Storm Dumps Hail, Sparks Brush Fire
June 8, 2011
Thunderstorms moving through the North Escambia area dropped marble size hail and sparked a six-acre brush fire, but few other problems were reported Wednesday afternoon.
The hail was reported in the Dogwood Park area, with reader photographs showing it beginning to cover the ground.
Have weather photos? Email them to news@northescambia.com.
A lightning strike about 1:15 p.m. in a wooded area east of Highway 97 near Greenland Road started a six-acre brush fire. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was able to bring the fire under control in about 30 minutes. The Florida Division of Forestry also responded to create a fire break around the blaze using heavy machinery.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for a brief period Wednesday afternoon with National Weather Service radar indicating a severe thunderstorm capable of producing quarter size hail and winds in excess of 60 mph. The storm was near Molino about 1:16 p.m. and moving toward Oak Grove, according to the NWS. That warning has since expired.
Pictured above and below: Marble size hail fell at the Godwin residence in Dogwood Park Wednesday afternoon. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Proposed Escambia Budget Balances With No Tax Increases
June 8, 2011
Escambia County Administrator Randy Oliver is proposing a balanced budget for the next fiscal year without a tax increase despite a projected 3.5 percent decrease in property taxes.
Ad valorem tax revenues are also down, $35.9 million since 2006. Other taxes, including sales, gas and tourist development, are down 11 percent.
The FY 2011/2012 budget includes a net decrease of 14 full time positions, with 17 jobs eliminated and three additions (webmaster, a technical VOIP person and Equestrian Center manager) for a total net savings of $560,000.
County employees will receive a 3.1 percent across the board raise, but that will be offset by the new contributions they will be required to make to their retirement plans.There will be a 5.5 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums, shared between the county ($550,000) and employees ($1.60 monthly for single on a base plan to $22 monthly for full family coverage on the complete plan). County employees will lose a paid holiday with the elimination of one of two days off at New Year’s.
Sheriff David Morgan’s budget will be decreased to $1,394,742 under Oliver’s plan.
Several outside agencies will see cuts that will amount to 15 percent for most. The West Florida Library system will see a 3.5 percent ($120,354) cut, inline with the 3.5 percent property value reductions. The county will still provide $3,318,342 to the library system.
ECAT public transportation will not be cut, rather there will be a slight increase to account for increased fuel costs. But, Oliver said some route changes will be required because of the loss of state and federal subsidy dollars.
Oliver will soon propose a 3.5 percent increase in tipping fees at the landfill to pay higher fuel costs.
Oliver’s budget proposal will be presented to the Escambia County Commission Thursday during a budget workshop.
Stolen, Forged Checks Land Woman In Jail
June 8, 2011
A McDavid woman was arrested this week on charges that she cashed stolen checks from Alabama at a Davisville store.
Tiffany Renee Wiggins, 25, was charged with nine counts of fraud, nine counts of forgery and one count of grand theft, all felonies.
One June, 1, 2010, a resident of West Road, Atmore, reported 50 checks stolen from his residence. Wiggins, his niece, was the suspect in the case, according to Alabama authorities. Wiggins told Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s deputies that she cashed nine of the stolen checks totaling $645.98 at the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 97 in Davisville.
She was also charged with failure to appear on a petty theft case in which she allegedly stole $44.44 in gas from the Century Quick Stop.
As of Wednesday morning, Wiggins remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
UWF Approves Tuition Hike
June 8, 2011
Tuition at the University of West Florida is going up.
The university’s board of trustees voted Tuesday to hike tuition by 15 percent. That equates to about $21 per credit hour more for in-state students. The increase comes as the school’s funding from the state will drop eight percent as of July 1 due to cutbacks.
Tate Baseball Coach Stepping Down
June 8, 2011
Todd Boyd, the Tate Aggies’ head baseball coach has announced that he is stepping down after six seasons.
Boyd was named head coach the season after the Aggies won the state championship in 2005. The Aggies have not made it past the district level since then.
Tate High School will immediately being their search for a new coach to lead the Aggies baseball program. The opening must be advertised by the Escambia County School District for two weeks before candidates can be interviewed.
Summer Reading: A Bit Of Magic At Century Branch Library
June 8, 2011
There was a little magic Tuesday at the Century Branch Library as their Summer Reading Program got underway. Children enjoyed the magic tricks and comedy of Skip Cain Magic Guy.
The library’s Summer Ready Reading Program continues next Tuesday at noon with music from Kathleen Gibson, an award-winning family entertainer, song writer, author, producer and recording artist.
Pictured above and below: Children enjoy Skip Cain Magic Guy at the Century Branch Library Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos by Cassie Cufr, click to enlarge.
Hazard: Century To Demolish Portion Of Old Store Owned By Town
June 8, 2011
Worried that it is a hazard and a code violation, the Town of Century is once again exploring options for an abandoned building owned by the town.
