Tate Aggies Sweep Washington
September 17, 2025
The Tate Aggies volleyball program swept the Washington Wildcats on Tuesday night at Washington.
Tate 3, Washington 1 (Varsity)
The Tate Aggies varsity volleyball team secured a powerful comeback win against the Washington Wildcats.. After a tough first set loss of 15-25, the Aggies rallied with three consecutive dominant wins. They took the next sets with scores of 25-15, 25-7, and a decisive 25-20 in the final set to seal the victory.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will host the Pine Forest Eagles on Wednesday night.
Tate 2, Washington 0 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity team showcased their dominance by defeating the Washington Wildcats in two straight sets. The Aggies controlled the game from the start, winning the first set 25-16 and closing out the match with a 25-19 victory in the second set.
Tate 2, Washington 1 (Freshmen)
The Tate High School freshmen volleyball team defeated the Washington Wildcats in a three-set thriller. After winning the first set 25-22 and dropping the second 14-25, the Aggies rallied to win the deciding third set 15-7, showcasing impressive resilience and teamwork.
$8 Million Project Ongoing To Upgrade Century Sewage Lift Stations And Treatment Plant
September 16, 2025
An $8 million wastewater improvement project is ongoing in Century, including $3.5 million for lift stations.
Lift stations are pumps that move sewage and wastewater to high elevations when gravity alone cannot achieve the necessary flow to a point such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Without functioning lift stations, sewage would back up into homes and businesses.
The total $8 million project, including $5.5 million for the treatment plant, is being funded on loan with 90% of the principal to be forgiven, leaving Century responsible for repaying just 10% of the total amount to the state’s revolving loan fund.
Mayor Ben Boutwell said critical infrastructure upgrades in Century went undone for years, and now the town is catching up and modernizing infrastructure including water and sewer.
“We are now taking care of what we have and preparing for the future for our citizens,” he said.
The project includes four lift stations located at:
- West Highway 4 (pictured, just west of the community center)
- Century Woods Apartments (at the rear of the complex)
- Pond and Jefferson intersection
- Century Correctional Institution
The lift station at Century Woods is completed. After completing the West Highway 4 location, crews will move to the lift station near the Pond and Jefferson intersection. Additional projects will be forthcoming to replace other lift stations around the town.
Pictured: Work on the Century lift station on West Highway 4 recently. NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Faces Up To Life In Prison On Federal Robbery, Shooting Charges
September 16, 2025
An Escambia County man is facing up to life in federal prison for the armed robbery of a business.
Ulysses Robinson, Jr., 41, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of interference with commerce by threat or violence, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Court documents reveal that on December 16, 2024, Robinson and his partner, Ladarryl Paige – who previously pleaded guilty to these offenses – entered a business on North Davis Highway and held multiple individuals at gunpoint. Robinson and Paige then robbed these individuals of approximately $10,000 along with marijuana that was present on scene. During the armed robbery, Robinson forced the victims to comply with orders at gunpoint and discharged his firearm. Law enforcement was able to identify both Robinson and Paige through video surveillance and forensically derived electronic evidence. Robinson is a previously convicted felon.
Robinson faces up to life imprisonment upon sentencing, which is scheduled for November 13 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said: “Another violent felon has been taken off the streets of Pensacola thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our local partners working in conjunction with federal law enforcement. This is yet another successful prosecution under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, which is fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to protect our communities from the violent criminals terrorizing our streets.”
A New Chapter: Ernest Ward Middle PTE Puts Students First
September 16, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School PTE (Parents and Teachers of Eagles) is shifting its focus to students and community involvement.
“We are shifting our focus to students,” PTE President Tristan Long said during the group’s meeting at the school.
He said that previously the PTE focused about half on students and half on staff, but they plan to focus at least 70% of their funding on students. They are also looking to improve community partnerships and prepare financially to perhaps fund student organizations.
The group also aims to find ways to bring families and students together at the school for events, while also improving volunteerism.
“More than money, they need hands,” Principal Tyvanna Boulanger said.
The EWMS PTE was recently recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity by the IRS, making all donations and business sponsorships tax deductible. For more information on the PTE at Ernest Ward, visit their Facebook page.
At Monday’s meeting, the group also adopted bylaws and a code of ethics.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School PTE President Triston Long and Vice President Tabitha Schoonover at Monday’s meeting. Other board members attended by video. Pictured below (L-R): EWMS Assistant Principal Rodney Drish, Escambia County Public Schools Director of Middle School Education Dr. Michael Roberts, and EWMS Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary, Grand Theft And Witness Tampering
September 16, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry and threatening the victim.
Willie Ray Purifoy, 47, was charge with burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property and witness tampering. All of the charges are felonies.
The incident occurred at a residence on Washington Street in Cantonment. The victim told law enforcement that Purifoy entered his home through an unlocked door without permission and stole six men’s wristwatches and loose coins, with a total value of $4,950. The victim stated that he had previously hired Purifoy to do handyman work and help with his business, and that Purifoy had been in his home before, but never unescorted or with permission to enter on his own.
