Alabama Inks Leases For Two New Prisons, Including One Near Atmore
February 2, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday signed 30-year leases for new prisons to be constructed near Atmore and in Elmore County.
The two new men’s correctional facilities wilk be constructed by CoreCivic’s Developer Team. The state signed a lease agreement with Government Real Estate Solutions of South Alabama, LLC, a CoreCivic entity, for the Escambia County facility on Bell Fork near Atmore.
The agreements are not subject to annual renegotiation; however, options to negotiate occupancy extensions beyond the 30-year lease term are available to the state.
The Alabama Department of Corrections will staff and maintain full operational control of the facilities — these are not private prisons. CoreCivic will construct, own, and maintain the facilities
Construction of the Atmore facility will be staggered with the Wetempka facility to ensure sufficient labor and supply chain availability to support both projects, but construction in Atmore is anticipated to begin later this year or early 2022.
Construction of the two facilities is anticipated to be completed in fiscal year 2025
The two facilities will provide approximately 7,000 beds.
Once ready for occupancy, the ADOC will begin to transition its inmate population into these facilities. Development of this transition plan will soon be underway and informed by many factors, including the recommendations of the Alabama Prison Repurposing Commission.
The total cost of all lease payments (encompassing rent, annual preventive maintenance, and life cycle maintenance) for the Alabama Prison Program are subject to an overall affordability limit of $88.6 million as indexed to fiscal year 2022. The base cost of rent for the facilities will remain flat (fixed price) for the 30-year term.
The exact least amounts are still in negotiations.
“I am pleased that we have reached this important milestone in the Alabama Prison Program, the cornerstone of a multifaceted strategy to address the ADOC’s longstanding challenges and failing prison infrastructure,” Ivey said. “ADOC’s existing dilapidated infrastructure is failing at a rate of one facility every two years, exorbitant deferred maintenance costs are rising by the day, and the Courts may act imminently if real progress is not made soon — given all these risks, there is not one minute to spare.”
“Leasing and operating new, modern correctional facilities without raising taxes or incurring debt is without question the most fiscally responsible decision for our State, and the driving force behind our Alabama Solution to an Alabama Problem. We are improving public safety, providing better living and working conditions, and accommodating inmate rehabilitation all while protecting the immediate and long-term interests of the taxpayers. This is simply the best path forward,” Ivey added.
“It is no secret that, due to decades of inaction and a lack of resources, our correctional system is at a crossroads. Thanks to Governor Ivey’s vision, tenacity, and leadership, we have reached an important step in our continued work to chart a transformative new course for the Department,” said ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “Leasing, staffing, and operating modernized prison infrastructure that is owned and strictly maintained by the private sector minimizes our short- and long-term risk for an initiative of this necessary magnitude. These facilities will provide a safer, more secure environment in which our heroic staff can better deliver effective, evidence-based rehabilitative programming to our inmate population.”
Pictured: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey inks to prison lease contracts Monday at the Alabama State Capitol. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Cold Tuesday; Freezing Temps Again Tuesday Night
February 2, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 30. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 51.
High Winds, Low Humidity Prompt Tighter Burn Restrictions
February 2, 2021
Officials with the Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are limiting authorized burns in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties because of high winds and low humidity. Potential burns will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis Tuesday and only those who are certified burn practitioners may be authorized if approved.
Authorizations from the Florida Forest Service are required for prescribed burning – acreage burns – and piles greater than eight feet in diameter. Authorizations are not required for residential yard debris burning in piles less than eight feet in diameter, but Forest Service officials are strongly encouraging residents to refrain from any outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Florida has a year-round wildfire season that typically peaks in March and April. As the area approaches that transition from winter to spring, residents might consider taking steps to better protect themselves and their neighbors from the threat of a wildfire, according to the Forest Service.
Cleaning pine straw and leaves from roofs and gutters as well as maintaining a debris free zone around the home are good first steps. Creating defensible space – a clean and green landscape within the immediate vicinity of the home and thinned vegetation out 30 to 100 feet from the home – also is advisable in areas prone to wildfire, officials advised.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Southwest Adding Flights From Pensacola To Atlanta, Chicago And St. Louis
February 2, 2021
In March, Southwest Airlines will add nonstop flights from the Pensacola International Airport to Atlanta, Chicago Midway, and St. Louis.
Starting March 11 and continuing through April 11, Southwest Airlines will begin one daily flight to Atlanta (ATL), one flight to St. Louis (STL) on Saturdays, and two flights to Chicago Midway (MDW) on Saturdays.
