Fire Destroys Mobile Home, Pickup In Enon
February 3, 2026
Fire destroyed a mobile home Tuesday morning in Enon.
The fire was reported just before 8 a.m. in the 10300 block of Highway 97A, across from the Bay Springs Full Gospel Church.
The mobile home and a nearby pickup truck were fully involved when the first firefighter arrived in about three minutes. Both were total losses.
There was no one home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
For additional photos, click here.
Multiple stations from Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Strangulation After Alleged Domestic Battery In Bratt
February 3, 2026
An Alabama man is facing charges following an alleged domestic violence incident in Bratt.
Benjimen Issac Welch, age 25 of Frisco City, Alabama, was charged with battery domestic violence and felony battery domestic violence by strangulation. He was later released on a $4,000 bond.
The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office responded to Atmore Community Hospital where a woman was being treated. A person that met deputies in the parking lot told them that the victim had sent a location pin along with texts that included “Help Me”, “Pleaze”, and “He’s killing me.” They then picked the bloody victim up in the area of Oakshade Road and North Highway 99 in Bratt and transported them to the hospital in Atmore.
The deputy noted in his report that the victim had a deep cut on her forehead, along with several bruises and redness on her neck, consistent with being strangled, according to the arrest report.
Regarding the texts for help, the victim said “at one point that she was a liar and that she didn’t need help and didn’t want help”, the arrest report states.
At the Atmore Police Department, Welch told Florida deputies that he had argued with the victim about the status of their relationship and she put him out on the side of the road. According to the report, Welch had dried blood all over the inside of both hands, on his shirt, and on his pants. He told deputies that he did not have any injuries, and he was not sure of the origin of the blood.
Century Restaurant Says Third-Party Glitch Led To Erroneous Credit Card Charges
February 3, 2026
A Century restaurant is responding after customers claimed their credit and debit cards were erroneously charged when they may not have been in the restaurant in months.
“We understand deeply about our valued customers being upset with this situation , just as we are,” Vallartas Mexican Grill on North Century Boulevard said in a statement posted on social media Monday afternoon. “It is nothing that any of our employees have done. The company we use for credit card payments are the ones that have to fix this problem . We are working diligently with our card company to get refunds started and issued.”
On social media, one diner claimed they were charged for dinner last Friday night, but they had not been in the restaurant since November. “Why are you keeping customers information on your credit card system?”, they asked.
“Thing is, why is card information being stored?” another customer asked. “It’s not supposed to be kept.”
Another stated that they had been charged nearly $200 when they were not in the restaurant on Friday night.
“This system has already had the same problem in other places. Here in Vallarta, no one can access anyone’s information or credit card details,” the restaurant posted. “For us, the security of our customers is a priority. We’ve been in business for four years and have never had this problem before.”
“We are deeply sorry that this has happened & I can assure that we are taking the proper steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Vallarta’s in Century said. “Please continue to have patience and bear with us as we continue to resolve this issue.”
Pictured: Vallartas Mexican Grill on North Century Boulevard in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Felon Sentenced On Federal Charges For 285 Grams Of Fentanyl, Gun Possession
February 3, 2026
A convicted felon has been sentenced on federal gun and drug charges in Escambia County.
Corderrius Terrelle McShane, 38, of Ocala, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“This substantial prison sentence is a reflection of the incredible threat this violent drug trafficker posed to our community by flooding our streets with fentanyl, a devastatingly deadly drug that President Donald J. Trump recently designated as a weapon of mass destruction,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court documents, McShane sold approximately 55 grams of fentanyl in November 2024. Also, that same month, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle he was driving, during which officers located over 230 grams of fentanyl and a loaded firearm. McShane has prior felony convictions for possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, resisting law enforcement with violence, possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
ECFR: Weekend Garage Fire in Cantonment Ruled Accidental
February 3, 2026
Escambia County Fire Rescue has determined that a weekend garage fire in Cantonment was accidental.
The fire on Wiggins Lane was reported around 4:45 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find the structure engulfed in flames. Engine 4 arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the detached garage with a nearby structure at risk.
Firefighters worked quickly to knock down the fire and prevent it from spreading to the nearby structure. The situation was brought under control in about 20 minutes. The garage was a total loss.
There were no injuries reported.
ECFR investigated the cause and determined the fire to be accidental in nature.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High Construction Academy Students Build Bat Houses For Town Of Century
February 3, 2026
Students in the Northview High School Building Construction Academy recently constructed 30 bat boxes for the Town of Century. The new structures are designed to provide a safe habitat for local bats, which have been causing issues and risking damage to municipal equipment.
