Man Charged With Sending Death Threats To Ex-Girlfriend In Bratt
May 29, 2026
A man has been charged after allegedly traveling to the area to stalk and sending death threats to a Bratt woman.
Eric Dean Vickers, age 41 of Panama City, was charged with felony written or electronic threats to kill or do bodily harm.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a harassing communications complaint at a residence near Bratt. The victim stated that Vickers, her ex-boyfriend, became enraged when she turned off the location tracking on her phone. Vickers then allegedly drove from Panama City to Escambia County to track her down.
The deputy reviewed numerous messages sent across Facebook, Snapchat, and text message threads. In the messages, Vickers allegedly threatened violence, claiming he would find her and murder her. One text message included a photograph of a black SUV parked outside a room she was in, along with a message stating he was about to kill her and the person she was with.
The victim fled her home to hide in Pensacola out of fear for her safety. Witnesses also reported seeing Vickers driving past the Bratt residence multiple times over a weekend. During the investigation, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Vickers’ silver Ford Escape at Highway 99 and Highway 4 in Bratt, confirming his identity and noting that his vehicle matched witness descriptions.
Investigators later linked a phone number used to send a threatening voicemail transcript directly to Vickers.
Vickers remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Deputies noted in the report that Vickers is formerly a resident of the Century area.
Salzman Reports $27 Million In Local Funding Secured In Proposed State Budget
May 29, 2026
Florida lawmakers have reached an agreement on state budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including $27 million in funding for local projects secured by Rep. Michelle Salzman and several Senate partners.
Those projects include nearly $1.2 million for Century water and sewer projects, funds for an Escambia River Electric Cooperative water project, ECUA, and Escambia County public safety needs.
Among the projects included are funding initiatives supporting the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, ECUA infrastructure improvements, Escambia County Fire Rescue emergency vehicles, veterans’ mental health services, Town o of Century water management improvements, Escambia River Electric Cooperative water system repairs and improvements, and the Northwest Florida Community Resilience & Long-Term Recovery Support Initiative.
“As lawmakers, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested back into our communities in meaningful ways,” said Salzman. “This budget prioritizes infrastructure, education, healthcare, public safety, and critical services that directly impact families across Northwest Florida. I’m proud to work alongside our delegation to secure investments that strengthen our communities while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
The budget has not yet been signed by Gov. DeSantis, who has the power to veto line items.
Local items currently in the budget include:
Town of Century
Century Inflow and Infiltration Study — $315,000
- The study is aimed at problem areas in the system to reduce wastewater flow at the town’s treatment plant.
Century Lift Station Rehabilitation — $830,339
- Rehabilitate two sewage life stations that were installed more than 30 years ago, a requirement of a consent order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative
- Water System Repairs and Improvements — $117,244
- Rehabilitate water well located on Highway 97A in Enon, which as declined from 350 gallons per minute to 200 due to wear and reduced capacity.
ECUA
- West Ensley Septic to Sewer — $500,000
The project will convert a lower income area with poor drainage from septic tanks to sewer.
Escambia County
Hazardous materials regional emergency response vehicle — $900,000
- Intended as a regional response vehicle across multiple counties. The full ask was $1.8 million.
Technical rescue regional emergency vehicle — $800,000
- Intended as a regional response vehicle across multiple counties. The full ask was $1.6 million.
Station management system — $600,000
- Advanced station management system in all staffed fire stations. The full ask was $1.2 million
Escambia 911 communications improvements $350,000 HF 1187
- Replacement of outdated 911 dispatch consoles. The full ask was $700,000.
Sunset Wildlife Connection Brings Animal Encounters To Century, Molino Libraries
May 29, 2026
Kids had a chance to get up close and personal with nature on Thursday morning, during Sunset Wildlife Connection’s Animal Encounters at the Century Library.
They learned each animal’s story, how to make a difference to wild animals, and more.
Sunset Wildlife Connection of Molino also presented the program on Tuesday at the Molino Library.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bluff Springs Recreation Area Closed By Flooding
May 29, 2026
The Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed the Bluff Springs Recreation Area on the Escambia River due to flooding,
The District said access roads are flooded, prompting the temporary closure.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Walked off By Barons In Birmingham
May 29, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 7-4 in 10 innings to the Birmingham Barons on Thursday night, failing to hold a pair of leads and surrendering a three-run walk-off homer to Anthony DePino.
A Connor Caskenette sacrifice fly and Dylan Jasso two-run double gave the Blue Wahoos a 3-0 lead in the second against Barons starter Dylan Cumming. The next three Pensacola innings would be snuffed out by ground ball double plays turned by the Birmingham infield.
Eliazar Dishmey started for the Blue Wahoos in his Double-A debut, flashing swing-and-miss stuff before running into trouble his second time through the order. He allowed a solo homer to Drake Logan in the third, and issued a pair of walks in the fourth that came in to score on a Wilfred Veras groundout and Jorge Corona RBI single to tie the game 3-3. Dishmey allowed three runs in 4.0 innings while striking out six and walking four.
