Voter Info: Detailed Q&A With Two Century Council Candidates
November 5, 2018
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the four candidate seeking two seats on the Century Town Council.
The questionnaire was created as a secure Google Form with all completed forms stored and logged by Google. Each candidate received the exact same questions in the same order, and they were warned that responses would not be spell checked or edited. A link to the questionnaire was texted to the cell phone listed by each candidate with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Additionally, a link to the response form, an advance copy of the questions and detailed instructions were emailed to the email address each candidate listed on Supervisor of Elections forms. They were given a deadline of just over seven days to complete and submit their responses.
Two candidates submitted their responses; two did not submit a response or make any contact with NorthEscambia.com regarding the questionnaire.
Here are the responses. Click a name to continue:
Century Town Council, Seat 3
- Benjamin D. Boutwell
- Amanuel Onell Dubose (no response received)
Century Town Council, Seat 4
- Mary Hudson Bourgeois
- James Smith, Jr. (no response received)
Note: Sandra McMurray-Jackson was reelected to Century Town Council Seat 5 without opposition. She was not asked to complete this candidate questionnaire.
Ernest Ward Middle School Collects Relief Supplies For Michael Victims
November 5, 2018
The Ernest Ward Middle School SGA collected supplies for the victims of Hurricane Michael. The community project collected 45 boxes of food, cleaning items, baby products, hygiene items, paper products, games, books and numerous cases of bottled water, juices and assorted drinks.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt assisted by transporting the relief supplies to Blountstown High School and Chipola Family Ministries in Marianna.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay, Other Local Schools Begin Football Playoffs Friday Night
November 5, 2018
The first round of high school playoffs begins Friday night with the regional quarterfinals. The pairings were announced on Sunday.
CLASS 1A
No. 5 Graceville (3-5) will be at No. 4 Northview (6-4). On November 16 in the regional semifinal, the winner will play the winner of No. 8 Freeport at No. 1 Baker.
No. 6 Bozeman (2-5) will travel to No. 3 Jay (5-4). On November 16, the winner will play the victor of No 2. Vernon and No. 7 Chipley.
CLASS 6A
No. 7 Gulf Breeze (8-2) at No. 2 Pine Forest (7-3)
No. 6 Niceville (7-3) at No. 3 Crestview (7-2)
No. 5 Escambia (8-2) at No. 4 St. Augustine (5-5)
No. 8 Pace (7-3) at No. 1 Navarre (9-1)
Class 5A
No. 6 Bolles (6-4) at No. 3 West Florida (6-2)
Class 3A
No. 5 Pensacola Catholic (5-5) at No. 4 Fort White (8-2) –
FHP Seeking Cantonment Hit And Run Driver
November 5, 2018
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a hit and run driver that hit a vehicle Sunday morning about 10:30 on Highway 297A near Pine Forest Road.
The FHP said the hit and run vehicle was traveling west on 297A, pulled off the road at Thiggy’s, 4112 Highway 297A, and made a U-turn back into the road. The vehicle collided with the side of a 2015 Toyota Camry driven by 77-year old John Chapman of Pensacola. Chapman was not injured.
The vehicle, described as a maroon sedan, possibly a Chevrolet, fled the scene. It should have damage to the front right side of the bumper. The driver was believed to be female.
Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Knowles at *347 or by email at constanceknowles@flhsmv.gov.
Century Correctional Officer Assaulted By Inmate
November 5, 2018
A correctional officer was recently assaulted at Century Correctional Institution, according to information released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
On October 23, inmate Samuel Rivera assaulted an officer at approximately 9:00 p.m, according to the FDC. Rivera grabbed and attempted to tackle the officer. Staff responded, and the inmate was subdued.
The FDC saaid Rivera will receive a disciplinary report for this assault.
Rivera is serving 14-year sentence for robbery with a gun or deadly weapon and robbery without a weapon on a conviction out of Volusia County. He has since been transferred out of Century Correctional.
FDOT: Weekly Construction Traffic Delay List
November 5, 2018
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road) – The following traffic impacts will take place from Sunday, Nov. 4 through Saturday, Nov. 10. Work requiring lane restrictions will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Paving operations continue from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- Crary Road Bridge Replacement- Activities are scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 5 to construct a bridge culvert on Crary Road over Pritchett Mill Creek. The project also includes paved roadway approaches and drainage improvements. Crary Road will be closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road. Motorists will be detoured via County Road (C.R.) 4 and Byrneville Road.
- State Road (S.R.) 291 (Davis Highway) Routine Maintenance at I-10- There will be intermittent lane restrictions at I-10 from 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5 to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 as crews repair overhead signs.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance from west of Nine Mile Road to Davis Highway- There will be intermittent and alternating lane restrictions from west of Nine Mile Road to Davis Highway from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 8 as crews repair signs.
