Breakfast And Lunch Are Free For Every Student At 44 Escambia Schools; Others Must Apply
August 2, 2024
Breakfast and lunch are free for all students, regardless of income, during the upcoming school year at 44 schools and centers in Escambia County. Applications must be submitted for free or reduced price lunches at all other schools.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program means that parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the Free and Reduced Meal program at that school. However, siblings attending schools not on the CEP list will need to apply for eligibility.
The free meal schools are selected based upon income levels.
Meal applications, or payment, will be required at: Beulah Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, Cook Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Hellen Caro Elementary, Kingsfield Elementary, Suter Elementary, Brown Barge Middle, Ransom Middle, Tate High, and West Florida High.
Parents at these schools should plan on providing their child with money for their meals until eligibility is established to avoid creating a deficit in their account. Funds can be added to student accounts online at myschoolapps.com.
This program has been in place since 2015 in Escambia County and was not related to the pandemic.
Free meal schools are:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Bellview Elementary
- Bratt Elementary
- Brentwood Elementary
- Byrneville Elementary
- C.A. Weis Elementary
- Ensley Elementary
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- Holm Elementary
- Jim Allen Elementary
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- Lipscomb Elementary
- Longleaf Elementary
- McArthur Elementary
- Molino Park Elementary
- Montclair Elementary
- Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Navy Point Elementary
- Oakcrest Elementary
- Pine Meadow Elementary
- Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Scenic Heights Elementary
- O.J. Semmes Elementary
- Sherwood Elementary
- Warrington Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey Middle
- Bellview Middle
- Beulah Middle
- Ernest Ward Middle
- Ferry Pass Middle
- Workman Middle
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Escambia High
- Northview High
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest High
- Washington High
OTHER SCHOOLS AND CENTERS
- Acceleration Academy
- Achieve Academy
- Capstone
- Escambia Westgate Center
- Hope Horizon
- Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
- Success Academy
Free/reduced meal applications are available here.
Pictured: An Escambia County School lunch. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Pays $3.5 Million To Settle Federal Medicare Fraud Lawsuit
August 2, 2024
Escambia County has paid $3.5 million to resolve federal allegations that the county violated the False Claims Act by falsely billing government healthcare programs for emergency medical services and transportation.
The settlement resolves claims against Escambia County arising from ambulance and emergency medical technicians lacking the requisite certifications who then provided healthcare services via emergency medical services and transportation with Escambia County EMS during the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020.
“This settlement with Escambia County demonstrates our commitment to protect federal health care funds and to hold providers accountable for fraudulent billing especially when it impacts the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Our office will continue to uphold the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs and vigorously pursue health care providers that defraud the government.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Rayme Edler. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.
This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Escambia County, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle represented the United States in this matte
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Big Parking Changes In Effect In Downtown Pensacola
August 2, 2024
As of August 1, big parking changes are in place in downtown Pensacola.
Those changes include:
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First 30 minutes of a paid session is free
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$1 per hour for on-street parking
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$1 per hour for North Palafox Lot (601 Commendencia Lot and South Palafox Marina Lot)
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$1 per hour for Jefferson Street Garage
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The 2-hour-only parking option will be eliminated.
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Paid Parking boundaries will be expanded.
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The hours of paid parking will be standardized in downtown.
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Paid Parking will be in effect from 8 am until 11:59 pm, Monday-Saturday.
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Sundays and National Holidays remain free
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Those parking in downtown will continue to enjoy their first half-hour of parking for free, after a parking session is initiated on the PARKMobile app or at a parking kiosk. New kiosks have been installed in the expanded areas.
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Palafox Street from Gregory Street to Main Street
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Zaragoza Street from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street
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Government Street from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street
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Jefferson Street from Government Street to Zaragoza Street
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Community Maritime Park - Surface lot (Excluding special events)
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Bayfront Parkway – Surface lot
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Belmont-DeVilliers – Surface lot
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South Palafox Marina – Surface lot (During select hours)
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601 Commendencia – Surface lot (During select hours, excluding special events)
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Spring Street
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Rues Street
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Main Street
The ParkMobile app is available for both iPhone and Android devices and may also be accessed on a mobile web browser. To pay for parking via the ParkMobile app or website, users will enter the zone number or scan the QR code found on the signs located within the parking zone, choose the duration of time they wish to park and select the “start parking” button.
Florida Attorney General Activates Price Gouging Hotline During State Of Emergency
August 2, 2024
Attorney General Ashley Moody has Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline following a state of emergency declaration for areas of the state preparing for Invest 97L, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Florida’s price gouging law applies to items and services essential to getting ready for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency.
“Invest 97L is expected to bring heavy rain and powerful winds to much of the state. To help Floridians prepare for this event, we are activating the price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities. As the system approaches, I’m urging Floridians to finalize their storm preparations, monitor weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities. Stay Safe, Florida,” Moody said.
