Escambia Approves Zoning To Change To Allow Larger Retails Space In Some Rural Areas
August 20, 2021
When Dollar General considered building a new store in Walnut Hill earlier this year, their development company ran into a problem with Escambia County zoning. Thursday, the Escambia County Commission approved a Land Development Code change that will make such development possible in rural areas.
Teramore Development had three properties under contract at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 99A in Walnut Hill, next to Ernest Ward Middle School, for a 10,640 square foot Dollar General.
The property is currently zoned Rural Mixed Use (RMU) which allowed commercial buildings up to 6,000 square feet. There was previously no provision whatsoever to grant any exceptions to construct a larger commercial building.
The BOCC Thursday approved an ordinance recommended Escambia County Planning Board that allows up to 15,000 square feet in RMU districts with a conditional use approval for any business, not just a Dollar General. That conditional use provision, County Attorney Alison Rogers told NorthEscambia.com, would mean each request for RMU retail sales construction up to 15,000 square feet would required individual approval by the Board of Adjustment.
There were no were speakers at a public hearing Thursday morning on the ordinance, which was unanimously passed 5-0 by commissioners.
Properties zoned as RMU in Escambia County are typically located near rural community centers and most are not currently used for agriculture. For a map of RMU zoning in Escambia County, click or tap here (pdf).
To date, a Dollar General at Ernest Ward Middle School has not moved forward in the development or permitting process.
Pictured: A proposed Dollar General for Walnut Hill as presented in February 2021 by their development firm. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 350 Students, Staff Excluded From Escambia Schools Due To COVID-19; Kingsfield Elementary Parent Addresses Problem
August 20, 2021
Just over a week into the school year, over 350 students and staff members are excluded from school in Escambia County due to either a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or an exposure.
As of late Thursday night, there were 81 confirmed COVID-19 student cases in Escambia County with a total of 326 students excluded from school due a positive test, quarantined due to a close contact with positive case, or were were waiting test results. Among staff, there were 24 positive cases and a total of 30 excluded.
“There is a big problem,” said Cody Brown, a parent of a student at Kingsfield Elementary School. “I mean I’ve talked to many parents whose kids are out of school this week due to COVID. It’s an issue.”
Brown’s comments came as he addressed the Escambia County School Board this week.
He said all of the students in his son’s class have been excluded until August 23 due to a COVID exposure. He said he’s being told to go to the school to grab paperwork, but he believes there must be a better way.
“This year, we’re not even a week in, and now I’ve got to have my son out of school, which he’s a first grader, for a whole week,” Brown said. “Now my daughter is out of school as well due to being in close contact.”
“You know last year this virus wasn’t attacking students like it is this year. This year we’re having a bigger issue. I’m not a mask person; I’ll be the first to tell you,” he said. “I’m not a vaccine person. I went and got the vaccine because it’s a time right now we need to be selfless.”
He praised Kingsfield Elementary’s staff for their response, noting they were simply following the protocols put forth by the state and school district.
Escambia County does not report data for individual schools.
Pictured: Cody Brown, Kingsfield Elementary School parents, addresses the Escambia County School Board. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECUA Continues Recycling Facility Fire Repairs
August 20, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is continuing to urge customers to stay in the recycling habit as repairs continue on their recycling facility following a fire last month.
The recyclables are being collected as normal, but they are being landfilled for now.
The ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) was damaged in a July 15 fire, requiring significant cleanup and repair work.
“The first few weeks following the fire were spent assessing the damage and investigating the source of the fire. While investigators were not able to make a final determination as to the cause of the fire, it is strongly suspected that batteries or a propane tank caught in the metals’ sorting equipment ignited, and fire erupted, in this area. This serves as a stark reminder that such combustible materials should not be placed in the recycling carts,” ECUA Public Information Officer Nathalie Bowers said. “Once the assessment and investigation were completed, deep cleaning of the entire facility began to remove all smoke residue and fire-damaged equipment. This phase is largely complete, as is a complete inventory of damaged conveyor belts, rollers, bearings, and electrical conduit and wiring. Some of the electrical components were damaged by water in the firefighting effort.”
Replacement parts have been ordered, and they are being installed as they arrive.
“The one item that will have the longest lead time is the replacement magnet that provides the sorting capability in the metals’ sorting area. While we are waiting for its arrival, ECUA staff are evaluating the relocation of this sorting station and associated equipment to the front of the operation for a potentially more efficient process,” Bowers said.
For now, ECUA does not have a specific restart day for the MRF as they await parts and equipment.
