Town of Century Asks Voters To Amend Charter
October 24, 2024
Voters in Century will consider three amendments to the town charter when they vote in the general election.
What’s a charter?
The Century town charter is the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The charter has not been updated in over 40 years, and that often creates problems in the operation of the town. (Pictured left: The first portion of the original 1979 Century town charter, which created the Town of Century, Florida from the Town of South Flomaton, Florida. Click to enlarge.)
One of the big problems for the town has been a spending limit for the mayor of under $200 without council approval. And over recent years, there has been a lot of tension and even a stalemate between the mayor and council over hiring employees. The mayor can’t hire employees without council approval, even down the lowest level employee.
Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr., by his own admission, violated the town charter earlier this month by exceeding his spending limit by $161,590. And he says it saved the town a nearly $200,000. Gomez informed the council after-the-fact- that he approved an insurance proposal for $161,790 without council approval to avoid a $134.883 increase in premiums and choosing a cheaper policy to save $190,173. The town has yet to completely fulfill a public records request related to the insurance issue to verify the mayor’s claims.
The charter has other issues with outdated provisions not following changes in a current state law.
How did the recommended changes come about?
In recent years, the town sat a charter review committee to create a new draft charter, and the town council set about reviewing those changes. There were several snafus along the way, from the pandemic to wrong documents, which delayed the process.
The volunteer charter review committee spent about three years creating a draft of a completely new charter from beginning to end. The town attorney submitted another draft build around a town manager and no mayor, but the council later shelved that version.
Now, the town had scrapped the full charter review committee recommendations made by the local citizens’ committee, instead opting for three changes of their own, but not a complete re-write.
Early this year, the town placed the three charter amendments on the ballot, without ever formally approving them. That caused the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office to become involved and force the town to give final approval before the SOE finalized ballots. (Pictured left: The original signature page from the 1979 Century town charter.)
The town council voted to approve the three questions for the ballot at their July 2 meeting; the approval came as three ordinances. That was step one, but ordinances require a second reading and a final vote to become official.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) Robert Bender said the town had been given a deadline of the week of the August 20 primary to submit the ballot items for the November election.
The town had a regular meeting scheduled for August 20, but they rescheduled the meeting and two workshops because the council chambers were being used for primary voting under an agreement with Bender’s office. The meeting was rescheduled for the following day, August 21. The charter ballot ordinances were on the agenda for that night, but the vote was deliberately delayed until September 17 –after the SOE deadline — at the request of Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr.
“Madame president, I would like to have those three items tabled until September 17,” Gomes said at the meeting with no explanation. He did not tell the council about the deadline imposed by Bender’s office, nor did he disclose the council that the charter changes had been submitted for the ballot two days prior.
Without any discussion, the town council unanimously approved the mayor’s request with no further explanation about the ballot items.
This week, the town did not respond to a NorthEscambia.com request for more information on the charter ballot questions, or interviews.
What are the items on the ballot?
Here are the items appearing on the ballot for voters that live inside the Century town limits. The exact wording is available in the sample ballot pictured left (click to enlarge).
Question 1:
TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR TOWN PURCHASING TO BE GOVERNED BY COUNCIL-APPROVED PURCHASING POLICIES
Amending the Town of Century Charter to remove specific bidding, contracting, purchasing, and expenditure requirements and procedures from the Charter, and provide that Town bidding, contracting, purchasing, and expenditures will be governed by Town ordinances, policies, and procedures adopted by the Town Council. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted? [Click for pdf.]
The first amendment to the town charter would allow town purchasing to be governed by purchasing policies approved by the council.
Currently, the charter requires the town to receive bids and award contracts for expenditures of $500 or more. The mayor can also approve expenditures of up to $200. The mayor has a limit of $500 in an emergency situation, and most notify the town council president immediately. There is no current charter provision that allows the mayor to spend more than $500 under any circumstances without council approval.