According to an arrest report, he victim confronted Purifoy outside his home, and Purifoy allegedly rode away on a bicycle, refusing to talk. Purifoy reportedly sold three of the stolen watches at a pawn shop on Mobile Highway in Pensacola for $225. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm the watches matched the description of the stolen items, and a hold was placed on them.
The report also states that Purifoy allegedly called the victim on September 3 and said, “I’ll mess you up,” and threatened to start a rumor that the victim was gay. The victim’s phone records corroborated the call, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Purifoy remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $8,000.
Salzman To Host Constituent Services Day On Friday
September 16, 2025
The office of Florida House Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with local, state, and federal officials will host in-person mobile office hours to assist constituents with casework issues. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of the district offices a more convenient way to receive county, state, and federal casework assistance.
“I am looking forward to hosting another Constituent Service Day. This quarterly event allows for constituents to get in person help from federal, state and local elected officials and organizations serving District 1,” Salzman said.
Constituent Services Day will be held Friday, September 19 from noon at 2 p.m. at the Ferry Pass Community Center, 8800 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola.
Participants are scheduled to include:
- Representative Michelle Salzman’s Office
- US Senator Ashley Moody’s Office
- Congressman Jimmy Patronis Office
- Senator Don Gaetz Office
- County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger’s office
- Pensacola’s Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer
- Escambia County VSO’s Office
- Hope Florida
- Arc Gateway
- Department of Health
- Center for Independent Living
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
- Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division
FHP Conducts Speed Enforcement Operation On Highway 97
September 16, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a speed enforcement detail last weekend on Highway 97 in North Escambia.
FHP Captain Jason King said the detail was “in response to citizens’ concerns about dangerous driving”.
In a two-hour timeframe Saturday morning, troopers conducted 10 traffic stops on vehicles exceeding the posted 55 mph speed limit between Highway 29 in Molino and the Alabama state line. King said no other violations were observed during the enforcement detail.
A fatality occurred last Friday morning on Highway 97 just before 7 a.m., and a two-vehicle crash about an hour later, and about 3.5 miles south on Highway 97, injured two people. There was also a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries that occurred in August on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Autistic Boy Found Safe At Lake Stone Near Century
September 15, 2025
A missing 8-year-old boy was found in about an hour Monday morning at Lake Stone near Century.
The boy was reported missing around 6:10 a.m., and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded with resources that included a drone and two K-9 units.
The child was located safely in the area and was not injured, according to the ECSO.
NorthEscamiba.com file photo.
FDOT: Highway 97 To Be Resurfaced 2026; No Other Improvements Currently Funded
September 15, 2025
A $20.6 million project to resurface Highway 97 is set for 2026, and there may be a widening study forthcoming in the next few years, but there are no other improvements or safety improvements planned for the state road that has seen several major crashes and a fatality in recent weeks, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The fatality was last Friday morning just before 7 a.m, and two-vehicle crash about an hour later and 3.5 miles south on Highway 97 injured two people. Both crashes, and a five-vehicle wreck with multiple injuries in August, were blamed on drivers that failed to remain in their lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
After the Friday crashes, NorthEscambia.com asked FDOT if there are any plans in place for the two-lane roadway.
The state funded $79,997 for preliminary engineering in 2025, and approved funding is in place for a $20,650,022 resurfacing from Highway 29 in Molino north to the Alabama state line. The state is funding $11,436,602 of the 22-mile project along with $9,213,420 in federal dollars.
Ian Satter, public information director for FDOT District 3, said on Friday that for the next five years, there are currently no other planned or funded improvements or safety studies for Highway 97.
Four Lane Highway 97?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on expanding Highway 97 to four lanes is number six of ten capacity project priorities adopted this year by the Regional Rural Transportation Plan (RRTP) for 2025. That list is forwarded to FDOT as requested priorities — essentially a wish list — for the study in advance of any consideration of the actual work. However, inclusion does not mean FDOT, will or will not seek funding for a project.
The current FDOT Adopted Five-Year Work Program covers Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 (projects programmed July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030) and was adopted on July 1, 2025.
The process of approving and legislatively funding new items for the Five-Year Work Program includes multiple lengthy steps, Satter said. (The process is illustrated below). As part of the development process, each FDOT District coordinates with the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in urbanized areas and county governments in rural areas.
FDOT District 3, which includes 16 counties across Northwest Florida, will begin the process in mid-October.
NorthEscambia.com photos and graphic, click to enlarge.
Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? Escambia Commission To Consider Ballot Referendum
September 15, 2025
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.
The school board voted 3-2 on February 18 to place a referendum on the general election ballot to send the question back to voters. The referendum was introduced by District 5 member Tom Harrell, with Harrell, Kevin Adams, and Paul Fesko voting in favor. Board members Carissa Bergosh and David Williams were opposed. The school board then sent the referendum to the county commission for approval.
“I feel very strongly about this,” Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said in February. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”
“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”
On Tuesday, the county commission will vote on scheduling an October 16 public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance authorizing a countywide referendum on the statewide primary election on August 18, 2026, to determine if the school superintendent should be an elected position.
The Escambia County Commission will take the next step this week in placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 to again ask voters if they want an elected or appointed superintendent.