists at Westgate.“
The Snoezelen® concept, rooted in a Dutch therapy concept centered on self-guided exploration, creates calming, immersive environments that support sensory regulation and engagement. At Westgate, the complex serves as a collaborative hub where multiple therapeutic disciplines work together to meet students’ individualized needs.
The UWF Center for Behavior Analysis provides a collaborative space where higher education, socially valued service and applied research synthesize into meaningful applications. They offer the complete educational path to a successful career in ABA, featuring online undergraduate and graduate level offerings and continuing education courses.
Pictured: (L-R) Kara Murphy, UWF alumna, and Kelsey Jordan, UWF ABA graduate student, in the Lacey A. Collier Snoezelen Complex. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High FFA Holds Teacher And Staff Appreciation Breakfast
February 26, 2026
The Northview High School FFA hosted a teacher and staff appreciation breakfast on Wednesday morning as part of National FFA Week.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Final Nights for Tate High School’s ‘Shrek the Musical’
February 26, 2026
Tate High School Theatre’s Shrek the Musical is back for another run through Saturday night in the school cafetorium.
After opening to rave reviews last week, Shrek the Musical will be presented Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m.
The production is a heartwarming and hilarious adventure based on the popular animated film, featuring memorable characters, high-energy musical numbers, and an uplifting message about friendship and self-acceptance.
The production is a showcase of student talent and dedication. Every aspect of the show has been created entirely by students, including set construction, costume design, props, lighting, makeup, and wigs. The result is a fully student-designed theatrical experience that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of Tate’s thriving theatre program.
In addition, the production features double casting for the roles of Fiona, Dragon, Pinocchio, and Gingy. Each cast will perform on alternating nights, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy unique interpretations of these beloved characters.
Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door (cash only).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate JV Aggies Shut Out Escambia; Tate Freshmen Top WFHS
February 26, 2026
Tate 16, Escambia 0 (JV)
After scoring 11 runs in the first inning, the Tate JV Aggies shut out the Escambia Gators 16-0 Wednesday at Escambia.
Tanner Clark opened on the mound for the Aggies, giving up no runs and no hits, striking out one and walking none.
Seifert led the Aggies with three RBIs, going 2-3 on the day. Mason Williams, Mason Bryant, Trent Godwin, Carter Petero, Caileb Javier, Hunter Taylor, Kash Brown, and Bryson Adams each added one hit.
Tate 4, West Florida 1 (Freshmen)
The Tate freshmen defeated West Florida 4-1 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at West Florida.
Grayson McLellan earned the win for the Aggies, surrendering three hits and one run in five innings while striking out six and walking three.
Trent Madden, Carter Stewart, AJ Williams, and Frederick Woods III each had one hit for Tate.
Barth, Molino Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Next Week
February 26, 2026
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in a portion of Barth and Molino will take place Wednesday, March 4. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Please have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. Residents who live in the targeted area will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
- Yard debris (tree cuttings, branches, etc.)
Items not eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Contact the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency at 850-595-3217 or cra@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.
Upcoming North Escambia area cleanups will be Wednesday, March 18 in Quintette, Wednesday, April 15 in Cottage Hill
Ribbon Cutting Held For New 7 Brew On Nine Mile Road
February 25, 2026
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for the new 7 Brew on Nine Mile Road at Chemstrand Road.
“We’re thrilled to continue serving the Pensacola community with the addition of our third location,” said Zac Cockman, 7 Brew Pensacola director of franchisees. “It is an honor to continue our partnership with Feeding the Gulf
Coast to help feed those in need in the Panhandle.”
Prior to the ribbon cutting, the stand opened with a “Swag Day” that saw cars lined up through the neighboring shopping center.
During the ceremony, 7 Brew donated $1,500 to Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The 7 Brew stand will add 50 jobs to the area, according to the company. The company has over 630 stands across the country.
The company has also proposed locations nearby at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest Road at the site of an AT&T store and Maynard’s Donuts , and at the intersection of Nine Mile Road and University Parkway near Target.
