Century Council Votes To Raise Garbage Rates
November 2, 2021
The Century Town Council voted Monday night to raise garbage rates, something that has become a yearly tradition.
The town contracts with Republic Services to collect garbage within the town limits. Republic has a provision in their contract that allows them to increase the rates they charge the town each December to match the Consumer Price Index.
The increase will amount to 3.73%, or 91 cents, per customer with one can. The town traditionally passes the rate increase directly along to residents each year.
Century renewed a five year no-bid contract with Republic Services in July 2020.
Residential sanitation customers in Century will see their rate increase from $24.43 to $25.34 . That’s broken down to $18.68 per residential container picked up by Republic and $6.66 for bimonthly yard waste pickup by the town. Century does not offer recycling services. Republic charges the town $15.49 a month for each residential container, so the town retains $3.19 each. With 533 containers, Century makes $1,700.27 per month that pays the town for providing customer service and billing.
Commercial customers will see a similar 3.73% increase from Republic, but they are not billed by the town.
File photo.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Still Available For Escambia County Residents
November 2, 2021
Escambia County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19 can still apply for help from the Escambia County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
The application portal is now open and available clicking or tapping here. Call (850) 403-6044 to make an appointment for in-person assistance, or see a list of libraries below.
Emergency rental assistance may be provided to eligible low-income Escambia County residents and families who:
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Have total household income at or below 80% Area Median Income;
- Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have not received any other rental assistance for the requested months
Both the renter and the landlord must submit an application through the portal. Reimbursement will be paid directly to the landlord or utility provider. View eligibility requirements and see if you qualify here.
The program can cover up to 12 months of overdue or late rent and utility bills for households in Escambia County. Additional details for rental assistance for landlords and renters can be found at MyEscambia.com/erap.
Escambia County has received the following allocations:
- $9,611,771 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- $7,605,344 from the American Rescue Plan
Escambia County ERAP Policies and Procedures are in alignment with the U.S Treasury Department’s guidelines (full policies and procedures).
Email ERAP@myescambia.zendesk.com or call (850) 403-6044 with any questions.
Citizens may use the computers at the following public libraries to complete their application:
- Century Branch Library – 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Branch Library – 6450-A Hwy. 95A, Molino
- Tryon Branch Library – 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library – 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
- Pensacola Library – 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library – 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library – 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
Escambia County To Stop Reporting COVID-19 Data
November 2, 2021
Escambia County will no longer report daily COVID-19 data as of the end of this week due to a decline in hospitalization rates.
The number of hospitalizations is the only data on the dashboard that is locally sourced ;the vaccination and death numbers currently on the county’s dashboard are from the CDC.
“We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation with our healthcare partners,” said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “As long as the hospitalizations remain under 50, we are going to discontinue the COVID-19 dashboard after Friday, Nov. 5.”
As of Monday, there were 36 COVID-19 hospitalizations reported in Escambia County, with one of those people under age 18. The Florida Department of Health releases a weekly report each Friday that includes county data for number of case, positivity rate and vaccination rate. The CDC continues to track per county death data.
Sunny And About 75 For Tuesday
November 2, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Clear. Lows in the lower 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. Northeast winds up to 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers in the morning, then rain showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers in the evening, then slight chance of rain showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of showers 40 percent.
Friday: Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
Friday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.
Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s.
Sunday: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s.
Monday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
Wednesday Is An Escambia Schools Early Release Day. Don’t Forget About The New Times.
November 2, 2021
Parents of Escambia County School District students take note….Wednesday is an early release day and dismissal times have changed since last school year.
Early release days offer teachers and staff the opportunity for professional development, according to the district.
On all early release dates, schools will serve lunch and regular transportation will be provided.
There was previously an early release day on September 22, and there will also be an early release day on January 26. Early release times for each school are below.
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Tate Graduate Serves As Member Of Navy’s Submarine Program
November 2, 2021
A Tate graduate is currently stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, homeport to all East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.
Seaman Paul Ashton, a 2018 Tate High School graduate, joined the Navy almost a year ago.
“Growing up in a big Navy area and hearing my friends, parents and siblings talk about the Navy made me think it would be a great fit for me,” said Ashton.
Today, Ashton serves as a missile technician, whose responsibilities include maintaining and guarding nuclear missiles.
According to Ashton, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Pensacola.
“I was a Pensacola Beach lifeguard,” said Ashton. “From that, I learned teamwork. Boy Scouts taught me leadership.”
