Crash Involving Two Pickups Seriously Injures Two Flomaton Residents Near Century Prison
October 20, 2025
A crash involving two pickup trucks seriously injured two Flomaton residents early Monday morning on Tedder Road, between North Century Boulevard and the Century Correctional Institution.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 50-year-old man was traveling east on Tedder Road about 5:45 a.m. when he failed to maintain a single lane. The front driver’s side of his pickup collided with the front driver’s side of a westbound pickup driven by a 37-year-old Flomaton woman with a 7-year-old male passenger.
The at-fault pickup driven by the 50-year-old, overturned and landed on its passenger side, blocking Tedder Road. The second pickup came to a stop on the side of the road.
Both drivers were seriously injured. One was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. The second was transported by Escambia County EMS. The young boy was not injured.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
FHP investigated the crash.
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Beulah Man’s Plea Deal Drops Sexual Battery Charge, Leads to Probation For Child Abuse
October 20, 2025
A Beulah man has been sentenced on a child abuse charge.
William Gavi Baughman, now 28, was originally charged with felony sexual battery by a person over 24 on a victim 16 or 17 years of age for an incident that reportedly took place March 19 at a residence on Frank Reeder Road. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was initially called to the location for a citizen assist after a woman reported that her daughter and a friend had been abandoned while on spring break from Texas. The report states they had been invited to stay at the home by a Snapchat friend that also lives at the home.
The 16-year-old victim told deputies that she engaged in sexual activity with Baughman multiple times at the residence, according to an arrest report. The victim stated that the encounters occurred over the course of their stay.
The sexual battery charge was dropped, and Baughman pleaded no contest to child abuse under a plea deal according to court documents.
Adjudication was withheld, and he was sentenced to 24 months probation. He was also ordered to enroll in a sex offender treatment program within the first 60 days of his probation, complete 50 hours of community service, maintain full-time employment and pay fines and court costs.
Tate Junior’s Dream To Cheer For The Aggie Nation Comes True
October 20, 2025
For Tate High School junior Acacia Carrol, the roar of the crowd and the bright Pete Gindl Stadium lights weren’t just the backdrop for any football game—they were the vibrant stage for a long-held dream come true recently.
Acacia, a Tate High Access Points student, had always wanted to join the legendary Aggie cheer squad. Her wish began quietly with a simple request from her mother to teacher and cheer coach Morgan Norwood at the start of the season.
“She’s always wanted to be a cheerleader,” Norwood explained saying that her mom reached out, and the answer was an unconditional yes.
The Tate cheer program worked quickly to welcome their newest member. “We gave her a uniform, we gave her some cheer shoes, and now she’s here with us,” Norwood said.
Acacia became a guest cheerleader. She worked hard on the sidelines, mastering routines alongside her teammates. But most impactful contribution wasn’t a perfect toe-touch or synchronized motion—it was her pure, infectious joy cheering for the Aggie Nation.
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By The Numbers: Molino Tax Collector’s Office Goes Appointment Only
October 20, 2025
In early September, the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Molino office became appointment-only in an effort to increase efficiency and reduce wait times.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said offering appointments at the Molino location would allow his office to better meet demand, eliminating spikes in traffic and decreasing or eliminating long wait times. The new appointments are time-specific, replacing the previous “join the line” program which placed people in line in the order they joined.
Now, all tax collector offices are appointment-only.
“There were appointments available same or next day most mornings,” Lunsford said. “The feedback from customers has been very positive.”
By The Numbers
Lunsford provided a breakdown of appointments made in the Molino office by the numbers:
- 2,390 appointments were made for the Molino office.
- 2,023 citizens served at counter averaging 100 per workday.
- 301 citizens cancelled their appointment prior to the service date / time.
- 252 citizens cancelled their appointment by failing to confirm their visit.
- 276 citizens made an appointment and failed to arrive.
