Local Youth Benefit From Escambia Summer Youth Employment Program
July 21, 2025
Over 200 local youth gained valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals during the annual Escambia County Summer Youth Employment Program.
Through the paid internship program, participating youth worked up to 30 hours per week in various county departments and with partner agencies, learning a variety of practical job skills along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Two of the youth worked behind the scenes at Century Town Hall since early June as part of the Youth Employment program, working on filing, paperwork and scanning documents to help modernize record keeping.
“We are very appreciative of them; they have been a big asset,” Century Mayor Ben Boutwell said. “We loved having both of them here.”
Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill is a 2025 Northview High School graduate. She plans to attend Pensacola State College in the fall. She’s undecided on a major, but she’s looking at political science as a strong foundation for law school on her way to becoming a criminal or divorce lawyer.
“This summer program was a huge learning experience and opportunity,” Fountain (pictured left) said. “It opened my viewpoint as to how things are ran and how people that hold positions make decisions.”
“Being able to be in those rooms where decisions that had an actual impact on the community had to be made and watching the mayor and all his amazing team work to do what’s best was so awesome to watch,” she added. “As well as watching Ashtin and Shanti (office staff) handle hostile people with the most gracious hearts.”
“I thank God for this opportunity he allowed me to have this summer,” Fountain said.
Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid is attending Pensacola Christian College where she is majoring in professional writing. She hopes to become a romance or fantasy novelist, or perhaps teach as a second resort.
“This has been a really amazing opportunity to learn about Century,” Rydzowski (pictured left) said. “I had never set foot in here (town hall), and it’s been great to see all of the little roles that make up the big picture of how a town operates.”
The Youth Employment Program
In addition to learning new skills through their day-to-day work duties, program participants received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance.
Youth worked in a variety of county departments this summer, including Animal Welfare, the Board of County Commissioners, Building Services, Corrections, County Administration, Development Services, Engineering, Escambia County Area Transit, Human Resources, Library Services, Natural Resources Management, Neighborhood and Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, and Public Works.
Several interns also spent the summer working for community partners and constitutional offices, including Circuit Court Judge Miller, the City of Pensacola, Community Health Northwest Florida, Cordova Mall, the Escambia County School District, Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce, Just Ice Served LLC, and the Town of Century.
“The goal of this program is to give young people an opportunity to learn the skillsets to be able to get jobs and to be employed,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, we hope to expose them to opportunities and create an atmosphere where they would want to live, work and play right here in Escambia County. The sky is the limit for these bright young people, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they will make as they work toward reaching their goals.”
Escambia County’s 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program participants were recognized by May and Neighborhood and Human Services staff for their hard work this summer during a ceremony Friday, July 18 at the Brownsville Community Center.
“I know that internship opportunities make a difference in the lives of children,” Commissioner May said. “Maybe because they made the best relationships that they could possibly make with staff, with other commissioners, they’ll get an opportunity one day to stay right here in Escambia County and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Pictured: Escambia County Summer Youth Employment participants Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid (top) and Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill (below) worked at the Century Town Hall. NorthEsambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office K-9 Locates Endangered Person Using ‘Scent Kit’
July 21, 2025
Escambia County Deputy Katie Touchstone and K-9 Buster were able to successfully locate an endangered person last week with the help of a “Scent Kit.”
The person had been missing for between two and four hours. Utilizing a Scent Kit, Touchstone and Buster were able to track the missing person over a half-mile trail, and determine the person’s direction of travel. They were able to guide patrol units to the area where the subject was safely located unharmed.
The Scent Kit essentially preserves the unique smell from a person, allowing the K-9 to get a whiff of the person before searching for those who are missing.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is a participating agency in Florida’s “Bringing The Lost Home” program with the Scent Kit.
To learn more about how Scent Kits can help locate a missing person, visit ScentEvidenceK9.com.
Florida Attorney General Charges Woman With Exploitation of Elderly Escambia Man
July 21, 2025
A Panama City woman faces charges of financially exploiting an elderly Escambia County man under her care.
The investigation alleges Lewis abused her role as the victim’s power of attorney, systematically withdrawing funds directly from the victim’s bank account.. Between August 9, 2022, and February 28, 2023, Lewis allegedly transferred approximately $46,788.60 to her accounts and made cash withdrawals. The Florida Attorney General’s Office states Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time.. Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
“We will not tolerate those who take advantage of vulnerable Floridians for personal gain,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Our office will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who abuse positions of trust and exploit the elderly.”
Lewis is charged with one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will prosecute the case through an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.
