Share Your First Day Of School Photos
August 10, 2023
It’s a NorthEscambia.com tradition…share you first day of school photos with us! We are asking that you share your photos on this post on Facebook, or tag @NorthEscambia on Facebook. The photos may be used in a first day of school story yet to be published.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Superintendent: Escambia School Libraries Are Open As Books Are Under Review
August 10, 2023
Escambia County Public Schools interim Superintendent Keith Leonard tells NorthEscambia.com that school libraries across the district are open as media specialists work review books to comply with a Florida House bill.
“The libraries are not closed,” Leonard told us, standing in the Northview High School library Thursday morning. “There is going to be limited access because the media specialists are reviewing all of the books to be in compliance with the house bill. It’s just going to take us a little time to get there.”
HB 1069 says that districts could be breaking the law if they do not remove materials containing “sexual conduct”, and it makes it easier for parents or others to object to media materials.
“Students will still be able to visit the library. There will be a limited selection for them to either read or check out. People just need to be patient with us. I do believe that our citizens will be; I know that our students will be. It’s unfortunate this is where we are. But in today’s time that’s what we have to do and we’ll continue to do it.”
Once the media specialists have completed reviews of library materials to ensure they comply with HB 1069, they will begin reviewing teachers’ classroom libraries. In the meantime, approved titles from the media centers will be made available to teachers in their classrooms for student self-selection or leisure reading.
At Northview, the library was open Thursday, but officials said there is no scheduled time for students to visit the library on the first day of school to check out books. The library was open for students to receive their school-provided Chromebook computers.
Pictured: The Northview High School media center was open on the first day of school Thursday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New $40 Million Offer For OLF-8 From Tampa Real Estate Firm
August 10, 2023
Escambia County has received a new $40 million offer for the OLF-8 site from a Tampa real estate firm, but it’s going to need some work.
The Eisenhower Property Group submitted the $40 million offer for 540 acres of OLF on Nine Mile Road. The county was originally selling 540 acres, but the county commission has indicated the desire to hold back about 250 acres for job creation.
“I see some issues with the offer, chief among them is the guidance that the BCC already gave signalling that we will reserve 250 acres for job creation,” Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said. “I would expect that this offer will have to be re-tooled.”
Eisenhower’s offer was a simple three-page document without great detail. They are offering $1 million in earnest money, plus an extra $100,000 deposit if the closing date is extended for 30 days.
The offer does not mention the OLF-8 Master Plan, but Eisenhower is requesting that the county “cooperate fully” with rezoning efforts, Comprehensive Plan amendments and form a community development district.
The Eisenhower offer has a deadline of August 31.
D.R. Horton had offered $42 million for the full acreage, but recently dropped their offer to $24.1 million for 297 acres. D.R. Horton proposed to use 99 acres for commercial use including restaurants, retail, offices, medical and a town center. Their plan also shows 170 acres with 1,133 residential units, including 360 townhomes and 336 apartments.
Bergosh said he expects “several more” offers on the property in the coming weeks.
A recent unrelated press release states “Eisenhower Property Group (EPG), headquartered in Tampa, Fla., is a multi-faceted real estate firm that acquires, oversees, and manages the development of mixed-use projects with a heavy focus on residential. Founded in 2004, EPG is now one of Florida’s largest firms with approximately 17,000 residential units currently under development across the state. EPG is committed to preserving the land in a way that leverages the natural beauty of lakes, creeks, and open spaces, while combining it with planned amenities that appeal to a Florida lifestyle.”
Man Beaten By Angry Mob Following Fatal Pedestrian Crash In Atmore Has Died
August 10, 2023
The man beaten by an angry mob following a fatal pedestrian crash last weekend in Atmore had died.
Authorities confirmed Wednesday night that 45-year old Kenneth Elbert Harrison of Silverhill, Alabama, passed away.
Alabama State Troopers said Harrison was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe that struck 24-year old Hannah Annette Martin on Highway 31 at The Tavern of Atmore about 11:50 p.m. Saturday. The Atmore Police Department said they arrived to find Martin with severe injuries. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased
Following the crash, APD said Harrison was assaulted by an unknown number of people in the parking lot and was found severely injured and transported by helicopter to a trauma center.
Alabama troopers are continuing to investigate the crash, and the Atmore Police Department is investigating the homicide.
File photo.
Beulah Master Plan Open House Set For August 24
August 10, 2023
District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh will host a Beulah Master Play Plan open house on August 24.
During the open house, staff will showcase a presentation for the Beulah Master Plan and discuss methodology for the plan. Attendees will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentation. Comment forms will be available at the door.
