Century's Freedom Road Bridge Replacement Work Begins After 6+ Years Closed

Work has finally started on replacing the Freedom Road Bridge in Century, which has sat closed since January 2020—more than six and a half years ago. The bridge, located just east of Jefferson Avenue on Freedom Road, was unexpectedly shut down in early 2020 and has remained off-limits to the public ever since.

The project began Monday, according to reporting from North Escambia. The long closure has affected traffic patterns and access in the area, making the start of construction a significant step for the small community in western Escambia County.

No timeline for completion has been reported, but the bridge replacement is expected to restore a key connection in Century once the work is finished.

Rep. Salzman, County Officials Host Free Diaper Distribution Wednesday at Ferry Pass Center

State Representative Michelle Salzman and Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger are partnering to distribute free diapers to families still recovering from Hurricane Isaias. The event takes place Wednesday, October 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ferry Pass Community Center, 8800 N 9th Ave in Pensacola.

According to a statement from Salzman's office, the distribution addresses a gap in essential supplies that families have struggled to access since the hurricane. Diapers are a critical need for households with infants and young children, particularly during recovery periods when budgets are stretched thin.

Beyond distributing diapers, state and county constituent services representatives will be on-site to help residents connect with available recovery resources and assistance programs. The event is open to the public, and organizers are providing free treats while supplies last. Attendees arriving before 4:30 p.m. can park on-site. The effort partners with the Florida Department of Children and Families, FANA, Kareem Health, and other local community organizations.

Court rules Escambia school board must testify in book-ban lawsuit

A federal appeals court has ordered Escambia County School District board members to give testimony in a lawsuit brought by PEN America, an organization that advocates for free expression and challenges book restrictions in schools.

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling Monday, requiring the board members to participate in the case, which centers on the district's removal of books from school libraries. PEN America, which filed the lawsuit, said the decision represents a significant development in the legal battle over which materials students can access in local schools.

The ruling compels the board to provide information about the decision-making process behind book removals—a requirement the district had previously resisted. The case reflects a broader national debate over school library collections and what role parents, educators, and legal advocates should play in determining which titles remain available to students.