Rain And Thunderstorms
February 9, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Regional 6A Soccer: Chiles Tops Tate 2-0 In Tallahassee
February 9, 2023
The Chiles Timberwolves defeated the Tate Aggies 2-0 in regional 6A soccer action Wednesday night in Tallahassee.
The Aggies finished their season at No. 2 in District 1 6A with a record of 10-4-3.
On February 11, Chiles will host Niceville and Gulf Breeze will travel to Gainesville as the regional tourney continues.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
One Injured In Ensley Shooting Wednesday Afternoon
February 9, 2023
One person was shot Wednesday afternoon in Ensley.
The victim suffered a single gunshot wound about 1:15 p.m. at Figland Avenue and Detroit Boulevard. They were transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with what appeared to be a non-life threatening wound.
At last report, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was continuing their investigation and had not named a suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Century Finds No Garbage Customer Billed Correctly, Some Getting ‘Half Price’ Service
February 9, 2023
No one in the town of Century is being charged the correct rate for garbage service, and some residents are paying twice as much for the very same service.
Everyone has at least the minimum one-can residential service. But different people are paying different rates, according to Town Clerk Leslie Howington, but generally ranging from $12 to $24, and no one is being billed the correct rate of $25.34.
The billing blunders came to light this week when the town council set out to approve a 4.93% , or $1.25, increase , per customer for one weekly pick up of a trash can and twice per month curbside debris pickup of household items and vegetative debris. The town contracts with Republic Services to collect garbage within the town limits. Republic has a provision in their contract that allows them to increase the rates they charge the town each December to match the Consumer Price Index. The town annually passes the rate increase directly along to residents.
But over the last several years, town staff has failed to actually adjust the rates in the billing system, so the town has been losing the revenue while paying Republic more.
Interim town council member Alicia Johnson, who just took office last month, said she is being billed just $14, rather than the correct $25.34. And she is not alone.
So far, there’s not a definitive explanation while some residents are being just charged essentially half price.
“Did the past employees just add the rate increases and ignore the current customers?,” Mayor Ben Boutwell asked Wednesday.
Quick math shows that if the town has 550 garbage customers, revenue should be about $14,000 a month (550 x $25.34). But the town is only billing $8,000 to $9,000.
Boutwell agreed it’s simple elementary school math that should have shown the billing errors long ago.
“It blows me away. These are simple, common sense things to do. I am the mayor, and I’m saying someone has got to take pride in their work,” Boutwell said, clarifying that he was referring to previous administrations and since-departed employees. “We have a totally different administration and staff now.”
Howington and current employees have spent countless hours, sometimes 15 hours a week she says, working to solve the problem.
The mayor added the self-auditing will continue, and customers will see the billing corrected.
“I want to talk to our customers and let them know, some of their garbage bills are about to double to get them to the correct rate,” he said.
“I’m not going to lie. It’s exhausting to keep hitting these walls,” Howington said. “They are going to be right, and we’re going to go up.”
And, he noted, software problems with natural gas billings have also been uncovered and are being investigated.
As for that annual consumer price index increase of about 5%, that $1.25 is still on the table, with the council set to vote later this month.
Koby DeWayne Wooten
February 9, 2023
Mr. Koby DeWayne Wooten, age 19, passed away, Sunday, February 5, 2023in Atmore, AL. He resided most of life in Atmore, AL. He was employed with Slaughter Construction for several months.
Mr. Wooten loved spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, and listening to music. He was always a very well mannered, and respectful young man, that enjoyed making people laugh. He loved God, his children, and taking care of his family.
Mr. Wooten is preceded in death by his grandmother, Marie Wooten, aunt, Melinda Wall McGhee, uncle, Drew Wooten, and niece Aubrey Marie Wooten.
He is survived by his father, Ed (Becky) Wooten, of Atmore, AL; mother, Melissa (Danny) Dykes, of Perdido, AL; one son Micah Wiggins, of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Maia Wooten, of Atmore, AL; grandparents, Raymond (Ouida) Wall, of Nokomis, AL; Billy Wooten , of Atmore, AL; girlfriend, Lauren Wiggins, of Atmore, AL; three brothers, Devin (Brittany) Wooten, of Atmore, AL; DJ Carter, of Atmore, AL; Casyn Bethea, of Milton, FL; one aunt, Amanda (Andrew) McGhee, of Atmore, AL; two uncles, Brandon (Christi) Wall, of Atmore, AL; Robert (Tina) Wooten, of Uriah, AL; nieces and nephews, Harley Bethea, Walker Wooten, Ty Carter, Bentley Bethea, numerous cousins, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Richie Nobles and Rev. Marshall Wall officiating.
Burial will follow at McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC
Pallbearers will be Brandon Wall, Trenton McGhee, Gage McGhee, Ian McGhee, Robert Wooten, and John Wooten.
Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Cuenca, Cole Jordan, Devin Morris, and Tyler Ray.