Pictured above and below: Inside the ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Perdido Landfill as cleanup was beginning. Pictured bottom: Smoke pours from the MRF on Thursday, July 15. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Church Children And Youth Buy Stuffed Animals For Escambia Sheriff’s Office
August 20, 2021
The children and youth of Poplar Dell Baptist Church near Byrneville raised almost $1,000 during their Vacation Bible School during the summer.
The funds were used to purchase stuff animals for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“We know that sometimes children are in serious or scary situations, and perhaps these stuffed animals can help them feel a little bit more at ease or secure,” said Louise Gandy, Poplar Dell’s VBS director.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Has Three New Public Info Staffers. Here’s The Info To Know About Them.
August 20, 2021
As Escambia County Director for Communications and Public Information Laura Coale resigned, three new public information employees were hired in Escambia County.
(For an earlier story about Coale’s resignation, click here.)
The three new employees hold positions other than that being vacated by Coale on October 1.
Andie Gibson is the media and public information manager, Davis Wood is the public information and education officer for Public Safety and Sarah Stanford is the multimedia communications specialist for West Florida Public Libraries.
Here’s the information to know about each:
Andie Gibson, media and public information manager
Andie Gibson is local to Pensacola and a fifth-generation native of Escambia County. She is a graduate of the University of West Florida, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialization in public relations. Most recently, she served as the marketing content manager at Southern Vacation Rentals, a local property management company handling just over 1,100 properties across the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coastline. During her time there, she managed the company’s digital content strategy for web, social media and paid advertising. A highly skilled copywriter and content editor, her efforts helped drive one of the company’s most successful summer seasons in its 26-year history, exceeding sales goals in 2020 and again in 2021. She also worked closely with the business development division on owner acquisition strategies, working to expand the company into new markets and strengthen its brand reputation as a local leader in vacation rental management.
“Escambia County is my home – I’m excited to be here and for the opportunity to get involved with the community. I look forward to working with the team and continuing the work we’re doing to improve the lives of our citizens,” Gibson said.
Before Southern, she worked in retail store management where she was responsible for hiring and retaining talent, managing day-to-day store operations and regularly reviewing customer feedback for employee training and customer retention. She also oversaw the visual execution of the store and ensured the team met all financial and statistical goals.
Davis Wood, public information and education officer – Public Safety
Although new in the field of Community and Media Relations, Davis Wood arrives to Escambia County with years of media broadcasting and leadership experience as he begins his new journey as the public information and education officer with Escambia County’s Public Safety Department.
“I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter of my life with Escambia County. As a former member of the media, I’m excited to apply my skills and experiences to Public Safety,” Wood said.
Prior to his new role with Escambia County, Wood worked for ADX Communications from May 2017 to early August 2021, serving as the Program Director of NewsRadio 92.3 and ESPN Pensacola 1330AM/99.1FM, while also serving as the producer of the Pensacola Morning News with Andrew McKay and hosting his own sports talk show on Saturdays.
Wood obtained a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and film from the University of West Florida in 2018.
Sarah Stanford, multimedia communications specialist – Library Services
Sarah Stanford is the new multimedia communications specialist for Library Services in Escambia County. She is responsible for community and media relations for all seven libraries’ marketing, outreach and programming endeavors. She has previous experience in graphic design, marketing, market research and product development and management.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design from the University of West Florida and a Master of Science degree from Florida State University in global merchandising and product development. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children.
Local Utility Pursues Charges For Alleged Water Theft
August 20, 2021
A local utility is pursuing charges against a Century man for allegedly stealing water.
David Allen Cormany, 55, was charged with petit theft of utility services second degree and criminal mischief.
He is accused of breaking the lock off his water meter to restore water service to his residence on South Crary Road.
Central Water Works told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office they disconnected Cormany’s water service for nonpayment on May 24. By late July, the meter showed water usage of about 8,000 gallons, according to an arrest report. The water usage totaled $65.69 and the damaged equipment was valued at $57.56.
According to the ECSO, Cormany was given a chance to pay the bill and costs, but missed the deadline, and Central Water Works pursued criminal charges.
Cormany was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $200 bond.
Hot Friday, Chance Of Those Afternoon Thunderstorms
August 20, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Rose E. Meacham Pierson
August 20, 2021
Rose E. Meacham Pierson was born on December 28, 1920 in Ashtabula, OH. On August 7, 2021, age 100, she left this earth to be with Jesus. Her passing was peaceful at the home of her daughter in Orange Park, Florida where she lived for the past seven years. From age seven Rose lived in Cottage Hill. In 1938 she graduated from Tate High School. At age 19, she passed the teacher examination and taught at Cottage Hill School. She worked on her college degree during summers at Florida State and the University of Florida, but didn’t return to college until the age of 50 finishing her BA degree in education at the University of West Florida. She became a second grade teacher at Beulah Elementary and retired while at Jim Allen Elementary. She was a teacher at heart who strove to have each student achieve their best.
