Century Council Incumbent Shelisa McCall Abraham Prefiles For Reelection
September 25, 2025
Incumbent Century Town Council member Shelisa McCall Abraham prefiled Wednesday morning to see reelection to Seat 3 on the council in 2026 for the nonpartisan office.
There will be three Century Town Council Seats on the ballot in 2026:
- Seat 3, currently held by Abraham
- Seat 4, currently held by John Bass
- Seat 5, currently held by Sparkie Harrison
There are currently no other candidates other than Abraham that have prefiled.
Pictured: Shelisa McCall Abraham discusses an agenda item during a town council meeting this summer. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
County Approves New Foosackly’s Restaurant On West Nine Mile Road
September 25, 2025
The Escambia County Development Review Committee on Wednesday approved a new Foosackly’s restaurant on West Nine Mile.
The 4,416-square-foot restaurant will be located on a 2.14-acre parcel at 2605 West Nine Mile Road, at the corner of Nine Mile Road and 8 Mile Creek Road. That’s about halfway between the Walmart at the Nine Mile and Pine Forest intersection and I-10.
Foosackly’s is a chicken restaurant founded in Mobile in 2000. The company’s website lists 14 existing locations in Alabama and two in Northwest Florida — one at 1690 East Nine Mile Road and one on Mobile Highway.
Frontier Landline Customers May Not Be Able To Reach 911
September 24, 2025
Frontier Communications landline customers may not be able to call 911 in North Escambia, including Bratt, Walnut Hill and Molino.
Frontier was unable to connect landline customers to 911 earlier Wednesday night, and we’ve received conflicting information; some reports indicate it may have been repaired, while other customers say they still cannot call 911.
Authorities recommend that anyone who cannot call 911 from a Frontier landline use a cell phone.
Molino Utilities Reports Water Outage On Schaag Road
September 24, 2025
Molino Utilities is reporting a water main break on Schaag Road.
The utility says there will be low water pressure or no water at all from Rolling Oak south to Schaag Road.
The repair process has begun with no estimated time for repair.
[Posted 2:14 p.m.]
Local Students Gather For ‘See You At The Pole’ (With Photo Gallery)
September 24, 2025
Students across the North Escambia area gathered on Wednesday morning for the annual See You at the Pole event.
Students gathered before school began to pray in the non-denominational event. See You at the Pole is a national student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event. Students prayed for their school, friends, teachers, government, and the nation.
For a photo gallery, click here.
At Tate High School, Senior Nick Kontek welcomed everyone and read from Habakkuk 3:2, the national verse for this year. Senior Carson Hindsman prayed for students all over the world who have little to no religious freedom. Junior Addie Manning prayed for Tate administration and faculty. Nick also prayed for the nation and government. He also reminded students to share the gospel with their loved ones. Carson also prayed specifically for Tate students, encouraging them and faculty to form small groups to pray for each other, and their friends and families. The event at Tate was sponsored by First Priority.
At Northview High School, the event was sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During the event, students learned about the importance of reading the Bible and they gave thanks for and prayed about things in their personal and school lives.
The national See You at the Pole verse this year is: “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT).
For a photo gallery, click here.
School represented in the photo gallery include Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Beulah Academy of Science, Ernest Ward Middle School, Northview High School and Tate High School.
NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
+
Tate Student Named Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
September 24, 2025
A Tate High School student has been named a semifinalist in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
James Treick has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 280 business organizations, higher education institutions, and individual donors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.
Holman Prison Trespasser Arrested On Contraband Charges
September 24, 2025
A man allegedly trespassing at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore was arrested on narcotics and contraband charges.
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) on Tuesday announced the arrest of 24-year-old Jauvon Travis Leonard. The incident occurred the afternoon on Monday, September 14. At about 3:@5 a.m., ADOC K-9 agents spotted a man with a bag running towards the Holman perimeter fence. The suspect was detained and identified as Leonard.
ADOC narcotics agents arrived on the scene and processed the bag, which contained seven individually wrapped packages. Officials said the packages contained:
• 14 cell phones
• one lock-blade knife
• five phone cards
• one phone charger cord
• one silver necklace
• Approximately 154 grams of marijuana
• Approximately 58 grams of methamphetamines
Leonard was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, possession of marijuana first degree, prohibited activities, and attempting to promote prison contraband first degree. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center with bond set at $1 million.
Ernest Ward Recognizes Students With Perfect Scores On State Tests
September 24, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently recognized four students who earned a perfect score on state tests last school year.
Dean Marks, Miguel Espinoza, Jadon Long, and Sawyer Odom each made a perfect score on 8th Grade Math. Marks also earned a perfect score on the Civics EOC.
Pictured (L-R): Dean Makes, Miguel Espinoza, Jadon Long, and Sawyer Odom. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arthur Odom Elected Flomaton Mayor In Runoff
September 24, 2025
In a runoff election Tuesday, Arthur Odom was elected as the next mayor of Flomaton.
With 217 votes, Odom defeated incumbent Jim Johnson who had 178 votes.
“Thank you to the people of Flomaton for placing your trust in me. I am honored and humbled to accept this responsibility as your mayor.” Odom said. “With your encouragement, hard work, ideas, and support, we ran not just to win, but to serve and to uplift our community.”
“Flomaton is more than a town—it’s home. Our families, our history, and our shared values define us. I promise to uphold those traditions while also welcoming fresh opportunities,” Odom said.
“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your vote of confidence and support throughout this campaign. Although the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, it has truly been an honor to serve the citizens of Flomaton over the years,” Johnson said Tuesday night. “Congratulations to our new mayor, I wish you all the best as you take on this important role. Flomaton is a wonderful community, and I’m confident it will continue to grow and succeed.”
“Thank you again for the opportunity to serve, for your trust, and for the many friendships that have meant so much to me. This may be the end of a chapter, but it’s certainly not the end of my dedication to Flomaton,” Johnson added.
Forestry Field Day Preps Area Students for Upcoming Competition
September 24, 2025
Local agriculture students from Beulah Middle School, Beulah Academy of Science, Ernest Ward Middle School, Northview High School, and Showband of the South’s Tate High School recently participated in a hands-on Forestry Field Day at Escambia County Extension.
Students rotated through three stations—Maps, Timber Cruising, and Tree Identification—to gain valuable practice for the upcoming Forestry Career Development Event. Each session was designed by the Florida Forest Service to mirror real contest scenarios, building confidence and sharpening technical skills.
The Tate FFA Alumni provided lunch for all attendees, and gave students and teachers a chance to connect and refuel before heading back into activities.
This Forestry Field Day not only gave students hands-on practice in the skills they’ll need for competition, but also highlighted the teamwork and dedication that define FFA members across our schools,” Beulah Middle agriculture instructor Leanne Jenkins said. “We are proud of each student who took part and grateful to the county foresters who helped make the event possible.”
