When Will The New Nine Mile Aldi Store Open?
January 17, 2025
The process of converting one former Escambia County Winn Dixie grocery store into an Aldi is continuing, but Aldi remains quiet on an opening date.
In March 2024, the Germany-based Aldi completed the purchase of all Winn Dixie stores.
The former Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road closed for renovations in late September. A new Aldi sign is now up on the building, but Aldi is not confirming a planned opening date.
“We can confirm the Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL closed for renovations in September,” an Aldi spokesperson told NorthEscambia.com this week. “The store will reopen to the community as an ALDI over the next several months.”
In Escambia County, Aldi operates standalone stores on South Blue Angel Parkway and Mobile Highway. There is also a store in Pace.
“Associates at this location (Nine Mile Road) have the opportunity to be the first to apply to newly converted ALDI stores,” Aldi said. ” In addition, ALDI is committed to doing its best to minimize the impact and provide support and opportunities to associates at converting stores, including the option to remain with Winn-Dixie and transfer to a neighboring store.”
Meanwhile, Aldi is not saying which, if any, other Winn Dixie stores in Escambia County will be converted to Aldi stores in the future.
“As we work through this transition period, conversion plans are still being finalized, and we will share more information as it becomes available,” the Aldi spokesperson said.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay High Student Charged With Weapon, Drug Possession After Weapon Found In Vehicle
January 17, 2025
A Jay High School students was arrested after a weapon and drugs were found in a vehicle.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said the student, who has not been identified, was charged with possession of a weapon and drugs.
The Santa Rosa County School District said a weapon and other items were found during the search of a student vehicle, and the items were seized.
“At no time were students or staff in any danger. Our staff is following all protocols, adhering to the code of student conduct, and following Florida State Statutes to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone. At this time, further action will be addressed by Santa Rosa County Sherriff’s Office,” the district said in a statement.
Highway 29 Crash Claims Brewton Man, Injures Woman
January 16, 2025
An 83-year-old Brewton man was pronounced deceased at the scene of a single vehicle rollover crash just before daybreak Thursday on Highway 29 in McDavid.
The crash happened about 6 a.m. on Highway 29 about a mile north of Champion Drive and the West Fraser Sawmill.
The Florida Highway patrol said the man was the driver of a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck that was traveling south. He ran off the roadway, crossed over the median and northbound lanes before running up a small embankment and colliding with a tree. The pickup overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side in a ditch. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene.
His passenger, a 62-year-old Brewton woman, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition. Neither individual was wearing a seat belt, according to troopers.
The crash closed northbound Highway 29 for about an hour.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Applications Accepted Until Noon Friday For Century Town Council Seat Appointment
January 16, 2025
Noon Friday is the deadline for interested Century residents to apply for appointment to a vacant seat on the town council.
Last week, Luis Gomez, Jr. resigned as mayor for medical reasons effective Friday, January 10, just as his new four-year term was beginning. After volunteering for the position, Seat 4 town council member Alicia John was appointed interim mayor. She will serve until a special election is held. and she has indicated that she will run for the seat.
Johnson’s interim move into the mayor’s office opened her seat on the town council. The town is accepting applications from citizens looking for an interim appointment to the town council to serve until a special election is held. Applications are due to noon, Friday, January 17.
The town announced Friday, January 10, that applications should be hand submitted or mailed to the Town Clerk’s Office, 7995 North Century Boulevard, Century, FL 32535 or hand-delivered between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to the same address. Applications can also be emailed to mwalker@centuryflorida.us.
Click here to download the application.
The town council is expected to review the applications and make a decision on an interim member on January 21.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Century Meets Lead And Copper Water Standards, State Reduces Monitoring Requirements
January 15, 2025
In 2022, Century failed to test drinking water for lead and copper for an entire year as required by the state.
Fast forward to the present. Now, the town has stepped up its monitoring efforts, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is allowing reduced monitoring requirements for lead and copper.
The town applied for and received the reduced monitoring requirement after not exceeding acceptable parameters for the previous two monitoring periods, according to Interim Mayor Alicia Johnson. That means the town will monitor for lead and copper every three years rather than twice per year under an FDEP rule.
“This saves the town money on lab fees and personnel cost, as lead copper sampling it is quite expensive and time-consuming,” Johnson said. “It is a positive for our water system because it demonstrates that our water quality parameters set forth by FDEP are being met.”
Century Correctional Institution Is Reaccredited
January 15, 2025
The Century Correctional Institution is among seven correctional institutions in Florida to be reaccredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) during the organization’s annual conference in Orlando.
The standards created and refined by the ACA represent fundamental practices that ensure staff and inmate safety and security, enhance staff morale, improve record maintenance and data management capabilities, and improve the function of the facility and agency at all levels.
Over the last year, ACA audit teams from across the country visited Century along with the Florida Women’s Reception Center, Reception and Medical Center, Santa Rosa, Lancaster, Marion and Suwannee correctional institutions to conduct comprehensive on-site audits of all aspects of prison operations. Each of these institutions were 100 percent compliant with mandatory standards.
“Each year, our staff consistently strive for excellence and maintain our position as a national leader in correctional practices. I take great pride in their daily dedication, which has earned us recognition for reaccreditation at these institutions,” said Florida Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary Richard Comerford. “Achieving ACA accreditation is a key opportunity to highlight our hard work, strengthen our foundation, and reaffirm our commitment to public safety. I want to express my gratitude to our leaders across the state who remain steadfast in their commitment to our essential mission.
NorthEscambia.com (above) and submitted (below) photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension, Helton Brothers Farm Donate Pallets Of Peanut Butter
January 14, 2025
Escambia County Extension teamed up with local peanut producers Helton Brothers Farm to deliver two pallets of peanut butter to local institutions that provide help to those in need.
