Council On Aging Expands Senior Meals, Services In Century And Cantonment
September 21, 2026
A $62,500 grant approved by Escambia County commissioners is restoring and expanding free meal services for older adults living in rural North Escambia.
The funding, awarded to the Council on Aging of West Florida, targets low-income seniors in Century, Cantonment and surrounding areas who face ongoing food insecurity and high grocery costs. For many elderly residents living in remote corners of the county, limited transportation and a lack of nearby supermarkets have made getting fresh, healthy groceries a regular challenge.
“The grant allows us to provide services in rural communities that are typically harder to reach for social services, or any kind of service really,” said Emily Echevarria, the Council on Aging’s spokeswoman. “We need to use that in Century at our dining site. We can also provide social services and case management, along with Meals on Wheels. We can also add people to our dining site on Nine Mile Road at St. Luke’s Methodist Church.”
Under the expanded program, hot, freshly prepared lunches will be served on a steady schedule Monday through Thursday at the community dining site at 6025 Industrial Boulevard in Century and St. Luke Methodist Church at 394 East Nine Mile Road. The sites had previously faced service reductions, cutting back on the days it could provide hot meals as operational costs climbed and older-adult nutrition budgets tightened.
While other Council on Aging dining sites have a wait list, the county grant is allowing the Council on Aging to add dining site clients at both Century and at St. Luke’s.
Last Friday, the nonprofit held a Senior Resource Fair at the Century dining site, and hopes to have similar resource fairs and signup events in the future.
“Because we have this rural funding, we can add clients at those two sites, so this means a free hot meal in the middle of the day, Monday through Thursday,” Echevarria said. “But more importantly, it’s socialization, it’s friendship. This is the place for anyone 60 or older to go and be with their peers.”
Beyond providing balanced nutrition, the dining facilities serve as crucial hubs to combat rural isolation. Seniors who visit the centers can socialize, participate in recreational activities, and connect with health checks and other essential elder services.
“They play bingo; each dining site has their own kind of flavor and activities,” she added. “Their own dining site manager manages all of that, and it’s a fun place to go. It’s a group of people that are going to call if you stop showing up and figure out what’s going on, what’s wrong, and be there to support you. That connection is extremely important for older adults who are at a high risk of isolation.”
The county funding steps in to bridge that gap after earlier pandemic-era relief expired and broader federal funding levels shifted, leaving local providers struggling to keep up with kitchen labor, utilities, and ingredient expenses. Without local intervention, several rural dining centers had been operating on shortened schedules or relying heavily on non-perishable food distributions.
There are also Meals on Wheels openings for home-delivered meals at Century and Nine Mile Road, but there is a signup process and assessment. To register, an individual can visit one of the dining sites during its hours, or call the Council on Aging at (850) 432-1475.
Pictured: The Council on Aging of West Florida held a senior resource fair on Friday, September 15 at its Century senior dining site. NorthEscambia.com photos, click toe enlarge.
Driver Takes Wild Ride After Running Off Highway 97, Crossing Kansas
September 21, 2026
A driver took a wild ride after running off Highway 97 near Walnut Hill sometime on Sunday morning.
The driver of a southbound Lincoln MKX lost control in a curve, traveled through a ditch and into a field where the vehicle narrowly avoided high-voltage power line poles and additional guy lines. It then crossed Kansas Road and crashed into a second field before coming to a stop about 1,000 feet after leaving the roadway.
There was no one around the vehicle when Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol responded around 7:20 a.m.
The crash remains under investigation by FHP.
Photos by Sean Kahalley for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Average Escambia County Gas Price Is Now Above $4 Per Gallon
September 21, 2026
The Escambia County average gas price has now passed the $4 mark.
Florida gas prices surged 21 cents per gallon last week as rising crude oil prices pushed fuel costs higher nationwide. Friday’s state average of $4.33 per gallon was the highest daily price since May 2026. Prices edged lower through the weekend, settling at $4.30 per gallon on Sunday.
Sunday’s state average is 15 cents more than a week ago, 35 cents more than a month ago, and $1.16 per gallon more than this time last year.
The Escambia County metro average is among the lowest in the state at $4.05.
Prices below $4 could still be found on Sunday in Escambia County, with the lowest being $3.79 per gallon at the warehouse clubs. In North Escambia, the low price was $3.99 at stations on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
Pictured: Gas was $3.79 per gallon over the past weekend at one of the area warehouse clubs. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century, Beulah Splash Pads Closing Next Week For The Season
September 21, 2026
The splash pads at Beulah Regional Park and Showalter Park in Century will close for the season starting Monday, September 28.
Both Beulah Regional Park and Showalter Park, along with all other park amenities, will remain open. The splash pads will reopen in spring 2027 for the spring and summer season.
Beulah Regional Park is located at 7820 Mobile Highway. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 27.
