Longtime Century Town Planner Debbie Nickles Has Passed Away

November 1, 2023

Longtime Century Town Planner Debbie Nickles passed away Monday. She worked with the town as a consultant for over 40 years, first under then-mayor Benny Barnes.

Nickles worked on numerous projects for the town, including a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), EPA Brownfields, a Land Development Code, tornado recovery, a five-year schedule of improvements, housing grants and Triumph funding requests. She was responsible for securing millions of dollars in grants for Century and its residents, particularly those most in need of housing and other assistance.

Nickles passed away following a battle with ongoing health issues. Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.

Pictured: Debbie Nickles at a 2018 community “Welcome Home” block party as residents returned home to new homes following the destruction of a tornado that devastated the Front Street area of Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Longtime Century Town Planner Debbie Nickles Has Passed Away”

  1. Brad hattaway on November 4th, 2023 8:41 pm

    Wonderful person who truly worked hard for the town and its residents. A selfless person who made significant improvements for the town and brought in millions of supplemental dollars. Her impact in the community will be missed.

  2. A loss for sure on November 4th, 2023 2:41 pm

    She got more accomplished in Century than forty years of elected officials got accomplished in Century combined.

  3. Edna Earle Barnes on November 3rd, 2023 4:04 pm

    Debbie was a good friend.
    She was a great worker and cared about helping Century grow and become a better place to work and live.
    Sympathy to her family and loved ones.

  4. B on November 3rd, 2023 7:54 am

    I found a very caring , lady – in her ❣️ I only wish , I’d known her long ago !
    You have been & will continue -to missed ole friend !
    She made her Mark , among our community for sure !!

  5. Willene Bryan on November 2nd, 2023 8:42 am

    So sorry to hear this. She was the sweeties lady with a big heart and did so much for Century. Praying for her family and friends.

  6. BUBBA HAMMAC on November 2nd, 2023 6:44 am

    SHE WAS VERY INSTRUMENTAL IN BUILDING SHOWALTER PARK

    I REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH HER

    GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

  7. Carl and Sylvia Godwim on November 1st, 2023 10:40 pm

    I hate to hear that she was such a good lady and tried to help anyone that needed her
    prayers to her family and love ones

  8. David Huie Green on November 1st, 2023 9:32 pm

    She worked hard to help Century.
    She deserves all praise.
    Would that more were like her.

    David for better people