- S.R. 297 (Pine Forest Road) Construction Activities at I-10- The northbound, outside lane on Pine Forest Road at the on ramp to I-10 east will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 to 3 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 as crews install a traffic separator.
- S.R. 10A (Mobile Highway) Underground Utility Operations west of Beulah Road- Traffic will be reduced to one lane just west of Beulah Road from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9 as crews perform underground utility work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 Widening from the Escambia Bay Bridge to S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22) – Drivers traveling I-10 and Avalon Boulevard will encounter the following traffic impacts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 8:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Construction activities continue. Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between 14th Avenue in Pensacola and Bay Bridge Drive in Gulf Breeze from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov.4 through Sunday, Nov. 11.
- Alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange as crews perform construction activities.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 from the Escambia Bay Bridge to east of Avalon Boulevard as crews widen the roadway.
- New traffic patterns on I-10 east and westbound as crews reconstruct the inside and outside shoulders. This work will continue throughout the fall.
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road) – Traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed.
- U.S. 98 Safety Improvements at Constitution Drive and Navarre School Road-Construction activities are underway near Constitution Drive. Motorists can expect lane closures to occur between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- U.S. 98 and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Traffic Information Sign Installation- Crews will install overhead Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) on U.S. 98 east and westbound, west of Tiger Point Boulevard and west of Bay Woods Road in Gulf Breeze, and on Avalon Boulevard at Porpoise Road in Garcon Point. Work is scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 12.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Warmer With Showers And Thunderstorms
November 5, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
November 5, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Monday, Nov. 5
Northwest District 1 Advisory Committee – 6 p.m., Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Emergency Medical Services Storekeeper/Warehouse Supervisor Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. W St.
Contractor Competency Board – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Police Benevolent Association Union Negotiations – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, HR Training Room
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Santa Rosa Island Authority Board – 5 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Santa Rosa Island Authority Committee – 5:05 p.m., 1 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
Thursday, Nov. 8
Planning Board – Rezoning – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Planning Board – Regular – 8:35 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole Meeting – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Science Hour – Bayou Chico Managed Aquatic Plant System & Beyond, Dana Morton & Brent Wipf, Escambia County – 6 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Mary Hudson Bourgeois
November 5, 2018
The following is a response to a candidate questionnaire sent to all four candidates for two seats on the Century Town Council. Responses have not been edited.
Candidate: Mary Hudson Bourgeois
- Current occupation: Self Employed Hudson’s Cafe and Antique Shop
- Previous occupations: Release Estate and Antique Shop
- Civic, church and other community involvement? Century Methodist Church, Community Redevelopment Association, Century Chamber of Commerce, Century Lions Club, Alger Sullivan Historical Society
- Education: 2 years of College
- Previous offices held, previously sought: President of the Century Chamber of Commerce (current) Vice President of the Century Chamber of Commerce (2 years)
- Why are you running for Century Town Council?
- What makes you the most qualified candidate for a town council seat? Without good leadership nothing gets accomplished! My business experience over the past 40 years qualifies me as a leader in budgeting, planning, policy and procedures required to run a successful business. Hiring qualified professionals that can work together to accomplish goals, customer relationships.
- What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council? We have to have communication between the Mayor and Council, Transparency, and all the facts to make good Finance decisions and a solid plan for budgeting.
- Do you support Home Rule? Home Rule is the ability to establish its form of government through its charter and to then enact ordinances, codes plans and resolutions without prior state approval. To further be able to enforce them “at home” and to make necessary changes as the Town of Century grows is a great reflection of the trust that citizens have in their respective Town Council members. Yes, with the understanding of how the governing body works. The Council is the governing body… and our mayor has to be forth coming and presents ALL problems and request to the council prior to action and not after the facts. Abiding by the Charter and presenting a complete financial assessment to the Council and Town Accountant. We have to work as a team.
- Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how? Yes, I do support the Sunshine Laws. If The Mayor and or Council members do not understand them, my thinking is that a course be given to understand basic laws. I highly recommend that we hire a Town Administrator or a Town Manager that is qualified and has prior local government experience and reports directly to the council.
- How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest issue? By reducing the number of personnel in the office and requiring team work. Similar Towns/Cities run their office with 2 or 3 persons. WE have to getting a billing system in place. The meters are not being read correctly and billing is a problem. Stop all over time!!! We have to have a plan to resolve some of the town’s finances and communication between the Council. Biggest issue is funding the gas department.
- Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? The Town’s Sign Ordinance needs to be updates to improve the U.S. Highway 29 corridor Consideration should be given to posting stop littering signs, a fine if trash cans are not taken off streets.
- The Town’s Sign Ordinance needs to be updates to improve the U>S> Highway 29 corridorConsideration should be given to posting stop littering signs, a fine if trash cans are not takenoff streets.
- Are there any additional ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see eliminated? I would need to see a list of ordinances/regulations to make suggestions.
