Junkyard Business Or Not? Council Works To Decide; Residents Fight Against
June 29, 2010
The Town of Century held a public workshop Monday morning as they work to decide if a local man is operating a junkyard on his residential property and if what he claims to do for a living is or is not a business — all part of the process to determine if the council will vote to change the rezoning on his property to commercial.
George William Philyaw has been cited by Escambia County Code Enforcement for his property at 120 Front Street because it is zoned residential which does not allow his type of business to operate. He has told the town council that he simply collects metal for recycling until he has a “load” and then it is sold.
While Philyaw says he is operating a recycling business, the Century Town Council has questioned if it is not actually a junkyard behind his privacy fence. And the council has also questioned if his money-making operation is a business.
According to Council President Ann Brookes, Philyaw attempted to purchase a business license three years ago, but he was denied that option because his property was residential.
“From that time till to today, he has followed on with the same functions that he was at that time, and I think nothing has been said about it in all these years,” Brookes said Monday. She noted that Philyaw claims to not sell directly to the public from the property; rather, he sells his metal and other items on a wholesale basis.
She said it is an issue “whether or not there’s really a business that is going on there”, and she said that she was told that Escambia County would not require him to have a business license.
But residents surrounding the property are not happy with what they perceive as a junkyard in their neighborhood.
“It brings down the property value of all of our homes that are around there, and I think that ought to be taken into consideration,” Century resident Rose Wilson said as she presented the council with a petition containing about three dozen signatures of Century residents against rezoning Philyaw’s property.
The town’s land use consultant, Debbie Nickles said that Century’s ordinances do allow for “home occupations” in residential areas, but she described them more as being home offices. She said “home occupations” do not allow a visible change to the outside of a residence except for a small sign.
“This is not a home occupation,” she said, “Based on my site visit, I consider this a junkyard…junkyards refer to storage of materials.”
“He has a fence up. And if he closes those gates and we can’t see what he’s doing in there,” Council man Henry Hawkins argued. “We know what’s he doing, but if he erects a fence we don’t know if it’s still in there or not.”
“He himself applied for a business license, so therefore it’s a business,” Flomaton resident J.R. Jones told the council. Jones mother owned property near Philyaw until her passing a few months ago.
Longtime Century resident Lina Showalter spoke out against rezoning the property or allowing a junkyard to be located on Front Street, which she described as being the entrance to Century’s Historical District.
She also cited public outcry against the junkyard in the comment section of a recent NorthEscambia.com story. She read a comment from someone identified in their comment as “Parent of NHS Student (with Century address)”:
“Century’s past mayor had started a campaign to work on “cleaning up” and beautifying the town, while enforcing certain codes. I have seen an improvement and am encouraged by it. (Love the changes to the road side park on Hway 29). Don’t stop now. The businessman should abide by the laws in place. You owe it to the people who elected you to office. Have a heart to the people living in the residential area and have to drive by the place. Maybe the businessman could lease or rent a small area in a properly zoned area and use it as a business expense on his tax return,” the comment read by Showalter states.
According to Escambia County records, there is an active Escambia County business license for the property at 120 Front Street for a “retail peddler” business owned by Every Philyaw.
Every Philyaw (pictured left) told the council that she purchased the business license in order to sell lamps and other household items at a Pensacola flea market. She said the license, which was first active in 2008, was not purchased for William Philyaw’s business.
The council heard just two opinions in favor of allowing Philyaw to continuing operating from his Front Street property.
Samantha Rigby, who told the council she does not live in Century, said, “I think it’s a good thing he’s handling the recycling”, and a petition from the Century Lodge was presented to the council in favor of allowing Philyaw to operate a junkyard if it’s approved by the council.
Mayor Freddie McCall said that many of the Century Lodge members do not reside in the town. Jones pointed out that they occupy their building, which is located by Philyaw’s property, just a few hours per month while the residents in the area are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The council took no action on Philyaw’s rezoning request during their Monday workshop. Any decision will come at a future town council meeting. The next regular council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 5 at the Century Town Hall.
Philyaw has deposited $600 with the town to be used for actual costs toward rezoning. If his rezoning request is denied, he will still forfeit the town’s actual costs.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty To Assault, Battery On Wife; Resigns Job
June 29, 2010
An Escambia County deputy first arrested in January after getting into a fight with his wife pleaded guilty to battery and assault charges Monday in Escambia Circuit Court.
Edward Henley was sentenced to one year probation, during which he will not be allowed to carry a weapon. He will also pay a $625 fine.