The open house will take place from 6-7 p.m. at Beulah Middle School, 6001 West Nine Mile Road.
The Beulah Master Plan is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the RESTORE Act program
It’s The First Day Of School In Escambia County
August 10, 2023
Thursday is the first day of school in Escambia County. Drivers are reminded to use extra caution in school zones and be aware of school buses back on the roadways. Pictured: Teachers and staff at Byrneville Elementary School ready ready to welcome students back to class. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Property Values Up $5.2 Million; Tax Increase Of 290% Proposed. But That’s Not As Much As It Sounds, Town Says
August 10, 2023
Property values are up over $5 million in Century over the past year, which will lead to increased revenues for the town at the same property tax rate, according to Mayor Ben Boutwell. A proposed tax increase of 290% is on the table, but that’s not as much as it sounds, according to the town.
The town says property values increased $5.2 million — from about $49.5 million last tax year to $54.7 million this year.
“We expect property values to continue to increase year over year. As areas to our south are moving north, we are preparing our infrastructure for future growth,” Mayor Ben Boutwell said, adding that’s good for Century and for the property owners.
Boutwell said the town’s millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year will hold steady at 0.9204 mills for the eight consecutive year, and that will generate extra revenue for the town due to the increased property values.
According to the state, the steady property tax rate is a 290.66% increase over the rolled back rate of 0.3657. The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and must be advertised as such.
Even so, according to the town, the individual burden won’t be as bad as 290.66% sounds. That’s because only a small portion of a resident’s property tax bill is for the Town of Century.
Last year, the town generated $45,399 in property tax. This next fiscal year the combined tax burden divided total for all residents is expected to be $50,307 — an increase of $4,908.
Boutwell said the additional revenue will be used to improve streets — such as pothole repairs — and enhance other areas of the town.
The property tax rate must still be approved by the town council during a future meeting.
Hannah Annette Martin
August 10, 2023
Hannah Annette Martin, 24, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on August 6, 2023.
Hannah was a daddy’s girl and her mother’s world. She had a beautiful spirit and a smile that would light up any room. Hannah loved spending time with family and friends and travelling to new destinations. She was the ideal big sister and best friend. She was independent, fearless, and strong. Above all, Hannah was self-less, always putting the needs of others before her own. In her twenty-four years, Hannah touched more lives than can be counted. From the elderly she cared for to her godson and nephew, she lived to make others happy. Although Hannah was never on time, you could always count on her to be there when she was needed.
Hannah was a 2017 “Top 10” graduate of Escambia County High School. She earned her CMA license in 2022, and was recently pursuing a degree in business from Columbia Southern University. Hannah was not only a scholar, but also an athlete. All throughout school, she was active in cheerleading as well as softball. As an adult, Hannah was an active player and coach for NAYO and NASA softball.
Most recently, Hannah worked as the Patient Access Specialist for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians First-Generation Clinic. Previously, Hannah worked as Adult Services Case Manager for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians from 2019-2022. Prior to that, she was a server at David’s Catfish House from 2014-2019.
Hannah was preceded in death by grandparents Bobby Martin and Johnny and Deborah Madison, and brother LaDalvin Hixon.
She is survived by parents Haley and Antywon Madison and Lamarlen Hixon; brothers Noah (Reini) Martin, Isaiah Madison, Janagen Grace, Jakhiryn Hixon; sisters LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, and Jalia Lassiter; Grandparents Bobby (Donna) Milstead, Annette Hixon Frye, and Scottie Dixon; nephew Baylor-Hayes Lavon Martin; godson Brady Joe French; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Homegoing service will be August 14th at McCullough Christian Center at 2 p.m.. Repast will follow at the McCullough Christian Center gym.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 13th at McCullough Christian Center from 6-9 p.m. for friends.
Pall bearers: Noah Martin, Isaiah Madison, Winston Barron, LaDarius Willis, Triston Knott, Tadd Huskey, Gavin Snow, and Janagen Grace.
Honorary pall bearers: LaDasia Willis, Jakiyah Hixon, Alia Snow, Lexi Huskey, Trista Barlow, Jazmine Norman, Kiah Parker, Michelle Barron, Kennedy Green, and Saniyah Hixon.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Blue Wahoos, Lookouts Rained Out In Chattanooga
August 10, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Chattanooga Lookouts saw their Wednesday contest at AT&T Field postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Thursday. Thursday’s regularly scheduled game will be played approximately a half hour after the completion of game one.
First Day Of School: Hot And Muggy, Slight Chance Of Rain
August 10, 2023
Another heat advisory is in effect for Thursday, the first day of school in Escambia County.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 80. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96.