PSC Moves Forward: Second Area Code Coming For The 850
September 8, 2019
The Florida Public Service Commission on Friday heard a plan to add a new area code for Northwest Florida.
The current 850 area code is running out of available phone numbers, and an additional area code would be added under the plan.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, which oversees area code planning across the nation, said the 850 area code will run out of available photo numbers in the first quarter of 2022. They have petitioned the Florida Public Service Commission for a new area code that will overlay the existing 850 area code.
An additional area code would be expected to provide enough available phone numbers until 2049.
If approved the new area code would cover the same area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.
The new area code would go into service in 2021, with a transition period before the 850 runs out of numbers. The addition will require 10-digit dialing in all of Northwest Florida .
All existing customers will retain the 850 area code and would not have to change their telephone numbers, according to the PSC.
The PSC will consider final approval in November, and we should learn what the new area code number will be at that time.
Winning $107K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold On Nine Mile Road
September 8, 2019
Someone is over $107,000 richer this morning after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at a Nine Mile Road grocery store.
The ticket sold at the Publix, 2180 West Nine Mile Road, was one of two winning tickets sold for Saturday night’s drawing and is worth $107,018.35. The second winning ticket was sold in Titusville.
The 341 tickets matching four numbers won $101 each. Another 10,527 tickets matching three numbers are worth $9 each, and 99,932 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Saturday’s winning numbers were 5-7-16-21-33.
Volunteer Sought for the Escambia County Planning Board
September 8, 2019
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an Escambia County resident interested in volunteering to be considered for an at-large appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board.
At-large members serve a two-year term of office and attend one meeting per month (generally the first Tuesday of the month). Meetings are generally from 8:30 a.m. to no later than noon; however, occasionally may go beyond noon depending upon the agenda. No travel is involved unless the Planning Board members decide to view a particular property for informational purposes. Financial disclosure is required.
Resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
Escambia County residents interested in being considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board to begin serving in September are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Wednesday, September 11. Letters and resumes should be submitted to Kayla Meador; 3363 West Park Place; Pensacola, FL 32505; or emailed to krmeador@myescambia.com.
Northview Volleyball Mini Camp Next Saturday
September 8, 2019
The Northview High School volleyball team will host a Volleyball Mini Camp on Saturday, September 14 from 8-11 a.m. in the school gym.
The cost is $35 per participant. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, snacks and free admission to the Gold Digger game benefiting the American Childhood Cancer Association.
The camp is for third grade and up. Each camper has a chance to win awards for “best hitter”, “best digs” and more.
Chiefs volleyball will host W.S. Neal for the Gold Digger game on September 17 at 4:30 for junior varsity and 5:30 for varsity.
Century Set To Increase Property Taxes
September 7, 2019
The Town of Century is raising taxes for the upcoming fiscal year in order to meet an increased budget.
The town is proposing a $3.63 million budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020, up slightly from $3.43 million during the current fiscal year. The tentative millage rate of .9204 is about 10% greater than the rolled-back rate of .8361.
The rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the state of Florida as a tax increase.
Century also increased property taxes during the current fiscal year.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Youth Show Off Their Beef Projects At Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic
September 7, 2019
Youth from Florida and Alabama showed their beef project animals during the second annual Escambia County 4-H Labor Day Classic at the 4-H property in Molino.
Youth showed their animals in the showmanship category, which focuses on the youth’s show abilities, and the breed and weight classes, which focus on the animal’s merits.
“This show was just a stepping stone for youth who are preparing these animals for shows later in the year where they will finish their project,” said Ali Schortinghouse, 4-H livestock agent. “Of the many hours a youth pours into a livestock project, shows like the Labor Day Classic allow the youth to demonstrate their growth throughout the project.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
11th In A Row: Flomaton Hurricanes Defeat The Jay Royals
September 7, 2019
The Flomaton Hurricane picked up their 11th win in row over the Jay Royals Friday night in a rivalry dating back to 1933.
The Hurricanes shut out Jay 40-0.
For a photo gallery, click here.
In the first quarter, Flomaton quarterback Vickery’s pass was intercepted by Jay senior Brenton Eister, but the Royals could not capitalize and were forced to punt it away. It was fielded by Da’quan Johnson for a 65 yard punt return, and Flomaton was up 6-0 on their home field. Johnson was in again in the first quarter from 35 yards out as Flomaton pulled out to a 14-0 lead.
Jate’vious Franklin added a 17-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to make it 20 to zip for Flomaton.
