Gulf Power Customers To See Rate Reduction
March 27, 2018
Monday, Gulf Power received unanimous approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to pass along approximately $103 million in tax savings to its 460,000 customers. With the approval, the average residential Gulf Power customer using 1,112 kilowatt-hours per month can expect to see a $14 drop on their monthly energy bill for 2018 — the largest decrease in company history. More than $30 million in savings for customers will continue into 2019 and beyond.
“We’re thankful to gain approval from the Commission today so we can now quickly pass these savings on to our customers,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power chairman, president and CEO. “Gulf Power customers will benefit from this tax reduction in the form of lower energy prices beginning in their April bills.”
“It’s exciting,” said Art Graham, chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission, which approved the plan Monday. “It’s definitely exciting to see the immediate impact of this kind of stuff.”
The tax savings are the result of federal tax reductions under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2017, and became effective on Jan. 1, 2018. The decrease in the Corporate Tax Rate from 35 percent to 21 percent reduces the amount of federal income tax Gulf Power will have to pay and allows the energy provider to pass that savings along to customers.
While the average residential Gulf Power customer who uses 1,112 kilowatt-hours per month will see a $14 drop on their bills, customers who use more energy will see a larger decrease and those who use less, a smaller decrease.
Gulf Power worked together with the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to reach a settlement on how to deliver these savings to customers as soon as possible.
“We think it’s a fair deal, and we think it’s in the public interest,” said Jon Moyle, an attorney for the group commonly known as FIPUG.
The decrease comes on the heels of record consumption by Gulf Power customers during an unusually cold January.
Application Period Open For Century Town Clerk Position
March 27, 2018
The application period for the Century town clerk job is now open.
“The town clerk is the official custodian of all official town records; responsible for the retention and overall management of records in accordance with Florida law. the town clerk records the minutes and actions of the town council and manages all aspects of town elections. work is performed in coordination with the mayor and town council,” according to the job description.
The application period closes April 8. Applications area available at Century Town Hall or can be downloaded by clicking here..
Leslie Howington resigned the town clerk job March 9 after seven and a half years.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Scott Signs Nursing Home Generator Requirements
March 27, 2018
More than six months after residents of a Broward County nursing home died following Hurricane Irma, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday signed two bills that nail down requirements for nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to have backup generators and fuel supplies.
The bills passed this month by the Legislature, ratified rules issued by the Scott administration. The ratified rules replaced emergency rules issued in September following the deaths of residents of The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills.
Hurricane Irma knocked out the Hollywood nursing home’s air-conditioning system, which led to sweltering conditions.
The emergency rules drew legal challenges, but the more-permanent rules ratified by the Legislature this month were negotiated by the Scott administration and parts of the long-term care industry. The nursing home rule, for example, requires facilities to have alternative power sources, such as generators, that can keep temperatures at 81 degrees for at least 96 hours. Areas cooled would have to at least be the equivalent of 30 square feet per resident.
Also, nursing homes would have to keep 72 hours of fuel on site. Scott signed the bills during an appearance in Lee County.
Pictured. Generator at Century Health & Rehabilitation in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Elementary Names Students Of The Month
March 27, 2018
March students and citizens of the month have been named at Molino Park Elementary. They are: Mady Madril and Makayla Morales, March students of the month; and Chloe Mitchem, and Walker Maughon, March good citizens of the month. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pine Forest Tops Northview; Lakewood Gets Late Win Over Tate
March 27, 2018
Pine Forest 6, Northview 4
The Pine Forest Eagles took advantage of a sixth inning error to take the lead on the way to defeating the Northview Chiefs 6-4 Monday in Bratt.
Seth Killam took the loss for the Chiefs took the loss for the Northview Chiefs. He allowed four runs on three hits over three innings, walking one and striking out three. Jackson Moore started the game for the Chiefs, giving up four runs in four innings and striking out four.
Northview: Seth Killam1-4, 1R 2B; John Chivington 1-4, RBI; Adam Aliff 1-2, 2R; Jason Fischer R; Billy Rolin 1-2, 2B , RBI; Logan English 1-2, RBI 2B; Tanner Levins 1-3.
Pine Forest: Jason Roberts 1-4; Nolan Rigby 1-3, R, 2B; Garret Holmes R; Timmy William 2-1, R; Christian Munoz 2-3, 2R, 2RBI, 2B; Caleb White R; Jesse Oberst 1-3, RBI.
Pine Forest will host Northview on Tuesday at noon.
Lakewood Ranch 7, Tate 6
Lakewood Ranch High School of Bradenton defeated the Tate Aggies 7-6 Monday.
