Residents Dumping Landlines And Going Wireless Only
August 9, 2012
North Escambia residents and people across Florida are continuing to turn off traditional home phone lines as they rely on wireless phones and voice services from Internet providers.
According to a new report by the Florida Public Service Commission traditional residential lines declined 16 percent between December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2011. During the same period, business lines increased 8 percent.
The report also says about 17.6 million wireless handsets were in service as of June 2011, or nearly one for every Floridia resident.
Overall, the report said 93 percent of Florida households had telephone service as of July 2011, slightly lower than the national rate of 96 percent.
In an informal Facebook survey, we asked NorthEscambia.com readers what they think about landlines versus cell service only.
Here are selected responses:
- “I would not rely on my cell phone. I am in Cottage Hill and Sprint is awful on my road.” — Rhonda Johnson, Cottage Hill
- “We have had our cell phone for seven years…been without a home phone for close to nine years,” — Kimberly McCullough, Walnut Hill
- “Been seven years with only a cell phone and for the last three years no computer; everything done over my cell phone. Don’t think I will ever have a land line. Bigger question might be why should anyone have a land line?” — Autry Singleton, Walnut Hill
- “I only use my cell phone. Land line is to expensive for long distance and all the other features that are standard on cell phones.” — Amber Chestnut, Pensacola
- “We have not had a house phone in over seven years. We cut it out just to cut expenses and with kids, we always gave schools/people our cell phones in case they were off and got hurt or needed anything.” — Jennifer Peebles, McDavid
- “I have a landline because about 90 percent of the time my cell through Sprint does not work out here. The texts works most of the time and sometimes it rings. But for the most part you lose the one you are talking to within a minute. Bright House in not always dependable, but at least I know I have a line out most of the time.” — Rhonda Johnson, Cottage Hill
- “I only have cell phone.” — Wendy Booker, Jay
- “If we could get internet in our location from someone other than the “Phone Co.” we would probably cut our home phone. For now, since we wish to keep the DSL internet, we have a phone that is for incoming calls and outgoing 911 calls only. I feel a little safer that we have a “landline” to make 911 calls.” — Nancy Peters, Walnut Hill
- “We have cell phones only and internet through ATT Uverse.” — Jessica Smith-Jalomo, Milton
- “Called Bright House yesterday and told them to turn off TV and Phone. We do not use enough of either to have to pay for it. I decided to keep Bright House internet and that gives us access to every thing we could possibly need.” — Donna Barnes, Cantonment
- “We ditched our landline about four years ago!” — Tammie Dortch, Bratt
- “We disconnected our landline several years ago because the bill made no sense. A basic package with voice mail and caller ID was only supposed to be $32 but after all the taxes and fees it came up to nearly $65! And my husband and I still needed cell phones so we could be reached away from home in case of an emergency with the kids. Each cell is a flat $50 a month (I did away with contract cell service because they had the same billing problems as the landline) so budgeting is much easier.” — Gwen Butler, Pensacola
- “I don’t have a landline anymore. Just my cell. Internet sevice at home and wifi hotspot from Verizon.” — Dave Murzin, Pensacola
- “No landline here. Cell phone is a necessity!” — Katie Mayo, Pensacola
- “We cut our landline off about three years ago after having one for over 20 years. Everyone in our family has Verizon cellphones and we realized that we was just paying a bill each month for solicitors to annoy us. We have not missed ours at all.” — Kimberly Burkett, Byrneville
Molino Residents Report Tornado, Only Minor Damage Found; About 300 Lose Power
August 8, 2012
Residents of a Molino neighborhood reported wind damage and a possible tornado this afternoon, but there was no serious damage in what appeared to be the result of just thunderstorm winds.
About 1 p.m., the Molino and Cantonment Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to Crest Way, just east of Highway 29 near the Escambia County Sheriff’s Molino Substation. Callers told Escambia County dispatchers that they saw debris flying through the air as storm passed through the area.
A small tree was downed on one yard on Crest Way and a few small outdoor items and basketball goals were blown about. Along the west side of Highway 29 at Crest Lane, a couple of large tree limbs were broken. There was no structural damage and no injuries.
There were no watches or warnings at the time and no official reports of a possible tornado.
Gulf Power reported that about 300 customers lost power during the storm as the result of a lightning strike.
Pictured above: A small tree downed by high wind gusts Wednesday afternoon on Crest Way in Molino. Note that the street sign for Crest Way is the foreground of the photo, blown from a nearby signpost. Picture inset and below: Tree limbs were broken at two homes along Highway 29 at Crest Lane. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Gun Response Team’ Investigating Pensacola Drive-By Shooting
August 8, 2012
The new Gun Response Unit — a multi-agency law enforcement team — is investigating a drive-by shooting Tuesday afternoon in Pensacola.
The incident occurred about 3:30 p.m. with multiple shots fired at a home in the 2400 block of West Jackson Street.
Pensacola Police Department Capt. David Alexander said multiple people were inside and outside the residence when shots were fired from a Dodge Durango that was last seen headed northbound on S Street.