“Pensacola continues to be a place where airlines see potential and growth as we navigate through the health crisis,” Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. “Our airport staff and our many airline partners are dedicated to providing an easy, safe and healthy flight experience.”
“This is yet another testament to the resilience of Pensacola International Airport and the desire for airlines to continue to expand their services here,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I am excited to see new destinations at our airport to not only provide more travel opportunities for residents, but also connect new visitors to our beautiful city.”
Pictured: The Pensacola International Airport. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Carol Yvette Wenger
February 2, 2021
Carol Yvette Wenger, born November 14, 1960 to Boyd and Judith (Eck) Sigafoose in Atmore
Alabama, began her eternity with Jesus on the morning of January 28, 2021. Carol was many
things to many people, but is most remembered by her calm loving disposition, and the faithful
following of her Lord. Carol grew up in Bratt Florida, on the Sigafoose Dairy Farm. She was a
sister to Emily (Sigafoose) Peaster, Boyd Sigafoose Jr., Joseph Sigafoose, Miranda (Sigafoose)
Parker, James Sigafoose, Alana Sigafoose, Haven Shores and Carter Sigafoose. She attended
Bratt Elementary, and Escambia Academy. At a young age she gave her heart to the Lord and
was baptized into The Church of God in Christ Mennonite in the Walnut Hill Florida
congregation. She married Dale Wenger, on December 31, 1978. Dale and Carol started their
wonderful adventure with three beautiful girls, Beth (Chuck Chick), Laura (Darryl Ensz), and
Annie (Kevin Klassen). Carol was also, in part, a mother to Kevin Tucker, Marnin Gehman, Ray
Flowers, and Trevor Jantz. Carol and Dale began a legacy of Christian teaching, that their
daughters have passed to their children. It brought great joy when Carol and Dale were
privileged to spend loving time with their grandchildren Tiana Chick, Evan Chick, Ike Ensz,
Paxton Ensz, Madison Klassen, Chloe Klassen, and Gabriella Klassen who knew her as Grammy.
Carol’s love has touched many extended family, loved ones, friends, and casual acquaintances.
She was a stranger to none and loved by many, and her impression on this world will not soon
fade.
After many years farming in the Walnut Hill Florida area, in March of 2010, Dale and Carol
moved to Nashville Tennessee where they worked for a medical company, and in December of
2016 they moved to Lobelville, Tennesee, where they began a new adventure. Carol told us of
her love for their “shouse” on a small piece of property in the hills of Tennessee. Dale and Carol
shared their happiness with their family through wonderful stories of this “place” they had
carved out. They shared stories of the love they had for their Church in Lobelville, and the
wonderful folks that made up their local Church Family. Carol’s wishes were to be laid to rest in
Lobelville, as this was their home. Carol is mourned by her husband, Dale Wenger, her Mother
Judith Sigafoose, four sisters, Emily, Miranda, Alana, and Haven, three brothers, Boyd Jr.,
James, and Carter, three daughters, Beth, Laura, and Annie, seven grandchildren, and many
extended family and friends. Carol is preceded death by her father Boyd Sigafoose, and her
brother, Joe Sigafoose.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 5PM until 6PM at the Walnut Hill
Mennonite Church in Walnut Hill, FL.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Pleasant View
Mennonite Church in Lobelville, TN. Interment will follow in Pleasant View Mennonite Church
Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, February 1, 2021 from 7PM until 9PM at Pleasant
View Mennonite Church in Lobelville, TN.
Sharon Diane Collins
February 2, 2021
Sharon Diane Collins, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 29, 2021.
She is survived by her husband, J.D. Collins; her children, Joseph (Angela) Collins and Debra (Danny) Marshall; grandchildren, Joseph F. Collins, Joshua D. Collins, and Laura (Zack) Mitchell; and great granddaughter Darcie Mitchell.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Walker; father, Jesse James McClendon; and brothers, Jesse James McClendon Jr. and Joseph McClendon.
Sharon was born in Mobile, Al on December 27, 1950 to Myrtle (Walker) and Jesse McClendon. She grew up with a love for photography that she would later turn into her passion and career. While in her younger years she strayed from her family and the life God called her to live, she returned to us in February of 1994 after the birth of her first grandson when her son, Joe felt led to reach out to her. She made it back to us in time to see the birth of her first granddaughter whom she would go on to help raise. She gave her life to the Lord in the fall of 1995 and worked tirelessly from that point on to become the woman God called her to be. The woman we needed her to be. If she had anything to say to anyone about her life and how they should live theirs it was always this, “Don’t wait, get things right while you still have the time to not live life with so many regrets. The life that is waiting for you is so much greater than you could ever imagine. My change brought me the happiest years of my life, more full of joy than I could have ever imagined. I want everyone to experience that”. Her love for her family, friends and yes even her dogs was very evident in her life in these last years especially. She touched everyone she came in contact with in an indescribable way. She has left an immense void in all of our lives that is only comforted and filled by knowing that she is in heaven with her savior, no longer in pain, but fully restored and made new and we will see her again there.
