Business Tax Receipt Renewal Deadline Approaching
September 20, 2017
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford is reminding business owners that the deadline to renew their Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is quickly approaching. Businesses may renew their BTRs anytime between now and September 30.
Businesses can make online payments at EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
“Paying online is easy and secure, and there is no wait time,” said Lunsford. E-checks and credit cards can be used for online transactions. Businesses also can make payments by mail or at one of four convenient offices.
Also, business owners are encouraged to take advantage of the installment plan for tangible personal property tax payments. By utilizing this plan, business owners with a tangible personal property tax bill of at least $100 can 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. Paper applications are being accepted now, and businesses can apply online after November 1, 2017. The Installment Payment Plan application deadline for 2018 property taxes is April 30, 2018.
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.”
Volunteers Sought For Six Escambia County Extension Council Seats
September 20, 2017
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Extension Council for the following zones:
- Zone 1: North of intersection of Hwy. 164 and Hwy. 97
- Zone 3: Tungoil Road to Gibson Road
- Zone 5: Quintette Road to Molino Road
- Zone 7: Nine Mile Road to Kingsfield Road
- Zones 9 & 11: At Large
The Escambia County Extension Council was established in accordance with Chapter 67-1366, Section I-8 Florida Statutes. The purpose of this council is to study the needs of the county in developing its natural resources, its families and youth; to provide for the organization of planning committees in various agricultural commodities, in youth and in all phases of home economics important to Escambia County; to provide for close liaison between the committees, county extension agents and the council; and to coordinate the reports of all committees into a single Escambia County resource development program designed to develop the county’s resources and its people through programs for which the Cooperative Extension Service has a responsibility for initiating or coordinating. Council members serve a two-year term of office. For more information on UF/IFAS Escambia Extension click here.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Extension Council, who meet the requirements noted in the job description below, are asked to submit an information sheet (attached) and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2017. Informational sheets and letters should be submitted via email to shendrix@ufl.edu or by mail to:
Susan Hendrix
3740 Stefani Road
Cantonment, FL 32533
UF/IFAS ESCAMBIA COUNTY EXTENSION COUNCIL MEMBER
JOB DESCRIPTION
General Description
Represent your organization that serves the people of Escambia County. Share their needs and concerns. Serve as a catalyst and leader in shaping the vision for Extension in support of Escambia County citizens within the scope and mission of UF/IFAS Extension.
Specific Responsibilities
- Attend quarterly council meetings as scheduled.
- Seek out needs and issues of clientele you represent.
- Learn about all programs of Extension.
- Advocate for Extension as opportunities arise.
- Suggest resources to contribute to Extension educational programs.
- Contribute personal expertise, information, and time as available and needed to support Extension’s efforts in Escambia County.
Time Required
- Two-year term of membership.
- May be eligible for a second term.
- Four to 6 council meetings per year; 1-2 hours in length.
- Committee meetings as assigned.
Resources Available
- Extension Council guide
- Extension staff
- Escambia Extension agents’ plan of work reports
- Extension educators within the region
- Regional and state advisory councils
Training Opportunities
Several training opportunities, including orientation, are available to council members throughout their term of service. This council operates under the Florida Sunshine Law and members are required to attend training provided by the Escambia County Attorney’s staff at a regularly scheduled Extension Council meeting.
Organizational Relationships
Council members work primarily with the county Extension director. There is generally regular interaction with Extension agents and staff members, as well as Extension educators who serve Escambia County. Council members may be asked for input from the regional Extension director or other members of UF administration.
Qualifications:
- Live in the geographic zone area noted (included below).
- Interest in enhancing the educational efforts of Escambia County.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an advisory capacity with Extension staff and volunteers.
Atmore Man Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges
September 20, 2017
An Atmore man has been arrested on child sex abuse charges.
Ricky Terrell Pratt, age 19 of Liberty Street, was charged with enticing a child and sexual abuse of a child under 12. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center with bond set at $250,000.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office said Pratt lured a child under the age of 12 into a room “for the purpose of lewd and lascivious behavior” and subjected the child to sexual abuse. Investigators said the child later disclosed the sexual abuse.
