County To Sell Surplus Molino Property
March 4, 2009
Escambia County is trying to sell a piece of surplus property in the Molino area.
The county wants to sell a piece of property in the 6100 block of Schaag Road to the highest bidder than exceeds $3,648.
Escambia County acquired the property by tax deed in November 1982. The Escambia County Commission authorized its sale on April 4, 2007, with a minimum bid of $32,700. Eight bid solicitations were issued with no response.
In November 2008, the property appraiser reassessed the value of the land at $3,648.
The property includes a below standard house that is about 1,000 square feet.
For more information, visit www.myescambia.com
Pictured top: This map shows the property location off Schaag Road. Pictured middle: The house that is on the property. Click to enlarge.
Local Woman A Calendar Girl At 102 Years Old
March 4, 2009
Elmira Gandy Crapps, age 102, of Gandyville is the March “calendar girl” for the National Centenarian Awareness Project.
Her photograph and a brief biography are featured on the March calendar page of the NCAP (pictured left), a non-profit groups that celebrates active centenarians as role models for the future of aging. Each month the group presents remarkable centenarians and feature one on their inspirational calendar.
To read a NorthEscambia.com story about her 102nd birthday party, click here.
To learn more and download the March calendar page, click here.
The following is the story of Elmira Gandy Crapps, as submitted by Vicki Gandy Bagget:
“Another year, another president.” Those are the sentiments voiced by Gandyville’s oldest resident, Elmira Gandy Crapps, who celebrated her 102 birthday on Jan. 25 . Family and friends gathered at Poplar Dell Baptist (where she has been a member for over 75 years) on Saturday for the birthday celebration. “It’s a family event that we all really look forward to,” says nephew Bill Gandy. “We did the exact same thing with her father, John O. Gandy, who lived to be 108 and the reason for the naming of our community, Gandyville.”
Aunt Myra (as she is affectionately known throughout the community) is the third Gandy descendant to live over 100. In addition to her father, Aunt Myra’s great uncle lived to be 108. Two of her brothers lived to be 90 or older too. Aunt Myra traveled to this area with her parents, John and Victoria, four brothers (Colonel, Erastus, James and J.L.) and one sister (Eunice). She eventually met and married W.H. (Haynes) Crapps, and together they created a successful trucking business called Gulf & Southern Transportation, which operated for 45 years in Century and provided hauling services for timber, lumber and equipment. Although the couple had no children, they enjoyed 65 years together before his death. “I learned a lot about money,” Aunt Myra claims, “by being in business with my husband all those years.” She says she can sum it all up with this: “Don’t spend what you don’t have.”
It’s this kind of advice that Aunt Myra leaves to present and future generations, and her advice is being well-received as it is currently expected for inclusion in the National Centenarian Publication, a worldwide organization that honors citizens who are 100 years old or older. In answering the questionnaire for the Centenarian, Aunt Myra had to reflect on finances. She said that bonds, savings accounts and CD’s are the best and safest places to invest money, and a person should invest at least 20% of their annual income with an additional 10% going to charity and tithing. “Avoid debts. Do without if possible,” she advises. “This is something that a lot of younger people (ages 20 to 60) don’t seem to understand. I don’t think they manage their money well. Too many of them want handouts.”
In addition to her husband, Aunt Myra credits her parents for teaching her about finances. “We never went hungry because we raised our own beef and grew our own vegetables, but no matter how much we had, we were taught to share it with others. Papa said that God always notices those who serve others.”
Of the things invented during Aunt Myra’s lifetime, the two that have affected her the most are central heat and refrigeration. “We used to be so cold, especially at night, so when central heat came along, I just couldn’t get over it. And when we first got a refrigerator, I knew I could really stock up on all those sweets that I love!” she claims.
Having enjoyed excellent health all of her life, Aunt Myra credits good habits and good sense for this. She still tries to walk every day, and she has never smoked or drank. “I’m so thankful I can still get around,” she says. Coincidentally, she renewed her driver’s license two years ago and is still able to drive to church, the beauty shop and the grocery store.
When asked about some of her favorites, she listed “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire,” and “Andy Griffith” at the top. Christian Evangelist Billy Graham is one of her favorites as well, but she says that Roosevelt was by far her favorite president because he helped put people to work. “I liked his work vision for the United States,” she adds.
Will Aunt Myra make it to the 108-year mark like her father and great-uncle? “I never thought I would make it to 100! I just want people to remember me as being an honest, Christian person who always wanted to do the right thing. I want people to remember me as a lady who tried to live for the Lord, not necessarily one who lived to be 100+.”