Travon Brown zigged and zagged pass numerous Jay defenders in a 30-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Zeb Vickery found Johnson with a 50-yard touchdown pass as Flomaton pulled out 34-0 advantage over the Royals.
With the win, the Flomaton Hurricanes improved to 2-0. They will travel to Excel next Friday night.
The Jay Royals fell to 1-2. The Royals are off next Friday night and will host Escambia Academy on September 20.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
September 7, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period ending August 15 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Specialist McHenry conducted a resource inspection on an individual fishing at the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier. He was found in possession of 40 Spanish mackerel, 32 of which were undersized. The individual claimed two of his children helped catch the fish. Officer Specialist McHenry seized the illegal fish and cited the individual.
Officer Allgood was patrolling near the Navy Point Boat Ramp when he noticed a vessel returning to the ramp without the proper navigational lights. After the individual loaded his vessel on his trailer and pulled it into the parking lot, Officer Allgood approached him. The person showed several signs of impairment and field sobriety tasks were conducted. The subject was arrested for driving under the influence, failure to give a breath sample and other misdemeanor charges.
Officer McHenry was getting into his truck at a Pensacola marina when he noticed two individuals posing for pictures with a red drum. They were standing next to a small fishing pier and were also holding spear fishing equipment. Officer McHenry approached the individuals and spoke to them about the red drum. They denied spearing anything, they had wrapped the fish in a towel and placed it in a vehicle when they noticed Officer McHenry. Officer McHenry explained what he had witnessed and they admitted spearing the fish. The fish was over the legal-size limit. One of the individuals was cited for harvesting red drum by illegal methods.
Officer Allgood and Lieutenant Lambert were checking subjects as they returned to Galvez landing. They saw a charter boat returning to the ramp without the proper navigational lights. After discussing the lighting violation, a fisheries inspection revealed several fillets of vermillion snapper. Citations were issued for the violations.
Officers Allgood and Long stopped a vessel to perform a fisheries inspection. They found the two occupants in possession of six red snapper. Citations were issued accordingly.
Officers Allgood and Long were on patrol in the Big Lagoon area when they heard several people on a vessel yelling. They approached the vessel and spoke to the operator. The operator showed several signs of being impaired. Field sobriety tasks confirmed the operator was impaired and he was arrested for BUI. The operator was transported to the Escambia County Jail where he refused to give a breath sample.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Mullins received information that a subject was in possession of a gopher tortoise. The officer located the subject and discovered he had two gopher tortoises in an enclosure at his residence. The subject had the tortoises for some time and had been caring for them as pets. Officer Mullins issued a notice to appear for possession of a threatened and endangered species and the gopher tortoises were returned to the wild.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
9 Mile Road Traffic Shift West Of Untreiner Avenue To Surrey Drive
September 7, 2019
Motorists traveling Nine Mile Road from west of Untreiner Avenue to Surrey Drive in Escambia County will be transitioned to the newly constructed eastbound roadway the week of Monday, Sept. 9. The traffic shift will allow crews to begin reconstruction efforts on the westbound travel lanes and median. Drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews prepare for the shift.
In addition to the traffic shift, drivers will notice the following changes:
- New stop sign at Highway 29 off-ramp: Vehicles turning right onto westbound Nine Mile Road from southbound U.S. 29 will be required to come to a full stop before merging with westbound traffic.
- Bowman Avenue to Ashland Avenue.: Due to an elevation change, access to the properties on the north side of Nine Mile Road between Bowman and Ashland avenues will be acquired via a frontage road instead of directly from Nine Mile Road.
The Florida Department of Transportation is urging driver to use extra caution as drivers become familiar with the new traffic patterns. Motorists should also watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway as they prepare for the shift.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Friday Night Finals
September 7, 2019
Here are Friday night finals from around the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Tallahassee Lincoln 43, Tate 0
- Flomaton 40, Jay 0
- Catholic 50, West Florida 14
- Escambia 23, Pine Forest 20
- Washington 38, Pensacola High 0
- Gulf Breeze 27, Choctaw 24
- Navarre 21, Milton 13
- Northview – Open
- Pace – Open
ALABAMA
- Escambia County (Atmore) 46, Monroe County 0
- Tuscaloosa Academy 20, Escambia Academy 19
- Flomaton 40, Jay 0
- T.R. Miller 12, Excel 7
- Hillcrest 47, W.S. Neal 0
Pictured: Flomaton shut out Jay Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo.