ECUA Phones Overloaded As North Santa Rosa Residents Sign Up For Solid Waste Service
December 12, 2014
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority said Thursday that there telephone system is being overloaded by residents of north Santa Rosa County calling in to sign up for solid waste services before the end of the year.
To avoid long wait times on the phone, customers may obtain information on services at http://www.ecua.fl.gov/santa-rosa. To sign-up, residents may email customer.service@ecua.fl.gov to request any of the solid waste services, or go to http://www.ecua.fl.gov/santa-rosa/contact to request service online by December 26.
When making a request for service, customers are asked to include their name, service address and a daytime telephone number. When applying for a new account, customers should be prepared to present some form of identification (for example: driver’s license, military ID card, Florida ID card or student ID card).
To contact ECUA regarding an emergency only, such as a water outage or to report a broken main, call (850) 494-7350.
The Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners has entered into an inter-local agreement with the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority to provide single-family residential solid waste collection north of the Yellow River beginning Friday, January 2. No other large truck provider will be able to provide service in the franchise area after December 30.
The new north end Santa Rosa ECUA services are $51.27 per quarter and include:
- Garbage pickup: twice a week in a wheeled, 95-gallon container
- Recycling pickup: on request by resident once a week in a wheeled, 95-gallon container, residents should request recycling service when signing up for service
- Yard debris pickup: every two weeks
- Bulky waste pickup: service on request via phone call from resident
- Side door collection service for the disabled at no extra charge, Non-handicapped side door collection service, additional containers or bear-resistant containers at an additional cost.
ECUA will begin delivering new garbage and recycling containers to Santa Rosa customers this week. It is important that residents do not use the new containers until after their last scheduled pickup date with their outgoing provider, either December 29, 30 or 31; as ECUA will not start service routes until January. Please leave your old empty containers at the curbside for pickup by the previous provider.
Citizens utilizing residential curbside collection in the north end of the county that do not live the city of Milton, town of Jay or NAS Whiting Field, will now have one solid waste provider assigned to their area. The franchise agreement does not impact business or commercial dumpster accounts or residents living south of the Yellow River. Residents in the Holley, Navarre, Midway or the city of Gulf Breeze will have no change in solid waste providers.
The residential curbside solid waste service is not mandatory. Individuals who do not signup for service will be responsible for transporting their household waste, recyclables, yard debris and bulk waste items to the Central Landfill in Milton or the Jay Residential Drop Off Station in Jay. Additionally, the commission chose to grandfather in the small providers. Residents may choose a provider that is currently permitted and utilizes trucks that weigh 15,000 lbs. or less.
Salvation Army: 150 Kids Won’t Have Christmas Presents Without Help
December 12, 2014
The local Salvation Army has issued a plea for help — about 150 children may get nothing for Christmas without your help.
“The Salvation Army still has about 150 children who’ve not been adopted for Christmas, and this Christmas will be just another day without the basics and an empty tree unless we help immediately,” said Salvation Army Capt. Bob Cornett.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program accepts applications from parents beginning in late October and had plans to help nearly 500 families, but so far there’s not help for about 150 kids.
For more information on how to help, contact the Salvation Army at (850) 432-1501.
All Aboard The Snowball Express For Children, Families Of Fallen Soldiers
December 12, 2014
The ninth annual Snowball Express, an all expenses paid special American Airlines flight for the children and families of fallen soldiers made a stop at the Pensacola International Airport this morning. Thirty-one children from Escambia County will be participating in the event.
Every December, as many as 2,000 children, teenagers and their families gather in Dallas for an extended weekend of fun and socializing. Though they come from all over the country and even international locations to participate in Snowball Express, these children all have one very important thing in common – each one has lost a parent on active duty.
Now in its ninth year, Snowball Express brings together families of post-9/11 fallen military members for an all-expenses-paid trip to create new memories and provide much-needed support.
Nearly 150 American Airlines pilots and flight attendants donate their duty time to charter flights for families to attend the five-day event. Crews dress up and deck the halls of each aircraft with holiday decorations, and American employees throw a send-off party at each departure airport, bringing in costumed characters, games and treats for the children aged 5-18.
The events, however, aren’t purely for fun. The weekend is also a time for the families to support each other, share their grief and celebrate their accomplishments after suffering a devastating loss.
This year’s Snowball Express will include a trip to Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a screening of Annie and a talent show. Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will perform for their eighth year, an annual highlight of the weekend. Plus, David Hira will return to be the MC for many of the weekend’s evening events, as well as the closing night’s Grand Finale Show.
