• Home
• News
• Events
• Features
• Sports
• About
• Contact
• Advertise

Free Classifieds | Obituaries |

New Branch Manager At Century Library Looks Forward To Serving Community

The new branch manager of the Century Library, Lee Ann Helton, is looking forward to improving local library services and upcoming summer programs.

Helton has a strong background in education and library services. She spent 18 years in the Escambia County (AL) School District, including eight years as an elementary school librarian at Rachel Patterson and A.C. Moore in Atmore, and was principal at Huxford Elementary School. She holds a master’s in library media.

“I enjoy talking to people when they come in about what the library means to them, and how we can better serve them,” she said.

Helton said she is looking forward to the beginning of the annual summer reading program, and the free summer lunch program for youth.

The Century Library is one of eight West Florida Public Libraries locations.

Pictured top: Leigh Ann Helton, Century Library branch manager. Pictured below: Helton works to organize part of the library’s popular DVD collection. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Northview High 2026 Prom King And Queen Named

Riley Brooks was named prom queen, and Reece Starns was named prom king at the Northview High School 2026 prom Saturday night.

The prom court was Mary Oliver, Amanda Fernandez, Riley Brooks, Makenzie Levins, Camo Bodiford, Jackson Simmons, Grayden Sheffield, and Reece Starns.

The prom, “A Night Under The Stars”, was held at the Sanders Beach Resource Center in Pensacola.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click here to enlarge.

Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas

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:

• State Road (S.R.) 296 (Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard) Resurfacing from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping:
  • Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
  • On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.

• S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Resurfacing from S.R. 274 (Creighton Road) to Olive Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Creighton Road and Olive Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.

• S.R. 296 (Michigan Avenue) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
• S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292 from east of Bauer Road to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with travel lanes shifted to the outside of the roadway to provide space to construct a median traffic separator. Channelizing devices are in place to delineate the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph throughout the work zone.
• Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I- 110) ramp – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction) as crews perform construction activities on the north side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through late 2026.
  • Temporary side street closures north of Garden Street, from B Street to E Street, for ECUA sanitary sewer upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at B Street and C Street. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
  • On-street parking is closed on Garden Street, between B Street and L Street.
• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (S.R. 291) – Drivers on I-10 may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and guardrail installation:
  • Intermittent lane closures on I-10 between mile markers 11 and 14.
  • Intermittent lane closures on the I-10 ramps to access Interstate 110 (I-110) southbound (Exit 12) and Davis Highway (Exit 13).
• I-110 Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and roadway lighting installation:
  • Intermittent lane closures on the I-110 ramps to Brent Lane (S.R. 296) and Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).
  • Intermittent I-110 lane closures near the Creighton Road overpass.
• I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • Intermittent outside lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
  • Temporary reconfiguration of the I-10 westbound ramps, which will remain in place through mid-2026.
• I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, April 19, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
  • I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
  • I-10 travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
  • The U.S. 29 southbound access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been reduced.
  • 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.
• S.R. 97 (Atmore Highway) Resurfacing from U.S. 29 to the Alabama State Line– Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Intermittent lane and shoulder closures are to be expected throughout the project limits on Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.
  • Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for median improvements.

Santa Rosa County:

• 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, April 19 through Friday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
• U.S. 90 Resurfacing from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from the Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for guardrail installation. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
• S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from U.S. 98 to south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, April 19 through Thursday, April 23, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for striping operations.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

AAA: Florida Gas Prices Ease After Early Spike, But Volatility Looms

Florida gas prices spiked by 14 cents per gallon early last week, most of the increase disappeared by Sunday, according to AAA.

Sunday’s state average of $4.02 per gallon of regular unleaded is 2 cents less than a week ago, 7 cents more than a month ago, and $1 more than this time last year.

The average price in Escambia County was among the lowest in the state at $3.76. That’s 10 cents less than a week ago, a dime more than a month ago, and 97 cents more than a year ago.

Sunday night, a low price of $3.73 per gallon was available in North Escambia at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.

AAA said gas prices could drift lower this week following a sharp selloff in the oil market. Crude oil prices fell about 13 percent last week on reports that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to commercial shipping, easing concerns about supply disruptions. Oil finished the week nearly $13 per barrel lower than the week before, a move that can translate into roughly a 30 cent swing at the gas pump.

