Century Shuffles Fund Balances So Gas Department Can Pay Bills
July 13, 2022
Rising costs across the board left the Town of Century Gas Department without enough money on the books to pay its bills without the help of other town enterprise funds.
The town council has approved transferring $50,000 from the water department and $25,000 from the garbage fund. It is projected the $75,000 will allow the gas department to meet its obligations through the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
“Due to the unanticipated high price of natural gas, the income in the Gas Department funds is inadequate to pay all of the bills,” Town Clerk Leslie Howington wrote in a council agenda item. She said that the increased cost of doing business — from vehicle fuel to supplies and equipment — have also hurt the bottom line.
It’s not the first time other town funds have been used to sustain the gas department’s operations.. During the fiscal year ending in 2019, the gas department received $121,447 from the two funds, and $73,049 in 2020. During the four-year period ending in September 2019, Century’s gas department losses topped $1 million. That prompted the town to get to work replacing inaccurate residential and commercial meters and correcting billing problems.
Learn How Nonprofits Can Apply For IP Grants At Workshop Thursday
July 13, 2022
Interested nonprofits and local government entities to learn how to apply for $63,000 in International Paper Pensacola Mill Foundation Grants.
A workshop is scheduled for Thursday, July 14 at 10 a.m. and will focus on eligibility, criteria, and restrictions. Reservations to attend the workshop are required as a link for the virtual meeting will be distributed; however, attendance is not mandatory for eligibility.
To request the link to attend the workshop, contact Whitney Fike, Communications Manager, at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
The International Paper Foundation makes sustainable investments to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work.
Signature Causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Applications will be accepted at www.ipgiving.com until August 7, 2022.
Pictured top: Kingsfield Elementary received a reading grant from International Paper. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
There’s Less Than Two Weeks To Register To Vote In The Primary Election
July 13, 2022
There are less than two week remaining to register to vote or change your party for the primary election.
You must register to vote or change your party by July 25 in order for the changes to be made effective in time for the August 23 primary election, according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office.
For more information, visit EscambiaVotes.gov.
Daily Showers And Storms Continue To Be Likely
July 13, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Armed, Dangerous Attempted Murder Suspect Still On The Run
July 13, 2022
The search is continuing for an attempted murder suspect from Atmore.
Rayvon Desha Madison, age 31 of Atmore, is wanted for attempted murder and multiple other charges.
The Atmore Police Department responded to a residence in Atmore just after midnight June 20 for a domestic disturbance with shots fired and determined Madison was a suspect.
Atmore Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann told NorthEscambia.com that Madison is still at large.
Madison should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police, and should not be approached. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Wahoos Open Series With 2-1 Win Over Chattanooga
July 13, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos opened up their series against the Chattanooga Lookouts with a 2-1 win on Tuesday night, riding 6.1 scoreless innings from starter A.J. Ladwig to their second straight victory.
Ladwig (W, 3-3) struck out a season-high seven batters and held the Lookouts to six harmless hits for his fourth quality start in a Blue Wahoos uniform.
Jorge Soler, joining the Blue Wahoos on a rehab assignment from Miami, was 1-for-4 with a single in his first game in the Southern League since 2016.
Pensacola’s only scoring against Chattanooga starter Andrew Abbott (L, 4-5) came in the second, as they turned a Paul McIntosh single into the game’s first run thanks to three walks. Devin Hairston drew a free pass with the bases loaded to force McIntosh home, and José Devers extended the lead to 2-0 with an infield RBI single.
Ladwig departed with two runners in scoring position and one out in the seventh, but Jefry Yan cleaned up the mess with back-to-back strikeouts to neutralize the threat. Eli Villalobos (S, 5) surrendered a two-out solo home run to Ivan Johnson in the ninth, but retired the next batter to close out the game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Wednesday.
Two Arrested During ECSO Warrant Service At Bratt Home
July 12, 2022
Two people were arrested after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a warrant service operation at home in Bratt midday Monday.
Matthew John McGhee, 32, booked into the Escambia County Jail in Pensacola as a fugitive from justice on outstanding warrants out of Atmore. Curtis James Jackson, 32, was charged by Florida authorities with felony dealing in stolen property and later released from jail Monday on a $2,500 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division responded to a home in the 7400 block of North Highway 99, about one-third of a mile south of the Florida-Alabama state line. They were acting on a tip received by Atmore Police that McGhee was at the residence and a stolen truck was outside.
For additional photos, click or tap here.
Atmore Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann told NorthEscambia.com that his department holds warrants on Jackson for attempting to elude and violation of probation. McMann said McGhee had previously fled from Atmore police when they attempted to stop him in a silver Audi vehicle for traffic violations.
McGhee remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday without bond awaiting extradition back to Alabama.
A black Ford F150 pickup truck reported stolen off Robinsonville Road near Atmore was recovered Monday at the Bratt residence.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Quintette Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Tomorrow
July 12, 2022
A neighborhood cleanup will be held in the Quintette community on Wednesday, July 13.
The cleanup is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge. Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area (click map above to enlarge) are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 4,550 tons (9,100,000 pounds) of debris have been collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
The county’s neighborhood cleanup program is hosted by the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Plans Filed For Popeyes Restaurant In Cantonment
July 12, 2022
Plans are in the works for a Popeyes in Cantonment.
Plans have been filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee for a Popeyes in the 700 block of Highway 29 — between a convenience store to the south and the Grocery Advantage shopping center to the north.
Plans show a 2,354 square foot Popeye’s restaurant and 24 parking spaces on half of the 2.4 acre parcel, with the southern half of the property reserved for “future development”. There will be access to the parking lot from both Highway 29 and Highway 95A.
The Development Review Committee has a pre-application meeting scheduled for Wednesday on the proposal. Multiple additional steps in the review and permitting process would be required before any construction could begin, and the developer could choose to never build the project.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
Disturbance Means Lots Of Rain For The Rest Of The Week
July 12, 2022
We are continuing to monitor the northern Gulf of Mexico for possible tropical development this week. Formation chances are low at this point. Regardless of development, heavy rain and flooding are possible along with an increased risk for rip currents in the middle to latter part of this week. We will continue to monitor this system over the next few days.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Mc David FL
30.87°N 87.48°W (Elev. 269 ft)
Visit your local NWS office at: https://www.weather.gov/mob