The weekend also includes the annual ‘Walk of Gratitude,’ a procession that allows members of the Dallas/Fort Worth community to cheer for the children and their families and honor the sacrifice their husbands, wives, moms and dads have made.
Picture above and below: Preparing to board the Snowball Express Thursday at the Pensacola International Airport. Pictured bottom: Selfies will members of the Blue Angels crew at the Snowball Express. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Evers Files Senate Bill That Would Allow Guns On College Campuses
December 12, 2014
Sen Greg Evers R-Baker proposed a measure Thursday that would allow people to carry concealed weapons on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Evers represents Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and portion of northern Okaloosa County.
The proposal filed by Evers in identical to the bill filed in the House by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota.
It comes after an incident last month at Florida State University in which a gunman shot three people at the campus library before he was killed by police. The bills will be considered during the 2015 legislative session.
Steube said he already planned to sponsor the measure before a shooting incident last month at Florida State University — but that the attack, which left three people injured and the gunman dead, helps to make his point.
“I think it (the attack) brings it closer to home for people who think these events don’t occur in Florida, or that law enforcement can prevent them from happening,” Steube said.
He said that although Tallahassee and university police officers reached Florida State’s Strozier Library less than five minutes after the shooting, more people could have died in that time.
In the wake of last month’s shooting, a group called Students for Concealed Carry at FSU called for Thrasher to reconsider his stance on allowing guns on campus. The group also said Nathan Scott, a Strozier Library staffer who was shot in the leg, was one of its members. Erek Culbreath, the group’s president, argued that Scott and another man, a U.S. Army Infantry combat veteran who “had a clear shot at the shooter,” had the training and skills necessary to end the shooting but were powerless to do so under current law.
“We have seen that the current “Gun-Free Zone” policies have done nothing to curb violence, both in our state and nationwide,” Culbreath wrote in a Nov. 24 news release. “As criminals don’t abide by these policies, they only serve to prevent victims from having the ability to defend themselves and their peers.”
National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer said Steube’s bill didn’t originate with the NRA, but she supports it on the grounds that law-abiding citizens who are licensed to carry concealed weapons shouldn’t be prevented from carrying firearms in places where they may be in danger.
“The Constitution gives you the right of self-defense,” Hammer said. “Those rights are being usurped, and people are not getting the opportunity they are guaranteed.”
But House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, said the answer to gun violence isn’t more guns. He also said he’d be more inclined to support the cost of additional security rather than allowing more guns at state universities and colleges.
Escambia Man Gets 20 Years For Shooting Into Three Homes
December 12, 2014
An Escambia County man is headed to prison under the 10-20-Life law for shooting into three homes two years ago.
Jeffrey Shoemo was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years after being convicted by an Escambia County jury of three counts of shooting at, into or within a building, one count discharging a firearm from a vehicle, one count of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharge, two counts of improper exhibition of a firearm and three counts of criminal mischief.
On December 11, 2012, the defendant drove from his home in Texas to Escambia County and shot his firearm at three residences of his family members. The defendant raised the insanity defense but it was rejected by the jury.
Ernest Ward Middle Splits Basketball Games With Pollard-McCall
December 12, 2014
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles split games with the Pollard-Mcall Junior High School Wolves Thursday night in Pollard to end their season.
The Ernest Ward boys defeated Pollard-McCall 45-34, while the Wolves downed the Eagles girls 26-18.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Chamber Holds Christmas Open House Event
December 12, 2014
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Thursday afternoon. Chamber members, prospective members and area residents had the opportunity to network and learn more about what the Century Chamber offers, all while enjoying light refreshments.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Wins Again; Jay Drops Game At Freeport; Northview Beat Baker
December 12, 2014
Tate 69, Milton 53
The Tate High School Aggies beat Milton Thursday night 69-53 at Milton. Zachary Phalen led the Aggies with 24 points, while Jack Henry added 10. Justin Baker, Reggie Payne and Daniel Cafarella contributed nine each. Also scoring for the Aggies were Cortez Jackson and Quintin McGhee with three, and Michael Roberts with two.
With the win, the Aggies improved to 7-1, while Milton fell to 0-9.
The Aggies will host Crestview Friday night, with the JV playing at 5:30 and the varsity tip off set for 7 p.m.
