Escambia Schools Seek Public Input On School Calendar
February 6, 2019
The Escambia County School district is asking for public input to help develop the 2023-2024 academic year calendar.
“I encourage you to participate in this process by reviewing the draft proposals and taking a brief survey regarding each proposal. Survey results will be analyzed and shared with the District Calendar Committee, comprised of representatives from all stakeholder groups,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said in a recorded message to parents.
The final recommendation for the 2023-2024 calendar will go before the Escambia County School Board for consideration at their March 26 meeting.
For the calendar proposals and surveys, click here.
Creek Indian Enterprises Purchases Fairfield Inn In Atmore
February 6, 2019
Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) has purchased the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott on Highway 21 at I-65 in atmore.
The hotel is located in the Rivercane development, near the Wind Creek Casino and adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express which was recently purchased by CIDEA. It is their eighth hotel investment property.
“The addition of this hotel property in Atmore allows us to expand our hotel offerings to a wider variety of travelers. We are pleased to be able to invest in Atmore and its tourism industry,” said CIEDA President/CEO Cody Williams.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Redevelopment Area Seeks Attorney, Executive Director
February 6, 2019
The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met this week and moved forward toward having an executive director and attorney in place.
The board voted to pursue an interlocal agreement with Escambia County to provide an executive director and to seek letters of intent for an attorney. The Century CRA boad will also entertain an interlocal agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Town of Century for staff services.
In October, the council approved a Tax Increment Financing plan for their redevelopment area, allowed the CRA to receive property tax revenues each year in excess of an established base rate. The appraised value of the property within the designated district was “frozen”this year, with that amount of tax revenue generated still designated for the town’s general fund, the county and other taxing authorities.
The redevelopment area will receive 95 percent of the property tax generated in excess of the frozen base value as property values rise. It is estimated that will amount to about $10,000 the first year for the beginning in 2020.
The CRA funds will be used to improve conditions in the 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King.
The CRA received no funding during the October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018, fiscal year because the base year for tax increment financing was established in 2018. The CRA will see its first redevelopment trust fund money next fiscal year.
Tax Increment Financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activities in the targeted redevelopment area. Property owners in the CRA will pay the same tax rate as those in the remainder of the town.
TIF revenue can be used on a “pay as you go” basis, where the annual stream of revenue is used to fund small projects, or used to pay debt service costs over the life of a project lasting 10 or more years. Historically in Florida, TIF has been effective at generating large amounts of funding for capital investments for roadway improvements, flood control programs, water and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks, street and sidewalk tree plantings, signs and building construction.
After a February 2016 tornado damaged or destroyed 40 homes and businesses, the town looked to address the long-term effects on the community of a downturn in economic development. That led to the redevelopment area.
The CRA plan sets a roadmap for future development and spending to eliminate existing conditions of blight and to encourage continued private investment. The plan also provides a framework for coordinating and facilitating public and private redevelopment within the area.
Review the Century CRA plan by clicking here.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Warm Temperatures Stick Around Through Thursday
February 6, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers after midnight. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Pictured: A spider web on a damp North Escambia Tuesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Bar Seeks Noise Ordinance Waiver For Mardi Gras Party
February 6, 2019
A Molino bar is seeking a noise ordinance waiver for a Mardi Gras party with a live band.
Louie’s Tavern in the 200 block of Molino Road wants to hold the party on Saturday, February 16 from 6 p.m. until midnight.
The Escambia County Commission will consider the noise ordinance waiver at their Thursday meeting. If approved, the Building Inspections Division will issue a Special Event permit for the exemption, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will be notified that the waiver was issued.
Deadline Today To Register For Escambia County Flag Football
February 6, 2019
Today is the deadline for the Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department’s flag football league for adults 18 and up.
Registration and payment are due Wednesday, February 6 to the Parks and Recreation Department, 1651 East Nine Mile Road. The cost is $400 per team, payable by cash or check only.
League play begins Sunday, February 10.
