Molino Mid-County Historical Society Presents Scholarships
August 14, 2025
The Molino Mid-County Historical Society presented four scholarships for graduating 2025 seniors.
The scholarships were presented to:
- Nicholas Maum, $1,000
- Katie-John Crow, $1,000
- Kara Wine $500
- Jaylen Wright $500
Pictured top: Kara Wine (left) and Katie-John Crow. Pictured below: Nicholas Maum and Jaylen Wright. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Details Emerge In Molino Shooting That Landed Homeowner And Suspect To Jail
August 14, 2025
More details are emerging about an incident early Tuesday morning in Molino that led to two arrests, including a homeowner.
The homeowner, 45-year-old Edward Hamid Lewis, Sr. of Molino, was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was later released on a $10,000 bond. Records show he was convicted of felony cocaine possession in August 1998.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. after a woman and a man, who she identified as her cousin, drove from Atmore to the home on Cedartown Road. The man allegedly provided deputies with a fake name but was later identified as 36-year-old Aundray Reshard Butler of Mobile Highway in Pensacola. He was arrested during an unrelated incident later on Tuesday and charged with giving a false name and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Records show he had outstanding warrants for aggravated battery when offender knew or should have known the victim was pregnant, simple assault, burglary with assault or battery, and witness tampering. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
According to an ECSO report obtained by NorthEscambia.com, Lewis told deputies he was sleeping when he heard the front door being kicked in. He stated that his girlfriend got out of bed to confront the intruder and began to fight with her. After hearing the intruder call for her cousin to get out of the car, Lewis grabbed a shotgun he stated he keeps readily accessible, according to the arrest report.
Lewis said that while standing in a hallway by the front door, he fired two shots through the glass door, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He stated he saw the male coming toward the house in an effort to enter when he fired.
The girlfriend provided similar statements, telling deputies that she “then heard shots and ducked out of the way,” according to an arrest report. She was treated on the scene for a toe that was cut on the broken glass.
Deputies noted broken glass on the front porch and that the glass portion of the door appeared to be missing after being shot.
After Lewis consented to a search, deputies recovered the firearm and sandals that reportedly belonged to the woman who entered the home.
The woman said she was invited to the home, and deputies located evidence on her phone indicating she spoke to Lewis at about 2 a.m. She told deputies “that she was banging on the door and it suddenly opened. She advised that her intention was not to damage the door.”
The ECSO said that after Lewis admitted to using the firearm to protect his home, he was charged, and a Savage Arms 12-gauge shotgun, which had not been reported as stolen, was taken into evidence.
Due to conflicting statements about the altercation in the doorway, the Sheriff’s Office said no arrest was made at the time for burglary with battery or simple battery.
The woman who said she drove from Atmore and Butler were later stopped by deputies on Highway 29 north of Archer Road, and Butler was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
Pictured: The scene of an early morning shooting in Molino. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Give Final Approval For Florida Black Bear Hunt (But Not In Escambia, Santa Rosa)
August 14, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has given final approval for black bear hunting in Florida.
The new rules establish Bear Hunting Zones (BHZ) within four of the seven existing Bear Management Units. FWC said 187 total permits will be issued through a random drawing across the east Panhandle, North, Central and South BMUs, and each permit will allow the harvest of one bear within the assigned BHZ.
The nearest county to North Escambia to be included in the bear hunt is Bay County. Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties are not included.
“I am proud that Florida is joining the majority of states that manage black bears with regulated hunting,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the FWC. “The components of the hunt are conservative and prioritize conservation, with a limited number of permits only being issued in the areas of the state with the largest bear populations.”
Many groups have opposed the hunt, include the Sierra Club of Florida.
“Today’s vote is a disgrace to Florida’s wildlife legacy. Our black bears are a vital part of our natural heritage, and killing them is not science-based management – it’s a politically driven step backward,” said Susanna Rudolph, Sierra Club Florida director. “Let’s be clear: Governor DeSantis can stop this hunt. On behalf of Sierra Club’s members and supporters across Florida, we urge him to do so before it endangers an already threatened species and opens the door to further destruction of critical wilderness habitat. Thousands of Floridians have rallied, written, called, and emailed to protect our bears. It’s time for our leadership to step up and listen to their constituents.
Wahoos Fall To Barons On Brook’s Big Night
August 14, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third in a row with a 7-5 loss to the Birmingham Barons on Wednesday night.
In his third Double-A start, Blue Wahoos right-hander Jake Brooks (L, 0-2) tossed 7.0 innings to tie his professional career high. Brooks scattered five runs while punching out five Barons in the outing.