Northview 59, Baker 51
Northview 35, Baker 12 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs beat the Baker Gators Thursday night in Bratt. The Chiefs varsity team downed Baker 59-51, and the junior varsity Chiefs beat Baker 35-12. Northview will host T.R. Miller on Monday.
Freeport 53, Jay 39
The Jay Royals lost Thursday on the road at Freeport, 53-39. For the Royals Eric Trevino scored 15, Thomas Fischer had 10, Taylor Kelly contributed eight, Victor Mishoe six, Justice Garcia two, and Austin Sapp one.
The Jay Royals varsity will be at Northview on Monday at 7 p.m.
Three Dead Due To Improperly Used Propane Heater
December 11, 2014
Three people are dead due apparently due to an improperly used propane heater at a Pensacola home Thursday morning.
Police were dispatched to 1217 North Sixth Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. after 29-year Jimmy Sunday was awakened by fumes inside the house and called for help.
A propane tank with a portable heater affixed to the top (similar to the pictured example) was being used inside to heat the house, said Pensacola Police Department Sgt. Kevin Christman.
The victims were identified as 52-year old Bridget Sunday; her boyfriend, 54-year Clarence Nettles; and her grandson, four-year old Tony D. Taylor, Jr.
Jaylen Sunday, age nine, was also inside the house and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he remained in critical condition. Bridget Sunday was was the mother of Jaylen Sunday and Jimmie Sunday.
“We are saddened to report this tragedy and even more saddened that families would suffer this unthinkable tragedy 14 days before Christmas,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “Any deaths are tragic, but especially those that could be avoided.”
Autopsies have been done but the reports are not yet available and could take several weeks or more to complete. Christman also said the autopsies did not indicate any signs
of foul play.
Nativity Scene Removed From Jay Town Hall After Lawyer Claims It’s Illegal
December 11, 2014
For the first time in nearly 40 years, there’s no longer a Nativity scene on display this Christmas at the Jay City Hall after an attorney for a Wisconsin group that represents agnostics and atheists sent a letter to the town claiming that a nativity display on public property is illegal.
“It is our understanding that the town of Jay owns and erects a nativity in front of Jay City Hall. We understand that the nativity is the lone holiday display,”Andrew Seidel, a staff attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, wrote in a letter to Jay Mayor Kurvin Qualls last week.
“It is unlawful for the town to maintain, erect, or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for, and endorsing one religion. The Supreme Court has ruled it is impermissible to place a nativity scene as the sole focus of a display on government property,” Seidel’s letter continued. He said his letter was in response to a complaint his foundation received from a Jay resident.
“Putting up a nativity scene, especially at Jay City Hall, tells nonbelievers and non-Christians that they are outsiders in their community, that they are excluded…Once the town enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship,” Siedel wrote.
According to Jay Clerk Linda Carden, the town’s attorney advised against fighting the group in court due to legal costs that could easily top $100,000. Instead, Carden said, the town council declared the Nativity scene as surplus property.
The Nativity was then acquired by the Santa Rosa County Ministerial Association, which has now placed it on display at the corner of Commerce Street and Highway 4 — at the Jay’s main stoplight.
“More people probably will see it there,” Carden said.
(Scroll down for remainder of article below photo)
In 2012, the Freedom From Religion Foundation targeted a Nativity display at the Century Town Hall, with Seidel writing a letter that claimed a display consisting solely of a Nativity scene, “depicting the mythical birth of the Christian god [sic]“, endorses a single religion and is thus illegal according to the Supreme Court.
“There are ample private and church grounds were religious displays may be freely placed,” Seidel wrote in 2012 to the Town of Century. “Once the council enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship.”
Century declared their Nativity scene as surplus property, selling it to the highest bidder. The sale was not a response to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s assertions, but was due solely to the aging condition of the manger scene set making it unsuitable for public display, town officials said at the time.
Century’s Nativity display was purchased by the Faith Bible Baptist Church. It was erected and lit by church volunteers in front of an abandoned building directly across Highway 29 from the Century Town Hall. The use of the property was donated by owner Don Grant of Century Marine. Electricity for the display was donated by the neighboring Abundant Life Assembly of God, while Tabernacle Baptist Church donated the wiring necessary to light the display.
Pictured top: A photo showing a Nativity display at the Jay Town Hall sent by an unnamed Jay resident to the Freedom From Religion Foundation prompting the group’s complaint. Pictured top inset and middle photo: The Nativity scene was acquired by a ministerial association and moved (Photos by Michele Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com). Pictured bottom inset: A Nativity display now across the highway from the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
