Century Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Trespassing Report
October 14, 2025
An Century was arrested following a drug investigation that began with a trespassing complaint in Bratt.
Dustin Shelby Smith, 35, was taken into custody after a deputy responded to a call regarding a person refusing to leave a residence on Perdue where he had been staying for about a week. The subject had left the residence on foot prior to the deputy’s arrival.
While on the scene of the initial complaint, the deputy was alerted by dispatch that Smith had an active felony warrant out of Escambia County, Alabama. The deputy located Smith near the intersection of Breastworks Road and Purdue Road and, after confirming the out-of-state warrant, placed him in custody.
A subsequent search o Smith revealed a small baggie containing a white, crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, along with seven ephedrine tablets, according to an arrest report. A search of his backpack uncovered two glass smoking pipes with residue, a glass jar with residue, four lithium batteries, a bottle of lye cleaner, a bottle of lighter fluid, and a soft drink bottle containing an unknown brown substance, the report continues.
Deputies noted in their report that the collected items—the ephedrine, lye cleaner, lighter fluid, and lithium batteries—are components commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Smith denied manufactoruring the drug.
Smith was transported to the Escambia County Jail and booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $4,500, but he remained jail awaiting extradition to Alabama.
He was not charged in connection with the reported trespassing incident.
Tate Aggies Sweep District Quarterfinal Match Over Crestview (With Gallery)
October 14, 2025
The No. 4 ranked Tate Aggies secured a decisive victory Tuesday night, sweeping the No. 5 Crestview Bulldogs 3-0 in the 6A District 1 quarterfinals at Tate.
The Aggies took control immediately, narrowly clinching the first set 25-23. Building momentum, Tate’s defense tightened in the subsequent sets, winning 25-22 and 25-23 to complete the clean sweep and end Crestview’s season.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Aggies (20-5, 4-2) will travel to No. 1 ranked Gulf Breeze (22-3, 8-0) at 6 p.m. in Tuesday’s semifinals. No. 2 Niceville will also hot No. 6 Navarre ahead of Thursday’s final.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Laurel Hill Hoboes End Northview’s Season In District Quarterfinal Match (With Gallery)
October 14, 2025
The No. 4 Northview Chiefs’ season ended Monday with a 3-1 loss to the No. 5 Laurel Hill Hoboes in a gritty Rural District 1 quarterfinal match at home.
The Chiefs delivered an energized start on their home court, securing a tight 25-23 win in the first set. This early momentum, however, was quickly halted by the Hoboes. Laurel Hill adjusted quickly, taking the final three sets with scores of 25-22, 25-17, and 25-20.
The Hoboes advanced to the District 1 semifinals Tuesday to face the top-ranked Jay Royals at 6 p.m. No. 2 Baker will take on No. 3 Central at 4 p.m. Both semifinal matches will be played at Northview.
Northview concluded their season with a final record of 7-11 overall and 2-2 in the district.
NorthEsccambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP: Speeding Driver Caused Fiery Fatal Highway 29 Crash
October 13, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol says a speeding driver was at fault for a horrific fiery crash Saturday night on Highway 29 in Cantonment that took the life of a Cantonment man and seriously injured two Flomaton residents.
The two-vehicle crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Highway 29 south of the paper mill, near Woodbury Circle, and involved a Chevrolet Equinox SUV and a passenger car.
In a report released Sunday night, FHP said a car driven by a 28-year old Pensacola woman was traveling southbound on Highway 29 at a high rate of speed when the vehicle crossed over the median and into the path of a northbound SUV.
The driver of the car, a 28-year-old Pensacola woman, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition. Her passenger, a 30-year-old Cantonment man, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, a 72-year-old Flomaton man, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. His passenger, a 70-year-old Flomaton woman, was also transported to Sacred Heart in serious condition.
The rear portion of the car was ripped away in the collision, with the front and passenger compartment crossing all lanes of Highway 29 before bursting into flames.
The crash completely shut down Highway 29 for several hours.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Portion Of North Escambia Now Officially In A Drought
October 13, 2025
Portions of North Escambia are now experiencing drought conditions, according to the latest data released by the National Drought Mitigation Center.
The Walnut Hill, Enon, Molino, and McDavid areas are experiencing drought conditions, according to the center (map below). The remainder of Escambia County is officially just “abnormally dry.”
There is no rain in the forecast for the next week. Farmers in the area are taking advantage of the dry weather to harvest crops.
Pictured: Dust rises as peanuts are harvested in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Tate Friday Night Students, Fans, Cheerleaders
October 13, 2025
The Tate Aggies hosted the Pace Patriots Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with fans, cheerleaders and more, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘A Night When Heaven Rejoiced’ — Community Baptism Service Held In Park In Molino
October 13, 2025
About 100 people gathered Saturday night in the park behind the Molino Community Center for an open community baptism service.
As the sun set behind the community center, the sound of laughter from children on the playground filled the air along with worship music and a message from Unashamed Fire Ministries President Morgan Hiebert.
After an altar call, 16 people embraced their faith and were baptized in a tub of water. Water baptism is identifying with the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is symbolic of washed away sins in the Christian faith.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
It was the fourth public baptism service in recent weeks for the Atmore ministry, with dozens more baptized in Atmore and Uriah in Alabama.
“People who had walked away from Him, People who had never known Him before,” were baptized as believers, according to Hiebert. “It was a night of freedom. A night of redemption. A night where heaven rejoiced.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Cheerleaders, Fans, And More
October 13, 2025
The Northview Chiefs hosted the Jay Royals Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with fans, cheerleaders and more, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
October 13, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads 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. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16, 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. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews perform drainage improvements.
- Ninth Avenue Resurfacing from Creighton Road (S.R. 274) to Olive Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Ninth Avenue, between Beau Terra Lane and Dunmire Street, Sunday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, Oct. 12, 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. 12, 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 will be 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 will be 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. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16, 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. 12, 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. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16, 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. 12 through Friday, Oct. 17, 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. 12 through Friday, Oct. 17:
- 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. 15 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities.
- S.R. 289 (Ninth Avenue) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at Drew Circle – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside northbound lane closure Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground maintenance.
- S.R. 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance north of S.R. 296 (Brent Lane) – Motorists will encounter intermittent outside northbound lane closures Monday, Oct. 13 and Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine underground utility maintenance.
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. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 16:
- 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. 12 through Friday, Oct. 17.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida’s Average Gas Price Declines
October 13, 2025
Florida gas prices declined 12 cents last week, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average was $2.92 per gallon — the lowest daily average price since May.
AAA said it costs $44 to fill a 15-gallon tank with regular unleaded gasoline. That’s $2.50 less than last year.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County ws $2.79. A low of $2.56 ws available at the warehouse clubs in Pensacola. In North Escambia, the lowest price Sunday was $2.70 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
“Florida gas prices slipped to the lower end of the 30-cent range, which it has fluctuated within for the past year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Global fuel prices are facing downward pressure on reports that global fuel supplies are outpacing demand.”