Showalter Park is located on Kelly Field Road (off Hecker Road) in Century and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The splash pad is open daily through September 27.
Pictured: The splash pad at Beulah Regional Park. File photo, click to enlarge.
New Home Base Program At UWF Expands Military Wellness Support
September 21, 2026
The University of West Florida has announced a new partnership with Home Base Florida, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program, bringing the organization’s Warrior Health and Fitness program to UWF’s Pensacola campus. UWF is only one of three universities across the nation to house this program that will expand access to community-based health, fitness and wellness support for veterans, service members and military families across Northwest Florida.
“Strengthening UWF’s support for our military community has been a top priority of mine since becoming president,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “We are proud to partner with Home Base Florida to expand access to this important support for military and veterans in our community.”
Warrior Health and Fitness is a free, 90-day wellness program designed to help participants improve their physical health and overall well-being through supervised exercise, nutrition education, stress management, coaching and community-based support. The program also serves as a gateway to additional Home Base services for those in need of support for invisible wounds, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury.
Warrior Health and Fitness participants will have access to a dedicated campus-based wellness space in Building 77 on UWF’s Pensacola campus where they can build strength, improve overall well-being and connect with peers who understand the unique experiences of military life, with support from Home Base Florida. The space is adjacent to UWF’s Office of Military Services, creating a natural connection point for veterans, service members and military families already supported through the University’s military-focused programs and transition resources.
“The Office of Military Services and Home Base are a natural partnership,” said Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio, executive director for UWF’s Office of Military Services. “We share a deep commitment to supporting our military and veteran community as they prepare for whatever comes next. Success for the next mission starts with building resiliency while building relationships, and creating a community where people know they are supported.”
Home Base Florida’s collaboration with UWF marks an important milestone in their continued expansion across Northwest Florida and reflects the organization’s commitment to working alongside trusted community partners to reach more veterans, service members and military families closer to home.
“With more than six military installations in Northwest Florida, this region is home to a significant military community,” said Betsy Hart, Program Manager for Home Base Florida, a military spouse and Pensacola resident. “Home Base Florida’s Pensacola presence is designed to reduce barriers to care, strengthen local referral pathways and create accessible opportunities for healing, wellness and connection.”
To learn more about UWF’s Office of Military Services, visit uwf.edu/militaryservices. To learn more about Home Base Florida, visit homebase.org/florida.
Here Are The Weekly Road Construction Delay Spots To Watch
September 21, 2026
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 on I-10 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between mile markers 11 and 14, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) from east of Bauer Road (County Road (C.R.) 293) to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, Sept. 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 292, from east of Bauer Road (C.R. 293) to Manchester Street, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for paving operations. Drivers are reminded that median devices are in place near Patton Drive and Mills Avenue and the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph.
- 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, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site, and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- U.S. 90A (West Nine Mile Road) Resurfacing, from Perdido River Bridge to S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) - The week of Sunday, Sept. 20, U.S. 90A drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures between the Perdido River bridge and Beulah Road, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for paving operations.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Resurfacing from I-10 to U.S. 98 – Drivers on I-110 may encounter intermittent lane closures, traffic shifts and periodic ramp closures, between I-10 and U.S. 98, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations and roadway construction.
- Business U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 ramp – Drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North 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 for stormwater drainage system reconstruction. 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 A Street and L Street
- I-10 Resurfacing from the Perdido River Bridge to west of U.S. 29 – I-10 drivers may encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Intermittent inside lane closures, between mile markers 5 and 10, for paving operations.
- Westbound outside lane closures, near the Pine Forest Road interchange (Exit 7), for guardrail and crash cushion installation.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent lane closures on I-10 westbound near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Sept. 26, between 8 p.m. and 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 on-ramp, which will remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 29, between Broad Street and Diamond Dairy Road, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for construction activities. Additionally, drivers are reminded of the following ongoing traffic impacts:
- I-10 eastbound travel lanes have been shifted to the north near the U.S. 29 interchange. This temporary traffic configuration is anticipated to remain in place through late 2026.
- I-10 is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction between U.S. 29 and I-110.
- 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, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for resurfacing operations.
- Lane closures are to be expected at S.R. 95 and S.R. 97 on Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for resurfacing operations.
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, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Sept. 26, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (S.R. 10) Resurfacing, from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road (C.R. 197A) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on U.S. 90, from Escambia River Bridge to Woodbine Road, Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for paving and striping operations. Additionally, the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Ransom Middle School Inducts New Honor Society Members
September 21, 2026
New members were recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony at Ransom Middle School.
The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, the NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.