Fenwick Trimble singled, took second on an error, and scored on a passed ball in the sixth inning to put Pensacola ahead once more 4-3. Kade Bragg worked 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, but Jack Sellinger surrendered doubles to DePino and Jeral Perez in the eighth to tie the game 4-4.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to bring home their placed runner in the top of the 10th against Jonathan Clark (W, 1-0), and Colby Martin (L, 1-2) was placed in a tough spot when entering in the bottom half of the frame. After a stolen base and an intentional walk, DePino launched a walk-off blast for a 7-4 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Friday evening.
written by Erik Bremer
Tate Class Of 1971 Presents Two $5,000 Scholarships
May 29, 2026
The Tate High School Class of 1971 presented two scholarships at Tate’s senior honors ceremony.
Winners of the $5,000 scholarships were Princess Frierson (pictured left) and Brennen Williams, as selected by Tate administration and the guidance department.
This was the fifth consecutive year that the Class of 1971 has presented scholarships, now totaling over $35,000. The Tate Class of 1971 is the only class currently awarding scholarships and has challenged other graduating classes to do the same.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over $23 Million in Major Public Works Projects Underway In Century
May 28, 2026
The Town of Century has more more than $23 million in public works projects currently underway, mostly at no out-of-pocket cost to the town.
Consulting engineer Dale Long recently provided a comprehensive update on the town’s progress, detailing extensive upgrades to Century’s water, wastewater, and transportation systems. Funded heavily by state grants, legislative appropriations, and State Revolving Fund (SRF) agreements featuring principal forgiveness, the projects aim to modernize the town’s utility backbone.
A complete detailed breakdown of the active projects across Century outlines the scope and status of each initiative:
Well Rehabilitation Building and Site Renovations
- Cost: $201,576 funded by the State Legislature via the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
- Key Points & Status: This project covers building and site improvements for Wells 1, 2, and 3. Construction is currently underway and is approximately 60% complete. Work is temporarily paused on final installation while Evans Contracting awaits the delivery of new lime equipment. The grant expiration date is September 30, 2026.
Miscellaneous Wastewater Improvements – Phase II: Lift Station Rehabilitation
- Cost: $3,365,175 funded by an FDEP State Revolving Fund agreement featuring 90% principal forgiveness and a 10% loan.
- Key Points & Status: Managed by Talcon Group LLC, this massive overhaul targets major infrastructure across the system, including the Prison Lift Station, Century Woods (#5), Highway 29 West (#8), Jefferson Avenue (#16), and the Pond/Jefferson lift station. The scope features bar screens, generators, and rehab work. The project is nearing completion at 95% total progress. All lift stations are complete and in service except for the prison site (Lift Station No. 1), which is being finalized. Total construction may extend an extra 30 days while waiting on Florida Power & Light to install the correct power service.
Miscellaneous Wastewater Improvements – Phase III: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements
- Cost: $5,500,161 funded by an FDEP State Revolving Fund agreement featuring 90% principal forgiveness and a 10% loan.
- Key Points & Status: This project includes widespread upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, such as a new sludge screw press, filter repairs, a new motor control center, a grit removal system, and tankage coating and crack repairs. Contracted to Talcon Group, LLC, construction is 70% complete. Concrete tank work is fully finished, and crews are finalizing filter repairs while awaiting electrical components. Due to a projected September 2026 equipment delivery date, the sludge press installation will extend into early 2027.
Well Rehabilitation Electrical Work
- Cost: $264,877 funded by the State Legislature via FDEP.
- Key Points & Status: Dunaway Electrical Services, Inc. is handling the total replacement of the electrical systems for the well sites. Construction is 70% complete. Finalizing the electrical infrastructure is dependent on the delivery and installation of the new lime feed equipment from the associated site renovation project.
Well No. 2 Lime Feed System
- Cost: $40,000 funded by the FDEP Northwest Florida Water Supply Pilot Grant.
- Key Points & Status: This project replaces the existing lime feed system at Well No. 2. To maximize efficiency, the new machinery was incorporated into the active Well No. 2 building rehabilitation project handled by Evans Contracting. It is moving forward on the exact same construction schedule.
Well No. 3 Replacement and Well Building Rehabilitation
- Cost: $1,360,500 funded by the FDEP Northwest Florida Water Supply Pilot Grant.
- Key Points & Status: Plans call for installing a new production well and rehabilitating the existing water treatment plant at the prison. Engineering design, surveying, and permitting are entirely complete. This grant will be leveraged jointly with other allocations and a future SRF grant to fund the complete scope of work once formal funding approval clears.
Well #3 Replacement
- Cost: $628,500 funded by the State Legislature via FDEP.
- Key Points & Status: This legislative appropriation is designated specifically for the construction of the new well at the prison. Like the pilot grant above, all preliminary survey, design, and permitting work is complete. The town is awaiting final State Revolving Fund loan/grant approval to formally bid and award the construction contract.
Water Meter and Service Replacement
- Cost: $1,301,892 funded by the State Legislature via FDEP.