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
As a member of the submarine force, Ashton is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Ashton is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national security by ensuring trade routes are open,” said Ashton. “We also keep people at home protected by ensuring other countries don’t come into ours.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
“We do two big things here in King’s Bay: we send SSBNs on strategic deterrence patrols and we forward deploy our guided missile submarines overseas,” said Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group Ten. “This work is essential to uphold the number one mission of the Navy: strategic deterrence. And this is the only home port for both of these types of submarines on the East Coast.”
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades, Kings Bay has been home to Ohio Class SSBN ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
As Ashton and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting the people back from home from stuff that they don’t even realize,” added Ashton.
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Donate Now: Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Is Underway
November 2, 2021
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is still underway in Escambia County help families in need, and along the way promote peanuts.
The Peanut Butter Challenge, UF/IFAS Extension’s annual jar collection for local food pantries, first launched in the Florida Panhandle in 2012. It has since launched statewide, giving counties the chance to compete for most jars of peanut butter donated. The challenge serves a way to feed hungry families ahead of the holidays and also promotes peanuts grown in Florida.
Unopened jars of peanut butter can be donated at the following locations through November 24:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North Ninth Avenue
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Pensacola City Hall, 222 West Main Street,
- Holy Spirit Catholic, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13360 Innerarity Point Road,
- Pensacola Beach Visitors Information, 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach
“We are always impressed and touched by the communities’ grassroots support for this program,” said Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the challenge since its inception. “The peanut industry is a great contributor to our state, but this event also shows how the nutritious food it produces can help our fellow community members who may be struggling.”
In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations are based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state and will again contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries in those regions.
In the 2020 Peanut Butter Challenge, the first year the event was conducted statewide, participating UF/IFAS Extension county offices received over 27,000 total pounds of peanut butter.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Erbie “Buddy” Lee White
November 2, 2021
Mr. Erbie “Buddy” Lee White, age 72, passed away, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. He was a lifelong resident of Flomaton, AL.
Mr. White valued the time he got to spend with his family, especially the grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching Alabama Football and Atlanta Braves Baseball.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Narvie (Agnes Bell) White, one sister, Earline Howell.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Vernia White, of Flomaton, AL; two sons, Kenneth (Brandy) White, of Byrneville, FL; Justin White, of Flomaton, AL; one daughter, Candice (Chris) Thornton, of Brewton, AL; one brother, Donald Graves, of Gulf Port, MS; two sisters, Carolyn Griffin, of Winnfield, LA; Louise Harwell, of Century, FL; five grandchildren, Aleigh Thornton, Jayden White, Kinley White, Beckett White, and Brayden White, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Glenn Johnson and Rev. Chip Barber officiating.
Burial will follow at Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Josh Huss, Corey Johnson, Randy Chavers, Hunter Cofield, Levi Cofield, and Josh Howell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Darryl Fore, Charlie Johnson, and Paul Branson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Century Man Charged With Aggravated Battery, False Imprisonment Of Pregnant Woman
November 1, 2021
A Century man is charged with the battery and false imprisonment of a pregnant woman after she tried to deliver food to him, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Tyler Gregory Qualls, 20, was charged with felony domestic violence aggravated battery when the offender knew the victim is pregnant, kidnapping false imprisonment and depriving a person the use of 911.
The victim told deputies she was taking food to Qualls at his residence when he began beating on her vehicle and climbed on the hood, according to an arrest report. She continued to say that she got out of her vehicle in an attempt to remove him from the hood, and he bit her on her finger, the report states.
Qualls also entered the vehicle “to gain control of it, taking the keys”, the report continues. When the victim called 911, he took her phone, according to deputies.
Qualls remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $3,000.
Portions of the arrest report are redacted, and the remaining portions do not detail the exact relationship between Qualls and the female.
Property Tax Collection Begins Monday. Here’s How To Get A Discount, Or Even A Payment Plan
November 1, 2021
Collection of 2021 property taxes begins Monday, there’s a way to get a discount on what you owe or even a payment plan.
According to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford, this year’s tax rolls include 180,749 accounts totaling over $344 million. And the bills are in the mail.
There is a discount for early payments — as much as 4% for paying in November. The discount goes down by 1% each month until March with no discount. The balance is due March 31, 2022, and anything after that is late with a penalty added.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
Help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Payment options include:
- online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com – Pay by eCheck. There is never an extra fee.
- 24–hour drop box
- phone – call (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252