A viewing is scheduled 10:30 a.m on Thursday February 4, 2021 and the service to follow at 11:30 a.m. This will all be held in her home church, Harvest Christian Center, at 1095 Muscogee Rd. Cantonment, FL. Pastor William Strickland and Pastor John Whitaker will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Harvest Christian Center to help further the kingdom.
Health Department Reports 87 New COVID-19 Cases, No New Deaths In Escambia County
February 2, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
There were 87 additional coronavirus cases and no new deaths reported in Escambia County Monday by the Florida Department of Health.
While the number of new cases was much smaller than usual, it should be noted the number of tests results returned was much lower than normal.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 31,029 (+87)
Non-Florida residents: 3,231
Recovered: 23,114*
Total deaths: 528
Long-term care facility deaths : 227
Current hospitalizations: 180 (-11)
Number of tests reported last day: 491
Percent positive reported last day: 13.7%
Percent positive reported last week: 15.2%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 22,032 (+40)
Cantonment: 2,812 (+6)
Century: 1,118
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 429 (+3)
McDavid: 184
Bellview: 52
Walnut Hill: 48
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 12
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 15,513 (+27)
Non-Florida residents: 198
Total deaths: 215
Long-term care facility deaths: 66
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 694*
Number of tests reported last day: 212
Percent positive reported last day: 12.0%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 7,478 (+15)
Navarre: 3,104 (+3)
Gulf Breeze: 2,891 (+1)
Pace: 1,238 (+2)
Jay: 485 (+5)
Bagdad: 31
Florida cases:
Total cases: 1,727,107
Florida residents: 1,695,300
Deaths: 26,685
Hospitalizations: 72,454*
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Escambia County Hiring 50 New Employees To Staff New Correctional Facility
February 1, 2021
Escambia County is currently hiring for 50 positions to staff the new Escambia County Correctional Facility that is slated to open this spring.
The county is hiring correctional officers, detention assistants and medical professionals for the new facility. For more information on how to apply, click or tap here.
Open positions in Escambia County Corrections and the number of positions available as of Friday are:
- Corrections Officer (Certified) — 5
- Corrections Officer Trainee/School — 20
- Detention Assistant — 18
- Emergency Medical Technician — 1
- Licensed Practical Nurse — 3
- Paramedic — 1
- Registered Nurse — 2
Available benefits include health, dental, life, vision, employee assistance program, flexible spending, long-term disability, legal services, vacations, deferred compensation, retirement and other voluntary insurance products.
For more information about the new facility and a photo tour, click or tap here.
ECUA Warns Of Scammer Claiming To Be Their Contractor In North Escambia
February 1, 2021
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is warning customers about someone falsely claiming to work for the utility in the North Escambia area.
“The ECUA has received a report of a person or persons in the area north of Ten Mile Road claiming to be contractors hired by ECUA to install energy-saving water meters,” said Nathalie Bowers, ECUA public information officer. “This is certainly a scam and an attempt to potentially obtain access to the resident’s home.”
ECUA is urging all residents to be vigilant and aware and to never allow persons claiming to be an ECUA employee into their home. Bowers said ECUA employees rarely enter customers’ homes, and if need be, will only enter upon a request from the customer. Usually, this is because ECUA is responding to a service call initiated by the customer to the utility.
“Our community’s and employees’ safety are our greatest priority,” Bowers said.
According to ECUA:
- Most ECUA employees wear uniforms bearing the ECUA logo, and all ECUA employees have identification badges, which they will gladly present.
- Many ECUA employees drive vehicles that bear the utility’s logo.
- ECUA field employees are not authorized to collect payments at any time. Customers are warned not pay any persons claiming to be employees of the ECUA, saying that they have performed work on their property and need the payment for the “service.”
Residents should call the ECUA Customer Service line at (850) 476-0480 to verify any claims made by persons asking for access to their home. ECUA recommends closing the door and letting the person wait outside while making the call. If it is after hours, residents may call (850) 476-5110.
Freezing Temps Monday Night
February 1, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 51.