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as equipment, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber and water needed as a direct result of the weather event.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. For more information on price gouging, access Attorney General Moody’s Scams at a Glance: Price Gouging resource by clicking here.
Lowder Quiets Wahoos In 2-1 Loss To Lookouts
August 2, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
One night after hammering out 36 runs in a doubleheader sweep, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos were kept largely quiet by the Chattanooga Lookouts in a 2-1 loss on Thursday night.
Rhett Lowder (W, 3-4), the reigning Southern League Pitcher of the Week, worked 6.0 innings of three-hit, one-run ball to earn the win for Chattanooga. Pensacola’s lone run came on a solo homer from Cody Morissette in the fifth inning.
The Lookouts jumped ahead against Pensacola starter Jeff Lindgren (L, 1-3) in the second inning as Nick Northcut hit his league-leading 21st home run of the season. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI single from Jack Rogers.
Pensacola threatened in the seventh, but both Shane Sasaki and Morissette were thrown out attempting to steal after reaching base against reliever Luis Mey. Patrick Weigel (S, 4) worked around a two-out walk to lock down the save in the ninth.
The series in Chattanooga continues on Friday. First pitch from AT&T Field is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. CT,
DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency In Florida
August 1, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday afternoon declared a state of emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa and 52 other counties in advance of potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
The order references current projections showing that tropical disturbance Invest 97L may strengthen into a tropical depression “over the weekend and early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Peninsula.”
“WHEREAS, based on meteorological reports, there is significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days,” the order said.
The order says that heavy rain may last a long time and lead to “flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.” DeSantis also stated in the order that infrastructure including major roadways, schools, hospitals, airports and power grids.
Current conditions may mean that if Invest 97L makes landfall in Florida, it could make some river flooding last for weeks, the governor stated
“The incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to downed trees and powerlines,” he said.
Canceled: Silver Alert For Missing Escambia County Woman
August 1, 2024
This silver alert has been canceled, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Further details were not released.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has issued a silver alert for a missing 63-year -old Escambia County woman.
Diana Brandy Shannon was last seen Thursday in the 8300 block of Vickie Street in the Ensley area. She was last seen driving a white 2006 Dodge Caravan with Florida Tag# QQSY56.(actual vehicle pictured below). She is 5’0”, 188 pounds and mae be wearing glasses. She may be in need of medical attention, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Free Sand For Storm Prep Available In Escambia County
August 1, 2024
Escambia County has free sand available for residents living in flood prone areas in advance of a system potentially moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
The sand is available on a first come, first served basis at the following locations:
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 Highway 4, Bratt
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297A
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School -available on northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels. Sandbags are usually available for purchase at home improvement and hardware stores.
Pictured: Sand at Travis M. Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Forest Service Grant To Establish Arboretum At Byrneville Community Park
August 1, 2024
A Florida Forest Service grant will be used to tree arboretum at the Byrneville Community Park.
Escambia County received a $23,650 Forest Service grant for the project. There will be 43 native trees planted at the park, which is located by the Byrneville Community Center, located at West Highway 4 and Highway 4A.
The project will enhance the public area but provide educational, aesthetic, and environmental benefits to this community, the county said. The park will become a learning tool with educational signage and serve as a local tree arboretum for citizens and students to see and learn about the diverse native tree species in our region and the many benefits provided by our tree canopy.
The Northview High School FFA and other volunteers have committed to assisting with maintenance of the trees.
It is expected that the first trees will be planted in October.
An arboretum is a place where trees or plants are cultivated for scientific or educational purposes.
Pictured: The Byrneville Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Approves Proposed Property Tax Rate, And It’s A Decrease
August 1, 2024
The Town of Century has set a proposed property tax rate for the next fiscal year.
The town council voted unanimously in a special meeting to approve a tentative millage rate of .9204, which has been the steady rate for several years.
That is 5.9% less than the rolled-back rate of .9781 mills, according to documents filed Wednesday. The rolled-back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. While Century’s tax rate will hold steady, it by definition a tax decrease as it is lower than the rolled-back rate.
Century’s adjusted prior year ad valorem proceeds are estimated at $50,148 from a property in the town with a taxable value of $51,271,029.
The millage rate must be approved at two upcoming meetings before it becomes final. The first budget public hearing is set for Tuesday, September 3 at 5:30 p.m. The second and final public hearing is set for September 12 at 5:30 p.m.
With the same .9204 millage rate last year, Century effectively approved a nearly 300% property tax increase, as defined by state law.
Pictured top: The Century Town Council voted this week to set a proposed property tax rate for the next fiscal year. Pictured inset: Century council member Henry Cunningham reviews the tax rate information. Pictured below: Century interim town manager Howard Brown and procurement specialist Bobbi Williams attended the meeting remotely. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