Last year the Town of Century proclaimed Jan. 25 as the Elmira Gandy Crapps Day, and although most people would enjoy the publicity of this, Aunt Myra remains humbled. “I don’t know. I just had my very first fortune cookie, and the message inside was this: ‘The way to enjoy the future is to invent it.’ I’ll just keep on inventing my future as long as God allows.”
Pictured above: 102-year old Elmira Gandy Crapps receives a proclamation in honor of her 102nd birthday from Century Mayor Freddie McCall at Poplar Dell Baptist Church. Pictured inset middle: The calendar page featuring “Aunt Myra”. Pictured inset bottom: North Escambia resident Elmira Gandy Crapps at 102. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Department Mailing Surveys To Determine Quality Of Service
March 4, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department wants to know what kind of job they are doing, and they are mailing out a public service questionnaire to find out from the public
The sheriff’s department will randomly select individuals who have recently reported a crime and a mail the questionnaire to their home.
Citizens who receive a questionnaire will be asked to rate their experience with the sheriff’s office based on a series of questions. The department will then compile the questionairre results to determine the agency’s strengths and weaknesses concerning the quality of service provided to citizens of the county.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens to give feedback concerning the quality of service that the public is receiving from the Sheriff’s Office through a new Public Service Questionnaire.
“This is an opportunity for citizens to give us direct feedback about their experience. We want to know how we are doing, good and bad,” stated 1st Lt. Eric Haines.
The first questionnaires will arrive in selected Escambia County mailboxes this week.
Suspect In Bratt Manhunt Still On The Loose
March 3, 2009
A manhunt in Bratt for a man wanted by Alabama authorities was called off Tuesday morning.
Authorities were searching for Buddy Lee Roberson, 40, after he fled from drug task force agents in Canoe, Ala.
Authorities believe the Roberson was picked up by someone in a pickup truck. They were believed to have headed back toward Atmore.
Atmore Police believed they had located the truck in the Briar Lake Subdivision, but they were unable to locate Roberson. The subdivision is located on Medical Park Drive in Atmore, just a few hundred feet north of the Florida/Alabama state line.
The Atmore Police Department called for the assistance of the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department and a K-9 unit from the Century Correctional Institute just before 11 Tuesday morning in the area bordered by North Highway 99, Highway 168, Pine Barren Road and the Alabama state line.
The manhunt started about an hour earlier in the Canoe, Ala., area when Alabama authorities attempted to serve a warrant for a narcotics charge. Roberson fled, with the manhunt beginning in the South Canoe Road area south of Arthur Hall Road in Alabama. South Canoe Road become Pine Barren Road when it crosses into Florida. When the manhunt shift to the south, Florida authorities became involved.
Roberson was described as being a white male with long dirty blond hair.
Atmore Wreck Traps, Injures Three
March 3, 2009
Three elderly people were injured in a two vehicle accident in Atmore Tuesday morning.
The three were trapped in their overturned Chevrolet Impala for about 20 minutes while rescue workers worked to free them. They were transported by to Atmore Community Hospital by ambulance. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The accident happened just before noon at the intersection of Owens and Presley streets in Atmore. That is about a block west of the Family Dollar in the shopping center with Winn Dixie.
It appeared that the driver of the overturned car failed to stop a stop sign and was hit in on the passenger side by a southbound Mercury Grand Marquis. The driver of the Grand Marquis was not seriously injured in the crash.
The accident is under investigation.
Pictured above and below: Three people were trapped in on overturned car in an accident at Presley and Owens streets in Atmore just before noon today. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lots Of Smoke From Tungoil Burn
March 3, 2009
The Florida Division of Forestry conducted a 100 acre burn off Tungoil Road south of Walnut Hill Tuesday. A large plume of smoke was visible for miles from the fire, which was just off Highway 97. This photo was taken from several miles away at the intersection of Highway 97 and South Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Consolidated Government Bill Filed In Florida House
March 3, 2009
State Rep. Greg Evers filed a bill in Florida House Monday afternoon that, if approved, would led to the formation of a commission to study the consolidation of the governments of Century, Pensacola and Escambia County.
Once a consolidation plan is created by the study commission, it is to be submitted to the Escambia County Commission, the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century for action before submission to the Escambia County legislative delegation by January 15, 2010. Once approved by the legislature, the plan would presented to Escambia County voters.
Century, Pensacola and Escambia County will not be required to pay for the commission, under the house bill, but they will be required to provide clerical, technical and legal assistance to the commission.
The commission, to be appointed by July 1 of this year, would include up to 25 members from various groups in the county.
