Survey: What Did You Think About The Century Independence Day Celebration And Fireworks?
July 7, 2026
What did you think about the Independence Day celebration and fireworks in Century?
The Town of Century wants to know, and they are asking you to take a short anonymous survey before Monday, July 13:
https://forms.gle/fbFbZth3zBGbCxy79
The event, a joint celebration presented by the towns of Century and Flomaton, was held at Anthony Pleasant Park and the adjacent Showalter Park on July 3. There were food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks after dark.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Following the national anthem, the Commemorative Air Force performed a vintage aircraft flyover featuring a Soviet-built Yak and a Beechcraft T-34.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tonight’s Century Town Council Meeting Has Been Rescheduled
July 7, 2026
The regular July 7 Century town council meeting that was scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, July 14.
The town council normally meets at 6:15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. This month, the second meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21.
All meetings are held at the Century Town Hall, 7995 North Century Boulevard.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Eight, Including Seven Children, Escape Serious Injury In I-10 Travel Trailer Rollover
July 7, 2026
Eight people from central Florida, including seven children, escaped with only minor injuries after their vehicle and travel trailer overturned on I-10 in Escambia County midday Monday.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:42 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-10 near mile marker 14 and the Davis Highway exit, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release.
State troopers reported that a 42-year-old male from Dade City was driving a sport utility vehicle towing a recreational travel trailer westbound in the outside lane. The SUV ran off the edge of the roadway onto the shoulder. When the driver attempted to regain control, the vehicle traveled farther off the road and began to sway out of control.
The SUV and the attached travel trailer then rolled over, ultimately coming to rest on their rooftops across the shoulder and the outside lane of the interstate.
Among the passengers were seven children ranging in age from 1 to 16 years old.
The FHP confirmed that the driver and all seven children were properly restrained by seatbelts or child restraints at the time of the crash.
Pictured: A traffic camera image shows a rolled over travel trailer midday Monday on I-10 near Davis Highway.
UWF Has A New Logo, Refreshed Branding
July 7, 2026
The University of West Florida has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a new primary logo and updated visual system, designed to better reflect the University’s growth and forward momentum.
The brand refresh comes at a transformative time for UWF as it reaches record enrollment, expands research with an R2 designation, strengthens its regional impact and begins the transition into NCAA Division I athletics. The updated identity provides a more unified and contemporary representation of UWF while honoring the traditions and heritage that have shaped the institution.
“As our University continues to grow and reach new milestones, it is important that our identity reflects who we are today while honoring the legacy that brought us here,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This refreshed brand positions us to more clearly tell the UWF story and communicate the impact we have on our students, our region and beyond.”
The brand refresh was informed by a comprehensive brand audit conducted by The Moore Agency, which included stakeholder interviews, focus groups and an evaluation of UWF’s visual identity. The research provided insight into how the University is perceived by prospective and current students, alumni, partners and the broader community, and it identified opportunities to strengthen consistency and recognition across audiences.
The new primary logo builds upon the University’s existing athletic lettermark and features a stylized UWF monogram in the institution’s updated navy and green color palette. The design creates stronger alignment between academic and athletic branding while providing a distinctive and recognizable identity for UWF.
As part of the refresh, UWF’s primary blue and green colors have been updated to Argo Navy and Argo Green. The revised color palette creates a more consistent and cohesive visual identity across the University, while improving accessibility and flexibility across digital, print and environmental applications. The updated primary colors also establish a stronger and more distinctive presence that reflects the University’s growing reputation and institutional prestige.
For nearly 60 years, the Nautilus Shell has served as a defining symbol of UWF, representing progress and the University’s connection to place. While the shell is no longer featured in the primary institutional logo, it remains an important part of UWF’s identity and heritage and will continue to be represented through the academic seal and other institutional brand elements.
“This consolidation of our visual brand comes at a pivotal time as we are on the cusp of so many highly visible endeavors,” said UWF Creative Director Jennifer Peck. “All of our heritage brand icons remain part of our story, but they have evolved and reorganized to help propel us into our next chapter.”
In addition to the visual identity update, UWF has refined its brand messaging framework to ensure greater consistency across communications, marketing and recruitment efforts. The updated brand strategy emphasizes student success, regional impact, innovation and opportunity, and it frames UWF as a place that is bold, authentic, accessible, determined and always advancing.
“All of these updates reflect an important step forward for UWF,” Diaz said. “While our visual identity is evolving, our mission and our commitment to our students, faculty, staff and community remain unchanged.”
Century Prison Inmate Faces Meth Trafficking Charges After Visitation
July 7, 2026
A Century Correctional Institution inmate was charged with possessing a trafficking amount of methamphetamine following a routine security screening after visitation hours.
Rodney L. Addison, 33, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine of 14 grams or more and possession of contraband by an inmate.