Jonathan Darryl Morgan
February 6, 2019
Mr. Jonathan Darryl Morgan, age 56, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Morgan was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL. He was an avid Auburn fan, musician, pianist and singer. He attended the Promise Land Outreach Ministries Church of Atmore.
He is preceded in death by his father, Winfred Morgan; brother, Vince Morgan; and nephew, Jason Douglass.
He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Morgan of Flomaton, AL; wife of 30 years, Helen L. Morgan of Flomaton, AL; one daughter, Savannah Lawren Morgan of Flomaton, AL; one sister, Deborah Morgan Fountain of Atmore, AL; and special aunt, Shirley Beasley Diamond of Jay, FL.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Apostle Wayne Marshall and Pastor Connie Marshall officiating.
Burial was at Little Escambia Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Nick Morgan, Aaron Fountain, Kody Mefford, Nikki Odom, Tyler Newton, Jaden Newton, Alex Glidewell and Theron Inman.
Honorary pallbearer was Bryson Glidewell.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes in charge of all arrangements.
Terry Lynn Skinner
February 6, 2019
Terry Lynn Skinner, 51, passed away on January 31, 2019, in Clear Springs, AL. Terry was originally from Tennessee but made Molino, FL his home.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Judy Turner.
He leaves to cherish his memories his daughters, Jessica and Savannah; girlfriend, Kellie Pennington; father, Larry (Lisa) Skinner; sister, Greta Davis; brothers, Monroe Skinner, Matt (Kellie Odom) Ramsey, Kevin (Lisa) Odom; nieces, Makayla Ramsey, Harlie Odom, Kristen and Trista Lorenzana, Ashley Skinner, Emily Boutwell, Bebe Watson; nephews, Wyatt Ramsey, Josh Godwin, Tanner Odom, Joshua and Jacob Jones, Justin and Anthony Skinner and Brody Ragsdale; and mother-in-law, Debbie Odom. Special friends he loved and considered family, JC and Felicia Chivington, Nolan and Kim Lorenzana, Nichole Sweeting, and Brandon Franklin; and his truest friend, confidant and truly loved, Karen Odom.
Terry worked construction all his life. He spent the majority of the last 15 years doing electrical work and was employed at Chiv Electric. Terry was a simple man and hard worker. He enjoyed being with his family and his best furry friend, Sam.
Memorial services will be held at Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Odom, Matt Ramsey, Levy Foster, Nolan Lorenzana, JC Chivington, and John Frenkel IV.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Donald Elliott Strickland
February 6, 2019
Donald Elliott Strickland, 87, of Walnut Hill, FL, passed away February 1, 2019, in Pensacola, FL. He was born in Bratt, FL on November 3, 1931, to the late Walker E. and Gladys Wiggins Strickland.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Willie Marie Amos Strickland; a son George E. Strickland; and a sister, Mary Lou Strickland Wiggins.
He was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by a son, Bill (Sandy) Strickland of Broken Arrow, OK; two daughters, Donna (Jon) Dees of Cantonment, FL and Becky (Paul) Madeira of Miami, FL; three sisters, Louise (Charles) Bryan of Mobile, AL; Marilyn Ward of Walnut Hill, FL and Sharee (Edward) Godwin of Walnut Hill, FL; four grandsons, Kory (Kelly) Dees, Joshua Dees, Blake Dees and Bradyn Strickland; granddaughter, Sarah Strickland; and great-granddaughter, Kyler Dees.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 4, 2019, from the Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Bridges and Rev. Joshua Long officiating.
Interment was in the Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.
Active pallbearers were Kory Dees, Joshua Dees, Blake Dees, Bradyn Strickland, Brett Ward and Horace Ward.
Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Poulsen and Wayne Long.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Police Activity At Ransom Middle Not A Security Concern
February 5, 2019
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. CLICK HERE.
Police activity seen at and around Ransom Middle School Tuesday was not due to any kind of security threat, according to school district officials.
Escambia County School Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross said about six students simply “skipped” school and left the campus without permission. All of the students have returned to the campus unharmed.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said they were assisting the school district. A K-9 was used to search fro the students in a wooded area near the school.
The school was not placed on a lockdown.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.