In October 2008, the Century Town Council voted to explore tearing down the building on Mayo Street because they believed there was little chance of repairing the structure.
The white, mostly brick building at 7601 Mayo Street (across from the old hospital) housed doctors’ offices and even a pharmacy and soda fountain years ago. It has been abandoned for several years and is in an obvious state of disrepair with roof and structural problems.
The town council’s actions in 2008 came after a comment posted on NorthEscambia.com pointed out that the building was in obvious violation of the codes and ordinances about to be enforced by the town.
“The town of Century itself needs to do some enforcing of their own property before the town council deems others in town to be a disgrace. I was visiting the pharmacy on Mayo street and noticed that the town of Century has let the “old” pharmacy building go into total disrepair,” a NorthEscambia.com reader commented on a September 26, 2008, story about Century discussing code enforcement options with Escambia County.”The town must set the example don’t you think? Just as parents do their children.”
“I’m sure you’ve read on NorthEscambia.com that people think we need to clean up our own,” Council member Ann Brooks told the council in October 2008.
Fast forward to June 2011…Mayor Freddie McCall told the town council Monday night that the front, two-story portion of the old building will have to come down. He said that once that is done, he wants to install a new wall to create a front for the metal part of the building. He said he will get a preliminary estimate and then bid out the project.
Pictured above: Town of Century will tear down the two story portion of this building owned by the town at 7601 Mayo Street. Pictured below: The interior of the building just inside the front door as seen in October 2008.NorthEscambia.com photos.
School Sales Tax Holiday To Return
June 8, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill that creates a three-day holiday from the state sales tax on many items starting August 12.
The sales tax holiday will include clothes and shoes up to $75 and school supplies valued at $15 or less. The popular sales tax holiday at back-to-school time saves 6 cents on every dollar spent. While it’s a sales tax cut for the careful shopper, retailers say it’s actually a big tax collection increase for the state.
Many consumers actually increase their purchases of non-covered items during that period, which often coincides with sales.
List, Photos: Bratt Elementary Academic Awards
June 8, 2011
The following students received awards at Bratt Elementary School.
For a photo gallery featuring award winners from the third and fourth grades, click here.
Kindergarten
Outstanding Citizen:
- Kennedy Long
- Lily Sullivan
- Bailie Merchant
- Caitlyn Gibson
- Da’mius Wesley
- Emma Gilmore
- Gabrielle Franklin
- Vivyan Smith
Progress Award:
- Lia Bradley
- Ryan Dove
- Tony Hall
- Travis Sunday
- Leonte’ Wright
- Jimmie Boyington
- Ar’Quavian Smith
- Summer Harrell
Outstanding Attendance:
- Luke Bridges
- Trent Knighten
- Jamyla Feagin
- Jake Warner
- Jasmine Robinson
- Alyssa Stabler
- Landon Chavers
- Jimmie Boyington
- Anastasia Bryan
- Lily Sullivan
- J.P. Gilman
- Wyatt Jarvis
- David Stokes
- Emilee Cabral
- Clay Wilson
P.E. Award
- Landon Chavers
- Leont’e Wright
- Wyatt Jarvis
- Bailei Merchant
Art:
- Kadence Burklund
- Kerry Hicks JR.
- Abrianna Downey
- Caitlyn Gibson
Music:
- Trent Knighten
- Kennedy Long
- Mckenna Simmons
- Rosa Carter
Book It Awards:
- Sarah Branch
- Jamyla Feagin
- Luke Bridges
- Landon Chavers
- Jake Warner
- Trent Knighten
- Gabby Franklin
- Jasmine Robinson
- Adyn Barrow
- Brody Black
- Jimmie Boyington
- Chloe Criswell
- Makayla Dove
- Kerry Hicks
- Kennedy Long
- Braeden McGhee
- Matthew Pruitt
- Nicholi Sanderson
- Lily Sullivan
- Emilee Cabral
- JP Gilman
- Emma Gilmore
- Wyatt Jarvis
- Mckenna Simmons
- David Stokes
- Travis Sunday
- Clay Wilson
- Aiden Broadhead
- Rosa Carter
- Jakyia Newton
- Summer Harrell
- Connor Wolfe
- Caitlyn Gibson
- Bailie Merchant
- Travis Scott
- Carter Sigafoose
- Ar’Quavian Smith
First Grade
Outstanding Citizenship Award:
- Anna Lee
- Anna Adams
- Miyhanna Davidson
Progress Award:
- AJ Broadhead
- Nicholas Ingraham
- Ashton Knicley
- Braxton Peebles
- Kayci Garrett
- Tymiriana Wesley
- Mary Grace Rice
Academic Achievement Award All A’s:
- Shelby Rice
- Anna Adams
- John Bashore
- Sarah Margaret Hetrick
- Haley Baker
Honor Roll A’s & B’s:
- Anna Lee
- Angel Merchant
- Travis Nelson
- Kiara Wesley
- Dallon Rackard
- Ashton Cloud
- Tanner Boone
- Zane Gurganus
- Kara Hawkins
Attendance Award:
- Emilee Bomba
- Shelby Rice
- AJ Hasty
- John Bashore
- Dallon Rackard
- Anna Adams
- Haley Baker
- Anyis Cabral
- P.E. Award:
- Kiara Wesley
- Tanner Boone
- Braxton Peebles
Art Award:
- Shelby Rice
- Kara Hawkins
- Kaleigh Macks
- Music Award:
- Miyhanna Davidson
- AJ Hasty
- Rachael Sanders
2nd Grade
Outstanding Citizenship Award:
- Libby Pugh
- Joshuwa Merchant
- Shelby Godwin
- Haleigh Dean
- Madison Peterson
- Hannah Hughes
Progress Award:
- Jayden Jackson
- Olivia Gibson
- Andrianna Cooper
- JD Ward
- DaKota Bryan
- Kiwianna McPherson
- Peggy Sunday
- Destiney Bradley
- Cadarius Poindexter
- Nona Wilson
Acadimic Achievement Award All A’s:
- Libby Pugh
- April Johnson
- Savannah Doremus
- Mary Paige Nassar
- Autumn Williams
- Anna Sullivan
- Amber Gilman
- Madison Peterson
- Hannah Hughes
- Michael Merchant
- Tyler Ray
Honor Roll A’s & B’s:
- Kaylee Sawyer
- Summer Waters
- Jacob Conley
- Haleigh Dean
- Breyden Freeman
- Martina Howard
- Taviana Parker
- Kenna Redmond
- Maggie Amerson
- Shelby Godwin
- Conner Byrne
- Aaron Downey
- Jacob Findley
- Madelin Sheedy
- Savannah Stokes
- Abigail Nelson
- Jaylon North
- Kayla Campbell
- MaKayla Garrett
- Kyiah Bailey
- Franki Daw
- William Wilson
Attendance Award:
- Franki Daw
- April Johnson
- Jaylon North
- Libby Pugh
- William Wilson
- Abigail Nelson
- Stone Presley
- Kayla Campbell
- Aaron Downey
- Savannah Doremus
- Savannah Stokes
- Madelin Sheedy
- Maggie Amerson
- Amber Gilman
- Jacob Conley
- Andrianna Cooper
- Madison Peterson
- Cody Thomas
- Hannah Hughes
- Angelina Heritage
- Jonathan Windham
P.E. Award:
- Libby Pugh
- Joshuwa Merchant
- Maggie Amerson
- Hannah Hughes
- Madison Peterson
- Music Award:
- Andrianna Cooper
- Kollin Ward
- Peggy Sunday
- Isaiah Gaines
- Nona Wilson
- Art Award:
- Kyiah Bailey
- Autumn Williams
- Destiney Bradley
- Kaylee Sawyer
- Kenna Redmond
3rd Grade
Outstanding Citizenship Award:
- Anna King
- Teriana Redmond
- Meagan Wilburn
- Makenzie Moorer
- Keaton Brown
- Amanda Franklin
- Progress Award:
- Myles Harrelson
- Meionni Findley
- Brianna Washington
- E’monee Long
- Luke Smith
- Jalexis Robinson
- Tyler Kite
- Wyatt Rhinehart
- Melissa Sunday
Academic Achievement Award All A’s:
- Meagan Wilburn
- Colton Dockens
- Joseph Parker
- Keaton Brown
- Bailey Van Pelt
Honor Roll A’s & B’s
- Shelby Bartley
- Amanda Franklin
- Juliana Bryan
- Kinzie Rackard
- James Wyatt Windham
- Cassidy White
- Cassandra Mullins
- Brianna Carter
- Sheyenne Dillon
- Savannah Roley
- Savannah Spence
- Lexi Broadhead
- Cameron Findley
- Anna King
- Colby Morris
- Christopher Nordman
- Teriana Redmond
Attendance Award:
- Cassidy Boutwell
- Anna King
- Ansleigh Maholovich
- Christopher Nordman
- Dalton Philyaw
- Braiden Rice
- Meagan Wilburn
- Savannah Spence
- Lexi Broadhead
- Cameron Findley
- Devon Cohen
- Savannah Roley
- Logan Brown
- Jalexis Robinson
- Beverly Skaggs
- James Wyatt Windham
- Cheyenne Philyaw
- Keaton Brown
- Juliana Bryan
- Zy’Kia Davis
- Shane Hardin
- Kinzie Rackard
- Brandon Berry
- Trevor Bomba
- Karlee Criswell
- Neionni Findley
- Myles Harrelson
- Travone Tyrese Smith