We will share more photos and details once the houses are officially installed and in use.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Postseason Ends For Tate And Northview Girls Basketball
February 3, 2026
Postseason hopes came to an end on Monday night for both the Tate and Northview girls basketball teams with district tournament losses.
In 6A District 1, No. 2 Niceville defeated the No. 7 Tate Lady Aggies 74-14. Up next, No. 1 Navarre will play No. 4 Crestview, and Niceville will take on No. 3 Milton.
In Rural Class District 1, No. 3 Laurel Hill beat No. 6 Northview 78-15 in Bratt. On Wednesday, No. 1 Jay will take on No. 5 Baker, and Laurel Hill advances to play No. 2 Paxton.
Pictured: Northview traveled to Tate earlier this season, with Tate winnin 56-20. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reported ‘Possible Torpedo’ Recovered Near Escambia County Boat Launch; Here’s What It Really Was
February 3, 2026
A reported “possible torpedo” was discovered near an Escambia County boat ramp on Monday, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but it was not a torpedo.
The ECSO Dive Team responded around 10 a.m. to the Mahogany Mills Boat Ramp on Bayou Chico after a report that the possible torpedo was discovered near the pier.
The area was secured, and the Bomb Squad/Explosive Incident response team and the Hurlburt Field Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded.
“The torpedo was safely removed from the water,” ECSO said in a statement. “We appreciate the quick coordination between agencies and remind the public that if you encounter any suspicious or unfamiliar objects, do not touch them and immediately contact law enforcement.”
The object was later determined to be an old inert training munition — a practice bomb.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Six More Weeks Of Winter? North Escambia Weather Ducks See Shadow
February 2, 2026
On this Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous groundhog, and the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks have the same winter predictions.
Folklore says that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, it means six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting more winter up in Pennsylvania.
We did not have a groundhog handy for a photo, but we did have the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks. Just like their more famous Pennsylvania weather buddy, the ducks saw their shadows late this morning at our office, predicting six more weeks of winter in North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Explains $10.47 Per Month Garbage Rate Increase
February 2, 2026
For the first time in decades, a new solid waste provider will be collecting garbage and yard trash in Century, and some local residents are crying foul about a monthly rate increase over $10 for residents.
Residents were paying the town $27.44 for a single pickup per week from Republic Services, along with yard and bulk waste collection by the town on a somewhat irregular schedule. Under the new provider, Waste Pro, residents will pay the town $37.91, or $10.47 more per month. Yard waste will be collected on Tuesday in the cart with a black lid, and garbage will be collected on Fridays in the carts with the blue lid.
Friday, NorthEscambia.com held a phone conference with Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, Administrator Dave Murzin, and Clerk Carrie Moore to find out the reason for the 38% rate hike.
The biggest reason? The town said it lost $51,000 during the last fiscal year with Republic Services. The town’s “Garbage Fund” is not designed to be a money-maker, but losing money is irresponsible, officials said.
Without accepting bids, Century had continued for three decades to renew an agreement with annual increases with Republic. But in 2025, the town decided to seek an updated agreement or a new provider. Two proposals were received and ranked, with Waste Pro scoring 93.5 and Republic 72.3 out of a possible 100.
“Republic was just going to give us garbage pickup,” Boutwell said. “Waste Pro came back with garbage pickup, and also yard waste and then bulk pickup quarterly.”
It’s that bulk and yard waste collection that was really costing the town, and causing concern with a 25-year-old grapple truck and the potential inability to find parts for any timely repair that was needed.
“We were constantly doing repairs to it, and a new (grapple) truck would cost $200,000 or $300,000,” the mayor said.
“Now we don’t have to worry about the wear and tear of a truck and paying a driver with a CDL,” he said. “And keeping our employees working in the field instead of driving a truck on Thursday.” In addition, the town will save the fees that were being paid at the landfill to dump the bulk and yard waste.
Under the new agreement with Waste Pro and a higher cost to the citizens, the town projects breaking even, but not making a profit.
Boutwell said he’s been inundated with calls and visitors at town hall, around town, and even at his home, with residents expressing concern about the increased garbage rates.
“We understand that people don’t like change, but sometimes change is for the good,” he said. “But when they understand what’s going on, they know it’s for the good.”
Murzin clarified that residents can turn in their second can, which is for yard waste, but there is no discount.
“We will take the yard waste can if they don’t want it in their yard,” Moore said. “But they are not going to get a discount.”
“We’ve heard a lot of ‘we are just going to burn the leaves and the tree limbs’ and that sort of thing,” Murzin said, adding there is a burn ordinance in the town.
For more information on the new waste service in Century, click here for a previous story.
For complete information from Waste Pro services in Century, click here (pdf).