Buckie Smith
February 9, 2023
Mr. Buckie Smith was a good hearted, simple man. He loved watching the Jackson Barrett or Mecum car show, listening to 70’s music, and drinking Coca-Cola “Classic”, watching “Charlie Brown”, and Whataburger. Every year at the holidays he would call every family member to let them know what time the specials would be on TV and say, “you better let those babies watch it”. You knew you were having a conversation with Buckie because you would hear him say his catchphrase numerous times, “I heard that”. Buckie had a sweet tooth like no other, He loved his tea very sweet, Little Debbies, Milton Bakery Donuts and apple turnovers his mother made. He was so proud of his son, Burt, and his three wonderful grandsons, his daughter Jamie, and his numerous nieces and nephews. Buckie was born in Century, FL and was a lifelong resident of the Century/Flomaton area and attended Century High School (a true Blackcat). Buckie was a retired truck driver, spending most of his career with Fore Sand and Gravel, Barnette Construction, and Charco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland R. Smith (Buck) and Myrtle Louise Smith, and his brother Johnnie Smith.
Mourning his passing are his loving wife, Susan; son Burton (Ryan) Smith; daughter, Jamie (Shanatha), three grandsons, Jackson, Ryland, & Benjamin; two sisters, Sonja (Mike) Allen & Tammy (Tom) Wilkerson; two nephews, Brandon (Deadria) Smith and Johns Buck Smith; two nieces, Rachel (David) Spicer, and Brandy (Matt) Ray.
Pallbearers will be Burton Smith, Jackson Smith, Brandon Smith, John Buck Smith, Shaun Qualls, and Matt Ray.
Honorary Pallbearers: Willie Nisewonger, Mike Allen, Allen Stacey, and Tom Wilkerson.
Thank you to Brother Lee Jernigan of Alco Baptist Church for officiating the graveside service that will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at McCurdy Cemetery.
The family would like to recognize the health care teams at Amedysis and DaVita, giving special thanks to the caring nurses who held a special place in Buckie’s heart.
The family would like to invite you all to a celebration of life meal at Alco Baptist Church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Weaver’s Monument Company.
Active Shooter Threat Cleared As False; Emergency Alerts Cleared
February 8, 2023
A false call of an active shooter Wednesday morning at Pensacola Catholic High has been cleared.
The call came in about 11:35 a.m. of a shooting — an apparent “swatting” where a false report is made to generate a law enforcement response.
“The Pensacola Police Department received information of a possible active shooter situation at Pensacola Catholic High School (3043 W Scott Street) and responded as an agency assist with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office,” Pensacola Police spokesperson Brittany Sturgeon said. “Our agency provided all available resources. The call was determined to be fraudulent, known as a ’swatting’ incident. Catholic High School is secure and back to normal operating procedures.”
Residents across a broad area received an emergency alert on their phone, televisions and other devices.
“Active shooter reported in your area, run hide or fight,” the emergency alert repeated twice. The message stated it pertained to Escambia County but did not give a location.
“As it relates to the previous Pensacola High School Alert, the situation is ALL CLEAR,” another message said.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement: “Many of you received an alert in reference to an active shooter at a local school. This was determined to be a SWATTING call. The ESCO, along with Pensacola Police Department, responded and have determined the school to be safe, secure and back to normal operations.”
NorthEscambia.com images.
Century Sets Special Election; Voter Registration Deadline Is Less Than A Week Away
February 8, 2023
The Town of Century has set dates for a special election, giving residents just a week to make sure they are registered to vote and setting the candidate qualification period.
Two council seats were left vacant in January because no candidate ran for them last year.
At a meeting on January 2, the sitting council temporarily appointed Shelisa McCall Abraham to Seat 3 and Alicia Johnson to Seat 4. Their positions are temporary until winners are determined in the special election.
If there are three or more candidates for any one of the seats, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 14. Any necessary runoff and the general election will be held on Tuesday, March 28.
Qualifying will be open from noon February 21 until noon February 24 at the Supervisor of Elections Office or the Century Town Hall on February 22. Any registered voter that lives in the town limits can seek election and pay a $50 qualifying fee.
For the March 14 primary election, voter registration books will close on February 14. For the March 28 general election, voter registration will close one month prior.
Pictured: Shelisa Abraham (center) was sworn in January 2 as an interim member of the Century Town Council, serving until a special election is held. Alicia Johnson, also appointed to the council, was sworn in on January 17. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rain And Thunderstorms Likely By Wednesday Night
February 8, 2023
Isolated thunderstorms with locally heavy rain and gusty winds are possible Wednesday night
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 3am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 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 possibly a thunderstorm. High near 70. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 61. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
ECAT Rolls Out Three Buses, Free Rides For Students
February 8, 2023
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) rolled out three new transit buses Tuesday — the first full-size new buses in nearly a decade.
The three new 2022 Gillig buses are the first buses to be added to the fleet since 2014. Equipped with seated capacity for 23 riders and additional hand straps for riders to safely stand, has wi-fi, contains automatic passenger counters, and can accommodate two wheelchairs and two bicycles.
ECAT is also promoting the Student Transit Empowerment Pass (STEP) Program that provides free rides for students under age 18. STEP pass applications will be available online or in person at ECAT customer service offices. Applications must be completed by a parent or legal guardian and are valid until the end of the school year.
Pictured: Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May speaks in front of a new transit bus during an ECAT event Tuesday afternoon. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.