Century Splash Pad Closed Due To Electrical Issues
May 24, 2019
The splash pad in Century is closed for electrical maintenance, according to the town. There’s no word on when it might reopen.
The splash pad at Showalter Park was supposed to open this year the week of March 18 for spring break. The opening was delayed about a month, also due to electrical issues.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Set Season High In Hits In 10-5 Victory
May 24, 2019
Much like Wednesday night, the Blue Wahoos fell behind early on Thursday evening in Tennessee against the Smokies.
But this time, they hit back in the biggest way.
Every Blue Wahoos batter had at least one hit as Pensacola produced a season-high 15 hits in a 10-5 win at Smokies Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos (29-18) put up a trio of crooked innings, erasing an early 3-0 deficit by scoring four times in the second, twice in the fifth, and three times in the sixth. Four Wahoos had multiple hits, led by Travis Blankenhorn (3-5, 3 RBI, 3 R) and Jaylin Davis (3-4, HR, 2 R).
On the mound, Blue Wahoos starter Sean Poppen had his shortest outing of the season, exiting after giving up three runs on five singles in the first inning.
Williams Ramirez replaced him in the second and worked the next three innings, allowing just one hit to earn his first win in his second game with the Wahoos.
After falling behind 3-0, the offense immediately responded, scoring four runs in the second to take the lead. Taylor Grzelakowski led off with a walk. Caleb Hamilton singled. Mark Contreras followed with an RBI double. With two out, Travis Blankenhorn smashed a two-run double. Alex Kirilloff followed with a single to score Blankenhorn.
After the Blue Wahoos answered with those four runs in the second, the game stayed that way until the fifth inning.
In that frame, the Blue Wahoos padded their lead with two out. With Blankenhorn on second base after a leadoff single, Davis walked. Grzelakowski followed with a two run-double down the right field line to score both runners.
After the Smokies added a run in their half of the fifth, the Blue Wahoos answered with three more runs in the sixth inning. Jordon Gore’s one-out double scored Joe Cronin, who had hit a one out single. Blankenhorn then singled home Gore. Blankenhorn moved to second on Kirilloff’s walk, then scored on Mitchell Kranson’s single.
Relievers Ryan Mason and Cody Stashak continued their superb finishes by keeping the Smokies scoreless in the final three innings. The pair allowed just one hit.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Wahoos and Smokies will continue their five-game series tomorrow evening in Tennessee at 6:00 PM. Jorge Alcala (5-1, 4.09), the #18 prospect in the Twins system, is scheduled to start for Pensacola against Cubs #8 prospect Justin Steele (0-4, 9.33 ERA)
Century Audit Costing Thousands More Due To Problems; Mayor Didn’t Tell Town Council For Weeks
May 23, 2019
Century’s annual audit will cost thousands of dollars more due to several factors, including a scathing grand jury investigation, and the mayor tell did not inform the council for weeks, NorthEscambia.com has learned.
The audit for the 2018 fiscal year that ended on September 30 is due to the state by the end of June. The town was informed in an April 8 email sent to Mayor Henry Hawkins, Town Clerk Kim Godwin, and town CPA Robert Hudson that the auditing firm Warren Averett was increasing their fee from $21,000 last year to a minimum of $30,000 this year.
Hawkins repeatedly told the town council over the last several weeks that the firm would begin the audit after tax season, but he never mentioned receiving any communication from the auditor or the $9,000 fee increase to the council. In the meantime, the audit did not begin due to a lack of an engagement letter (a type of contract with a CPA firm).
But an email obtained by NorthEscambia.com shows Hawkins forwarded the auditor’s email to Chief Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Wood on April 9. “FYI,” Hawkins wrote. “Now where do they think we’re getting the money from?”
CPA Kristen McAllister of Warren Averett said in a May 20 email to Town Council President Ann Brooks, “I do not think you have been informed correctly. I reach out to the Clerk, Mayor, and Robert (Hudson) a month ago to discuss a change in the audit contract before we can begin.” She added the delay “did not have anything to do with waiting until after tax season”.
McAllister said the higher audit fee was due to concerns over the utility billing cycle, concerns noted in the grand jury report, incorrect information provided that required multiple adjustments in the past two audits and a failure to follow the audit timeline.
For a previous story with details on the March grand jury report, click here.
NorthEscambia.com file photo and document images.
Man Indicted For First Degree Murder; Shell Casings Found On Four Streets
May 23, 2019
Bobby Johndal Hawkins was indicted by a grand jury the charges of first degree premeditated murder with a firearm and attempted first degree premeditated murder.