For Tate: Reid Halfacre 2-3; Raymond Lafleur 1-4, RBI; Mason Land 2-3, 3R;, RBI; Hunter McLean 3-4, R, 2RBI, 2B, 3B; Darrien McDowell 1-3; Jesse Sherrill 1-4, 2R.
Fire Marshal Investigating Suspicious Back Porch Fire At Abandoned Home
March 26, 2018
A suspicious fire that damaged an abandoned mobile home near McDavid is under investigation.
A passerby noticed smoke from the rear of the trailer on Lambert Bridge Road, near Pine Barren Road, about 1 p.m. Monday. The fire originated on the back porch and was quickly extinguished.
The mobile home did not have power or gas service. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Pictured: The first firefighters arrive at an abandoned mobile home on Lambert Bridge Road Monday morning and extinguish a porch fire. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Seven Finalists Named For Escambia County Fire Chief
March 26, 2018
Seven names are on a short list of candidates to be the next Escambia County Fire Chief, down from an original field of 77 applicants.
They are:
- David E. Allen, Pensacola, Florida
- Larry L. Collins, Saline, Michigan
- Stephen F. Cox, South Bend, Indiana
- Steven C. Hudson, Cudjoe Key, Florida
- Russell Clark Nail, Melbourne, Florida
- Paul Randall Smith, Mobile, Alabama
- Steven P. Woodworth, Atlanta, GA
The seven were named after a selection committee meeting Monday. Next, the county will determine if each is interested in moving forward with the selection process. Interviews and background checks will follow.
Allen is the only local candidate remaining.
Among those cut from the list of 77 candidates were local applicants Molino District Fire Chief Anthony Manning, Ferry Pass District Fire Chief Michael Aaron, former Pensacola Fire Chief Matt Schmitt and former Pensacola Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Glover (a current part time ECFR employee), and current ECFR lieutenants Daniel Akerman and Richard Bode.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Pensacola Woman Killed In I-65 Hit And Run Crash
March 26, 2018
An Escambia County, FL, woman was killed Sunday night when she was struck by a vehicle on I-65 in Alabama.
Alabama State Troopers said 25-year old Anna Caroline Lewis of Pensacola was walking along I-65 about eight miles north of Evergreen when she was hit. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the unknown vehicle fled the scene.
Troopers are continuing their investigation. They have not said why Lewis was walking on the interstate.
Anyone with any information about the crash is asked to call the Alabama State Troopers at (251) 578-1316.
Florida Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century, Travels Through Escambia County
March 26, 2018
The 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning and continued in Pensacola.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line about 7:05 a.m. Monday. Runners from Century Correctional Institution with an escort from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office carried the torch down Highway 29 to the Century Town Hall.
Later in the morning the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Pensacola Police Department and other law enforcement agencies carried the torch from the ECSO Administration building on West Leonard Street to Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an event to raise awareness and support for the Special Olympics.
Statewide, the participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, represent a total of over 300 different agencies. Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and hats, and through various local fundraising events.
The Florida Special Olympics State Summer Games begin May 18 in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
Pictured: The 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured bottom two photos: The Torch Run leaving the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing For 15 Years: Search Continues For Melinda Wall McGhee
March 26, 2018
This weekend marked 15 years since Melinda Wall McGhee went missing from her Atmore home.
Her sister, Lisa Wooten, has said that she’s never held any hope that her sister will be found alive since the moment she learned the details of McGhee’s disappearance .
“I live everyday with no hope that she will be found alive,” Wooten said. “I knew from the first day, I knew and believed at that moment that she was murdered.”
For Wooten, her hope now centers on closure and justice.
“Every time I hear that remains have been found somewhere, I pray that it will be my sister,” she said. “We are still hoping someone with come forward with something. We want to to find out what happened, who did it, and bring them to justice.”
The morning of March 24, 2003, was a sunny start to the first day of spring break. Melinda Wall McGhee, then 31, returned to her home about 8 a.m. after working the night shift as a nurse at a Bay Minette nursing home.
Her husband, Troy McGhee, was at work at Masland Carpets in Atmore. Their two children were at a babysitter, and Troy’s son from a previous relationship was at a dentist’s office. At about 8:30 the morning of March 24, 2003, Melinda McGhee spoke to her mother on the phone. It was the last time anyone known to Melinda would ever hear from her.
At about 4:00 that afternoon, husband Troy came home to find Melinda missing. There was blood and evidence of a violent struggle inside the home. He reported his wife missing.
In 2010, authorities issued a death certificate for McGhee after a required seven year waiting period passed.
When asked what she would like to say directly to the person responsible for the disappearance of her sister, Wooten said, “I don’t want him to know the pain, the hurt, the anger I’ve felt…He is not worthy of any of my words.”