“These numbers count as one transaction although many customers need several items during their visit,” Lunsford said, adding that the numbers do not include drive-through or drop box transactions.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
IMPACT 100 Awards 12 Grants Of $103,500 Each
October 20, 2025
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area on Sunday announced the 12 grant recipients during their annual meeting on Sunday. Each of the nonprofit organizations will receive a grant of $103,500 from the members of IMPACT 100.
The grant recipients selected by IMPACT 100’s members are as follows:
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
- Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Inc. — Project: Drumroll, Please: The Sound of a New Century
- Pace Band Boosters, Inc. — Project: Every Note Matters: Powering the Next Generation of Musicians
EDUCATION
- Children’s Home Society of Florida — Project: W.A.V.E.-Warriors Achieving, Valuing, and Exploring
- Escambia County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. (dba Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County) — Project: Classroom on Wheels
ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION
- Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, Inc. (dba First Tee Gulf Coast) — Project: Truly Impacting Warrington Youth
- Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Inc. — Project: Moveable Habitats, Meaningful Messages
FAMILY
- Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. — Project: Equal Access Express
- Wesley Haven Villa, Inc. (dba Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida — Project: Rolling with a Purpose: Connecting Seniors to Care and Community
- Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Inc. — Project: Veteran Family Homelessness Prevention
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Inc. (dba Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE)) — Project: BRACE Mobile Support and Resiliency Unit
- Feeding the Gulf Coast — Project: Nutrition Equals Seniors Thriving
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc. — Project: Healing House and Garden
“IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area is thrilled to select these 12 remarkable organizations as our 2025 grant recipients thanks to the contributions of our members. Each of these nonprofits is making an incredible impact in our community, and we are honored to support their efforts in creating meaningful change. We look forward to seeing how these projects will touch the lives of so many in the coming year.” said Martha Holden, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area
With 1,242 members this year, IMPACT 100 was able to award 12 grants of over $103,000 each to nonprofit organizations in our community for a total impact of over $1.2 million.
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Escambia Woman Charged With DUI Manslaughter, Leaving The Scene
October 20, 2025
An Escambia County woman was charged with DUI manslaughter after a fatal crash early Sunday morning.
About 12:05 a.m., a 51-year-old male was bicycling eastbound on Lillian Highway near Stafford Lane.
A 42-year-old female, later identified as Hannah Miatta Williams, was westbound in a 2014 Honda sedan. She failed to maintain her lane, collided with the bicyclist, and fled the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The bicyclist was transported to a local trauma center by ambulance, but was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival.
A piece of front bumper from the sedan left behind at the scene was traced by an embossed VIN to Williams. FHP troopers and Escambia County deputies responded to her residence where they located her outside by her vehicle where she had been involved in a second crash with an electrical junction box. Troopers said Williams also was making an effort to clean her vehicle at the time of the encounter.
Williams provided a breath alcohol level of 0.180, well above the legal limit of 0.08, according to FHP.
Williams was charged with DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a traffic crash involving death, DUI with traffic crash, tampering with evidence, and child neglect. In a release Sunday night, troopers did not detail the reason for the child neglect charge.
She remained was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Florida Gas Prices Are The Lowest Since 2023, AAA Says
October 20, 2025
Florida gas prices declined 2 cents last week, settling at a state average of $2.90 per gallon on Sunday. While the change is modest, it marks the lowest daily average recorded since December 2023, according to AAA.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.71, with a Pensacola low of $2.42 at a station on East Nine Mile Road and a North Escambia low price of $2.52 on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida gas prices continue to fluctuate week to week, but the overall trajectory is downward,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Robust global oil supplies and the seasonal dip in gasoline demand have helped push pump prices to their lowest level in almost two years.”
Sunday’s state average of $2.90 per gallon is 2 cents less than last week, 28 cents less than last month, and 19 cents less than last year
Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
October 20, 2025
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:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing, from east of U.S. 29 to east of Davis Highway (State Road (S.R.) 291) – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on I-10, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for drainage improvements, milling and paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on the I-110 northbound on-ramp from Cervantes Street (U.S. 90), Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews perform drainage improvements.
- Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard Resurfacing, from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to Baisden Road – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for drainage improvements and concrete flatwork.