Escambia and Santa Rosa Weekly Traffic Advisory
July 21, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane – Beulah Road is temporarily closed at the Beulah Church Road intersection for drainage construction. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road, Mobile Highway and Nine Mile Road.
- S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Resurfacing from Gulf Beach Highway to Manchester Street – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Gulf Beach Highway, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and resurfacing.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of Interstate 10 (I-10) to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers on Scenic Highway will encounter intermittent lane closures, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations. Law enforcement will be on site and traffic flaggers will direct drivers safely through the work zone.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations:
- Intermittent lane closures on Brent Lane/Bayou Boulevard, from Davis Highway to Baisden Road.
- On-street parking closures on Bayou Boulevard, between 12th Avenue and Baisden Road.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the I-110 Ramp – The week of Sunday, July 20, drivers may encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- B Street, between Garden Street and Romana Street, is closed for stormwater management enhancements. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Garden Street, A Street and Romana Street.
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and N. Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – The week of Sunday, July 20 drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Pine Forest Road, from Mobile Highway to Blue Angel Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions from Sunday, July 20 through Friday, July 25:
- Intermittent I-10 westbound outside lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. between mile markers 10 and 12 for materials delivery at the North Palafox Street overpass.
- Intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on North Palafox Street between Whitehead Drive and Hope Drive at the Palafox Street overpass to allow crews to complete pile driving operations. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 east and westbound travel lanes are shifted away from the median area of the roadway, between mile markers 10 and 12, near the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The length of the U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp has been permanently reduced to allow crews to complete construction activities. A concrete barrier wall and new pavement striping is in place to direct traffic through the work zone.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, July 20 through Thursday, July 24, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for concrete repair work and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, July 20, through Friday, July 25, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fluctuate Over The Past Week
July 21, 2025
Florida gas prices continue to ebb and flow, though the overall trend shows relative stability within a 30-cent range throughout the year, according to AAA.
The state average for a gallon of regular unleaded dropped to $2.93 last week—the lowest daily average since May. From there, prices surged to $3.14 per gallon mid-week before sliding back down to $3.08 on Sunday.
This rebound marks a 14-cent increase from last week, though prices remain 6 cents lower than last month and 30 cents below this time last year. Despite the frequent ups and downs, the underlying market forces remain largely unchanged.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Escambia County was $2.92. In Pensacola, a low of $2.73 was at one station on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low of $2.79 was available at one station on Highway 29 in Cantonment on Sunday.
“We’ve seen this pattern repeat itself for nearly a year: pump prices drop for about 10 days, then climb back up,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With minimal movement in the oil and gasoline futures markets, we expect prices at the pump to continue bouncing within the same range for now.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Snyder Lifts Wahoos To Walk-Off 4-3 Win
July 21, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
A Michael Snyder walk-off double capped a comeback 4-3 Pensacola Blue Wahoos victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday afternoon.
With 5.0 innings of perfect relief and a one-run lead heading into the ninth, it seemed inevitable that the Lookouts would come out on top over the Blue Wahoos. The Wahoos’ bats had fallen silent after a two-run third inning, but came back to life in the bottom of the ninth.
A leadoff walk from Cody Morissette and a bunt single from Shane Sasaki to begin the ninth inning quickly signaled that this game was far from over. Josh Zamora came off the bench to work a pinch-hit walk and set the stage for Snyder.
“Hitting’s hard,” Snyder said. “Sometimes it takes a couple walks and finding a way on base. One good swing can change the course of a game.”
One good swing did change the course of the game, as Snyder connected on the third pitch from right-hander Arij Fransen (L, 2-3) to lace a line drive just inside the left field line. Morissette crossed home to tie it, and Sasaki’s run won it to give the Wahoos their 12th win of the second half and grow their division lead to 1.5 games.
“I was looking for a pitch to drive, something middle of the zone,” Snyder said. “Pretty simple right there. Just put bat on ball and good things happen.”
The Wahoos’ first two runs were put on the board in the third inning. Sasaki sent a line drive to center, driving in Jared Serna from third. Sasaki then swiped second as part of a double steal with Morissette, who beat a throw home for the tenth steal of home in Blue Wahoos history. This was Morissette’s third run-scoring thievery as a Wahoo after doing it in both 2023 and 2024.
Chattanooga’s offense got on the board in the top of the first for the third time this series, as Cam Collier drove in Edwin Arroyo with an RBI single up the middle.
The Lookouts also scored two runs in the third as Leo Balcazar and Jay Allen picked up RBI in the inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller.
