Walnut Hill VFD Honors Firemen, Community Member During Fish Fry (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2019
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 50th annual fish fry Saturday.
Austin Snyder was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his fellow firefighters. Gerry Steege was named Officer of the Year and recognized for his service to the department.
Former Northview High School school resource officer Ronnie Gill received the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the community. He now volunteers with multiple school organizations and sports; he missed Saturday’s event and is not pictured because he was at a Northview Cross Country competition.
There were 694 catfish or grilled chicken plates sold, and another 16 people made donations. Proceeds will be used to provide assistance to displaced fire victims in the area. A blood drive and a car show were also part of the event.
Pictured: Walnut Hill Fire Chief Chris Brown presents the Firefighter of the Year award to Austin Snyder (above) and the Officer of the Year award to Gerry Steege (below). Also pictured below: Scenes from the 50th Annual Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Fishy Fry. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Vehicle Burns After Crashing Into Utility Pole On Highway 95A
November 3, 2019
One person was injured after their car crashed in a utility pole and burst into flames Saturday night.
The crash happened about 8:15 p.m. on Highway 95A near Old Chemstrand Road. The pole was snapped by the collision.
The driver was transported to an area hospital with unspecified injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Photos: Beulah Craft & Sausage Festival
November 3, 2019
The Beulah Craft & Sausage Festival was held Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Beulah.
Over 50 vendors took part, and there as plenty of food, fun for the entire family and live music. The Pine Forest High School NJROTC also assisted with the event.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Ashland Avenue To Be Closed This Week
November 3, 2019
Ashland Avenue will be closed at the intersection of Nine Mile Road in Escambia County from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.
The closure will enable crews to place drainage pipes across the roadway as part of the drainage improvements associated with the Nine Mile Road widening project. Traffic will be detoured to Stefani and 9 1/2 Mile roads. Signs and variable message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the temporary closure and direct traffic to the alternate routes.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded by the Florida Department of Transportation to obey the 35-mph speed limit and to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone.
Escambia County Employees Receive 3% Pay Increase
November 3, 2019
Most Escambia County employees have received a 3% wage increase recently.
All employees hired by the Board of County Commissioners, except seasonal, temporary, contract and student workers, received the raise.
Escambia County fire, corrections and EMT employees received the raise even as their unions continue bargaining talks over other issues.. The International Association of EMTS and Paramedics Local, International Association of Firefighters Local 4131, and Florida Police Benevolent Association signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Escambia County in order to receive the immediate raises.
Why Not Keep Daylight Saving Time Year Round In Florida?
November 2, 2019
Why are we still falling back and off Daylight Savings Time?
During their 2018 session, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to keep daylight saving time year round that was signed into law by then-governor Rick Scott. But the change ultimately required Congressional approval, which has not happened yet.
Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act which would make daylight saving time permanent across the entire country.
The legislation, if enacted, would apply to those states who currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. Standard Time, from November to March, is only observed for four months out of the year. The bill would simply negate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent could benefit the economy and the country, according to Rubio.
“Well, it is my hope that Sunday, November 3 will be the last time we have to do this ridiculous changing of the clocks back and forth,” said Rubio. “It makes absolutely no sense, there’s no justification for it. It has strong support in the House and in the Senate, the White House, the president said he would sign it. I hope we can get this bill passed because I just think it makes all the sense in the world, and this changing of the clocks back and forth makes no sense at all.”
Using A Space Heater? Here’s How To Be Safe
November 2, 2019
With our first cold snap, it’s important to remember a few safety tips when using space heaters.
Escambia County Property Tax Bills Are In The Mail
November 2, 2019
Escambia County property tax bills are in the mail.
The collection of the 2019 real estate and tangible personal property taxes started November 1, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford. This year’s rolls include 178,580 accounts totaling over $303 million. Bills were delivered to the post office on October 31 for mailing.
Chapter 197.162, Florida Statutes provides discounts for early payments as follows:
- November payments are discounted four percent
- December payments are discounted three percent
- January payments are discounted two percent
- February payments are discounted one percent
- March payments receive no discount, and the gross amount is due by close of business on March 31, 2019. Any payment made April 1 and after is considered delinquent and will be assessed a penalty.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for walk-in customers only.
Many options are available:
- online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com
- in person at any of our four convenient tax collector offices
- 24 — hour drop box
- phone — call (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252
In addition, help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Lunsford also encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Payment Installment Plan. By utilizing this plan, taxpayers make four quarterly payments instead of one lump sum payment. Each quarterly bill will receive a different discount for early payment as prescribed by Florida Statutes. The quarterly payments are due by the last day of June, September, December and March. The Installment Payment Plan application deadline for 2020 property taxes is April 30, 2020.
