Florida Minimum Wage Increasing
December 24, 2013
It won’t come quite early enough to serve as a Christmas bonus, but Florida workers who earn the state minimum wage will see a slight increase in their paychecks after January 1.
That’s when an automatic increase of 14 cents an hour goes into effect, raising the lowest pay rate in the state to $7.93, up from $7.79. The boost to the minimum wage is below the average increase of around 25 cents an hour since Florida started setting its own minimum wage in 2005.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25.
Century Approves Barnyard Animal Ban; Citizens Ask For Vote
December 24, 2013
After three months of back and forth discussions, public meetings and protests, the Century Town Council gave finall approval to a barnyard animal ban during a special meeting Monday night…with one possible hitch.
Century resident Maggie Waters presented the council with a self-styled ballot initiative signed by 86 citizens calling for the ordinance to be placed on a ballot for public vote. The 86 signatures were not documented as being from registered voters.
Unsure if the ballot initiative would require the council to place the issue on the ballot, the council approved the barnyard animal ban on a unanimous vote with the town’s attorney to review Waters’ document.
The new ordinance went into effect immediately.
It is now illegal to keep a horse, mule, donkey, goat, sheep, or cow within the town limits except in areas that are zoned agricultural or rural residential. Hogs were already prohibited in all areas of the town.
One horse or cow will be allowed for every two acres, one donkey or mule per acre and one goat or sheep per one-half acre. The animals and their pens must be 200 feet or greater from a dwelling or property line.
Anyone with the regulated animals in an area not zoned agricultural or rural residential within the town limits, must register their animals at the Century Town Hall within 60 days. Anyone with nonconforming animals must apply for and be granted a variance from the town council within six months or get rid of their animals.
Pictured: Century council members Gary Riley, Ann Brooks, Sandra McMurray Jackson, Jacke Johnston and Annie Savage during Monday night’s special meeting. Pictured inset: Council member Jacke Johnston reads the ordinance. Pictured below: Resident Maggie Waters (right) presents a ballot initiative signed by 86 residents to the council calling for a public vote. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wrong Phone Number To Deputy Leads To Prostitution Arrest
December 24, 2013
An Escambia County woman was arrested for prostitution after dialing a wrong number and accidentally soliciting an Escambia County Sheriff’s investigator.
The Sheriff’s Office said 27-year old Schquita Alaysha Warren dialed the investigator’s phone and said, “This is Quita”, but a crying child in the background prevented him from hearing anything further. When he hung up, he received a text from Warren asking “Want the number to have fun?”. He then received texts that included a provocative photo and directions to an adult entertainment website where her picture could be found.
Investigators met Warren at the Motel 6 on Highway 29 where she admitted she was at the motel for paid sex. She was arrested and charged with prostitution.
Prevent Holiday Crime
December 24, 2013
During the Christmas season, busy shoppers sometimes fail to remain aware of their surroundings, making them easy prey for criminals.
“During the holidays, when we are often busy and in crowds, criminals see opportunities,” Sheriff David Morgan said. “Don’t give them easy chances to commit crimes. Be safe, lock your vehicle and look after your neighbors.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is offering the following safety tips:
- Always lock your vehicle.
- When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it.
- Always park in a well lit and well traveled area. Do not park in a remote dark area.
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.
- When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk.
- Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
- Do not leave your purse, wallet, or cellular phone in plain view.
- Don’t resist if someone tries to take any of your belongings. Don’t chase someone who robs you, they may have a weapon. Instead,call 911.
- Lock your vehicle and put up your windows even while you are driving.
- If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.
- Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- If you make a purchase with your credit card, be sure to obtain any carbons or see that they are destroyed in front of you.
- Drive defensively. Traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers may also have indulged in too much holiday spirits.
Christmas Gas Prices Down, Travel Forecast Higher
December 24, 2013
Christmas gas prices are down a few pennies per gallon over last year, according to the latest numbers from AAA.
The average price per gallon of regular unleaded gas was $3.21 Monday night in Escambia County, compared to $3.15 one year ago and an improvement from $3.27 one month ago.
Gas prices have climbed slightly from the multi-year low of $3.18 per gallon on November 12, but AAA expects most drivers across the country will pay less than a year ago to fill up during the holiday season. Gas prices recently increased because of planned and unplanned maintenance at a number of refineries and seasonally stronger demand for gasoline. Prices should decline by the end of the year due to rising supplies and increased refinery production.
AAA projects 94.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday season, an increase of 0.6 percent from the 94 million people who traveled last year. This upward trend marks the fifth consecutive year of increases and the highest travel volume recorded for the season. The year-end holiday period is defined as Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1.
According to AAA:
- Holiday travel to total 94.5 million, an increase of 0.6 percent from the 94 million who traveled last year.
- Year-end holiday travel is expected to increase for the fifth consecutive year, reaching a new high since data has been collected by AAA.
- Ninety-one percent of travelers or 85.8 million to travel by automobile, an increase of 0.9 percent.
- Nearly 30 percent (29.7) of all Americans will take a trip this holiday, with more than one in four (27 percent) taking a road trip.
- Holiday air travel is expected to decline slightly to 5.53 million travelers from 5.61 last year.
- Median spending expected to increase slightly to $765, compared to $759 last year.
Pictured: A gallon of regular unleaded was $3.16 late Monday afternoon in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Christmas Holiday Closures, Trash Pickup Changes
December 24, 2013
Here are holiday closures in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- West Florida Public Library System
Closed December 24, 25 and January 1:
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Escambia County Tax Collector
Closed December 25 and January 1:
- The Perdido Landfill
ECUA
- Residential: Tuesday pickups on Tuesday. Wednesday pickups will be on Thursday; Thursday pickups will be on Friday and Friday pickups will be on Saturday. Commercial (dumpsters): No change.
- ECUA offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1.
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) Schedule Changes:
- ECAT busses will not run December 25 and January 1
- UWF Trolleys will resume service January 5
CENTURY, JAY AND PENSACOLA
All city offices in Century, Jay and Pensacola will be closed December 24 and 25.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Closed December 24, 25
- Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, including the library system and animal shelter
- The Central Landfill located on 6337 Da Lisa Road will be open from 7 a.m. – noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
- Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Court
- Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
- Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections
- Santa Rosa County Tax Collector
FDOT Suspends Construction Work For Christmas, New Years Holidays
December 24, 2013
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office is suspending highway construction projects on major roadways across Northwest Florida. There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions through Friday, January 3, 2014. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
FDOT Calls For Traffic Light, Hwy 29, Hwy 97 Intersection Redesign
December 23, 2013
The Florida Department of Transportation is recommending multiple change at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino — including a red light and redesign of a portion of the intersection.
According to James Barfield, District 3 secretary for FDOT, a full study of the intersection has concluded that a traffic signal be installed. The study also found that intersection should be redesigned to eliminate the “5-leg intersection configuration” caused by a driveway connection to the Tom Thumb by a combination of strong access control at the driveway connection and a reduction of the existing median opening width.
In October, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay for the red light at the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection.
The Florida DOT, Barfield said in an email, will begin the process to implement the recommend improvements. There is no timetable for completion.
The move came after residents of the all residential northern stretch of Highway 95A from Highway 29 to Highway 97 unsuccessful pushed commissioners to enforce a truck ban on that portion of Highway 95A. Trucks currently turn south on Highway 95A at Highway 29 to avoid the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection altogether over safety concerns.
“This is great news for the safety of the residents and commuters of Escambia County. It is an example of multiple municipalities and agencies working together for the good of the citizens. Assistant Escambia County Administrator Larry Newsom, and Colby Brown, director of Escambia Traffic and Transportation, worked closely and cooperatively with the professionals in the District 3 Florida Department of Transportation office in Chipley, headed by District Secretary Tommy Barfield,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steve Barry said.
Barry said Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ingram, Rep. Doug Broxson, Rep. Mike Hill, Rep. Matt Gaetz and Senate President Don Gaetz also advocated for the DOT to make safety improvements at the intersection.
Pictured: Traffic crashes at the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Adopts A Highway
December 23, 2013
The Northview High School NJROTC Unit has adopted a portion of Highway 29 from Bogia to McDavid, taking part in the state’s Adopt-A-Highway partnership to remove litter. Recently, 19 cadets collected about 110 pounds of trash. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Red Velvet Cake, Holiday Dips
December 23, 2013
The holidays are a time when a lot of people head into the kitchen to cook for family and friends. You just can’t go wrong with a red velvet cake. We also have a couple of dip recipes just in time for your Christmas entertaining — a black bean dip and a hot cream cheese dip.
Red Velvet Cake
by Shirley Boone
CAKE
- 1 ½ cups oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp. cocoa
- 1 oz bottle red food coloring
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Mix oil and sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Add food coloring. Add vinegar to buttermilk and pour into oil mixture. Add vanilla. In small bowl combine cake flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix with other ingredients until well blended. Pour into 9 inch greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees. Two pans bake for 30-35 minutes, three pans bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes and wrap in plastic wrap until cool.
ICING
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 box confectioners sugar
- 1 stick Parkay margarine, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all together until creamed. Spread on cooled cake.
Black Bean Dip
by Mona Brown
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 2 cans shoe peg corn, drained
- ½ bunch green onions, chopped
- Sprinkle of garlic powder
- Mix ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup apple cider vinegar and ½ cup sugar.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Marinate for 24 hours. Drain and add 8 ounces of feta cheese. Serve with Scoops.
Hot Cream Cheese Dip
from the Molino Homemakers Club
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 3 stalks green onion diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Mix all ingredients and pour into a 9×9 glass pan or pie plate. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm with Chicken in a Biscuit crackers.