- Key Points & Status: Under contract with L&K Contracting Company, Inc., this project replaces aging water service lines and utility meters town-wide. Construction is in its final stages. The contractor is currently knocking out final punch-list items, relocating a handful of additional meters at the request of town staff, and setting up hardware delivery and staff training.
Freedom Road Bridge Replacement
- Cost: $1,297,000 funded by the State Legislature via the Florida Department of Transportation.
- Key Points & Status: The contract to replace the Freedom Road Bridge has been awarded to JW&C Construction Company, Inc. Surveying, design, permitting, and bidding are fully complete. Construction is slated to begin as soon as the Town or Escambia County hires a Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) consultant to oversee the site.
Miscellaneous Water System Improvements
- Cost: $9,100,000 funded via FDEP State Revolving Fund.
- Key Points & Status: This wide-ranging initiative bundles several critical town needs: the Tedder Road Booster Pump Station water service line replacement, Well No. 1 rehabilitation, Well No. 2 SCADA tracking systems, the complete Well No. 3 replacement, and a utility billing software upgrade. The town is currently completing the final loan application steps so FDEP can finalize the agreement, allowing the town to authorize the work and open it for bids.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
DeSantis Calls Special Session Hoping To End Homestead Property Taxes; Gaetz Will Support
May 28, 2026
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special session that would lead to a constitutional amendment to overhaul Florida’s property tax structure.
The proposal, titled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” provides for the immediate increase in the homestead exemption and calls for a schedule for full elimination through general law.
Northwest Florida Sen. Don Gaetz says he will vote for the governor’s tax reform plan.
“I believe that property taxes amount to renting your property from the government. If you don’t pay what the government charges, you lose your property. Property taxes are especially hard on families with fixed incomes. The soaring increase in assessed property values and, consequently, increased property taxes isn’t keeping up with pensions and Social Security, for example. While I believe that Northwest Florida local governments have been good stewards of tax dollars, the substantial increases in many local government budgets is far outpacing population growth and inflation.,” Gaetz said.
“I will vote for Governor DeSantis’ plan when it is presented to the Senate next week,” Gaetz said in a statement released on Wednesday night.
“Property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years and is expected to reach an astounding $83 billion by 2032. Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian,” DeSantis said.
As proposed by Governor DeSantis, the Save Our Homes proposal includes five major components to provide immediate and permanent relief:
- Exempt Homestead Properties From Taxation.
Exempts the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation and requiring, through law, a schedule for full elimination.
- Ensure Funding For Core Services.
Requires local governments to use remaining property taxes solely for core public needs including public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, and natural resources.
- Protect Small Businesses.
Limits future property tax assessments on businesses and creates a more stable tax environment for local businesses.
- Ensure Fairness For Florida Residents.
Requires any person who establishes Florida residency after January 1, 2027, to maintain Florida residency for up to five years prior to receiving the increased homestead exemption.
- Create A State Trust Fund To Assist With Core Local Services.
Establishes a trust fund to provide grants to local governments to assist with the continuation of core local services.
The governor’s proposal will be considered during the upcoming special session beginning June 1, with the goal of placing the constitutional amendment on the ballot for Florida voters this fall.
Four Killed In Three Separate Escambia County Traffic Crashes
May 28, 2026
Four people were killed in three seperate Escambia County traffic crashes in less than 24 hours.
Barrancas Avenue Double Fatal
A single-vehicle crash on Barrancas Avenue claimed two lives at approximately 6:10 a.m. Wednesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a beige Honda Accord was traveling east when it failed to maintain a single lane while traveling around a curve and left the roadway.
“The vehicle then struck a concrete median divider on Barrancas Avenue, became airborne, and spun across the right-turn lane before striking a tree on the east side of the roadway,” trooperd said. The driver, a 49-year-old Pensacola man, and his passenger, a 26-year-old Pensacola man, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation is continuing.
W Street Bicyclist Fatal Hit-and-Run
A fatal hit-and-run crash occurred near the intersection of W Street and West Mallory Street between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. FHP said the crash involved an unknown vehicle and a 25-year-old male bicyclist who was later pronounced deceased at Baptist Hospital.
Troopers said the suspect vehicle fled the scene in an unknown direction after hitting the bicyclist.
Anyone with information is asked to contact FHP Trooper Berry at tylerberry@flhsmv.gov or Corporal Whipple at mattwhipple@flhsmv.gov, or call FHP at (850) 484-5000.
W Street Bicyclist Fatal
At approximately 11:54 p.m. Tuesday, the 45-year-old male driver of an SUV struck and killed a 42-year-old male bicyclist on W Street near Lenox Parkway.
FHP said “the driver of the SUV failed to observe the bicyclist in the roadway due to low light conditions, resulting in the front of the SUV striking the bicyclist.”
The investigation is ongoing.
File photo.
Ransom Middle School Names Students of The Month
May 28, 2026
Ransom Middle School named Madisyn Mott (seventh grade) and Jackson Pitt (eighth grade) as Students of the Month for April. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.