- 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.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 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 paving operations and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Oct. 19, drivers traveling S.R. 292 from Gulf Beach Highway (County Road (C.R.) 292A east) to Manchester Street may encounter nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing work. Additionally, a new traffic configuration has been implemented on S.R. 292 between Mills Avenue and just east of Patton Drive, with east and westbound 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.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway may encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 ramp – The week of Sunday, Oct. 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 south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, for stormwater management upgrades. This week, drivers may encounter a closure with detour at D Street and Barrancas Avenue. Signage will be in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 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, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 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.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 24:
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete roadway construction. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- 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.
- I-10 Bridge Rehabilitation over Escambia Bay – Motorists will encounter intermittent inside eastbound lane closures Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (C.R. 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 23:
- Outside lane closures between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for utility work and sidewalk improvements.
- Intermittent lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
o Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
o Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 24.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Luke Graham: Tate FFA Leader With a Servant’s Heart
October 19, 2025
The Tate High School FFA has been featured on the National FFA website.
The phrase “Living to Serve” is one that FFA members know well. It has been engraved into their minds since they zipped up their blue jackets for the first time. But what does “Living to Serve” look like in action? For Luke Graham, vice president of the J.M. Tate FFA Chapter in Cantonment it looks like serving through action and inspiring others to do the same in the process.
Graham shows that leadership begins with service. Since joining FFA, he has immersed himself in every opportunity to grow, learn and serve by attending conferences, conventions, and competitions. However, what sets Graham apart is how he uses his experiences to give back to others.
Last year, Graham’s chapter competed in the environmental science and natural resources career development event (CDE). The team started from scratch, without study materials. That’s where Graham stepped in. Knowing his chapter needed help, he jumped into action, creating practice exams for his team.
After the prelim, his team advanced to state. Although this was an exciting step in the right direction, Graham wanted to do more to help. He created a course to help his chapter study not only the CDE but also their AP environmental science and biology classes as well. The course included slideshows, quizzes and projects to build skills. “I knew that I had to uplift and assist my fellow members as the state competition was fast approaching,” Graham says. His team went on to place sixth.
Knowing Their Names
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Graham’s service to others. Stepping into his officer role, he remembered how a connection with a past FFA officer during their service encouraged him to continue his experience. So, he made it his goal to make meaningful connections in his chapter. Graham says that something as simple as knowing someone’s name makes it easier to connect with the chapter. His simple acts of friendly conversation make members feel seen and show them they are valued members of the chapter.
“Turtle-y” Awesome Acts of Service
Graham’s acts of service don’t stop within the walls of a classroom — they reach far out into his community. At one of his first events as a senior chapter member, Graham helped clean up trails, install bird houses and repair tortoise habitats at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center. Graham remembers how rewarding it was to help with this project, as it gave him the chance to give back to the place where he made so many great childhood memories on field trips.
Why Does He Live to Serve?
For Graham, “Living to Serve” means being the shoulder you can always lean on. He hopes to inspire new FFA members to pursue their passions while serving others. His actions demonstrate a heart of service, and with three more years left in this organization, his future is certainly bright.
The National FFA feature article about Luke Graham was written by Abbygael Whitehead, vice president of the Dixie Sr. FFA Chapter in Florida.
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Century Council Schedules Workshop To Discuss Goals, Infrastructure
October 19, 2025
The Century Town Council will host a workshop next Tuesday, October 21 to discuss goals and infrastructure needs.
The workshop meeting was scheduled after council member John Bass expressed an interest in seeing the body develop a list of goals that could be used to measure their progress.
“We should be having goals that we are working for,” Bass said at the council’s last meeting. “When you have goals that you are working for, then you have something at the end of the year to say, ‘I accomplished this outcomes.’”
In addition, he said clear goals will allow any future council members to continue working for the betterment of Century.
“I leave tomorrow,” Bass said about a hypothetical scenario, “then everything I am working on doesn’t leave with me.”
The workshop will be held at 5:15 at town hall, prior to a regular council meeting.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.