Property owners can apply online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Lunsford said, “The installment program not only helps ease the financial burden on taxpayers by allowing them to spread out the payments, it also provides a discount for making payments on time.”
Find more information on the installment plan here.
Tax revenue is generated for the various taxing authorities and is approximated as follows:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners — $143 million
- District School Board — $124 million
- City of Pensacola — $20 million
- Sheriff MSTU — $9 million
- Library MSTU — $6.6 million
- Northwest Florida Water Management — $615,000
- Downtown Improvement Board — $568,000
- Town of Century — $37,000
Additionally, MSBU collections include:
- County fire protection — $18.1 million
- City Stormwater — $2.7 million
- Other MSBUs — $2.5 million
If you do not receive your tax bill by November 10, call the tax collector at (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252.
Northview Chiefs Beat The Jay Royals (With Photo Gallery)
November 2, 2019
The Northview Chiefs wrapped up their regular season with a big 40-7 road win over the Jay Royals Friday night.
The Chiefs started a little slow with only 14 plays, and 14 points, in the first half. Their first touchdown came with 1.7 second to the go in the first quarter from junior Jayden Jackson and the second on a long run by Jaheem Durant with 6:55 on the clock in the second.
“I thought Jay played really hard coming out of the gate. They did a really good job of keeping the ball out of our hands,” Northview Head Coach Derek Marshman said. “We only had 14 plays in the first half so it was really tough for us to get our feet going. I thought at halftime we made a lot of good adjustments offensively, and obviously it paid dividends. We had a lot of big plays in the second half.”
On the first play of the second half from scrimmage, Jackson had a 64-yard touchdown run for a 20-0 Chiefs lead. Then with 6:33 in the third, quarterback Ben Wilson hand off to sophomore Damerion Findley for a 58-yard run, 26-0. Toss in another Durant touchdown, and Northview held a 33-0 advantage after three.
Jackson scored again for the Chiefs in the fourth to start the running clock with 9:09 in the ballgame. Jay had a late touchdown from senior Brent Eister for the final, 40-7.
The Chiefs (7-2) are without a doubt in the 1A playoffs, but their next game remains to be seens. If they hold the No. 2 ranking in Region 1-1A, they will have a bye next Friday night. If they should slip to No. 3, they will be home next Friday night against a to be determined opponent. The FHSAA will announce playoff pairings on Sunday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Her Daughter Was Found Murdered In Molino. Now Sue Brown Has Written A Book
November 2, 2019
Sue Brown’s daughter was found murdered, her body found face down by Gibson Road in Molino.
It was Sunday, April 30, 2017, when 38-year old Anna Louise Brown was shot and killed; the search for her killer continues.
Anna’s death, along with a medical scare, has led Sue Brown to write her first book “Mourning Song,” an autobiography and a testimony to God’s faith. The book is available on Amazon.
Our desire in sharing this book, our story, is to encourage, offer hope and faith to others who are struggling with their own crisis in life, whether grief, a medical diagnosis, or other life altering event,” Brown said.
In her debut autobiography, Brown has written a concise and compelling narrative of her life. Focusing on two main crises that her family experienced, she has expressed with heartfelt emotion the highs and lows of these events and how they have impacted her family, friends and community.
The resolve and determination to rise from the ashes of grief and heartache to hope and joy, motivated her family to keep going toward healing and wholeness. Sustained by her faith, the author shares a riveting and encouraging, hope filled, healing message to her audience. She desires to be a blessing and help to all those who read her story and may travel a similar journey of their own.
From the book:
“Our story is written one moment, one word, one line, and one paragraph … one chapter at a time. It is written on the litmus paper of life, tested and proven over and over again with many joys, momentous occasions, and happy moments. And then, there are the unexpected events that alter our lives forever, leaving us with shredded heart and soul, a broken and empty vessel, an innate drive to prove the power of a loving and living God; a Creator who loves, with much compassion, an abundance of grace and mercy, to bring forth emotional and spiritual healing with a desire to perfect anyone who will trust and be willing to be broken. Our experiences, whether good or bad, how we respond and react to them, speak to our families, neighbors, acquaintances and friends as to whom we are, what we are made of, what we believe. Our choices, our knee-jerk reactions to the events that happen in our lives, steer our lives for the better, or worse and will have what is sometimes called a domino effect on everyone we are in contact with.”