Water ‘Not Safe To Drink’ In Large Area Of Atmore After Contractor Hits Main, Utility Says
February 10, 2023
UPDATE: The boil water notice has been lifted.
The water is not safe to drink over a “large area” in Atmore, and a boil water notice is in effect through the weekend.
“A contractor has bored thru a water main on N. Trammell St. This is causing discolored water and low water pressure over a large area. It is not safe to drink at this time,” West Escambia Utilities said in a statement early Friday afternoon. “We are working to repair the issue and will have it repaired as soon as we can.”
The water line that was damaged is near an elevated storage tank.
The utility did not provide a specific geographic area impacted by this incident.
EREC Members To See Lower Electric Bills
February 10, 2023
Escambia River Electric Cooperative members will see lower bills.
The “fuel cost adjustment” on member bills will drop to zero.
For EREC’s average resident customer using 1,450 kilowatt-hours per month, the savings will equate to about $30 a month.
According to EREC, about 40% of a member’s monthly bill goes toward fuel costs for PowerSouth – EREC’s wholesale power provider. PowerSouth uses that fuel to generate electricity which EREC then distributes to homes and businesses If the cost of that fuel goes up, the price EREC pays for electricity rises with it. In recent months natural gas, one of the most important fuel sources for PowerSouth, has reached its highest price in over a decade.
“Natural gas prices have nearly tripled, but we are continually looking for ways to keep costs down for our members,” said Ryan Campbell, EREC’s CEO. “We are able to cut certain costs and divert projects to a later date to help weather the storm.”
The cooperative said now that the cost of natural gas is decreasing, EREC is keeping their promise to pass the savings on to members and lower the cost of electricity.
“As a not-for-profit cooperative, we always work to provide reliable electric service at an affordable price,” said Campbell.
EREC serves about 10,000 members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with 1,800 miles of energized line.
Pictured: EREC’s Walnut Hill Office. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Showers Likely Through Saturday, Turning Cooler By Sunday
February 10, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 60. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Breezy.
Century Council Member Dynette Lewis Completes Elected Officials Institute
February 10, 2023
Century Town Council member Dynette Lewis recently completed the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) from the Florida League of Cities.
The primary objective of the IEMO is to provide elected municipal officials with an intensive academic program that will assist them in effectively meeting the requirements of their elected role. The program offers a comprehensive overview of Florida municipal government, presented by a faculty of top professionals in the field.
Century Mayor Ben Boutwell presented Lewis with her completion certificate this week.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth Stepping Down
February 10, 2023
Scott Luth is stepping down as the CEO of the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, telling the board of directors that he is ready for a new challenge.
“When I first came to Pensacola, I saw a lot of opportunity to grow the region,” said Luth. “First with the Chamber and then FloridaWest — I knew with the right team we could make a difference, and we did.”
Luth has agreed to stay on for the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.
I’m so proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished,” said Luth. “We finished our 5-year strategic plan in 4 years and have helped companies like Navy Federal, ST Engineering, Pegasus Labs and Paradigm Parachute grow, add jobs and invest in our region. We have worked tirelessly to better Pensacola and Escambia County for those who live and work here. Now I feel the time is right to look for my next opportunity,” said Luth.
“We thank Scott for his years of service to the region and we wish him well,” said FloridaWest board chair Rick Byars. “We’ll begin a search right away and I’m grateful Scott will stay on for a bit to help with the transition.”
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May praised Luth and his team’s hard work to compete with other regions to recruit new businesses.
“Economic development is highly competitive and Scott and his team know what it takes to lure business to Pensacola and we have the track record to show it,” said May. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done and pledge to support the organization as they transition.”
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the economic development organization for Escambia County.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
February 10, 2023
Northview High School recently named their Students of the Month for December. They are Colton Criswell and Alysia Enfinger. They are pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Tennis Boys And Girls Open Season With Wins
February 10, 2023
The Tate High School Aggies tennis teams opened their season this week with boys and girls wins over Pensacola High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Farm Share Food Giveaway Saturday In Quintette
February 10, 2023
Justified Incarcerated Ministries has partnered with Farm Share for a food giveaway Saturday in the Quintette community.
The distribution will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., or while supplies last, at Providence Baptist Church at 633 Quintette Road, just east of Highway 29.
Volunteers are welcome. Call (850) 324-8779 or email justifiedministries@aol.com for more information.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Brandon Lathaniel Steele
February 10, 2023
Mr. Brandon Lathaniel Steele, age 47, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
Mr. Steele was a native and longtime resident of Brewton before moving to Castleberry a few months ago. He attended W.S. Neal High School and worked as a Carpenter in the construction industry. Brandon enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved Auburn Football. He was of the Christian faith.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Lathaniel Steele; a son, Austin Lee Steele; and a sister, Brandy Champion.
He is survived by his mother, Debera (Bobby) Freeman of Brewton; stepmother, Jamie Lambeth of Flomaton; daughter, Jayda Steele of Castleberry; brothers, Allen (Kelli) Davenport, Bobby Freeman, and Christopher (Bridgett) Steele, all of Brewton; sister, Sarah Steele of Flomaton.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. at Craver’s Funeral Home. There will be various speakers.
Jaran Myles Gets Life In Prison For 2020 Century Shooting Death
February 9, 2023
A second Century man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a November 2020 shooting in Century that left one man dead and two others injured.
An Escambia County jury on Wednesday found Jaran Britt Myles guilty of first degree murder for the death of Joseph Christopher Smith but found him not guilty on two counts of aggravated battery for two others that were shot and survived.
Judge John Simon then immediately sentenced Myles to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Myles was sentenced last year to 45 years in state prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of his probation on a 2015 conviction for manslaughter with a firearm. After the November 2020 shooting, deputies arrested Myles at the Liquor Liquor Cabinet on Highway 29 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez. He attempted to hide a gun on the store shelves. He is awaiting trial on the murder and aggravated battery charges.
Last June, Tacorius Cordale Stallworth was also sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery. In addition to the life sentence, Simon also sentenced Stallworth to an additional 15 years in prison to run concurrently for each of the aggravated battery counts. He has since filed an appeal.
Charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery were previously dropped against E’Monee DeMontae Long in the case. And charges of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery against Kiaunna Shane Grice were dismissed in February 2021 due to insufficient evidence.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting about 11:35 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020, in the 8200 block of Alger Road, just off North Century Boulevard.
The victim, Joseph Christopher Smith, was found shot to death outside a shed near the mobile home. Multiple shell casings were found near the body, in the shed and leading away from the body. The inside of the shed had a couch, several chairs, tables and a lamp. The items were in a state of disarray with the lamp glass shattered.
Two other adult males were sitting near the mobile home when deputies arrived; both had been shot.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured: Deputies look for evidence at the scene of a triple shooting on Alger Road Century the night of November 30, 2020. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