Birmingham picked up the first run of the night in the second inning on a solo home run to left by left fielder DJ Gladney.
The Barons added two more in the third with two RBI singles in the frame. Sam Antonacci drove in Jacob Burke on a softly hit single, and came around to score on a single from Wilfred Veras after stealing second base.
The Blue Wahoos offense made some noise in the fourth as they pushed two runs across against Birmingham starter Hagen Smith to draw the deficit to 3-2. Matthew Etzel knocked in the first run of the night for Pensacola, finishing a triple down the right field line by avoiding the tag of third baseman Mario Camilletti. Ryan Ignoffo then drove Etzel in to score with a double down the left field line.
Gladney added to the Barons’ lead in the sixth with an RBI double down the left field line, scoring Caden Connor and Braden Montgomery on the play for a 5-2 advantage.
Dub Gleed brought the Blue Wahoos within a run in the seventh, picking up his first Double-A hit and home run in the same swing with a two-run shot out to left against righty Adisyn Coffey.
The Barons gained two important insurance runs in the top of the ninth thanks to RBI singles from Connor and Montgomery. The Blue Wahoos got out of the ninth after a soft, humpback line drive was turned into a rare 3-2-6 double play and Ignoffo threw out his third would-be base stealer of the night.
Ignoffo hit his second Double-A home run of the year out to left-center for a solo home run against Birmingham’s closer, Garret Schoenle (S, 6), but it proved to be too little as the lefty sat down the next three Pensacola hitters to end the ball game.
After 4.0 innings from the starter Smith, Birmingham’s relief combination of Dalton Roach (W, 3-0), Coffey and Schoenle held the Blue Wahoos to three runs to hold on for the win.
With the loss tonight and a postponement for the second-place Montgomery Biscuits, the Blue Wahoos’ South Division lead has been cut to 2.0 games.
The Blue Wahoos will square off with the Barons for their third matchup of the week tomorrow night. Southpaw Dax Fulton (5-8, 4.77 ERA) will make his 18th start of the year for Pensacola, while right-hander Connor McCullough (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Birmingham. Following the conclusion of Thursday’s game, a drone show will take place over Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAME NOTABLES
— Prior to the game, the Blue Wahoos added reliever Luarbert Arias to the roster. Arias, 24, began the season with the Miami Marlins. He pitched for the Blue Wahoos during the 2023 season, making 14 appearances for a 1.69 ERA.
— Second baseman Yiddi Cappe made his home debut Wednesday night for the Blue Wahoos. Cappe, 22, born in Havana, Cuba, was last year ranked the Marlins’ #7 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Cappe joined the Blue Wahoos a week ago, on August 5, in Montgomery. He played in 53 games for the Beloit Sky Carp, the Marlins’ High-A affiliate, batting .278 with four homers.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Games on Thursday through Saturday night will start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game starts at 4:05 p.m.
Kingsfield Road Fire Claims One Life, Injures Two Others
August 13, 2025
A house fire on Kingsfield Road claimed one life and injured two other people Tuesday evening.
A woman was declared deceased on scene, a second person was airlifted to the hospital, and a third person was transported by Escambia County EMS to the hospital. A fourth person was not seriously injured. One dog and two cats died in the blaze.
The fire was reported shortly after 6 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Kingsfield Road, on the corner of Cabot Street. The home was fully involved when the firefighters arrived on scene.
Preliminary information indicates the fire may have started in the kitchen from food that was cooking unattended.
The investigation is continuing. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Submitted (top) and NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge
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Escambia Tax Collector Bringing Mobile Services to Century On Thursday
August 13, 2025
The Escambia County Tax Collector’s Mobile Identification and Licensing Office (MILO) will be in North Escambia on Thursday.
MILO, a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, will be at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, August 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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.
One Applicant Withdraws, Another Added To Interviews For Century Town Administrator
August 13, 2025
One applicant has withdrawn from consideration as the next Century town administrator, and another has been added to the interview process on Thursday.
Earlier this month, mayor and council members selected a list of five applicants for interviews from a list of 17. Since that time, the town says Lisa Rouse withdrew from the process.
Former Florida state representative Dave Murzin has now been added list of remaining applicants.
Virtual interviews have been set for a special council meeting on Thursday, August 14 at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4 as follows:
- 6:15pm – Peter Cavalli
- 6:30pm – Timothy Day
- 6:45pm – David Murzin
- 7:00pm – Charles Anderson
- 7:15pm – Brian Underwood
The council plans to choose their next administrator at their regular meeting on August 19.