If the amendment is approved, the current requirement to receive bids and the mayor’s spending limit will be removed from the charter. Instead, the town council will be able to set purchasing guidelines and limits, making whatever charges at any point they see fit.
Question 2:
TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENT CONCERNING MAYOR’S EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITY
Amending the Town of Century Charter to expand the Mayor’s powers to select, appoint, suspend, and remove town employees and appointive administrative officers, by limiting the requirement for Council approval of such actions solely to the selection, appointment, suspension, or removal of the Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Town Manager. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted? [Click for pdf.]
The second amendment to the town charter would allow the mayor to hire, and fire, employees at will. The mayor would only need to the council’s approval to hire, or fire, a town clerk, town attorney, and town manager.
Currently, the charter requires the mayor to recommend and seek the town council’s approval to appoint or remove any town employee. Without conical approval, the mayor cannot hire, terminate or suspend any employee.
Question 3:
TOWN CHARTER CLEANUP AMENDMENT
Amending the Town of Century Charter to correct scriveners and codification errors, and to conform charter provisions to the requirements of the Florida Election Code. Shall the above-described amendment be adopted? [Click for pdf.]
The third proposed amendment will amend the charter “to correct scrivener and codification errors” and confirm charter provisions to Florida Election Code.
Scrivener’s errors, by common definitions, are typographical errors, misspellings, omitted words or other common errors–essentially clerical errors or typos.
While the mayor and council members are currently elected for four year terms, charted language that states two years terms would be changed to reflect four years terms of office. Language requiring that voters register and qualify with the town clerk would also be removed, as voter registration is now handled by the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. A requirement that voters reeside in town limits “on election day” would be removed, as would requirements that the town clerk keep registration books.
A current provision as outline for allowing charter changes by voters would be replaced to conform to wording in Florida Statutes.
Otherwise, the town has not specified what would be changed in the charter as “scrivener and codification errors”, nor have they specified who will have the authority to make changes, if any, in the future.
NorthEscambia.com photo and images, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Robbing, Attacking Ex-Wife At Gallery Night
October 24, 2024
A Cantonment man is charged with attacking and robbing his ex-wife during a recent Gallery Night event in downtown Pensacola.
Marcus Romaro Anderson, 41, was charged with aggravated battery, robbery by sudden snatching, larceny, and criminal mischief $1,000 or more. All of the charges are felonies.
The victim told the Pensacola Police Department that Anderson had contacted her by text and would not leave her alone, and he was agitated because she had blocked his number. They were married for 20 years but are no divorced and a domestic violence injunction had expired.
While walking with friends at Gallery Night, the victim was attacked by Anderson in front of 121 South Palafox, according to an arrest report. Anderson struck his ex-wife on the right cheek with a closed fist before snatching her iPhone 14 Pro Max and crushing it, according to an arrest report. He then grabbed her by the arm and slammed her to the ground, police said. A security guard in the area saw the incident, the report states, and took the phone from Anderson and returned it to the victim.
The victim’s shoulder was fractured in the incident, the report continues.
Anderson remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday with bond set at $15,000.
Escambia County School Choice Expo to be Held Tuesday, Oct. 29
October 24, 2024
Escambia County Public Schools will host their annual School Choice Expo on Tuesday, October 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Washington High School.
Representatives from ECPS career academies and choice schools will be on hand to greet guests and answer questions about their programs. Tables for career academy displays will be set up inside the Washington gym and cafeteria. Local vendors will provide items for gift bags for attendees.
The expo typically welcomes over 1,000 guests.
“The school district is excited to once again be offering our School Choice Expo to the community,” stated Coordinator of Enrollment Services Chris McFarland. “This is a great opportunity for our students to experience all of the awesome programs and school choice transfer options available to our students in one venue.”
The School Choice Expo coincides with the middle and high school open enrollment period, which is from October 28 until December 6, 2024. The open enrollment period for elementary schools will be January 27 – March 7, 2025.