During the early morning hours of April 15, Hawkins allegedly shot and killed 28-year old Kyle Isaiah Baldwin at the intersection of Sonnyboy Lane and East Ensley Street. An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy observed a Chevrolet Blazer traveling at a high speed up North Palafox Street and was able to stop the vehicle on Highway 29 and Hannah Street.
Baldwin was found slumped over on the front passenger seat and had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his lower chest area, and he was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of Baldwin’s vehicle was not injured.
The shots were fired from a 2019 black Cadillac driven by Hawkins as he chased Baldwin’s vehicle through Ensley. Shell casings were recovered along Sonnyboy Lane, Ensley Street, Johnson Avenue and North Palafox Street.
Hawkins’ vehicle was occupied by another individual who also participated in the shooting. That individual has not been identified. Hawkins is being held without bond.
New Phone App Will Give Escambia School Staff An Emergency Alert ‘Panic Button’
May 23, 2019
The Escambia County School District is purchasing a phone app that will give employees a panic button in the palm of their hands in the event of a campus security breach.
The panic button in the Volo app can trigger a lockdown, notifying school staff and law enforcement. The app is “geofenced” — meaning it will only work in specific geographic area such as on a school campus.
Use of the app by employees will be voluntary and training will be offered during the summer break.
The first year of a five-year contract will cost the school district $104,100 under an agreement approved 5-0 by the school board.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 23, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending May 9 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Long responded to a single vessel accident that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico near the Alabama line. The vessel was found beached with the operator being the only occupant on board. The vessel sustained major damage to the engines and other electrical equipment due to water intrusion after being beached. The operator admitted consuming several alcoholic drinks which caused him to fall asleep. While Officer Long spoke to him, he noticed several signs of impairment. The operator agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, which confirmed he was impaired. Officer Long placed the operator under arrest and transported him to the Escambia County Jail for booking. The operator agreed to give a breath sample which showed his breath alcohol level was .253 G/210L blood alcohol content, which is over three times the legal limit. The operator was also found at fault with the accident and was cited for a navigation rule violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hoomes responded to assist a Santa Rosa County deputy who was investigating a suspicious person in Navarre who was in possession of an undersized redfish. Officer Hoomes arrived and determined the redfish was less than 18 inches in total length. The subject had cut the fish up and was using the redfish for bait. The subject was issued a citation for possession of an undersized redfish and issued warnings for failure to land a redfish in whole condition and no saltwater fishing license.
FEDERAL WATERS
While on patrol in the offshore patrol vessel “Vigilance,” Officers P. Rockwell and Matechik boarded a recreational vessel approximately 15 miles south of Pensacola. While approaching the vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection, the vessel operator saw the officers’ approach and quickly attempted to leave the area at a high rate of speed. The Vigilance quickly caught up to the vessel and stopped it. During the fisheries inspection, the officers found the occupants in possession of several undersized gray triggerfish. The violations were addressed, and appropriate action was taken.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Wahoos Fall To The Smokies 9-3
May 23, 2019
The Blue Wahoos started their longest road trip Wednesday in a tough way.
Their league-best pitching took a hit, after the Tennessee Smokies jumped to a big league and cruised to a 9-3 victory against the Blue Wahoos in the series opener at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tenn.
Five relievers followed Blue Wahoos starter Andro Cutera, who faced only 11 batters and gave up six hits and three runs. In the fourth inning, Adam Bray was unable to get an out in the seven batters he faced as the Smokies extended a 3-1 lead into 8-1.
It was the second-most runs allowed by the Blue Wahoos this season. The Blue Wahoos (28-18) entered Wednesday with a 2.61 earned run average, the lowest among all 30 Double-A teams, and watched it jump 15 points tonight.
The Smokies (23-22), the Chicago Cubs affiliate, counter in this series with the Southern League’s best team batting average (.247) and they padded their league-best hit total Wednesday with 12 hits, all singles.
But with the Mobile BayBears beating Biloxi, the Blue Wahoos did not lose ground Wednesday atop the standings with a four game lead.
It was Cutura’s first start for the Blue Wahoos since April 19. He has been on the injured list since making his last appearance in a relief role on April 25.
The game followed the first off day for both teams in 20 days. The Blue Wahoos left at mid-day Tuesday for the 525 mile trip to Kodak, located just outside of Knoxville.
Tennessee shortstop Vimael Machin went 4-for-5 in the game and drove in three runs. First baseman Jared Young also had three RBI.
The Blue Wahoos briefly tied the game in the top of the second when Caleb Hamilton led off with a double, moved to third on Ben Rortvedt’s single and scored on Ernie De La Trinidad’s sacrifice fly.
But in the bottom of the second, after Cutura retired the first two batters, he gave up two singles, along with a wild pitch that led to the first run. He was lifted after the next two batters reached on a walk and single.
The Blue Wahoos got two runs in the fifth on RBI singles from Mitchell Kranson and Rortvedt, who went 3-for-4 in the game. Hamilton and Alex Kirilloff each had two hits.
The teams will play the second game of this series Thursday.
Photo Gallery: Northview High Class Of 2019 Graduation
May 23, 2019
The Northview High School Class of 2019 graduated last Saturday.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Editor’s note: This Facebook photo gallery is provided as a public service. Feel free to *share* or tag the posts, but do not download and post the copyrighted photos.)
For an earlier story with a list of all graduates, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dump Truck Driver Seriously Injured In Highway 97 Rollover Crash
May 22, 2019
A dump truck driver was seriously injured when his truck overturned, shutting down Highway 97 in Molino Wednesday afternoon.
Kevin Davis, age 32 of Milton, was southbound on Highway 29 when he attempted to turn north on Highway 97 about 3:15 p.m. Davis was traveling too fast to safely make the turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His right tires ran off onto the west shoulder, then proceeded to lift off the ground. The truck continued in the turn on only the driver’s side tires on the ground before overturning across the the southbound lanes of Highway 97. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.
After being extricated from the truck, Davis was transported by ambulance to the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and then airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
No charges were immediately filed against Davis.
Highway 97 was closed for several hours as the wreckage and load of sand were cleaned up. The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Files State And Federal Taxes Months Late, Amasses Thousands In Fees And Penalties
May 22, 2019
NorthEscambia.com has learned the Town of Century has been months late in filing and paying state and federal taxes, despite numerous notices and collection warnings, while amassing thousands of dollars in fees and penalties this fiscal year.
Internal Revenue Service Payroll Taxes
The town was assessed $2,346.61 for failure to file and pay their fourth quarter 2018 payroll taxes on time to the Internal Revenue Service.
Century is semi-weekly payroll tax depositor, meaning they are required to remit payroll taxes for each week’s payroll to the IRS by the following Wednesday. A Form 941 must be filed quarterly to report payroll taxes, and it should have a zero balance if the semi-weekly deposits are made, according to Council President Ann Brooks, who is an accountant by trade.
According to documents obtained by NorthEscambia.com, the town’s 2018 last quarter payroll report (Form 941) was due January 31, but was not received by the IRS until February 28 and showed a balance due of $14,060.26. There was also a late filing penalty of $639.08.
And documents also show The first quarter 2019 form showed a balance due of $30,470.40.
“There would be a zero balance due on the 941 form if we paid our payroll taxes when they were required to be paid. We will receive a notice from IRS assessing large penalties and interest for failure to timely pay our first quarter 2019 payroll taxes,” Brooks said.
So far in the second quarter of 2019, the payroll tax deposits due by April 24 and May 1 had not be made as of Monday, May 20.
Florida Department of Revenue Problems
Century’s tax problems don’t end with the IRS but also extend to the Florida Department of Revenue, which is threatening collection activities.
The town’s January, February, March and April gross receipts tax returns were not filed and paid until May 15. The returns and payments are due by the 20th of each month.
Century received a Florida Department of Revenue “Notice of Final Assessment” dated January 14 and another letter on May 14 stating the town had failed to respond to previous communications about the delinquent returns. Another letter received May 13 warned that the failure to file the delinquent tax forms and pay amounts due would result in collection activities.
Documents show that during this fiscal year, the Florida Department of Revenue also sent notices to the town in October and November of 2018 and two notices in February 2019 assessing late fees and interest for failing to file and pay taxes for August, September, November and December 2018.
Who Is Responsible?
Brooks said billing clerk Toni Simmons is responsible for providing information from the town’s billing software to Chief Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Wood who then prepares the state returns.
“Kristina stated that she has repeatedly requested from Toni the information necessary to file the sales tax and gross receipts tax returns and has informed Kim, the Mayor, and Robert that the requested information had not been provided,” Brooks said. The “Robert” she referenced is Robert Hudson, the town’s accountant, and “Kim” is Kim Godwin, town clerk.
Simmons provided the information needed to file Florida Department of Revenue forms for January through April on May 15. The penalty for a late return or payment is 10% for each month, up to 50% of of the original tax.
“The town council is not being informed about many problems, but the council is responsible for issues we are never made aware of. The council has previously voted that anytime a late fee or penalty is incurred it is to be brought to the council’s attention, but that is not happening,” Brooks said. “in the list of services that Robert Hudson agreed to provide to the town, among other things, he will review the monthly filings with the state of Florida before submission and preparation of the quarterly payroll tax returns and instruct personnel to properly compute and record the payroll tax deposit for each payroll.”
Pictured top: Robert Hudson, Century’s accountant, discusses taxes with the Century Town Council. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.