Pensacola Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Bayview Park Cross Case
September 18, 2018
The City of Pensacola is asking the U.S Supreme Court to hear the case of the Bayview Park cross.
A wooden cross was first placed in Pensacola’s Bayview Park in 1941 by the Jaycees, a local community service group, as the U.S. prepared to enter World War II. The cross has been a popular gathering place for over 75 years and is one of over 170 displays in Pensacola’s parks commemorating the city’s history and culture, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
In 2016, an atheist organization sued the city, claiming that the cross is “offensive” and establishes a government religion.
The appeal comes as the Supreme Court is considering a similar case involving the Bladensburg Peace Cross, a World War I memorial in Maryland. Pensacola has asked the Supreme Court to join the two cases together and decide if historic symbols like the cross are permitted in the public square.
“Religious symbols aren’t like graffiti that the government has to erase as soon as someone complains,” said Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, which is representing the city. “The Constitution lets the government recognize the important role of religion in our history and culture.”
The court of appeals based its ruling on the notorious “Lemon test”, which has been criticized by scholars and Supreme Court justices as inconsistent with the historical meaning of the Constitution. Nevertheless, the court said the Lemon test hasn’t been “directly overruled,” so “our hands are tied.” Two of the three judges said the law should be fixed and the cross should remain.
“Pensacola is a diverse city that welcomes people of all faiths and none,” said Ashton Hayward, mayor of Pensacola. “The cross is a valuable part of our history; tearing it down would needlessly signal hostility toward religion. The city looks forward to a victory in the Supreme Court.”
Becket is representing the City of Pensacola free of charge together with Stanford Law Professor and former Tenth Circuit Judge Michael W. McConnell. The city is also represented by J. Nixon Daniel, III, and Terrie L. Didier of Beggs & Lane.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Traffic Light At 297A And Kingsfield Now Active
September 18, 2018
A new overhead traffic light was activated Monday at the intersection of Highway 297A and Kingsfield Road in Cantonment.
Other intersection work underway includes lane improvements, pedestrian amenities and drainage upgrades. The project is anticipated to be completed within the next few weeks. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia County said the project will greatly improve general and school traffic along the two roadways.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Approves Lower Budget, Higher Property Tax Revenue
September 18, 2018
The Century Town Council gave approval Monday night to a $3.43 million budget for the next fiscal year and a property tax higher than the rollback rate.
The budget is $1.17 million lower than the town’s previous year budget.
The council also approved a millage rate of .9204, which a 7.3 percent increase over the rollback rate of 0.8578. The rollback rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year.
The new budget year begins October 1.
Pictured: The Century Town Council Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Robots, BizKids, Minecraft, Book Clubs At The Molino And Century Libraries
September 18, 2018
There are several special events coming up during the rest of September at the branch libraries in Century and Molino:
Robots with STEAM at WFPL– Molino
—Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Robots! STEAM staff members will bring robots to the library branches for you to learn and play. Come join in the fun as you explore what these robots can do. Each session begins with an introduction to coding principles and will include a challenge for you to work through with your robot.
Digitization Day – Century
—Tuesday, Sept. 18, noon – 4:30 p.m. – Century Branch Library
When you have only one copy of an important family document or photo, your family history becomes vulnerable to damage. Library staff can help you make digital copies of your family records and photos. Each patron will receive a half-hour help session and a flash drive containing the digital files they made. Reservations are available by phone at (850) 435-5067. Drop-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
BizKids at Century and Molino
—Tuesday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m. – Century Branch Library
—Thursday, Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
—Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Youth age six and up are invited to come make things, sell them for play money and learn about financial literacy. Money plays an important part in every person’s life and learning how to make and manage it an be fun for almost anyone.
Minecraft at Molino Branch Library
—Saturday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Come get your build on and play Minecraft, hosted by West Florida Public Libraries. Beginners are welcome. Laptops and iPads will be provided.
Molino Book Club – Molino
—Monday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Local Author Katherine Youngblood visits the Molino Library to discuss her book “Cast Away
Stones.” A historical novel set in 1848 era Louisiana.
Two Injured In Highway 29 Crash Near IP
September 18, 2018
Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident Monday just before 6:30 p.m. on Highway 29 near Tree Street, in front of International Paper.
One was person was transported to an area hospital by Escambia EMS, and one other person also suffered minor injuries. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Three Injured In Cantonment Rollover Accident
September 18, 2018
Three people reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries in single vehicle rollover accident about 8:10 p.m. Monday on Devine Farm Road in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Portion Of Hwy 4 Dedicated As The ‘Senator Greg Evers Memorial Highway’
September 18, 2018
A stretch of road in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties was official dedicated Monday as “Senator Greg Evers Memorial Highway.” Evers, 62, died last summer in a single-vehicle accident near his home in Okaloosa County.
The memorial designation is on part of State Road 4 between Munson Highway and State Road 189 in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Evers, a Republican, served nine years in the Florida House before his election to the Senate in 2010. Evers left his Senate seat in 2016 to make a bid for the U.S. House but lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Grand Jury Report On ECUA Allegations Remains Secret Two Months Later
September 18, 2018
Today marks two months since an an Escambia County grand jury completed its review into complaints and allegations involving the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. But that report still has not been released.
The grand jury report was sealed by the court and will remained secret until a court orders its release.
“All matters contained in this report are required to remain secret until released by the Court,” a press release from the State Attorney’s Office said on July 18. “For these reasons no further information may be provided by this office regarding this matter.”
Century Blackcats Show Off New Uniforms
September 18, 2018
The Century Sports Association president stopped by the Century Town Council meeting Monday night to show off the teams’ new uniforms, and to thank the council for their support.
In July, the town council voted to contribute $1,600 towards the purchase of 75 new uniforms. The total purchase price was $4,860.
Century Sports President Amanuel Dobose said program is a positive influence for Century’s youth.
Century’s games begin at 5 p.m. as below for the remainder of the season:
· Sept. 22 – Century at Castleberry
· Sept. 29 – Repton at Century (Homecoming)
· Oct. 6 – Frisco City at Century
· Oct. 13- Century at Georgiana
· Oct. 20 – Beatrice at Century
· Oct. 27 – Jamboree, location TBA
Pictured: Century Sports President Amanuel Dobose gives the Century Town Council a look at new Blackcats uniforms. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blood Drives This Week At Tate, Northview And UWF
September 18, 2018
Blood drives will be held this week at Tate and Nothview high schools and the University of West Florida.
The Big Red Bus will be at the:
- Tate High School on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
- Northview High School on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
OneBlood welcomes blood donations from donors 16 years old and older. Donors that are 16 years old must present a signed permission form from their parent or a guardian before the donation.
Pictured: The OneBlood Big Red Bus earlier this month at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.