Atmore Plans Incentives To Land New $82 Million Ag Processing Plant With 100 New Jobs
July 1, 2020
The City of Atmore is working to lure a new industry that will mean about 100 new jobs and millions of dollars invested in the community.
Mayor Jim Staff said the city plans to offer incentives to locate to locate an Alabama farmer-owned agricultural processing facility in Atmore. It will have a capital investment in excess of $82 million and will create at least 100 new full time jobs with an anticipated average hourly wage of $17, exclusive of benefits.
Staff said Atmore is partnering with the State of Alabama to land the industry.
The city is offering tax abatements and land for the construction of the facility and a railroad spur to service the plant. The state is offering cash rebates for jobs credits and investment tax credits for the capital investment in Alabama. Additionally, the state is offering direct cash reimbursement for training costs and additional in kind services by the Alabama Industrial Development Training Office.
The City of Atmore also intends to apply for grants which, if awarded, will allow the construction of an adjacent rail transfer yard which will service industries in Atmore and in the surrounding region with the ability to transfer products between highways and railways in a cost effective manner.
Projections show a direct impact of retail spending from payroll over the first 20 years of over $39 million and an indirect impact of over $28 million. The city is expected to receive a direct impact in retail spending from payroll in taxes of over $1 million and an indirect impact of over $700,000.
Complete details, including the name of the facility and their exact product, have not yet been announced.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
One Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Rollover Crash
July 1, 2020
One person was seriously injured in a single vehicle rollover crash on Highway 29 Tuesday night.
It happened about 10:50 p.m. near Wendy’s at Highway 29 and East Kingsfield Road. One victim was transported by Escambia County EMS as a trauma alert to an area hospital. A second person in the vehicle refused medical treatment.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated. The Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Employee Airlifted To Burn Center After Accident At Ascend Performance Materials
July 1, 2020
One person was airlifted to a burn center following an accident Tuesday at Ascend Performance Materials on Old Chemstrand Road, according to Escambia County.
The injured employe was transported to the University of South Alabama Burn Center in Mobile by LifeFlight helicopter.
A spokesperson for Ascend confirmed that one employee was transported to the hospital, but did not offer specific details about the nature of the accident.
“I can confirm there was no chemical release outside of our plant. Our community members were not in danger,” Ascend Vice President of Global Communications and External Affairs told NorthEscambia.com in an email.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Cofounder Of Pensacola Christian College, Camp O’ The Pines, Passes Away
July 1, 2020
Beka Horton, the cofounder of Pensacola Christian College, has passed away at age 90.
“She was known for her dedication to Christian education and ministry, her significant role in PCC’s history, and her deep love for God and His truth,” the college said in announcing her death.
When the Hortons came to Pensacola in 1952 to start a small Christian school, they never dreamed how greatly their outreach would be enlarged. Throughout 60 years of ministry in Pensacola, Dr. Horton worked alongside her husband Dr. Arlin Horton in vital support and complement to his leadership.
In 1954, the Hortons founded what is now known as Pensacola Christian Academy (PCA).
“Rebekah Horton took a lead role in the curriculum development and instructional design used at PCA and became a vital contributor to the education and spiritual encouragement of countless area residents,” the college said.
Other Christian schools used the materials printed through the textbook publishing company that bears her name: Abeka Book.
The popular local summer camp, Camp o’the Pines in McDavid, was established under the Hortons’ leadership, where Rebekah Horton was once a cabin leader and program director.
In 1974, Pensacola Christian College was founded where Beka Horton served as Senior Vice President. She and her husband retired in 2012.
The funeral service were held in PCC’s Crowne Centre on Wednesday, July 1.
Century Considers New Franchise Fees And Agreements With Gulf Power and EREC
July 1, 2020
The Town of Century is considering new franchise fee agreements with Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric Cooperative.
In 1994, the franchise fees for both utilities were increased from 3% to 5%, and now in 2020 the council can legally raise the fee to as much as 6%.
While the franchise fee is technically charged to the utility, both Gulf Power and EREC tell NorthEscambia.com that they pass the full cost of the fee on to their customers.
The town council held a workshop this week on the franchise fees. The council will be required to approve the franchise agreements at a future meeting.
No Wahoos Ball This Year; Minor League Baseball Season Officially Canceled.
July 1, 2020
The Minor League Baseball season has been canceled for 2020.
“These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we’ve had a summer without Minor League Baseball played,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 2021 season of affordable family entertainment.”
“It’s unfortunate and saddening that there will not be Blue Wahoos baseball at Blue Wahoos Stadium this season. However, the health and safety of our community is our number one priority, and we fully support the efforts by Major and Minor League Baseball to keep fans, players, and staff safe in communities throughout America,” the Pensacola Blue Wahoos said in a statement. “We will continue to be creative and innovative to create affordable, family-friendly stadium events to allow our fans to continue to enjoy unforgettable ballpark moments safely at Blue Wahoos Stadium until Blue Wahoos baseball is able to return.”
The Blue Wahoos will respond to questions about tickets, sponsorships and group outings at the Blue Wahoos Stadium on a case-by-base basis. For more information, email tickets@BlueWahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.
Highland Baptist Produce Distribution Planned For Wednesday Has Been Canceled
June 30, 2020
A produce distribution that was planned for Wednesday at Highland Baptist Church in Molino has been canceled.
The giveaway was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances with the produce vendor. Church officials said they hope to be back with a free produce distribution next week.
If your church or other non-profit organization is holding a free food distribution in the North Escambia area, let us know in advance at news@northescambia.com.
Mosquito Fogging Tonight Between Muscogee Road And I-10 (With Detailed Maps)
June 30, 2020
Escambia County intends to fog for mosquitoes tonight in District 5.
The fogging will take place is an area generally between essentially between I-10 and Muscogee Road that is west of Highway 29 or Pine Forest Road. Click or tap the maps to enlarge.
Spray hours vary but are typically 6-9:30 p.m. To make a request for service or an area to be listed as a no spray area, call (850) 937-2188, submit an online request here or send an email to mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com.
Rural Mail Carrier Flips Vehicle While Delivering Mail On Dirt Road
June 30, 2020
A rural mail carrier flipped her vehicle while delivering mail on a dirt road midday Tuesday in the Walnut Hill area.
She lost control of her Jeep Grand Cherokee while southbound on South Pineville Road just over a mile south of Arthur Brown Road. The vehicle flipped, coming to rest upside down on the roadway. She was not injured.
Arrangements were made for the remainder of the mail in the vehicle to be delivered.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click toe enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Charged For Alleged Sexual Relationship With Juvenile Girl
June 30, 2020
A Walnut Hill man is facing felony charges for an alleged sexual relationship with a juvenile female.
Joshua Edward Vihnanek, age 24 of Rockaway Creek Road, was charged with two felony counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim age 12-16 and one felony count of cruelty toward a child for transmission of harmful materials to a minor.
The victim told investigators that she was involved in a sexual relationship with Vihnanek between February 1 and April 25 of this year, with multiple incidents of sexual contact at locations that included his residence and car, according to an arrest report.
She said Vihnanek sent her an inappropriate photo of himself on Snapchat and asked for nude photos of her, but she did not comply, the report continues.
A search of his phone found several photographs and videos depicting the girl and “Vihnanek kissing or laying in what appeared to be a bed”,” according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Vihnanek’s statements to investigators were redacted from the arrest report.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday afternoon. His bond was increased to $250,000.