8th Grade Members
- Anatolie Badila
- Brentley Batchelor
- Nathan Brown
- Felicity Brown
- Camden Clarke
- Madison Degan-Dorangricchia
- Micah Doyle
- Colton Eden
- Charlee Edwards
- Ty Hagan
- Aiden Harris
- Natalie Harris
- Jackson Henson
- Melody Kershaw
- Aubry Licastro
- Samantha Meadows
- Zachary Moshell
- Gabrielle Orr
- Chloe Quebedeaux
- Cole Reynolds
- William Rogers
- Brayden Scales
- Mckenzie Teel-Galletti
- Weston Wagner
- McKenzy Walker
- Emily Wears
- Camden Williams
- Jazmin Yahya
7th Grade Members
- Lily Dunn
- Ryann Gibbs
- Lucy Hamilton
- Drew Haney
- Alyson Le
- Zachary Medeiros
- Presley Murdock
- Rylie Payne
- Eli Quebedeaux
- Joud Schweil
- McKenzie Simpler
- Karli Smith
- Nevaeh Smith
- Khlow Sowers
- Carson Spikes
- Natalie Thorsen
- Liam Wallace
Officers and Adviser
- President: Marcella Smith
- Vice President: Collin Cowart
- Secretary: Jett Smith
- Treasurer: Kensley Middleton
- Historian: Landon Thompson
- Faculty Adviser: Veronica Linkous
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Roberts Road Saga: It’s Reopened, But Maybe Not For Long
September 20, 2026
The West Roberts Road construction saga continues.
A portion of West Roberts Road that was closed August 29 reopened by last Friday, September 18, nearly two weeks beyond the estimated Labor Day weekend time frame.
But while it has been reopened, NorthEscambia.com has learned that another complete closure may be announced this week, again stopping traffic on the popular thoroughfare.
Once that complete road closure ends, intermittent lane closures will resume along West Roberts Road as the project continues, and periodic detours will be utilized along Kingsfield Road, Stallion Road, and Tate Road for the duration of the project.
The $4.6 million West Roberts Road Roadway and Drainage Improvements Project started in April in was first expected to be completed by fall 2026, but the schedule has now been pushed to winter 2026, weather and construction coordination permitting.
Pictured: West Roberts Road was open at the railroad tracks just east of Highway 29 on Saturday, September 19. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Three Arrested Following Flomaton Narcotics Search Warrant
September 20, 2026
Three people were arrested following a narcotics search warrant at a Flomaton residence.
According to the Flomaton Police Department, officers executed the warrant on September 17 at a home on College Street as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Escambia County (AL) Multi-Agency SWAT Team and the Lower Alabama Drug Task Force.
During the search, investigators discovered evidence consistent with illegal drug activity, leading to multiple drug-related charges against three individuals at the scene:
- Cynthia Goebel, 60, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Tonya Rolin was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree possession of marijuana.
- Justin White was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree possession of marijuana.
Police noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
Pictured: (L-R) Cynthia Goebel, Justin White, and Tonya Rolin.
Atmore Native Defends America From Under The Sea
September 20, 2026
Seaman Tyanthony Dailey, a native of Atmore is one of the sailors serving aboard Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 126-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Dailey graduated from Escambia County High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atmore.
“Growing up in Atmore, it’s a small town; everyone knew each other,” Dailey said. “It helped me get started. I talked to a lot of people who supported me with real examples of military life. Coach G (Gonzalez), my wrestling coach, helped build my toughness. I was in wrestling and football, and he helped me get to state championships. Also, my mom helped me a lot. She brought us up by herself and took care of us. She taught me the importance of independence, and that has helped me in my career so far.”
Dailey joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Dailey serves as a yeoman (submarine).
“I joined to do something different,” Dailey said. “Everyone around me was going to college. That wasn’t really my thing. I always saw submarines in the movies and thought, I can do that! I wanted to be an information systems technician, but there was an opportunity to start my Navy journey quickly by taking the yeoman rate, so I signed up.”
As a submariner, Dailey is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve under the sea.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; support special operations missions; conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Dailey is part of a rich 126-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming senior in rate and earning my dolphins (submariner qualification),” Dailey said. “That’s a big one because it’s so challenging. Learning each system on the boat and being a competent sailor is important. A lot of people depend on me to do my job. Driving a nuclear submarine is another big accomplishment and a huge responsibility.”
Dailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m doing something that most people wouldn’t do,” Dailey said. “It’s different than everyone else. I could be doing anything from shooting missiles, evading torpedoes or a number of other things. It’s a great job. If someone had the chance to serve four years, they should at least try. If asked what I did for my country, I can be proud to talk about what I’ve done in the Navy.”
Dailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my mom,” Dailey said. “She has helped me every step of the way with everything from cars to owning a home. She helped me grow up. My brother joined the Navy, too. We talk all the time and help each other. My wife has been amazing. She has loved and supported me the entire time and always has my back.”
Dailey said he’s thankful for the education opportunities that service in the Navy provides.
“I plan to go to college using Tuition Assistance, which will help me in my career and post-Navy life,” Dailey said.
written by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tucker
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.