According to the job description, the salary range for the position is $112,000 to $137,000, with the likely salary offer between the minimum of $112,000 and the midpoint of the range, or about $124,500.
Here is brief information on each of the finalists:
- Charles Anderson (Saint Petersburg, FL): Anderson is the former city manager for Treasure Island, Florida, where he led disaster recovery efforts and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. With decades of military and local government experience, he specializes in crisis management, infrastructure planning, and personnel leadership.
- Peter Cavalli (Tampa, FL): Cavalli is the founder of Tampa Bay Training, LLC, and a former town manager for Kenneth City, Florida. He has extensive experience in public works, emergency management, and workforce development, as well as training programs for municipalities and private sector clients.
- Timothy Day (Cape Coral, FL): A former district manager for multiple Community Development Districts in Florida, Day brings over 30 years of experience in city/town management, law enforcement, and public safety. He has managed utility modernization projects, FEMA disaster recovery efforts, and financial audits for municipalities. He also served as a City Council member in Cape Coral for nine years.
- David Murzin (Pensacola, FL): Murzin is currently the Director of First Place Partners, representing economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He is a former state representative for Florida. He has extensive experience in legislative leadership, economic development, and disaster recovery, having worked closely with local governments across Northwest Florida.
- Brian Underwood (Fairhope, AL): Currently serving as grants director for Baldwin County Commission, Underwood has managed multimillion-dollar grant programs for infrastructure and disaster recovery. He previously served as executive director of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and has extensive experience in strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental coordination.
Editor’s note: Information for each applicant is a brief summary taken from more complete resumes, applications and/or cover letters submitted to the Town of Century. Applicant’s information and claims were not independently verified by NorthEscambia.com staff.
Fire Caused by Discarded Smoking Materials Destroys Pine Forest Road Apartment
August 13, 2025
Escambia County Fire Rescue has determined the cause of a Monday afternoon apartment fire on Pine Forest Road,
The fire was reported in a single-story quad-plex in the 3300 block of Pine Forest Road, near Amanda Lane, at about 11:30 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from one apartment and fire visible from one of the apartment windows. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes.
The ECFR investigation determined the fire originated from discarded smoking materials.
The affected apartment was deemed a total loss. One nearby unit experienced minor water damage while the other two units were able to be reoccupied.
There were no injuries reported, and one dog was safely rescued.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
TSA Precheck Enrollment This Week At Pensacola Airport
August 13, 2025
TSA PreCheck enrollment is available this week at the Pensacola International Airport.
Travelers will be able to enroll or renew their membership at 2430 Airport Blvd., Suite 225 from 9 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m. daily through Friday, August 15. The TSA PreCheck Application Program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
The enrollment process is quick, convenient, and even faster when the application is completed online beforehand. During the in-person appointment, applicants are required to provide identity and citizenship documents, fingerprints and a photo will be captured, and then pay for the application fee. Provider IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program.
Following the in-person enrollment appointment, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about three to five days. The KTN number must be added to flight reservations to enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.
TSA PreCheck was created in October 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It’s a great option for travelers looking to save time. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide, and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with TSA and IDEMIA to bring convenient, on-site TSA PreCheck enrollment opportunities to our passengers,” said Matt Coughlin, Airport Executive Director at Pensacola International Airport. “Programs like this help us enhance the travel experience and make flying out of PNS even easier.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Habitual Offender Arrested On Drug Charges After Foot Chase
August 13, 2025
A Century man was arrested this week after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy recognized him as a habitual traffic offender and a brief foot chase ensued.
The suspect, Christopher Angelo Phifer, 53, was charged two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and crack cocaine), felony driving while being a habitual traffic offender, and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence. A records check confirmed his habitual traffic offender status from April 17, 2023.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a white Land Rover near the intersection of West Pond Street and Century Boulevard. The deputy recognized the driver, Phifer, from previous arrests and knew him to be a habitual traffic offender with a history of fleeing from law enforcement.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop, at which point Phifer allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The deputy gave verbal commands, calling Phifer by name, and after a short chase, was able to detain him without further incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle, prompted by the strong odor of burnt marijuana, led to the discovery of illegal narcotics, the report states. A clear plastic baggie containing a green powder that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and pills believed to be Ecstasy was found in plain view on the center console. Next to it was a beige rock that field-tested positive for cocaine.
Phifer was booked into the Escambia County Jail with no bond. Court records show his bond was revoked in an outstanding case from January in which he was charged with knowingly driving with a suspended license for the third or subsequent time and resisting arrest for allegedly fleeing on foot from a traffic stop in Century.