“Oil prices are reacting to fast‑moving headlines, and that volatility makes it difficult to predict what drivers will see at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Last week’s drop could provide some short‑term relief, but with conditions in the Middle East still unclear, prices could move higher again just as quickly depending on how events unfold.”

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Lewis Jr., Boyd Lead Doubles Derby as Wahoos Win Series Finale

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos salvaged a series split with the Knoxville Smokies on Sunday afternoon, riding a six-run second inning to a nail-biting 7-6 victory.

Ian Lewis Jr. was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and three stolen bases for the Blue Wahoos, while Emaarion Boyd added a pair of doubles and two RBI of his own in the homestand finale.

One night after a seven-run sixth inning broke the game open for Pensacola, a similar offensive outburst got the Blue Wahoos ahead early. Ryan Ignoffo led off the second inning with a single, and scored on a throwing error from Knoxville starting pitcher Tyler Schlaffer (L, 0-2) on a comebacker to the mound. Gage Miller followed with an RBI single before Boyd laced a two-run double to the wall in left-center. Lewis Jr. rapped a double to bring home Boyd, and scored on an RBI groundout from Dillon Lewis for a 6-0 edge.

Blue Wahoos starter Will Schomberg, who departed his previous start in the third inning with an apparent injury, worked 2.0 scoreless innings before another early exit. Jake Smith took over in relief, allowing two unearned runs in the third inning as Cristian Hernández made a fielding error at shortstop and Edgar Alvarez brought home a run with a sacrifice fly.

Luis Palacios (W, 2-0) protected the Pensacola lead through the fifth and sixth innings, ultimately extending his franchise record with his 26th career victory in a Blue Wahoos uniform.

The Blue Wahoos added another run in the sixth inning on back-to-back doubles from Boyd and Lewis Jr. to extend their lead to 7-2, and the run would prove vital. The Smokies answered back in the top of the seventh, plating four runs with an RBI single from Jordan Nwogu, a catcher’s interference call against Ignoffo, a bases-loaded walk to Ariel Armas, and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Karson Simas. Stephen Jones struck out Ed Howard with runners at the corners to preserve the 7-6 lead.

Nigel Belgrave (S, 1) kept things interesting on his way to earning a six-out save, but Ignoffo threw out Alex Ramirez trying to steal second base in the eighth and Simas grounded out with two men aboard in the ninth to secure the Blue Wahoos win.

After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a seven-game, six-day road trip to Montgomery on Tuesday to take on the Biscuits.

written by Erik Bremer

Tate Softball Legacy: Aggies Honor Retiring Head Coach Melinda Wyatt

Legacy.

Friday evening, Tate High School honored the legacy of Tate High School softball and Head Coach Melinda Wyatt, who will retire at the end of this season after 31 years with Tate softball.

“Today, we all say thank you,” said Greg Blackmon, Tate High athletic director and assistant principal. “Thank you for giving your life to Tate, which is what you have done.”

“You have left a legacy here at Tate, and we want you to know that we will always remember you and everything that you have done for Tate High School and the softball program,” Principal Laura Touchstone told Wyatt.

Over those 31 years, as a varsity and junior varsity coach, Wyatt amassed a record of 485-212. During her 22-year tenure as head coach, she had eight district championships, 11 playoff appearances where she was 14-10. In 2015, Wyatt’s Aggies had two final four appearances, and won the 7A state championship in 2015.

Her friend and predecessor, legendary former Tate head softball coach Charlene Varnell, joined in the celebration and tossed the first pitch at Friday’s game at the school’s Charlene Varnell Field. Wyatt almost caught it. At the time of her retirement, Varnell was the winningest softball coach in Florida high school history with 597 career wins and nine state tournament appearances.

“Girls, do you know how Tate softball started,” Varnell asked the 2026 team. “We started in a corn field. They cleared out where the gym is now and made a softball field.”

That’s the legacy, and tradition, of Tate softball that Wyatt led.

For more photos, click here.

Dozens of former players and friends joined Friday’s celebration to honor Wyatt and thank her for helping to shape their futures.

Even the umpires gave her bouquets of flowers.