Witnesses initially told police four black males with their faces covered were inside the vehicle when it pulled up to the house. Alexander said detectives believe more than one person fired the shots.
An exact number of people inside and outside the house at the time of the shooting was not available. There were no injuries.
The Gun Response Team is being utilized in the investigation of this incident. The team was first announced Monday as a join operation of theEscambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office. Also assisting in the venture will be the Florida Department of Probation and Parole, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the U.S. Marshal’s and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Flomaton Police Chief Target Of Criminal Investigation, Resigns
August 8, 2012
Flomaton Police Chief Daniel Thompson is under criminal investigation and has resigned. Over the past three years, Flomaton has been unable to keep a police chief more than a few months…with Thompson the second chief to be the target of a state law enforcement agency.
Thompson submitted a letter of resignation Monday, citing “personal reasons”, according to Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant.
On Tuesday, the top investigative law enforcement agency in Alabama announced that they are investigating Thompson.
“At the request of the Escambia County District Attorney, Stephen M. Billy, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) is conducting a criminal investigation involving Flomaton Police Chief Daniel Thompson. Upon completion, the findings of the ABI’s investigation will be turned over to District Attorney Billy,” said Sgt. Steve Jarrett of the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the agency that includes the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Details about the investigation have not been released.
The Flomaton Town Council held a special meeting Tuesday evening, quickly going into executive session and discussing Thompson behind closed doors as allowed under Alabama law when discussing the “good name and character” of an employee. About five minutes later, the council returned to session.
“I need a motion that we accept his resignation,” Bondurant said. The council unanimously approved a motion to accept the resignation. No interim chief was named.
Thompson was not present at Tuesday’s meeting, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
Thompson was promoted to chief in early March after the Flomaton Town Council fired then chief Geoffery McGraw after his arrest. McGraw was in court Tuesday morning, accused of kidnapping for arresting a man across the state line in Florida. Read more…
McGraw, a former investigator for the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, was named police chief in late January 2011. He replaced former chief Katarius Jenkins. Bondurant claimed that Jenkins quit, but Jenkins said Bondurant fired him in November 2010. Bondurant asked the town council to officially fire Jenkins, but the council would not do so.
Terri Tolbert resigned as Flomaton police chief in May 2010. She had been hired to replace Tim Hardage who was released during a six month probationary position. Hardage was hired in February 2009.
Mike Lambert had previously served as Flomaton’s chief before being hired as chief deputy for the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, a position that he still holds.
Pictured top: The Flomaton Town Council voted Tuesday evening to accept the resignation of Police Chief Daniel Thompson, who is the subject of a state criminal investigation. Pictured inset: Residents discuss the resignation outside the town hall following a brief special council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Soldier Returns Home After Tour Of Duty
August 8, 2012
A Bratt soldier was welcomed home Tuesday morning at the Pensacola International Airport after a year deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. SFC Chad Wiedel served the tour of duty with the Florida Army National Guard’s 1-111th Aviation Battalion of Jacksonville.
Wiedel was welcomed back from deployment by his wife Annie, daughters Joselynn and Rebecca, son Chris and other family members.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Homestead Exemption Fraud Costing Escambia $1 Million A Year
August 8, 2012
Escambia County is being robbed of up to $1 million annually by property owners committing homestead exemption fraud, Property Appraiser Chris Jones said Tuesday.
“Unfortunately some property owners claim exemptions to which they are not entitled,” Jones said. “These may include rental or vacation properties, second homes or other properties in which the owner does not reside.”
There are currently about 650 cases of homestead fraud per year in Escambia County, Jones said. Homestead fraud occurs when a person who is not a resident of Escambia County files for and is granted a homestead exemption; when that person is not in good faith residing on the property which has been granted the exemption; or is claiming a resident benefit in some other location while at the same time claiming an exemption on the property on which they filed. Homestead fraud is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.
“In the past the property appraiser’s office has recovered as much as $600,000 a year by being aggressive in pursuing homestead fraud.” Jones said, “Everyone should care about this because those fraudulently claiming a homestead exemption are essentially stealing from our law enforcement and our schools, and adversely impacting the quality of life of the majority of citizens who are following the law.”
Jones urges citizens who are aware of any homestead fraud to report it to his office.
“If you are aware of anyone who is claiming an exemption on property where they do not reside, which is rented, vacant or merely a vacation home, I would ask you to call our office,” he said.
Anyone contacting the property appraiser’s office to report potential fraud can be assured of confidentiality by either calling the Homestead Fraud Department at (850) 434-2735 or by filling out a form online at www.escpa.org.
“By helping to control homestead fraud the vast majority of citizens of Escambia County who abide by the law, can help ensure that we all receive the same homestead benefits afforded us under the law,” Jones said. “Homestead fraud is not a game or some clever way to gain an advantage. It’s illegal.”