Deputies responded to a 911 call on Kingsfield Road in Cantonment about 12:45 a.m. on January 16 where they found a marked ECSO patrol car in the driveway. Inside, they found Henley’s wife who claimed that she and Henley had been at a party earlier in the evening. She told deputies that they got into an argument that later escalated into a physical confrontation, according the Sheriff’s Office. Henley’s wife told deputies that he struck her several times at the residence.
The former sergeant has since resigned from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He had been a deputy for 22 years.
Softball: Northwest Escambia Beats Defuniak Springs 12-2
June 29, 2010
The Northwest Escambia 11-12 year old All-Stars beat DeFuniak Springs 12-2 in four innings Monday night at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park. With the win, NWE advances to play Niceville at 7:30 Tuesday.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Kristen Byrd hit triple to left field for NWE. Mallory Ryan pitched two innings with two strikeouts, and Courtney Peebles pitched two with two strikeouts.
Scoring for NWE were: Mallory Ryan 2, Kyndall Hall 2, Penny Banda 1, Courtney Peebles 1, Kendal Cobb 2, Addy Lee 2, Kristen Byrd 1, and Savanna Roux 1.
Pictured top. Kendal Cobb slides into second base Monday night as Northwest Escambia beat DeFuniak Springs 12-2. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge. Pictured below: The Northwest Escambia 11-12 year old All Stars after their win. Submitted photo by Kim Ryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Durell Peaden Endorses Greg Evers To Take His Place In Senate
June 29, 2010
Greg Evers won a major endorsement Monday from Durell Peaden, the man that currently holds the Florida Senate District 2 seat.
“Greg is a true conservative who will serve the people of Northwest Florida well, and I am happy to give him my full support and endorsement,” said Peaden, who is leaving office after 10 years due to term limits.
“With Greg’s leadership, Senate District 2 will have a staunch and powerful advocate in the Florida Legislature. He will work hard to fight the current culture of big government that’s taking place in Washington and get Florida back on track and out of the hands of out-of-control government and spending.”
“I am grateful to Senator Peaden for endorsing me in my race for Senate District 2,” said Evers (pictured). “He has served the people of Northwest Florida proudly, and I look forward to continuing his good work in the legislature and stand ready to carry on his pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-business banner. Senator Peaden brought real conservative values and principles to the Florida Senate for 10 years as true public servant and, if elected, I intend to carry on that legacy.”
Evers faces Mike Hill, a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a small businessman, in the Republican primary.
Softball: Tri-County Falls To Destin
June 29, 2010
Tri-County was eliminated from the Florida District 1 All Star Tournament for 11-12 year old girls Monday night with a 27-16 loss to Destin. It was the second loss of the tournament for Tri-County, which fell 26-8 on Saturday to DeFuniak Springs.
For more photos from the game, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Baseball: DeFuniak Beats NWE
June 29, 2010
DeFuniak Springs handed Northwest Escambia their first 9-10 year old All-Star loss Monday night, 11-1 in DeFuniak Springs.
NWE is 1-1 in the tournament, having beat Tri-County 9-8 Saturday afternoon.
Northwest Escambia will be in action again Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in DeFuniak Springs.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Submitted photos by Sandy Brown for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tropical Update: Alex Churns In Gulf
June 29, 2010
Tropical Storm Alex entered the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, and it is expected to reach hurricane strength by Tuesday night.
Alex made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico Saturday night before crossing into the Gulf. The storm weakened to a tropical depression over land, but quickly reached tropical storm level over the warm Gulf Waters.
The current forecast says Alex will not be a threat to South Alabama or Northwest Florida, but it remains unclear what impact, if any, Alex will have on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico.
For the latest on Tropical Storm Alex, see the graphic above, click to enlarge.
Health Advisory Issued Again For Part Of Pensacola Beach
June 28, 2010
Effective immediately, in response to a report by the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center of extensive oil sheen, oil mousse and tar balls, the Escambia County (FL) Health Department is issuing a health advisory for the following beach waters in Escambia County, Florida, that have been affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill:
From the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier west to the Pensacola Pass. This includes Ft. Pickens.
Consider the following tips for avoiding negative health impacts from an oiled shoreline:
- Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen (no wading, swimming or entering the water).
- Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
- Avoid contact with dead or dying fish or other aquatic life.
- Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if traveling through the area by boat take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If oil makes contact with the skin, wash it off with grease-cutting liquid dishwashing detergent and water.
- Do not fish in oil spill-affected waters.
- Do not harvest or eat dead fish, fish with oily residue, or fish that have a petroleum odor.
- Avoid boating through oil slicks or sheens.
- Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
- Prevent pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
Those near Florida’s Gulf Coast may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some people are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies, such as sensitivity to pollen, or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, some people may experience more severe symptoms.
Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms that are aggravated by the odors from the oil spill should consider:
- Staying indoors in air-conditioning and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity.
- If symptoms do not improve, contact a primary care physician or other health care professional for medical advice.
Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses should contact their physician if feeling symptomatic.
The health department is posting signs at the affected area; a copy of the sign is attached. Residents can participate in activities that are above the high tide line. If they experience respiratory problems, they should leave the area and contact a physician, as they deem necessary.
Crash Data Shows Highway 29’s Worst Intersections
June 28, 2010
Crash data from the Florida Department of Transportation provides some interesting insight into how many crashes occur on Highway 29 and which intersections are the worst.
If you guessed the Highway 97 intersection is bad; you would be right. Crash data shows the Highway 97 and Highway 29 intersection in Molino experienced abnormally high crash rates from 2005-2008 compared to the statewide average for similar intersections.
Data from the most recently available five year period available shows that there were 1,521 crashes, 907 of which caused injury. The most common crash type on Highway 29 from Pensacola to the Alabama state line was rear-end (39 percent).
The most common crash day was Friday (18 percent), and about 30 percent of wrecks happened between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Nine intersections along Highway 29 were identified as high crash locations — having more than eight crashes per year, or 40 over a five year period:
- Highway 97 — 38 crashes
- Ten Mile Road — 61 crashes
- Nine One Half Mile Road — 34 crashes
- Burgess Road — 68 crashes
- Diamond Dairy Road — 58 crashes
- Broad Street — 68 crashes
- Hannah Street — 49 crashes
- Hood Drive — 43 crashes
- Detroit Boulevard — 68 crashes
Statistics revealed more information about the three most northern high crash locations on Highway 29:
- Highway 97 — The most common crash type at the Highway 97 and Highway 29 intersection was rear-end at 63 percent. About two-thirds of all crashes resulted in at least one injury. About 58 percent of the at-fault vehicles were traveling east off Highway 97. During the five year period studied, there was one fatal crash in 2005.
- Ten Mile Road — Common crash types were split between rear-end at 36 percent and angle at 34 percent. Crashes most commonly occurred between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and about one-third of the crashes were at night. About two-thirds of the wrecks at the intersection resulted in an injury.
- Nine One Half Mile Road — About six out of ten wrecks at this intersection were from an angle, while 21 percent were rear-end. About one-third happened after dark. Over 70 percent of the at-fault vehicles were traveling on Nine One Half Mile Road.
Pictured top: Six people were injured in a two-vehicle accident in September, 2008, at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Crist Tours Panhandle Oil Cleanup Effort
June 28, 2010
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist was on Pensacola Beach Saturday and Sunday, accessing the threat from the season’s first tropical storm and looking at the possibility that Alex could push more tar and oil into the Panhandle.
Forecasters and emergency leaders told Crist at the Mobile Command Vehicle operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) that rough waves from the Alex could push the oil northward toward Florida.
DEM Director David Halstead and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole briefed the Governor on oil cleanup, and Governor Crist and Secretary Sole toured the Gulf on the skimmer Orion to observe firsthand the ship’s oil spill cleanup efforts.
Governor Crist also participated in the Hands Across the Sand event at the Navarre Pier on Pensacola Beach. Hands Across the Sand participants are gathering Saturday at similar events throughout the United States and around the world to bring attention to the dangers of offshore oil drilling. The organization also encourages policies that will increase the use and development of clean and renewable energy sources. Crist has called legislators to support a constitutional amendment that would give Floridians the opportunity to choose whether to ban drilling off Florida’s shores.
“Our first priority is ensuring Florida is doing all we can to prevent oil coming onto our shores and to begin cleanup immediately when it does,” said Governor Crist. “Florida’s emergency responders are the best in the nation, and putting our team in charge of Florida’s response is the best way to make sure our shoreline and beaches are protected. Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State deserve nothing less than the best response possible.”
Earlier this week, Governor Crist requested faster cleanup and more skimmers and boom from Senior White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett after taking a aerial and shoreline tour of the oil spill with oceanography experts and meeting with leaders of the United States Coast Guard. Governor Crist also requested from BP a complete electronic file of every business, individual, and government claim. He asked for the information to be updated weekly and to include the status of each claim. Data will be used to evaluate the claims process and measure the economic impact of the losses to all level of governments throughout Florida.
Pictured top: Gov. Charlie Crist prepares to take an aerial tour of the Gulf Sunday from Pensacola Beach. Pictured inset: Crist in the Florida Division of Emergency Management mobile command center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com Pictured below: Waves roll into Pensacola Beach Saturday. Submitted photo by Tanya Poston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