Miller made his 14th start of the season for the Wahoos, and his first daytime start. Across 4.2 innings of three-run ball, the righty struck out six Lookouts. Miller’s outing ended on a sharp groundball to second by Collier, which Morissette gloved and fired home to prevent Arroyo from scoring an additional Chattanooga run in the fifth.
Former Blue Wahoos reliever Zach Willeman made the start for Chattanooga. A member of the 2023 Blue Wahoos, Willeman worked 3.0 innings of two-run ball in his return to Pensacola.
Both teams’ bullpens were excellent on Sunday afternoon. The Pensacola trio of Justin King, Nigel Belgrave and Josh Ekness (W, 3-1) compiled 4.1 innings of shutout work, while Brandon Komar tossed 4.0 perfect innings in relief for Chattanooga prior to Fransen’s difficulty in the bottom of the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos will head to Knoxville, Tennessee, for a six-game set with the Knoxville Smokies for their first trip to Covenant Health Park, the new stadium of the Cubs’ affiliate.
“[We] have a long road trip to Knoxville tomorrow, so [we] get some rest,” Snyder said. “[We are looking to] carry the momentum into the next week and have another good one.”
The Wahoos took four of six from the Smokies in late April in the first series between the teams. Right-hander Alex Williams (3-0, 2.10 ERA) is scheduled to get the ball in game one of the series for Pensacola.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies.
WHEN: Tuesday Thru Sunday
WHERE: Knoxville, Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: This will be the Blue Wahoos’ first trip to the Smokies’ new ballpark in downtown Knoxville, located near the campus of the University of Tennessee. It opened in April, after the team formerly played in Kodak, Tennessee, located about 21 miles east. The team was known as the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate.
Molino Library Hosting Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
July 20, 2025
Interested in learning more about photography?
The Molino Library will host the next meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone. Bring your camera or smartphone and join fellow photography enthusiasts.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Felony Charges For Century Man Accused Of Eluding Atmore Police, Hiding In Bushes
July 20, 2025
A Century man is facing felony charges after allegedly attempting to elude law enforcement following an attempted traffic stop in Atmore on Tuesday afternoon.
Donnie Johnson, 53, taken into custody after a brief search that ended with officers finding him attempting to low crawl and hide in bushes.
The incident began around 1:35 p.m. when an Atmore Police officer attempted to pull over a motorcycle on Liberty Street that was not displaying a license plate. According to police, the operator, later identified as Johnson, accelerated to twice the posted speed limit as the officer attempted the stop. Due to the time of day and the reckless operation of the motorcycle, a pursuit was not initiated as Johnson approached Highway 21.
Johnson was last seen by the officer traveling north at a high rate of speed on Highway 21.
A few minutes later, a citizen reported a suspicious person who appeared to be hiding in the bushes at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Highway 21. Officers responded to the area, discovering the abandoned motorcycle in the bushes.
A subsequent search of a nearby field led officers to Johnson, who they said was attempting to low crawl away. He was then taken into custody.
Johnson was charged with felony attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving without a driver’s license and transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
NWE 12U All-Stars Finish Strong In Regional Tournament
July 20, 2025
Northwest Escambia 12U All-Star Baseball Team finished strong in the Cal Ripken Regional tournament on Saturday in Monroe, Louisiana.
Starting bracket play as the No. 3 seed, NWE placed fourth out of 14 teams, advancing further than any other NWE team in a regional tournament.
They fell just short of the semi-final game with an 11-8 loss to Daphne.
Team members are Hayden Batson, Hayden Hollingsworth, Parker Gilmore, Kayson Cooley, Jordan Ledkins, Nikko McAnally, Hendrix Ward, Walker Maughon, Cameron Gipson, Zach Hetrick, and Ridge Odom. Coaches are Matt Gilmore, Mike Cooley, and Wes Maughon.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Shot By Officer Last Year Indicted On Federal Charge Of Attempted Murder Of Deputy
July 20, 2025
An Escambia County man has been indicted in federal court after allegedly trying to kill a sheriff’s deputy late last year.
The indictment charges 21-year-old Darrion Kayne Finley, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The ECSO attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle driven by Finley, using a PIT maneuver to forcibly stop the vehicle. Finley, armed with a handgun, fired shots toward deputies from within the vehicle and after exiting the vehicle with a handgun, the ECSO said. Deputies returned fire, striking Finley.
He is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola on Tuesday. If convicted, Finley faces up to life in federal prison.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.