Century To Discuss Facility Rental Policies At Thursday Meeting
July 20, 2021
The Century Town Council will hold a workshop meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss policies and procedures for the rental of town building and facilities.
The town’s community centers, splash pad pavilion and other facilities have been closed for rental since last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council will discuss rental policies, fees, and other items such as the requirement for an off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy at some events. The meeting will held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Century Town Hall.
Pictured. A meeting inside the Century Community Center on West Highway 4, also known as the Ag Building. The facility has a capacity of about 300 people and has a kitchen. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Puts Proposed Budget Online In Interactive Format
July 20, 2021
For the first time, Escambia County has published their proposed budget for 2021-2022 online in an interactive format.
The total combined proposed budget is $568,262,165, down from $587,933,284 in the current fiscal year.
Budgets for the constitutional officers:
- Sheriff – increases from $65.8 million to $72.7 million
- Property Appraiser - increases from $6.5 million to $6.9 million
- Supervisor of Elections – increases from $2.65 million to $2.76 million
- Tax Collector – increases from $5.2 million to $5.5 million
- Clerk of the Court – decreases from $3.6 million to $3.53 million
Escambia County will hold two budget workshops this week.
Cantonment Man, Gulf Breeze Woman Charged With Meth Trafficking
July 19, 2021
A Cantonment man and a Gulf Breeze woman are facing charges for allegedly trafficking in methamphetamine.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Home Depot on Mobile Highway to recover a stolen vehicle. A woman, identified as 25-year old Sarah Jordan Cox, was near the vehicle and walked to a nearby Black Dodge Ram occupied by 31-year old Jerry Allen Lilly, according to an arrest report.
An ECSO K-9 alerted on both vehicles. Deputies reporting recovering a total of 64.69 grams of methamphetamine, 5.20 grams of marijuana, and assorted drug paraphernalia from the vehicles.
Lilly was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Escambia County jail on $73,500 bond.
Cox was charged with trafficking methamphetamine over 40 grams, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, She was released from jail on a $51,000 bond.
It’s Budget Time: Escambia County, Century Beginning Budget Workshops
July 19, 2021
Both Escambia County and Century are moving into the process of establishing their budgets and tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year.
Escambia County will hold their first budget workshop on Tuesday, July 20 at 9 a.m. Escambia County has made preliminary budget information available online here.
The Town of Century will hold their first budget workshop on Thursday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. No preliminary budget information has been made available as of yet.
The new fiscal year begins October 1, 2021, for both entities.
Free Groceries And Books At Century, Tryon And Main Library Locations On Wednesday
July 19, 2021
Children and their families can receive free groceries and books on Wednesday at three library locations.
FoodRaising Friends, the Escambia County School District and West Florida Public Libraries will be hosting “Hungry to Read”.
At 10 a.m. Wednesday a free bag of groceries and books will be distributed to children and families at the Century, Tryon and Main libraries while supplies last. The books are furnished by Navy Federal Credit Union.
There will be a limited supply off 100 bags of groceries available at each location. For more information, contact FoodRaising Friends at (850) 346-5950 or email foodraisingfriends@gmail.com.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gas Prices Weaken As Crude Prices Tumble, AAA Says
July 19, 2021
The state average price for gasoline in Florida has fallen back below $3 a gallon for the first time this month. The average price for gasoline is now $2.99, down two cents from last week.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was a bit higher at $3.02. A low of $2.92 could be found Sunday night at a Highway 29 station in Cantonment, while two Pensacola stations were at $2.83.
Crude oil prices declined last week, which has enabled gasoline prices to weaken,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The crude futures market is digesting the recent news that OPEC and its oil producing allies plan to gradually increase oil production this year. Initial reports led to lower prices last week, but it’s unclear where the crude market will go from here. For now, drivers can enjoy a break from rising prices at the pump, with the possibility that retail prices slip a few more cents this week.”
Pictured: Regular unleaded was $2.99 a gallon Sunday afternoon in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FWC Hunter Safety Course Offered In Cantonment
July 19, 2021
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free hunter safety internet-completion course in Escambia County.
Students who have taken the online course and wish to complete the classroom portion must bring the online-completion report with them.
All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
The course will be offered as follows:
Langley Bell 4-H Center (Cantonment)
- July 28 (6 to 10 p.m.) and July 31 (7 to 10 a.m)
A course had also been planned for Molino but was canceled due to low enrollment. Those students have been transferred to the clinic in Cantonment.
Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in Panama City at (850) 265-3676.
Blue Wahoos Shine On Defense, But Fall Short Offensively In Loss To Chattanooga
July 19, 2021
Infielders Devin Hairston and Connor Justus wowed the Pensacola crowd on Sunday afternoon, each making a trio of stellar defensive plays in the early innings of Sunday’s game against Chattanooga, but Pensacola’s offense fell short again in a 3-1 loss to the Lookouts.
While the team turned in a collection of tremendous defensive plays behind a strong start from Jeff Lindgren (L, 3-6, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 K), the story remained Pensacola’s lack of offense. The Lookouts pitching staff, fronted by starter Graham Ashcraft (W, 4-1, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 5 K), held Pensacola scoreless until the ninth inning.
Over the past two weeks, a period during which the Blue Wahoos have fallen from first to third place in the Double-A South, the Blue Wahoos have hit a league-low .197. Those struggles continued Sunday, as the Blue Wahoos were out-hit by Chattanooga for the third consecutive game and left nine runners on-base.
Pensacola’s lone run came in the ninth inning thanks to outfielder J.D. Orr, who doubled home Hairston, who had reached on a fielder’s choice. Orr joined Pensacola on Tuesday from A-Jupiter and continued to be a bright spot offensively for the Blue Wahoos, going 2-4 on Sunday and raising his batting average in his first week at the Double-A level to .350.
On the mound for Pensacola, Lindgren provided 5.0 strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on five hits. A bullpen combination of Andrew McInvale (1.0 IP, 2 K), Josh Roberson (1.0 IP), Andrew Nardi (1.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, K), and Alberto Guerrero (1.0 IP, K) combined to throw four innings of relief without allowing an earned run to keep the score close.
After a day off on Monday, the Blue Wahoos will head on the road to Montgomery to play the Biscuits (33-29). LHP Will Stewart (3-5, 4.52 ERA) projects to start the series opener for Pensacola on Tuesday.
Escambia County Celebrates 200 Years (With Photo Gallery)
July 18, 2021
Escambia County celebrated its 200th anniversary Saturday.
A sunrise “Mvskoke Mekusvpkv” prayer by the Santa Rosa Creek Tribe began the festivities, followed by a formal program, exactly 200 years after the exchange of Spanish and American flags.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“There were a wide range of events taking place this weekend to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the transition of Florida from being a colony of a foreign European country to a Territory of the United States,” said 200th Commission Committee Chair Dr. Judy Bense. “There was something for children, teenagers and adults of all ages. Our program included patriotic music, statements by current leaders, a flag raising, children’s scavenger hunt, live reenactments of the Battles of Pensacola and live performances by Hispanic and African-American dancers. Embedded in each event was the significance of the historic moment of transition on the exact same day and place that it occurred two centuries ago right here in Pensacola.”
Collier Merrill, Chairman of UWF Historic Trust said, “We are proud to have has such a celebration for this important event in Florida’s history. As in most port cities, Pensacola has many diverse communities, who all come together to honor of our past, present and future. Our rich history continues to be a highlight of our community, a wonderful complement to out beautiful weather and white beaches. Special thanks to Commission co-chairs, Dr. Judy Bense and Margo Stringfield, as well as the entire commission and events committee. We were honored for Secretary Laurel Lee, Sen. Rick Scott and guests to be a part of today’s historic event, helping us to celebrate Florida’s Territorial celebration.”
Pastor Freddie Nathan Tellis said, “I want to extend my congratulations to the county of my youth and my retirement on this, its 200th anniversary. Escambia county has seen historic changes in public policies, educational gains and sports heroes unlike any other county I know of. My military service has taken me to many states and counties across this country and the old saying ‘there’s no place like home’ holds true for me.”
Chief Dan “Sky Horse” Helms, Santa Rosa Creek Indian Tribe said, “You have just heard the Muscogee Language spoken openly and publicly here in Pensacola for the first time in 191 years.” He said in translation: Hello. How are you. I am Chief Sky Horse. I have deer hides I want to trade.
“The Indian Removal Act of 1830 not only banned our language from being spoken, but it would have banned our sunrise Muscogee Blessing. This great city was founded by people of varying heritage and culture. They come together in harmony and unity of purpose. That purpose was to create a better life for themselves and their descendants.”
UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders said, “Congratulations to all who made this celebration a reality. It has been an honor to partner with our community on this Bicentennial Celebration. UWF takes great pride in our role in preserving the eight-acre area known as Historic Pensacola in the heart of our vibrant downtown.”
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said, “It’s great to be here. We are going to put in one of my Navy hats in the time capsule signed by my wife, Ann, and me. Congratulations, it’s wonderful to be here on a beautiful, hot Pensacola day.”
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman remarked, “As a native of the community, it is my distinct privilege to be a part of this historical cultural occasion. Commerce by trade has made Pensacola a viable settlement, and as we move beyond our 200 years, we must continue to focus on diverse and sustainable growth while continuing to respect our heritage and history.”
“I could not be prouder to celebrate Escambia County’s 200th anniversary,” said Florida Rep. Alex Andrade. “Celebrating our history, warts and all, is the only way we can continue to progress without losing what makes our region, state and country so special.”
Captain Timothy Kinsella stated, “There has been a continuous military presence on the grounds of NAS Pensacola since Fort San Carlos de Austria was built here in 1698. Ever since Florida’s entry into the Union in 1821, the United States Military has had a continuous presence in Pensacola through the Navy Yard, Fort Barrancas and the Navy’s first air station. During those 200 years of sometimes tumultuous, but often joyful history, the City of Pensacola and the military community have been inextricably linked, and it is our privilege to continue that legacy into the future.”
“Florida is rich with history and culture and the Territorial Bicentennial commemoration in Pensacola inspires us to reflect on the lasting legacy of all who have called Florida home,” said Florida Secretary of State, Laurel M. Lee. “I am honored to have participated in the commemoration of this major historical turning point in Florida’s history and look forward to continuing to preserve and share the history and heritage of our great state.”
Florida Sen. Broxson said, “When I made the proclamation in the Senate, I told the story of Escambia County. There was a battle between Escambia and St. Johns County to a point that we were alternating which would be the capitol each year, Pensacola or St. Augustine. We decided we would meet at a central site and headed toward Tallahassee to be our capitol. Dr. Bense legitimized that Pensacola is really the oldest settlement in the state of Florida and not St. Augustine. What a great time it is. What an honor to be here. My family has been here for over 200 years and many of your families, the streets were named after them. On behalf of the state Senate of Florida, I want to give this proclamation to Dr. Bense and thank you, Pensacola, thank you Escambia, thank you Florida for such a great place to live.”
Escambia County Chairman Bender said, “Although Escambia County has grown with development and population over 200 years, in many ways it has remained the same. We still get to enjoy the clear water it was named after, the best beaches in the world and the abundant sea life. Spanning 200 years, there has been continuous improvement to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community. I’m proud to call Escambia County my home, and I hope you are too. It’s nice to take the time to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come in 200 years!”
“It is an exciting day to celebrate the rich history of Pensacola, Escambia County and the State of Florida, and to celebrate all who came before us to pave the way for creating the thriving community we see today,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “We are fortunate to have such a diverse blend of cultures and rich heritage in our community. We truly are Florida’s first and Florida’s future, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for Pensacola as we continue to grow and prosper.”
After remarks, Caitlyn Moore from Sacred Heart Cathedral School read her winning essay, “What it means to me to be an American.” Leo Day sang “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
The formal program concluded with UWF bands playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” while there was a re-enactment of an exchange of flags from the Spanish flag to the American flag. There was a Navy flyover, a special historic marker dedication by Robinson and Bender, and the storing of a time capsule at the UWF Historic Trust to be reopened in 25 years.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Programing was structured to reflect our community’s rich and diverse heritage and the collective influences that make our community what it is today. Pensacola’s Historic Village remained open until 4 p.m., featuring a performance by the Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensemble on stage and a history and archaeology scavenger hunt for kids. Various other demonstrations, re-enactments, live music and dance routines wrapped up the bicentennial at Historic Village. A keel boat was at Pitt Slip Marina, and on Friday two historic Battle of Pensacola war reenactments unfolded at Fountain Park, 300 East Zaragoza Street.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas In July: Santa Takes Part In Walnut Hill Toy Giveaway
July 18, 2021
Santa Claus made a special visit to Walnut Hill Saturday for a Christmas in July Toy Giveaway.
The event was held at a the Walnut Hill Community Center for children ages 2-17. Preregistered families received a selection of toys and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The toy giveaway was sponsored by Youth and Family Community Outreach, Good 360, Toys for Tots, and Renovot.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