For questions about open enrollment, contact Chris McFarland, coordinator of enrollment services at (850)469-5580. For questions about career academies, contact Steven Harrell, director of Workforce Education, at (850)469-5357. Families are encouraged to apply while attending the School Choice Expo; technology to apply will be made available on site.
Tate, Beulah FFA Teams Take Top Sports At District Forestry Contest
October 24, 2024
Area schools took top spots in a recent FFA District Forestry Contest at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley.
Tate High School FFA took first and third place among high schools at the event hosted by the Florida Forest Service.
Tate High FFA team members (pictured above), led by advisor Melissa Gibbs, were:
Milton High School was in second place.
In the middle school division, the Beulah Academy of Science FFA Team A earned first place under advisor Allie Eubanks.
Beulah Academy of Science FFA Team A members (pictured below) were:
Addyson Creighton
Becca DeCoux
Braxton Williams
Luci Graham.
Second place middle school was Pleasant Ridge Christian School from Walton County. The Beulah Middle School FFA Team A finished third.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students And Employee Of The Month
October 24, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students and Employee of the Month for September.
They are:
- Sixth grade — Weston Jones
- Seventh grade — Donald Alexander
- Eighth grade — Kameron Brown
- Employee — Megan Bryan, eighth grade world history
Pictured top: History teacher Megan Bryan; Kameron Brown, eighth grade; Donald Alexander, seventh grade; Weston Jones, sixth grade; and Dawn Inman, assistant principal. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chamber Of Commerce Calls For Light Industrial Use For Part Of OLF-8
October 23, 2024
The Great Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has sent a letter to the Escambia County Commission supporting light industrial user for a portion of the OLF-8 property on Nine Mile Road.
“Outlying Field-8 remains one of the only undeveloped areas in Escambia County that can be utilized as a site for economic development projects,” wrote David Deliman, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.”On behalf of the 1,100 chamber members, our board respectfully asks that you follow the agreed upon Master Plan that supports job creation which will grow our economy, increase county revenues, and provide quality jobs for our citizens.”
The letter dated Tuesday was sent to the commission following the chamber’s October board meeting and, Deliman wrote, “a robust conversation about this project and what we believe is the highest and best use for this property.” He noted that the DPZ Master plan previously approved by the commission calls for significant job creation from the acreage.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Math Takes Center Stage at Bratt Elementary School’s Math Family Night
October 23, 2024
Bratt Elementary School welcomed students and their families for an engaging and educational Family Math Night on Tuesday. The event aimed to strengthen math skills while promoting family involvement in learning
For a photo gallery, click here.
Students and parents participated in a variety of interactive math activities designed to make math fun. Teachers were on hand to guide families through each activity, offering tips on how to support math learning at home.
Family Math Night was part of the school’s ongoing efforts to create a collaborative learning environment, helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputies Find Body Of Man, 69, Missing Since September
October 23, 2024
The body of missing Escambia County man has been located.
A local purple alert was issued on October 14 for 69-year-old Vernon “Bubba” Albion Flowers, Jr. He was last seen on September 28.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said his body was located last week, and the medical examiner’s office identified his body on Monday, October 21. The ECSO did not specify where he was found, but investigators said foul play is not suspected.
He was last seen in the 5500 block of Perkins Street in Bellview. At the time of the purple alert, deputies said he may have been in need of medical attention.
Flowers’ family has been notified.
Elementary Schools Celebrate 50th Day Of School With 1950s Flair
October 23, 2024
Area elementary schools marked a milestone Tuesday by celebrating the 50th day of school with a nostalgic nod to the 1950s. At Lipscomb Elementary School, students and staff embraced the throwback theme, donning poodle skirts, leather jackets, and other iconic ’50s attire.
The celebration highlighted the progress students have made in their first 50 days of learning. The day was designed to reinforce academic milestones while adding a fun, retro twist.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Veterans Services Office Advocates on Behalf of Local Veterans
October 23, 2024
For veterans trying to navigate the process of getting benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, it can easily become overwhelming and confusing.