The commission will include:
- Five members appointed by the Escambia County Commission, with one member being appointed from each district
- One member appointed by the Century Town Council, with that member being a resident of Century
- Two members appointed by the Pensacola City Council, both of them being residents of Pensacola
One member will be appointed by each of the following groups:
- NAACP
- Escambia County Taxpayer’s Association
- League of Women Voters of Pensacola Bay Area
- Pensacola Young Professionals
- Pensacola Ministerial Alliance
- Escambia County Farm Bureau
- Home Builders Association of West Florida
The president of the University of West Florida will appoint one member with expertise in local government matters. The sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of court and supervisor of elections will each appoint one member.
The chief judge of the First Judicial Circuit will appoint two Florida Bar members with legal expertise in local government matters.
One member will be appointed by the Escambia County School Board, and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will appoint a member.
A special advisory committee on public safety will be appointed under the house bill, consisting of the following or their designee:
- Escambia County Sheriff
- Pensacola Police chief
- Escambia County Community Corrections Bureau
- Escambia County Public Safety Bureau Chief
- Pensacola fire chief
- Escambia County Medical Director
- chairperson of the Escambia County Fire Services Advisory Board
- Police Benevolent Association of the City of Pensacola
- Police Benevolent Association of Escambia County
- Chapter of of the International Association of Firefighters of the City of Pensacola
A special advisory committee on economic development will be appointed, including members appointed by the following groups:
- Pensacola Junior College
- Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
- Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce
- Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board
- Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce
- local chapter of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce
- Florida’s Great Northwest
- Town of Century Chamber of Commerce
- Walnut Hill Ruritan Club
- Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
An advisory committee on health care will be appointed by:
- Baptist Health Care
- Sacred Heart Health System
- West Florida Hospital
- Escambia County Health Department
- Escambia County Medical Society
Click here to read the entire bill (pdf format).
Flomaton Football Star Tony Ellis Appears In Court
March 3, 2009
The Flomaton High School football star arrested on multiple sexual abuse charges involving a minor has asked to be tried as a youthful offender.
Tony Ellis, 18, was indicted by an Escambia County (Ala.) grand jury for enticing a minor into a vehicle for immoral purposes, sodomy II, and sexual abuse. The alleged victim is 12-years old.
Ellis asked an Escambia County (Ala.) court for youthful offender status. His arraignment has been delayed until the court decides if he will receive that youthful offender status or if he will tried as an adult.
Ellis is currently free on bond posted a volunteer coach that coached Ellis at one time in youth baseball.
Authorities have said Ellis picked up the 12-year old girl, a girl they say he knew, on December 15 from Pollard-McCall School and attempted to have sexual relations with her.
School officials say Ellis was suspended from his classes at Flomaton High School, including all extracurricular activities, and is attending the county’s alternative school.
His high school career included at least 1,500 rushing yards per year for each of the last three years at Flomaton. Ellis, who is 5-foot-9, had over 5,000 rushing yards in his high school career with the Canes.
Students Make Wacky Photos Of Teacher
March 3, 2009
Northview High School celebrated National FBLA week with several contests, including a typing contest and a wacky photo contest.
In the fastest typing contest, Joshua King won a $20 gift card to Walmart for being the FBLA’s best. He typed 84 net words a minute for three minutes.
The students also took part in the wacky photo contest. They were given a photo of business technology teacher Donna Smith (left) and told to make it “wacky”.
Eric Ickeringill’s rendition of Mrs. Smith as a PBS star Bob Ross from the “Joy of Painting” won. He also received a $20 gift card.
In the wacky photo contest, students were told use “Photoshop, Paint, or whatever software program you wise, enhance Mrs. Smith’s photo. For example, you can give her a halo, horns, mustache, etc. Be creative!”.
To see other entries in the wacky photo contest, click here..
Pictured top: Eric Ickeringill’s wacky photo of Northview business technology teacher Donna Smith. Pictured middle: The original photo. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
NHS Softball Player’s Leg Healing; 8-12 Weeks To Play Again
March 3, 2009
Northview High School softball player Amber McMillan — the girl in the photo that shows her leg being broken — was at the Andrews Institute Monday afternoon to find out more about how bad her leg is.
Mom Donna McMillan says that it will be 8 to 12 weeks before there is any chance for Amber to play softball again.
The doctor said Monday that the original surgeon did a great job, Donna said. Amber still has a rod in her leg that begins just below the knee and ends near her ankle. It will be about six months before doctors know if the rod will need to be removed.
Now, Donna said, Amber will being physical therapy four times a week. She will be able to return to Northview as soon as she can put weight on her leg and the swelling decreases.
NorthEscambia.com ran a story about Amber last Friday and the amazing photo that shows her leg at the moment it was broken. Click here for that story.
Pictured above: Northview softball player Amber McMillan’s left leg is broken in tournament game in Dothan. Her Submitted photo by Scott Harris, www.scottharrisphotos.com for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.