The Child Advocacy Center and the Department of Human Resources assisted the Sheriff’s Office with their investigation.
Town Rents Century Business Center Office To Attorney
September 20, 2017
The Town of Century is renting space at the Century Business Center to a Pensacola attorney.
The “main office” of the center will be rented to Gerald McKenzie for $100 per month, plus $7.50 in sales tax, and he will be responsible for the electric bill, according to Century Mayor Henry Hawkins. Hawkins said the non-profit Northwest Florida Legal Services will continue to use the office to periodically meet with clients.
The Century Business Center on Pond Street is a former school that was converted into a business incubator known as the “Habitat for Opportunity Building” until being renamed in 2015.
McKenzie recently told Century Chamber of Commerce members that he looks forward to becoming actively involved in the Century community. He said his office in Century will be staffed a few days each month; he will retain his main office and staff in Pensacola.
Pictured top: This corner of the Century Business Center contains restrooms (foreground) and a small office that will be rented to a Pensacola attorney. Pictured below: The Century Business Center on Pond Street. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Volleyball Loses To Central In Three, Tate Beats Fort Walton
September 20, 2017
The Central Jaguars defeated the Northview Chiefs Tuesday night in Bratt 3-1.
The Chiefs dropped the first set by a score of 18-25 before losing the second set 19-25. Northview turned the tables on Central, bouncing back to win the third set 25-18. The Chiefs could not find success in the fourth and final set, falling 15-25.
Teriana Redmond led the Chiefs with seven blocks and 13 digs, while Natasha Walker recorded six serving aces.
The Northview Chiefs will travel to Jay on Thursday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Tate 3, Fort Walton 0
The Tate High School Lady Aggies defeated the Fort Walton Beach Lady Vikings Tuesday 3-0. The Aggies won straight sets at home in Cantonment 25-17, 25-21, 25-23. The Lady Aggies will be at Pensacola High School on September 26
Tate 2, Fort Walton 0 (JV)
In junior varsity action, the Tate Lady Aggies beat Fort Walton’s Lady Vikings 2-0. The Aggies won the first set 25-13 before beating Fort Walton 25-15 in the second set.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Portion Of Stefani Road To Close Friday Morning
September 20, 2017
The closure of Stefani Road between Nine Mile Road and 9 1/2 Mile Road in Cantonment has been rescheduled. The segment will now experience closures and detours beginning Friday at 7 a.m. Construction will consist of the installation of a sanitary sewer manhole.
The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately two weeks. Every effort will be made to expedite construction efforts to reopen the road on or before Friday, October 6. If other lane or roadway closures are necessary beyond the anticipated time period, another notice will be issued.
Florida Tourism Marketing To Ramp Up After Irma
September 20, 2017
Florida will begin a post-Hurricane Irma marketing plan to lure tourists back to the Sunshine State.
Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that the public-private agency Visit Florida will lead a marketing campaign. Scott’s office said the campaign will be “multi-phased and include digital, social, broadcast and traditional components in both domestic and international markets.”
The state, which before Irma was on pace to top last year’s 113 million visitors, has yet to calculate the potential economic impact the storm had on the tourism industry. Irma made landfall Sept. 10 in Monroe and Collier counties and traveled up the state. The announcement Tuesday didn’t put a price tag on the post-storm marketing.
In a prepared statement, Visit Florida President and CEO Ken Lawson described the marketing plan as one that will showcase “sunshine, blue skies and good times.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who has questioned the use of tax dollars for Visit Florida, said Tuesday the Legislature could support post-disaster marketing. “In 1996, (Visit Florida) was created and the concept was, when you have an oil spill, when you have a 9/11, and people are afraid to travel to big places like Disney World, because they think that’s the next terrorist attack,” Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, said. “That was the point in ‘96, to give an entity some funding to go out there in those type of situations and say, `Look, there isn’t a single tar ball on our beaches, Disney World is the safest place to be, our beaches are fine and our communities are together, come visit.’”
During the 2017 legislative session, Scott and the Senate maintained $76 million in state funding for Visit Florida after battling with House leaders.
by The News Service of Florida
Cantonment Man Facing Drug, Burglary Tool Possession Charges
September 19, 2017
A Cantonment man was arrested on multiple felony charges after deputies found him in the early morning hours on a street that had recently been hit by a rash of car burglaries.