- How can Century better work with the county and state? Economic Growth for Century
- Are there are services Century should consolidate with the county? (no answer)
- How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs? How does Century work to support/grow additional businesses? By working with the Town’s economic partners to include Florida West, The University of West Florida’s Hauss Center the Century Chamber.
- What should Century do about the vacant Alger-Sullivan property? How? First, needs to be cleaned up. Work with owner to get companies to bid cleaning the site. Research redevelopment options/proposals and solicit citizens input/comments on plans for redevelopment.
- What should be done with the “Helicopter Technology” building in the Industrial Park? The town should come up with a plan to up-grade the building, install what is needed to put on the market for Industry, to help with Century’s growth for jobs.
- How does Century solve the gas department financial issues? SHOULD SELL and move forward!!! Install the meter at the gate station that measures the amount of gas purchased and out go. How many commercial customers? How many residential customers do we have in Century? Encourage competitive bids for materials and supplies by advertising a solicitation for bids.
- What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? Amend the Charter and adopt a procurement policy. Mayor/Town Clerk and Council needs to understand how the charter reads and abide by the charter.
- How does Century improve its public image? Start solving problems within Council, Mayor and Town Accountant in a business forum not a blaming session. Bringing everything to the table so good honest discussion can be made which will benefit our town’s growth.
- Summarize your four year term of office plan for Century: My four year plan while I am serving the Town of Century as your councilwoman, I will offere new ideas for a plan to rebuild Century. Quality of life also means qualify of jobs. I will create a better relationship with our town government and our community. Help cut spending and balance the budget. Help beautify promote tourism in Century. We have to have economic growth to raise our population which can bring schools back. Working together we can Rebuild Century.
Benjamin D. Boutwell
November 5, 2018
The following is a response to a candidate questionnaire sent to all four candidates for two seats on the Century Town Council. Responses have not been edited.
Candidate: Benjamin D. Boutwell
- Current occupation: DoD USAF Retired – Asst Baseball Coach Coastal Alabama
- Previous occupations: DoD USAF Civil Service
- Civic, church and other community involvement? Lions Club; Escambia County Community Action Board Member; President Century Community Redevelopment Agency
- Education: 3+ years college
- Previous offices held, previously sought: Century Town Council Seat 3; Competed for Mayor 2016
- Why are you running for Century Town Council? To effect a positive change both economically and culturally in our Town.
- What makes you the most qualified candidate for a town council seat? My military career taught me the invaluable skills of leadership, supervision and communication. All of these are vital when serving the community.
- What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council? Getting our Gas Dept in a fiscally sound position. Put our community in a position to entice new business growth. Nurture a community mentality.
- Do you support Home Rule? Yes
- Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how? All forms of government must be transparent to ensure the support and trust of the citizens. As an elected official, I work FOR the citizens of Century.
- How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest issue? Of course our Gas Department. Due to a lack of effective metering, we have not been able to properly track usage nor bill properly, leading to a significant deficit.
- Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? Our town Charter is in dire need of being reviewed and updated in the immediate future and on a semi-annual basis afterwards.
- Are there any additional ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see eliminated? N/A
- How can Century better work with the county and state? By becoming more active in County led initiatives that directly impact Century. By being a positive presence to spread the word about our town and its needs.
- Are there are services Century should consolidate with the county? Escambia County provides us with Police, Fire Dept and other services that are financially not feasible for us to assume. All others should stay the Towns responsibility.
- How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs? ow does Century work to support/grow additional businesses Cleaning up our town, presenting a positive environment that appeals to the over 10,000 cars that travel Hwy 29 daily; aggressively advertise our Industrial Park properties. I’m of the opinion we don’t do enough. We need an aggressive Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee working with County resources to promote our town.
- What should Century do about the vacant Alger-Sullivan property? How? There are numerous environmental issues associated with this property that must be addressed before any advancements can be made.
- What should be done with the “Helicopter Technology” building in the Industrial Park? It needs to be brought to code ASAP. We always have interests expressed in leasing the building, but by brining it to code it will make it more appealing to those businesses.
- How does Century solve the gas department financial issues? Due to a lack of effective metering, we have not been able to properly track usage nor bill properly. The problems have been identified and are currently being rectified.
- What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? Our town Charter is in dire need of being reviewed and updated in the immediate future and on a semi-annual basis afterwards.
- How does Century improve its public image? Century citizens MUST become leaders in our community. Each of us MUST be a direct reflection of the image we want others to see in this town. The more positive we bring into our lives and our neighborhoods, the more likely we are to weed out the negative.
- Summarize your four year term of office plan for Century: I have continually worked to clean up Our Town through community and personal efforts. As President of the Community Redevelopment Agency, I am aggressively working with our Town Planner and County and State representatives to pursue positive growth. I will continue to promote our Town. Its time to make forward progress.