According to a probable cause affidavit the incident occurred as inmates were returning to their dormitories from the facility’s visitation park. A correctional officer performing unclothed body searches noticed Addison acting suspiciously by moving to the back of the line and reaching inside his jacket. When ordered to submit to a search, a bag containing a white, crystalline substance fell from Addison’s jacket to the floor. Correctional staff reported that Addison then attempted to conceal the bag inside his body, prompting officers to call for backup and place him in hand restraints.
The seized substance was field-tested at the scene and later sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory for formal chemical analysis. Laboratory reports confirmed the bag contained approximately 32.51 grams of methamphetamine. Under Florida law, any amount of the drug exceeding 14 grams triggers a trafficking charge.
Addison is currently serving a 15-year sentence on multiple Duval County charges for fleeing law enforcement and attempted second degree murder.
Pensacola Police Say Deadly Downtown Shooting Resulted From ‘Ongoing Feud’
July 6, 2026
Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Monday that an ongoing feud led to the shooting that claimed one life and injured six others early Sunday morning in downtown Pensacola. The investigation has determined that at least two weapons were fired during the shooting incident.
“What we have been able to determine is that there is an ongoing feud between these individuals,” Winstrom said. “That is obviously playing a role into the direction of the investigation.”
He said that most of the victims knew each other, had “social connections,” and may have had gang connections. Six of the seven victims were known to each other.
The deceased victim has been identified as 19-year-old Phillip Devon Monte Sheppard Jr., and all but one of the six other victims have been released from the hospital.
Winstrom said there were nine people arrested in the hours prior to the shootings, with the suspects ranging in age from 14 to 22. Police responded to over 20 reported fights.
Police are asking for any photos or videos that were taken in the area downtown, along with any other information from the public.
Pictured: Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom at a Monday morning press conference. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Mayor Says Wastewater Study Remains A Priority After DeSantis Budget Veto
July 6, 2026
Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis line-item vetoed items totaling $810 million when he signed Florida’s $117.6 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, including a wastewater project in Century.
The Century “Inflow and Infiltration Study” passed the Legislature but was vetoed by the governor. The $315,000 study was to be aimed at problem areas in the system to reduce wastewater flow at the town’s wastewater treatment plant — essentially looking at how stormwater is making it into the wastewater system where it must be treated.
“This study will help us identify and narrow down the sources of stormwater intrusion into our wastewater system, allowing us to make targeted improvements that enhance system performance, reduce unnecessary treatment costs, and support our long-term infrastructure goals,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said.
He said the study remains a priority for the town.
“We will rely on the continued efforts of Sen. (Don) Gaetz and Rep. (Michelle) Salzman in the future to help secure funding for the inflow and infiltration study,” he said.
The state budget, as signed by DeSantis, includes $830,339 for wastewater lift station rehabilitation. The funds will be used to rehabilitate two sewage lift stations that were installed more than 30 years ago, a requirement of a consent order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“These improvements are an important part of strengthening the reliability of our wastewater system and ensuring continued service to our residents,” Boutwell said as he thanked DeSantis, Salzman and Gaetz.
Pictured: A portion of the Century Wastewater Treatment Plant. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Assault At Atmore Hotel
July 6, 2026
An Alabama, man is behind bars after a welfare check at an Atmore hotel uncovered a brutal assault late last week.
Robert Heath Walker, of Leroy, was charged with attempted murder following an investigation by the Atmore Police Department.
According to authorities, the incident began late on the evening of Thursday, July 2, 2026, when Atmore police officers responded to the Hampton Inn near I-65 in Atmore to conduct a welfare check on an individual at the request of a family member.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered circumstances that prompted them to make immediate entry into one of the hotel rooms. Inside, police discovered an adult female unconscious and suffering from severe, traumatic injuries.
Emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. The unidentified victim was rushed to a regional trauma center, where officials say she continues to receive medical treatment.
The Atmore Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigations Division launched an extensive, round-the-clock probe into the assault. Their findings quickly led to warrants being issued for Walker.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, Walker was tracked down and taken into custody without further incident. The arrest was executed through a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Pensacola Symphony Musicians Perform At Century Library (Gallery)
July 6, 2026
Musicians from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performed live last week at the Century Branch Library.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Student Places In Top 10 At National History Day
July 6, 2026
An Ernest Ward Middle School student has earned an elite national distinction on the academic stage.
Dillon Seaman claimed a spot in the Top 10 in the nation at the National History Day national competition held June 14-18 at the University of Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
The annual event served as the prestigious culmination of months of rigorous local, regional, and state-level competitions. More than 3,000 students in grades 6-12 from across the country and around the globe arrived to share their intensive research presentations.
This year’s overarching National History Day theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Seamans competed against elite peers in the ultra-competitive Junior Individual Exhibit Category. His project, titled “Potato Blight; British Blame and Irish Change,” meticulously analyzed the historical ramifications, political decisions, and long-standing societal reforms surrounding the Irish Potato Famine.
His deep research and compelling visual display resonated strongly with the judges, propelling him into the final top tier of students nationwide.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.