P.E. Award:
- Teriana Redmond
- Savannah Spence
- Jackson Gipson
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Natalee Gipson
Art Award:
- Melissa Sunday
- Diamond Brown
- Cassie Mullins
- Jayden Sanderson
- Jackson Edwards
Music:
- Anna King
- Wyatt Rhinehart
- Cassidy White
- Kinzie Rackard
- Neionni Findley
4th Grade
Outstanding Citizenship Award:
- Lexi Baggett
- Delaney Reynolds
- Lydia Smith
- Ann-Margaret Boothe
- Progress Award:
- Ja’Quan Barton
- Danielle Stuckey
- Isaak Armstrong
- Brandon Dean
- Cody Comalander
- Reini Bodiker
- Aaliyah Tucker
- Joshua Johnson
Academic Achievement Award All A’s:
- Delaney Reynolds
- Cailee Wilburn
- Ann-Margaret Boothe
Honor Roll A’s & B’s
- Caren Cannon
- Tanner Deese
- Samantha Roux
- Madison Sherouse
- Alabama Gilley
- Allison Rice
- Lydia Smith
- Cameron White
- Logan Chavers
- Cameron Long
- Madison Nassar
- Gabbrielle Peebles
- Lexxi Baggett
- Justin Cruce
Attendance Award:
- Lexxi Baggett
- Justin Cruce
- Roger Dockens
- Madelyn Plant
- Cameron Simpkins
- Matthew Windham
- Susannah Amerson
- Shelby Bashore
- Logan Chavers
- Cameron Long
- Jeremiah Woods
- Delaney Reynolds
- Jordan Capps
- Allison Rice
- Cailee Wilburn
- Lydia Smith
- Briar Bass
- Larry Philyaw
- Keosha Davis
- Aaliyah Tucker
- Meggan Brown
P.E. Award
- Reini Bodiker
- Lydia Smith
- Logan Chavers
- Justin Cruce
- Art Award:
- Lexxi Baggett
- Shelby Bashore
- Cammie Carter
- Meggan Brown
Music Award:
- Keosha Davis
- Javontaye’ Wright
- Aurora McCann
- Gabrielle Kline
5th Grade
Outstanding Citizenship:
- Celeste North
- Hannah Godwin
- Kamryn Mothershed
- Trace Franklin
- Shelby Comalander
- Progress Award:
- Chase Gifford
- Derek Rice
- Kendrell Redmon
- Hannah Godwin
- McKenna Miller
- Tori Smith
- Triston Seagers
Academic Achievement Award All A’s:
- Triston Long
- Hannah Nelson
- Latavia Grace
- Tara Windham
Honor Roll A’s & B’s:
- Dawson Brown
- Clayton Findley
- Celeste North
- Hunter Spence
- Hunter Carter
- Raegan Harrell
- Fisher Spence
- Korbin Bryan
- Eli Deese
- James Sullivan
- Alayan Brown
- Logan Duremas
- Jason Fischer
- Trace Franklin
- Logan Hall
- Angel Philyaw
Attendance Award:
- Dawson Brown
- Beau Bryan
- Clayton Findley
- Tanyia Fletcher
- Tyanna Magee
- Celeste North
- Hunter Spence
- Hunter Carter
- Clint Gunter
- Triston Long
- Lari McCann
- Jacob McCullough
- Hannah Nelson
- Fisher Spence
- Myisha Syria
- Camilla Windham
- Korbin Bryan
- Jarrod Davison
- Wesley Hardin
- McKenna Miller
- James Sullivan
- Logan Dorumas
- Jason Fischer
- Michael Harrelson
- Andrew Sharpless
- Tara Windham
- Justin Elliott
- Shavon Hall
- Shavell Hall
- Angel Philyaw
P.E. Award:
- Celeste North
- Jacob McCullough
- Rebecca Hawthorne
- Jason Fischer
- Art Award:
- Haven Shores
- Triston Long
- Tori Smith
- Tara Windham
- Music Award:
- Tyanna Magee
- Shavon Hall
- Korbin Bryan
- Alayna Brown
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia, Ala. Gets Grant To Crackdown On Highway Offenders
June 8, 2011
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $$75,874 grant to crackdown on highway safety and improve seat belt usage in three south Alabama counties.
The grant was split between Escambia, Baldwin and Mobile counties to enable police, deputies and state troopers to increase their presence on Alabama roads during the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt campaign. A portion of the grant will also be used to increase enforcement efforts during peak holiday periods later in the year.
The grants will help pay overtime wages for officers and enable law enforcement agencies to establish checkpoints and patrols to ensure motorists are obeying traffic laws. Most of the increased enforcement will occur around holidays when more motorists are on the roads.
The grants, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, were made possible by funding from the National Highway Administration.