Escambia County resident and Navy Veteran Michael O’Neal, age 74, was struggling to get a benefits claim approved through the VA for knee surgery – until a friend told him about Escambia County’s Veterans Services Office.
“I had a documented injury that occurred while on active duty, and the VA kept denying me,” O’Neal said. “But these folks were able to put it together in such a way that they pretty much couldn’t say no.”
The Escambia County Veterans Services Office consists of two Veterans Services officers, Stevan Davis and Lisa Horan, who are accredited with the VA and experienced with helping veterans and their dependents navigate the VA benefits process.
Both veterans themselves, Davis and Horan are committed to working with veterans, their spouses, and dependents to file claims for benefits they are entitled to, acting as an advocate for them throughout the process. Most importantly, the Escambia County VSO provides these services to veterans completely free of charge.
“The veterans already paid for their benefits with their service, so why should anybody else get paid for what they’ve already paid for?” said Davis, who retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service. “We come across people who have done great things and have never asked anything back from their country.”
With a significant veteran population in Escambia County, the VSO stays busy, seeing approximately 65 veterans per week, in addition to outreach events, home visits, and numerous emails and phone calls for assistance. What was once a one-person office has now expanded to two Veterans Services Officers and one administrative assistant.
O’Neal said he worked with another agency before discovering the Escambia County Veterans Services Office, and the difference has been “night and day.” He retired from the Navy after 22 years of service, which included serving on Guam during the Vietnam War. O’Neal has experienced numerous health issues from exposure to Agent Orange, leading to various medical claims filed through the VA.
“We were able to get things accomplished with the VA that had not been able to get done before,” O’Neal said. “They just seem to do better work than anybody ese. They really care about us veterans – there’s no way you could possibly say enough good about them.”
Davis and Horan both emphasized that because they don’t work for the VA, their focus is on helping veterans file the best possible claim to receive the benefits they have earned through their military service.
“I’m your advocate,” said Horan, who served in the Marine Corps for seven years. “I’m a veteran, just like you. I work for you – I don’t work for the VA. Pretty much anything related to veterans, we’re going to do it if we know how to do it. If we don’t know how to do it, we’re going to find out how.”
The Escambia County VSO can assist veterans and their dependents with a variety of benefit claims, including medical treatment, disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, pensions, life insurance, burial claims, survivor benefits and more. Working closely with community partners including Waterfront Mission, Volunteers of America, and 90Works, the VSO also helps connect homeless veterans with available resources.
The VSO aims to make services as accessible as possible, visiting nursing homes throughout the county in addition to conducting home visits when the veteran or dependent cannot travel to the office.
As certified VSOs, Davis and Horan have access to the VA’s claims system, which provides them valuable information that can help when filing claims for veterans.
“That’s a huge benefit to us,” Horan said. “We have insight that the veteran doesn’t have.”
Although they can’t ensure every claim will be approved by the VA, Davis and Horan said they work hard to listen to veterans, gather the right information for their claim, and connect them with their benefits to the best of their ability. The most rewarding part for both of them is just being able to help veterans, many of whom express their appreciation through thank-you cards, letters of appreciation, or even through hugs and tears.
“Just seeing people get help is so rewarding, even if it’s a smaller claim,” Davis said. “For example, you get a guy who gets 10% for his hearing loss, he’s getting $171 a month, but he’s happy and thankful and comes and thanks you because now he gets hearing aids. And before, he couldn’t hear because he couldn’t get hearing aids – he couldn’t afford the $10,000 for a set of hearing aids.”
“That’s the great part of the job,” Horan said. “That’s what keeps us going.”
For more information about the Escambia County Veterans Services Office, visit MyEscambia.com/veterans. To schedule an appointment, please call 850-595-2409 or email VSO@myescambia.com. The Veterans Services Office is located at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