Escambia County deputies reported finding 36-year old Jeffrey Scott Walker in a Nissan Altima parked next to a privacy fence on private property off Wasatch Range Loop, east of the Mobile Highway intersection.
After deputies observed the ripped-off corner of a plastic baggie next to the driver’s door of Walker’s car, a K-9 was called and alerted on the vehicle.
Deputies reported finding multiple baggies of crystal methamphetamine with a combined weight of 18.4 grams, multiple baggies of powder cocaine with a total weight of 2.2 grams, 30 amphetamine tables, a digital scale and two burnt glass pipes with residue. Walker was also in possession of a “daily log” notebook which is often used to record drug transactions, according to an arrest report. In the trunk of the vehicle, deputies found a large bag containing “slim jims” and metal lock picking tools in a bag labeled “vehicle lock picking tools”.
Walker was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering and prowling, and possession of burglary tools with intent to use.
Walker was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $66,000 bond. His vehicle, $129 in cash and the lock picking kit were seized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Town Denies Donation For Autism Walk, Votes To Donate To Local School
September 19, 2017
The Century Town Council has denied an autistic resident’s request to sponsor a fundraising walk for autism this weekend, instead opting to support autism education locally in the town.
Jake Livingston, known to many North Escambia residents as “Northview’ Biggest Fan”, addressed the council Monday night, asking them to sponsor the Steps for Autism walk in an amount from $100 to $10,000. Livingston said the monies raised by the walk Saturday morning at Wahoos Stadium would be used by Autism Pensacola for local programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
When council members learned that they had zero available donation dollars in their budget for the current fiscal year ending on September 30, they voted to donate $500 next month from their next fiscal year’s budget to the Century Academy. The private non-profit K-12 school is in it second year of operation in Century.
Century Academy specializes in teaching children diagnosed with autism and other related learning disabilities. It is a subsidiary of East Hill Academy in Pensacola.
The council noted that the school would be made aware that the donation was being as a result of Livingston’s efforts for autism awareness..
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cross Country Results: Northview, Flomaton, Ernest Ward (With Gallery)
September 19, 2017
Results from a cross country meet held Monday afternoon at Northview High School are below.
For a photo gallery of most finishers, click here.
Boys Team Placement
- Northview High School
- Flomaton High School
- Ernest Ward
Girls Team Placement
- Northview & Ernest Ward (tied)
Flomaton did not field girls team.
Boys Individual
- Kevin Meeks/Flomaton — 21:28
- Tanner Levins/Northview — 21:46
- Oscar Rodriguez/Northview — 22:13
- Logan Doremus/Northview — 24:22
- Will Rollin/Flomaton — 25:51
Girls Individual
- Kara Santorelli/Ernest Ward — 24:45
- Cheyanne Johnson/Northview — 27:29
- Julianna Money/Ernest Ward — 27:43
- Addison Albritton/Northview — 33:51
- Aurora McCann/Northview — 34:24
Northview — Top 5 Boys
- Tanner Levins 21:46
- Oscar Rodriguez 22:13
- Logan Doremus 24:22
- Samm Bradley 26:44
- John Chivington 27:21
Northview — Top 5 Girls
- Cheyanne Johnson 27:29
- Addison Albritton 33:51
- Aurora McCann 34:24
- Allie Carter 39:05
- Rebekah Amerson 39:06
Flomaton — Top 5 Boys
- Kevin Meeks 21:48
- Will Rollin 25:51
- Wyatt Kent 29:00
- Dustin Martin 29:05
- Jacob Strehl 33:50
Ernest Ward — Top 5 Boys
- Kole Stewart 25:59
- James McElhaney 30:55
- Anthony Weaver 31:05
- Bryson Sanders 31:26
- Jacob Daw 31:24
Ernest Ward — Top 5 Girls
- Kara Santorelli 24:45
- Julianna Money 27:43
- Emily Levins 36:46
- Ava Gurganus 36:51
- Adrianne Shanks 43:44
Pictured top: Top boy finisher Kevin Meeks from Flomaton High School and top girl finisher Kara Santorelli from Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