After the ceremony, During the national anthem, Wyatt at the flag,  looking toward the setting sun, just behind the scoreboard sign that proclaims “Charlene Varnell Field – Home Of The Aggies — 2015 7A State Champion”.

The legacy of Tate softball.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Families Connect With Resources At North Escambia Baby Shower

The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition and the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County partnered with various family support organizations to host the third North Escambia Baby Shower in Century on Saturday.

Large crowds gathered as the event connected families who were pregnant, newly postpartum, or had children up to age 3 with essential resources, supplies, and education to support their health and wellness. Dozens of vendors filled the venue, providing a wide array of support services and baby items to the local community.

For more photos, click here.

The North Escambia Baby Shower was held inside the Century Community Center (Ag Building).

Organizers noted that, more than ever, families struggle to access community resources that can aid their journey through parenthood. They stated the event helped provide much-needed baby items in addition to resources from the many vendors present. Caregivers also had the opportunity to learn the basics of keeping themselves and their babies healthy.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Editor’s note: The North Escambia Baby Shower is not affiliated with NorthEscambia.com.

Four Charged In Saturday Morning Alabama Prison Smuggling Attempt

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) successfully thwarted a coordinated contraband smuggling attempt at Fountain Correctional Facility during the early hours of Saturday.

The operation began around 1 a.m. when a trespasser was detected and subsequently apprehended by an ADOC K-9 unit. Simultaneously, the Atmore Police Department conducted a related traffic stop, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects and the recovery of two firearms. During the operation, correctional staff recovered multiple contraband packages containing approximately 750 grams of marijuana, 15 cell phones, and one knife.

The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Escambia County Detention Facility.

DeJa Johnson faces several charges, including attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, prohibited activities, promoting prison contraband first and second degree, possession of marijuana first degree, being a certain person forbidden to possess a firearm, and chemical endangerment.

Savion Gilchrist was charged with attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, prohibited activities, promoting prison contraband first and second degree, possession of marijuana first degree, and being a certain person forbidden to possess a firearm.

A third suspect, a juvenile, was also taken into custody but was not identified due to their age. Inmate Justin Hoyle is facing both criminal charges and administrative disciplinary action for his involvement; Hoyle is serving a 20 year sentence out of Lee County for robbery first degree.

“This operation is the result of strong teamwork and a proactive approach taken to ensure the security of ADOC facilities. I want to thank every staff member and agency involved for their swift and coordinated response. ADOC has zero tolerance for contraband or those who attempt to introduce it into any of our facilities. We will continue to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable anyone involved in these criminal activities,” said ADOC Commissioner John Q. Hamm.

Pictured: (L-R): Savion Gilchrist, DeJa Johnson, and inmate Justin Hoyle.

Former School Employee Pleads Guilty To Federal Child Sex Charges

A former school employee has pleaded guilty to federal charges for attempted sex trafficking of a minor in Escambia County.

Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Semmes, Alabama was indicted in federal court in Pensacola on attempted sex trafficking of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, and traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

He faces up to 30 years in federal prison when sentenced.

At a detention hearing in federal court in Pensacola, evidence was presented that Glover communicated with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female and offered to pay her hundreds of dollars in return for sexual acts. It is alleged that Glover then traveled from Alabama, where he worked for the Baldwin County School District, to Pensacola to meet with the minor. The purported minor, however, was an undercover law enforcement officer. When Glover reached Pensacola to engage in the sexual acts with the minor, he was taken into custody. Glover remains detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service.

Glover was arrested in October 2025 along with a dozen other people in a FDLE operation.

Tate Aggies To Face Gulf Breeze In Flag Football District Quarterfinals

The Tate Aggies begin play on Monday in the 3A District 1 flag football quarterfinals.

The No. 6 Aggies (6-7, 3-2) will travel to Gulf Breeze (8-4, 4-4) to take on the No. 3 Dolphins at 6 p.m.

The teams have met once this year, with Gulf Breeze taking the win 19-0 on February 16.

The winner will travel to No. 2 Pace (10-5, 4-2) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the semifinals.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Copyright © 2007-2026 NorthEscambia.com · P.O. Box 1207 · Century, FL 32535 · All Rights Reserved.