Century Receives $155K Housing Grant, Applying For $650K More
August 8, 2012
Century has been awarded $155,000 in grant money to harden homes against hurricanes, and the town is about to start the applications process for $650,000 in grants to rehabilitate private homes in town.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management awarded Century $105,000 in Residential Construction Mitigation Program Funds. The Community Action Program Committee will provide an addition $50,000 in grant money, bring the total dollars for hurricane retrofits to $155,000.
In the coming weeks, the town will begin the process of apply for an additional $650,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to rehabilitate or replace homes that are currently occupied by persons of low or moderate income.
Work is wrapping up now in the Century on a $650,000 CDBG grant and a $100,000 hurricane retrofit grant that was awarded last year. About a dozen private homes were rehabilitated under the program. [Read more...]
Pictured: One of about dozen homes rehabilitated in Century last year using grant funds. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Second Mother Also Gets 25 Years In Fire Deaths Of Three Children
August 8, 2012
The second twin sister from Atmore accused of murder after their three young children died home alone in a house fire last year is headed to prison.
Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner has entered a plea of guilty to three counts of reckless murder and has been sentenced to 25 years on each count, to be served concurrently. Her sister, Akeevia Lajoseia Abner entered a plea of guilty last month and received the same sentence.
The sisters were charged in connection with the deaths of 3-year olds Aniyia Abner and Takia Abner, and 22-month old Michael Coleman in house fire last November on 1st Street in Atmore.
A State Fire Marshal’s investigation determined the fire was caused by an unattended stove. Authorities say the mothers had left the children home alone while they were elsewhere in the neighborhood.
“They showed an extreme indifference to these children’s lives and created a grave risk of death to the children by leaving them home alone on November 2, 2011,” the Escambia County (Ala.) District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared statement following the arrests.
Two of the children were found dead in a hallway while the third was found in a bedroom. And prosecutors said that a mattress was blocking the living room door.
Forensics evidence determined that three young children died from smoke inhalation, authorities said.
Pictured top: Three young children were killed in an Atmore house fire in November 2011. Pictured below: This photo shows the oven door propped open inside the kitchen of a home were three children died in a house fire. Pictured below: The scene of the fire the night of November 2, 2011. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Scott: Florida Ready To Help Panhandle If Need, The Assist Other States
August 8, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott on Monday said Florida is poised to help its Gulf state neighbors as Isaac appeared to spare much of the state from significant damage.
But the governor cautioned that the next 36 hours will be critical for residents of the far western Panhandle, who may face up to 18 inches of rain and tropical storm winds by sunrise Wednesday.
“Now our biggest concern is, especially, the western Panhandle where it appears they are going to get more rain; we can’t take much at all in the Panhandle because of (Tropical Storm) Debbie,” Scott said.
Reports coming in from South Florida and the Tampa Bay region were favorable, with no major damage or injuries reported so far. About 81,000 customers were without power in South Florida.
Shelters were closed Monday after housing 700 residents and visitors Sunday night in South Florida.
“We are very thankful for Florida that this storm is moving west but we are absolutely concerned about the citizens of Louisiana and the other states it could impact,” Scott told reporters Monday evening in Tallahassee.
Scott said he spoke to Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Monday, the last of four Gulf State governors Scott has been in contact with since preparations began.
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas have forged partnerships and mutual assistance compacts to pool resources. Louisiana officials called up 4,000 national guard troops to assist. Arkansas has called up 2,000 national guard troops.
“All of the southern states have a very good working relationship together,” Scott said. “We’ll all show up.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate spent the day in Tallahassee and is now moving to Alabama to oversee response there. Earlier in the day, Fugate said the storm’s size made it more difficult to pinpoint efforts.
“This is not a New Orleans storm,” Fugate said. “This is a Gulf Coast storm…Everybody’s focusing on New Orleans and they don’t understand this threat is not a point. It’s a large area.”
Scott cancelled his plans for the Republican National Convention, which will be in full swing beginning Tuesday, a day later than scheduled in deference to Isaac. Initially scheduled to give an opening night speech on Monday, the governor has instead turned his attentions to monitoring the storm.
“My job is to make sure that the 19 million people who live in our state are safe along with all our visitors, including the delegates to the RNC,” Scott said. “Everybody here (is) focused on the safety of everybody in our state.”
By The News Service of Florida
Back To The Future: Old Main Street Sewer Plant Site Up For Sale
August 8, 2012
Thursday, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will uncover a “for sale” sign and lay sod to announce the 19-acre downtown site of the former Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant (MSWWTP), is available for redevelopment opportunities.
ECUA board members, directors and other dignitaries will participate in the event that has been dubbed “Back to the Future”.
Originally designed and constructed in 1937, between Main and Government streets, the MSWWTP underwent numerous expansions in the 1970s and mid-1990s. The plant was officially taken off-line, Thursday, April 28, 2011, with waste water operations transferred to a new facility in Cantonment (pictured top).
One year after ceasing operations, “Old Stinky,” the name affectionately given to the facility by local media representatives, emerged as an environmental success story. Reuse of the MSWWTP property included a defined effort to reduce the environmental impact by reusing and recycling materials recovered during the demolition process.