Rose’s secular teaching, though, was secondary to her main purpose in life, which was to serve the Lord. From the age of 14, when she accepted Jesus as her personal savior, she was very active in the Cottage Hill United Methodist Church. Many years later, she was a primary founder of Grace Open Bible Church where she was the minister for several years. Jesus was Lord of her life. She loved her family very much, but Jesus came first in all she did. Her long life brought her into contact with many people with whom she shared her love of Jesus and his love for them. She knew no stranger. Her wonderful smile and welcoming attitude were for all. She was always ready to help those in need in any way that she could, but most of all, she was concerned for where they would spend eternity.
She was preceded in death by father, Clyde Meacham; mother, Celia Fern Commings Meacham; husband, Raymond L. Pierson; brother and wife, Clyde and Dorothy Meacham; sister and husband, Jane and Richard Nelson; sister and husband, Marjory and Edward Collins; and son and wife, Raymond F. and Jeanette Pierson.
Rose was survived by son and wife, Don and Pamela Pierson; daughter and husband, Catherine and Nestor White; daughter and husband, Marjorie and David Haygood; grandchild and wife, Kenneth and Shannon Pierson; grandchild and wife, Brenda and Acie Dickerson; grandchild, Barbara Joiner; grandchild, Bruce Lacy Jr., grandchild, Christina Lacy; grandchild, Aron White; grandchild and wife, Camden and Jennifer White; grandchild and wife, Matthew and Jennifer Pierson; 12 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Lacy Jr., Aron White, Camden White, Jeremy Joiner, Matthew Pierson and Connor White
.
Honorary bearers will be Ralph Meacham, Kenneth Pierson, Kenneth Pierson Jr., Bradley Dickerson and Ryan Dickerson.
Howard Adrain Plott
August 20, 2021
Howard Adrain Plott, 62, of Tallahassee, FL passed away on August 18, 2021 at 3:30pm.
Howard “HAP” Plott loved his family and friends. He loved having huge family get togethers and cooking out. He loved being at the beach or river and soaking up the sun on a beautiful day. He was loud and rowdy and his huge energy will be forever missed.
Mr. Plott was native of Pensacola, FL and was preceded in death by his father Donald Plott of Beulah, FL and his mother Sara (Osborn) Plott of Slocumb, AL. Mr. Plott is survived by his wife, Tonia Plott of Tallahassee, FL, former wife Donna Plott of Cantonment, FL, daughter Tabitha Coon and son in law Christopher Coon of Molino, FL, daughter Priscilla Plott of Pensacola, FL, daughter Tiffany Hart-Nelson and son in law Shai Hart-Nelson of Cantonment, FL, step-son Darrell Coy and daughter in law Nikki Coy of Clarksville, TN, sister Donna Hardy and brother in law Sonny Hardy of Holt, FL, brother Michael Plott of Milton, FL, brother Randy Plott of Slocumb, AL, brother Christopher Plott and sister in law Patricia Plott of Pensacola, FL, brother Jason Plott and partner Cathe Antunez of Pensacola, FL, granddaughter Trinity Patshy of Pensacola, FL, grandson Tyler Patshy of Pensacola, FL, grandson Trenton Patshy of Pensacola, FL, granddaughter Callie Coy of Clarksville, TN and granddaughter Theodora Hart-Nelson of Cantonment, FL.
Daylyn M. Smith
August 20, 2021
Daylyn Smith passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in Pensacola Florida. She was born July 10, 1969, in San Diego, California. Daylyn was a courageous and loving wife, mother, and friend. She enjoyed traveling, being it on the motorcycle to a local destination or by car to a faraway place. If Daylyn got to see one of her kids while she was gone then that made her trip even better, her family and friends were so important to her.
Daylyn is preceded by her grandmother, Aurora Trujillo Olvera.
Daylyn is survived by her husband of 25 years, John Smith; and their children, Kyle Seider Smith, Alyssa Smith (fiancé Zachary Radke), and Aryia Smith; her father, Cleveland Martin; her mother, Oneida Albert; her uncle,
Alfred Palomino; her aunts, uncles, and numerous other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the home of Jay and Lyne Callis, 204 Osage Trail 32506. Services will be held in the middle of the casual gathering at 6:00 p.m. and food will be served. Feel free to bring a chair and a bathing suit and plan to stay later if you like, we will be celebrating and honoring her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family through Venmo – @Lyne-Courtney; Zelle – Lyne Courtney (Benjie) 9012403609; PayPal – LyneCourtney@yahoo.com