Tate High’s Morgan Landreneau Named Beyond START Mentor of the Month
September 17, 2025
Escambia County Public Schools’ Professional Learning Department had recognized Morgan Landreneau of Tate High School as the September Beyond START Mentor of the Month.
“Morgan exemplifies the spirit of mentorship by providing consistent guidance, encouragement, and instructional support to the teachers she serves. Her dedication ensures that our alternative certification pathway educators feel welcomed, prepared, and empowered to succeed in the classroom,” Principal Laura Touchstone said.
“Through her commitment to building strong relationships and modeling best practices, Morgan is making a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the students of Tate High School. We are grateful for her leadership, positivity, and willingness to go above and beyond in supporting our mission of excellence in education,” Touchstone added.
Beyond START provides school-based mentors for alternatively certified teachers in their second year and beyond. The mentors serve as support for those teachers and help them to complete their requirements towards a professional certification.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Interstate Drug Trafficking Operation
September 17, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to federal prison for an interstate drug trafficking operation.
Jafari J. Williams, 48, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents reflect that Williams was identified during a federal wiretap investigation conspiring with others regarding shipments of cocaine coming from Texas. During execution of a search warrant of a building where Williams maintained his contraband in Pensacola, law enforcement seized approximately seven and a half kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of methamphetamine, drug distribution paraphernalia, an AR-15-style rifle, and approximately $10,000 in United States currency.
“I am incredibly proud of the excellent collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners that dismantled this drug trafficking operation, and this successful prosecution ensures this offender will be removed from our community for a long time. My office will not hesitate to target those who flood our streets with deadly drugs for aggressive prosecution and sentencing, and will deploy the full force of the law to keep our communities safe,” said John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Pensacola Police Department; the Gulf Breeze Police Department; and the Florida Highway Patrol.
MILO The Mobile ID And Licensing Office Will Be In Walnut Hill On Thursday
September 17, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be to Walnut Hill on Thursday, September 18, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, has the following schedule:
- September 18 – Walnut Hill Community Center
- October 16 – Billy G Ward Courthouse (Century)
- November 20 – Billy G Ward Courthouse (Century)
- December 18 – Walnut Hill Community Center
MILO offers a convenient way for residents to access essential tax collector services, including:
- Driver License Services: Renewals, replacements, out-of-state license conversions/reciprocations, and address/name changes.
- Identification Cards: First-time issuance and renewals.
- Vehicle Services: Registration renewals and replacements, title transfers, and parking placards.
- Tax Payments: Property tax payments.
- Business Tax Receipts: Applications and renewals.
- Certified Driver Transcripts
Written and driving tests are not available at the MILO unit.
This initiative aims to bring services to areas of Escambia County that may have limited access to traditional tax collector offices, particularly during disaster recovery or for residents in assisted living facilities, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Florida drivers may renew their vehicle registrations for a period of one or two years and may renew up to three months in advance of the registration expiration. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birth date unless the owner is a business.
Pictured: The Escambia County Tax Collector’s MILO at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Utility Bills Are In The Mail After Delays
September 17, 2025
The Town of Century is making progress on resolving utility billing difficulties.
Town Clerk Carrie Moore told the town council Tuesday evening that current bills are now complete, and utility customers should receive their bills in the mail by the end of the week.
The bills will have a due date of October 4 with no penalties. However, accounts with past due balances from last month are subject to disconnection unless customers make payment arrangements.
Moore said all customers need to update their contact information so that the town can call or text a few days before disconnects to save fees and penalties.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Chiefs Fall To Baker Gators
September 17, 2025
Northview Chiefs volleyball fell to the Baker Gators Tuesday evening in Bratt.
The Gators swept the Chiefs’ varsity team 3-0, while the Northview junior varsity team lost 2-1.
For a photo gallery, click here.
On Thursday, Northview will travel to Uriah, Alabama, to take on J.U. Blacksher.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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.